Monsters of Folk are the latest “Super Group” to hit the music scene. Comprised of Jim James (My Morning Jacket), Conor Oberst (Bright Eyes), M. Ward, and Mike Mogis (Bright Eyes). These boys bring back the sweet harmonies of classic bands like The Eagles and Crosby, Stills, & Nash and evoke the not so distant memory of The Traveling Wilburys.
Their debut album was released in 2009 but the group began back in 2004 while in various stages of touring with their respective band or as a solo artist. Due to the various schedules and the artist’s main projects, it took almost five years to wrap up the album.
The album contains fifteen songs and each member contributes to the writing, the music, and most importantly, the vocals. James, Oberst, and Ward each take the lead on five tracks but move effortlessly around each other on the other tracks. The fact that all the members played everything themselves really adds to the cohesion of the group.
The music is a mixed bag of rock, folk, and as mentioned before, sweet harmony, and lush melodies. The lead track on the album “Dear God (Sincerely MOF)” is a trippy little number that is gently bathed in R&B and is based around a sample of the 1970 gospel song “Is There Any Love” by Trevor Dandy.
Mike Mogis, who stands in the vocal shadows but plays a myriad of instruments including; pedal steel, mandolin, Wurlitzer keyboard, and bongos deserves credit for holding everything together.
Key tracks are:
- Dear God (Sincerely MOF)
- His Master’s Voice
- Temazcal
- Losin Yo Head
- Map of the World
Check out Monsters of Folk and let me know what you think.
Monsters of Folk music is available is available on iTunes, record stores and www.monstersoffolk.com.
G
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