Jim James has perhaps never been more politically geared as he is on his new solo album, Eternally Even. But as always with the My Morning Jacket frontman, it’s an activism that focuses on mutual care and understanding more than protest and upheaval. Even his contribution to 30 Days, 30 Songs, the “Same Old Lie” video, was about “working for peace, love, and equality.” His new clip for “Here in Spirit” once again espouses a message of togetherness.
The video itself, which you can watch above, is beautiful in its simplicity. While James watches from a city corner or finds solace in the wilderness, people from disparate walks of life come into contact with one another on the street. Instead of becoming a moment of confrontation, however, the pairs literally embrace the challenges they face together.
In a statement, James made a plea for “peace and love and equality” in the wake of the election:
“So much confusion in the world right now…so much pain and chaos. In times like these it’s easy to get angry and direct our sadness into the empty space-time false reality vacuum of the internet. But we have to try and stay positive and continue to work and speak out for peace and love and equality-in the real world… right now. We need to reach out to those we disagree with and find common ground. We must fight the divide and conquer techniques that are working so well to hold us back from universal love. That is part of what inspired moments in this video – hopeful snapshots of what that world could look like if we chose love and understanding over fear and hatred. No one can afford to stay silent. We need every vote. We need every voice. All of us need to speak out now louder than ever before in an effort to bring about lasting peace and love. Much respect to all those working so hard for peace and love right now. The world so badly needs and is grateful for your work. Thanks for listening.”
Eternally Even is out now via ATO/Capitol Records. James is currently on the road supporting the release, and you can find his schedule here.
