A night full of rockin’ Mornings

 Known for their legendary live performances and unpredictable evolution in sound from record to record, My Morning Jacket’s recent release, the introspective and haunting “Evil Urges,” may just be their strangest sonic surprise to date. With front man Jim James taking a vacation from the press, we caught up with drummer Patrick Hallahan to talk about, well, “Evil.”

Would you say this is your weirdest album yet?
I may be too close to the flame to answer that one. It’s certainly been our furthest stretch.

The change from album to album seems pretty dramatic. Is there a goal to make each album that much different?
Growth and experimentation are paramount, so it’s only natural that each album sounds different.

You guys recently performed a live version of “Tyrone” with Erykah Badu. How did that come together?
A journalist asked Jim why we covered “Tyrone,” and he spoke of how the five of us are huge fans. Apparently she read it, heard the Bonnaroo performance, and wanted to see the live show. Her people got in touch with ours and asked us to have a wireless mic handy in case she might want to sing with us. So we spent the whole day wondering “Do you think she’ll do it?” “Do you think she’ll show?” or “That song is so much fun to play, we win regardless.” It was such a special evening though, performing with someone you respect so highly. Erykah, if you read this, I’ll have the wireless mic become a permanent fixture on our equipment list. We need to do it again
sometime.

What do you wish people would chant instead of “Free Bird”?
“In A Sentimental Mood!” It’s a much better song.

Have you ever heard your music blasted from a passing car?
Ha! Yes. I’m still unsure what do when that happens.

You’re the last of the long hairs in a band that was known for their long hair. Does the rest of the band have hair envy?
I think they miss having the long hair when it’s time for a guitar solo, but then they see me combing out tangles for 45 minutes and continue on with their more convenient, short-haired lives.