Musical Thesis: Jim James “Tribute To 2”

To listen to the Musical Thesis Playlist, click here.

At the center of every album is a musical thesis. This thesis can be the driving force behind the album, a theme that interweaves songs together, or a feeling you are left with after the last song plays. With some albums, the thesis is easy to find. On others, it is hidden and requires you to be more than a passive listener. These reviews are not about rating an album. Instead, it is about uncovering a musical thesis.

I keep lookin’ for a place to fit in
Where I can speak my mind
And I’ve been tryin’ hard to find the people
That I won’t leave behind

It was never a secret. I love a great quality cover song. I am also a devoted fan of My Morning Jacket and their frontman, Jim James. For years, I have followed Jim’s solo work with the same devotion and excitement I get with the announcement of a new project involving the entire band. This has been especially true of his Tribute albums.

In this collection of eleven songs, you find beautiful interpretations and reimagining of songs you know well. There are also a few cover songs you may discover for the first time. Taken as a whole album, I sense an undercurrent of country flair, or at least a more grounded sound than you…