Ep 7. Jim James/The Black Angels

In this episode of Austin City Limits, season 39 presents an electrifying lineup as two wildly talented bands take the center stage. Jim James, known for his diverse experimentation with music, and The Black Angels, a modern psychedelic rock band, play some of their greatest hits for an unforgettable night of music.

First up is Jim James, the frontman of My Morning Jacket. The stage is dimly lit, and the stage costumes are understated, but James's voice thunders through the room from the start, hitting the crowd with his powerful, soulful crooning. He begins his set with "State of the Art (A.E.I.O.U.)," off of his solo album, Regions of Light and Sound of God. James strums his guitar with a delicacy that contrasts beautifully with his soaring vocals, exuding a controlled sense of passion with every lyric.

Next up is "Know Til Now," affording James the chance to take his guitar playing to new heights. He brought a handful of his favorite musicians with him, forming a phenomenal ensemble that can handle his eclectic style perfectly. He follows up with "A New Life," digging deeper into his catalog with his trademark falsetto and emotionally charged lyrics. As a special treat, Dr. Dog's Scott McMicken made an appearance to help James with vocals on "All Is Forgiven."

As the set approaches its end, James takes it up yet another notch on "Dear One." His fingers move expertly across the guitar strings as his voice rises to a fever pitch, leaving the audience entranced. Jim James proves himself to be a true master of the art and reminds fans why he is one of today's most gifted songwriters and performers.

After an intermission, the Austin City Limits spotlight shifts to a different musical style with the arrival of The Black Angels, Austin's own neo-psych band, known for its mesmerizing live performances. In a show of strength, they start with their explosive, driving number "Entrance Song," and ignite the stage with their raw, intense brand of psychedelic rock.

The high energy never fades as these psychedelic rockers hit their stride with "Don't Play with Guns." They bring their distinct sound every step of the way, from the tremolo guitars to the sitar and even the tambourine. The band, pivoting between Black Keys-tight rock riffs and Pink Floyd-inspired psychedelia, draws the audience deep into their spellbinding concoction of live music.

As they continue their set, the band shows off their continued evolution and versatility. They launched into the bluesy haze of "The Day," strutting confidently through the song's changes. They showcase their signature slow-burn sound on "Evil Things," with Stephanie Bailey's steady beat providing an eerie backdrop for Alex Maas's standout vocal performance.

The Black Angels continued with "Love Me Forever" before ending the set with "Black Grease," prompting a standing ovation from the crowd. This Austin City Limits episode is a true testament to the endurance of rock music and how it still has the power to thrill and captivate audiences who love and live for live music.

Overall, the combination of Jim James and The Black Angels turned out to be a undeniable success, taking the audience on a musical journey, switching between genres while never losing the energy or the connection with the audience. Fans of Jim James will be satisfied, but The Black Angels are undoubtedly the true gems of this episode. A must-see for fans of rock and psychedelic music alike.