Since I’m a supreme slacker I’m gonna start doing my “summation” type posts on Fridays (when I’m in “work” mode). In case anyone is keeping track- keep an eye out for that. This week’s obsession was hard to pick because I’m fully obsessed with the band as a whole. I’m a late-bloomer on some incredibly good music but I’m happy to say I’ve come around to loving My Morning Jacket. A few years ago I don’t think I “got” them as much and stopped listening. So many good songs to choose from… so I had to do two. Sorry.

“The Bear” by My Morning Jacket: The simple rhythm of the drum beat and ethereal vocals of this one suck me in hard. The lyrics remind me of being young and making reckless decisions despite knowing better. This is the tune that got me hooked on MMJ. There’s an ominous tone to it and, like much of their music, I am enthralled with Jim James’ vocal range. So good.

Favorite lyric:

“The time is near,
To come forward with whatever killed your spark.”

“The Day is Coming” by My Morning Jacket: To me this song has a hopeful energy and a sense of urgency. For all I know I’m hearing it completely wrong, but that’s how music goes. The gentle melodies work perfectly with James’ vocals, which range here from hushed words to grittier, powerful lines. I think I’m in love.

Favorite lyric:

“Bang bang, on the door,
You opened, not knowing what for.
If opportunity, rears its head
Will you answer, or stay home in bed.”

Summation of Sounds (lots of sappiness here, but new reviews and interviews are just around the bend):

Everybody Wants To Know Where You’ve Been: An Interview With John Cooper of The Howls – Cooper’s candid answers made me laugh and learn- high-five-worthy.

One More Whiskey Pour: An Interview With Nena Anderson – A decidedly different interview with the Sweetheart of Americana – crush-worthy.

Sail Away With Me – An anniversary gift for one of my besties and her man – groan-worthy.

Mama, I’m Coming Home – Songs featuring every iteration of the word “mother” – mom-worthy.

Where You Want To Be: Brothers in a Bind at Riviera Supper Club, Wednesdays in May – Rave review for a new band playing every Wednesday in May at one of my favorite East County spots – drive-worthy.

Just What I Needed: A Mother’s Day Gift – A song list Mother’s Day gift to the woman that gave me life – gag-worthy.

She Know The Deal: A Birthday Song List for Katie – A birthday gift for my beautiful cousin as she enters adulthood – proud-tear-worthy.

For more interviews, song obsessions, and musical musings with Sounds in San Diego follow along on Facebook or get tweety with me on Twitter.