Jim James To Relase George Harrison Cover Album

from Billboard
Jim James does George Harrison covers as Yim Yames.
June 24, 2009 12:19 PM ET

Michael D. Ayers, N.Y.
Although roots-rock act My Morning Jacket are enjoying some much needed downtime after a big 2008, frontman Jim James isn't resting. For his first official solo outing, James will debut a George Harrison tribute EP entitled "Tribute To" under the name "Yim Yames" on August 4. The six song set is due on ATO and was recorded a few days after Harrison passed away in 2001. James takes on four of Harrison's tracks from "All Things Must Pass" and two tunes that he penned with the Beatles: "Long, Long, Long" and "Love You To."

The set is said to evoke a "raw, minimalist feel" with James utilizing just his voice and an acoustic guitar. James refers to Harrison as "a prime example of the healing power of music" in the liner notes.

Also slated is an album with indie folk rockers Conor Oberst, Mike Mogis, and M. Ward, under the tongue-in-cheek moniker "Monsters of Folk." The fifteen song, self-titled set is due September 22 on Shangri-La Music. The four have shared stages dating back to 2004 when they embarked on a tour together that was later referred to by the musicians and crew as the "Monsters of Folk." The studio recording efforts have taken place over the last two years with all four members playing every instrument featured on the recording.

My Morning Jacket have risen over the last few years to be a dominant force on the touring circuit, capping 2008 with a sold out New Year's Eve gig at Madison Square Garden. Their recent studio efforts have also faired well; 2008's "Evil Urges" has sold 194,000 according to Nielson SoundScan and its best seller is 2005's "Z" at 243,000.

With the success of My Morning Jacket, James has been stepping out on his own more- he recently joined the likes of Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Sheryl Crow and Eddie Vedder at David Lynch's "Change Begins Within" Concert at Radio City Music Hall. James also recently ventured down to New Orleans and recorded with legendary act Preservation Hall Jazz Band for an upcoming benefit album for legendary concert venue Preservation Hall.

Although no dates are firm, a Monsters of Folk tour is expected to begin in September.

Here is the "Tribute To" track list:

"Long, Long, Long"
"Behind That Locked Door"
"Love You To"
"My Sweet Lord"
"Ballad of Sir Frankie Crisp (Let It Roll)"
"All Things Must Pass"

Here is the "Monsters of Folk" track list:

"Dear God (sincerely M.O.F.)"
"Say Please"
"Whole Lotta Losin'"
"Temazcal"
"The Right Place"
"Baby Boomer"
"Man Named Truth"
"Goodway"
"Ahead of the Curve"
"Slow Down Jo"
"Losin Yo Head"
"Magic Marker"
"Map Of The World"
"The Sandman, the Brakeman and Me"
"His Master's Voice"