Before there was Band of Horses and Fleet Foxes, there was My Morning Jacket. Hailing from Kentucky and dedicated to pushing their unique brand of alt-country rock to the very edge, the two things you can say about MMJ are: 1) You can never be quite sure what they’re going to try and pull off next and 2) These guys can fucking play. Check out this live version of “Dondante” and see if you don’t agree:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNfldEgE8nY

With nine albums under their belt since 1999, My Morning Jacket are as prolific as they are unwilling to be neatly categorized. Country-indie? The new Wilco? Way too easy and pat. But you can safely say that they’re their own men and follow their own vision even if it’s not guaranteed to make them rich. In short, they’re artists. Artists who have toured like maniacs and always put on a killer live show, as 2006’s double album Okonokos (and the fantastic corresponding concert film) prove so well. While you may occasionally fear for the health of lead vocalist Jim James’ throat at times with his wildly committed delivery, there’s no denying that My Morning Jacket make a lasting impression that lingers long after the shouting is over.