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Evil Urges (by My Morning Jacket, Indie Rock)

common sense media says

Eclectic, complex genre-hopping gems.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that despite the album's name, this collection of songs isn't really "evil," but is actually both eclectic and poetic – and fine for young teens (although the lack of simple narrative to follow may make younger listeners tune out completely). The title track encourages loving whoever we want despite what others say and promotes "no racial boundaries" and "no social subdivisions."

Positive messages: The title track encourages loving whoever we want despite what others say and promotes "no racial boundaries" and "no social subdivisions." Though "Librarian" is primarily about the sexy little librarian, it also speaks to the ills of anorexia, citing Karen Carpenter as "another lovely victim of the mirror's evil way."
Violence: Nothing overtly violent to be found, but one song repeatedly asks "did you see my smoking guns/they're smoking from shootin' at nothing here"
Sex: "Librarian" is an ode to a "simple little bookworm" who has "the sexiest librarian" buried underneath.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: One vague reference to smoking.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Evil Urges

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about how bands no longer feel the need to stick to one particular music genre and how that allows them much more artistic freedom. Were other classic bands from history (The Beatles, The Rolling Stones) able to do the same thing? And did it help or hurt their careers? Did they stray significantly from their hit-making genre or make tiny strides?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Over the course of its four other studio albums, the critically acclaimed quintet named My Morning Jacket has developed a reputation for pushing the musical envelope and treading further and further from its soulful country folk roots. With EVIL URGES, the band takes listeners on a musical rollercoaster ride through genres as vastly different as prog rock, folk, and funk (to name just a few). Lucky for listeners, it's a relatively smooth – and clean – trip, with a smattering of positive social commentary and some lovely lyrics along the way. There's no simple narrative for teens to follow, which may make younger listeners tune out completely. But the rich, layered lyrics that touch on both the personal and political will entice those who like to look for meaning beneath the words.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
My Morning Jacket hasn't closed the door on its humble alt-country beginnings. Instead, this album allows the Kentucky-born band to open many, many new doors and explore diverse ground both musically and lyrically. New listeners will delight in their discovery, and adventurous fans will find Evil Urges to be a dramatic but welcome departure for a band they already know and love.

Music themes & details

Music Details
Released on: June 10, 2008
Label: Ato Records
Genre: Indie Rock
This review was written by Conny Coon
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

blueskies
teen, 16 years old
11
 
Pleasantly surprising!
I never knew that there could be so many different songs on a single album. Every single song sounds totally different from the others! Compelling, steady lyrics on "I'm Amazed", eerie "Touch Me I'm Going To Scream", and wild "Evil Urges". Fascinating album!
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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
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