Super group Monsters of Folk play The Academy of Music
Taylor DeBoer
Issue date: 11/17/09 Section: Arts & Society
On Monday night, November 9th, a couple thousand eager music fans were stacked in the 19th century orchestra hall, The Academy of Music, in Philadelphia to witness the super group, Monsters of Folk.
Super is understated when describing the musicianship of Jim James (My Morning Jacket), Conor Oberst (Bright Eyes), M. Ward (solo and She and Him), and Mike Mogis (Bright Eyes). All four musicians are vastly different in their writing style, musical diversity, vocal style, and attitude which resulted in a diverse collection of fifteen very devoted songs that barely classify their satirical band name, Monsters of FOLK. Their self titled album dabbles into various classic rock genres that show influences from The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Neil Young, The Clash, and even 1970s soul.
Jim James, who's been front man for the southern rock band, My Morning Jacket, since the mid 1990s, is certainly the most popular member of the group. My Morning Jacket is at the top of the indie scene, nearly considered a main stream act. Their songs are both hard rock anthems and melodic ballads, all complimented by James' echoing, angelic voice.
Conor Oberst from Omaha, Nebraska has often been considered the best song writer of our generation, blending heavy metaphors with melancholy images of loss and love that toil down into a dramatic song delivered by Conor's quivering voice and light guitar strumming. Over the past few years he's stepped out of his Bright Eyes comfort zone to make Americana Rock n' Roll with The Mystic Valley Band to prove that his music capacity is ever expanding.
M. Ward is as gruff as Oberst but as soulful as James, combining folkie images with an unusual voice that can easily fill any orchestra hall. Perhaps his best asset is his underrated guitar skills that mix a variety of slaps and pull offs, making his solo effort appear like a series of layered guitars.
Ward is as interested in touring with other musicians, complimenting their styles with his folk prowess, as he is in making his own solo records or records with Zoey Deschannel as the duo, She and Him.
Super is understated when describing the musicianship of Jim James (My Morning Jacket), Conor Oberst (Bright Eyes), M. Ward (solo and She and Him), and Mike Mogis (Bright Eyes). All four musicians are vastly different in their writing style, musical diversity, vocal style, and attitude which resulted in a diverse collection of fifteen very devoted songs that barely classify their satirical band name, Monsters of FOLK. Their self titled album dabbles into various classic rock genres that show influences from The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Neil Young, The Clash, and even 1970s soul.
Jim James, who's been front man for the southern rock band, My Morning Jacket, since the mid 1990s, is certainly the most popular member of the group. My Morning Jacket is at the top of the indie scene, nearly considered a main stream act. Their songs are both hard rock anthems and melodic ballads, all complimented by James' echoing, angelic voice.
Conor Oberst from Omaha, Nebraska has often been considered the best song writer of our generation, blending heavy metaphors with melancholy images of loss and love that toil down into a dramatic song delivered by Conor's quivering voice and light guitar strumming. Over the past few years he's stepped out of his Bright Eyes comfort zone to make Americana Rock n' Roll with The Mystic Valley Band to prove that his music capacity is ever expanding.
M. Ward is as gruff as Oberst but as soulful as James, combining folkie images with an unusual voice that can easily fill any orchestra hall. Perhaps his best asset is his underrated guitar skills that mix a variety of slaps and pull offs, making his solo effort appear like a series of layered guitars.
Ward is as interested in touring with other musicians, complimenting their styles with his folk prowess, as he is in making his own solo records or records with Zoey Deschannel as the duo, She and Him.
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posted 12/24/09 @ 1:18 PM EST
Monsters of Folk is great group.
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