"Farewell Transmission," the haunting opening track from the late singer-songwriter Jason Molina's last album as Songs: Ohia, feels a bit more eerie in the wake of his tragic passing. It's also the title of a forthcoming tribute album to Molina from nonprofit record label Rock The Cause, which features My Morning Jacket covering the title track. Listen to Jim James and Co.'s take on "Farewell Transmission" above.
Recreating Molina's gothic country rock with the addition of a dub beat, MMJ give him a stirring, reverent tribute. Jim James' always-angelic voice is a bit higher than Molina's more ragged pipes, but here he exercises classy restraint, not trying to outshine the original performance. MMJ pull some interesting sonic moves towards the track's end, looping James' vocals, then adding in warped backing vocals that seem to be pitched-down, adding even more of a spooky quality to the song.
For more music and videos from My Morning Jacket, visit their Zumic artist page. Preorder Farewell Transmission: The Music of Jason Molina from iTunes, and check out an excerpt from the song's SoundCloud description below.
Rock the Cause Records, a music based non-profit label is pleased to announce Farewell Transmission the Music of Jason Molina. A double disc collection of Jason Molina favorites as performed by My Morning Jacket, Memorial Electric Company, Communist Daughter, Murder by Death, Sarah Jaffe and more!
On March 16, 2013 Jason Molina passed away of natural causes after a longstanding battle with alcohol. Jason's death shook the world of many music-lovin' souls and the music world as a whole. At 39 years old, he left behind a remarkable song catalog and lasting impression on anyone who heard his music with Songs: Ohia and Magnolia Electric Co. Starting as a heavy metal bass player from Loraine, Ohio, he became one of the most influential and iconic singer-songwriters in indie music.
In essence, Jason was the “Pied Piper” for the outcasts, the lonely, the heartbroken, and the lost singing in some secret, abstract, yet universal language where everyone understands the deeper meaning of his imagery. Known for tapping into the heart of the working-man's blues, Jason's music is mythical, mystical, and brilliant creating a sound that is eerie and melancholic all the while remaining comfortable. So, it is with this album we would like to honor Jason's music, his memory, and his genius.
The idea for the album came from two music bloggers, April Wolfe of Common Folk Music and Chris Mateer of Uprooted Music Revue. April and Chris came together as a result of their mutual love and respect for Jason's music and united under the mission to heal and keep his memory alive. With substantial help from Rock the Cause, the two bloggers set forth to compile a stunning benefit album that pays tribute to Jason in a personal and cathartic way.
We have gathered a group of artists and musicians who are also Jason's friends, collaborators, bandmates, and fans to celebrate his life through song, it seemed fitting to honor Jason’s legacy by making this celebration a charitable one.
Rock the Cause Records, a music based nonprofit and record label, will donate a portion of the net proceeds from this album to MusiCares to help provide assistance to artists who are battling chemical dependency, depression, disability and other health related issues.
A portion of net proceeds will also be given to Jason's family to help provide for the loved ones he left behind. For more information on the charitable aspect of this recording please visit irockthecause.org
Disc 1
1. Get Out Get Out Get Out - Squares
2. Arm In Arm - Memorial Electric Co
3. Farewell Transmission - My Morning Jacket
4. Lioness - Enemy Planes
5. 7th Street Wonderland - Murder By Death
6. Alone With The Owl - Sarah Jaffe
7. Old Black Hen - Jonah Tolchin
8. Leave This City - Ben Lubeck of Farewell Milwaukee
9. Two Blue Lights - The Black Swans
10. Almost Was Good Enough - Bro Stephen ft. Jim James
11. Didn’t It Rain - Box Of Baby Birds
12. Memphis Moon - Cory Branan
13. The Dark Don’t Hide It - Gabriel Douglas ft. Drew Preiner
14. I’ve Been Riding With The Ghost - Fathom LaneDisc 2
1. Trouble In Mind (Fade To Blue) - Memorial Electric Co
2. I Can Not Have Seen The Light - Matt Bauer and Heather McEntire
3. 34 Blues - Will Johnson and Briton Biesenherz
4. Hammer Down - Jim and Jennie & The Pinetops
5. Just Be Simple - Water Liars
6. Steve Albini’s Blues - Catherine Irwin
7. White Sulfur - Nathan Salsburg & Joan Shelley
8. Don’t This Look Like The Dark - Wooden Wand
9. Heart My Heart - Luke Redfield
10. Lioness - Viking Moses
11. The Big Game Is Every Night - Bottomless Pit
12. Hold On Magnolia - Communist Daughter
13. John Henry Split My Heart - Jonny James and The Hall of Fames
