Throughout the '00s My Morning Jacket made a very compelling case for the title of best American rock band. On 2008's critically lauded EVIL URGES, the band alchemically spun all-over-the-map experimentalism into their most winning set of tunes and hit the road as champions, both a potent commercial force and a feel-good story in the face of a cratering music industry. In this backdrop, the quintet returned to their Louisville, Kentucky, home for an intimate set at their local record store, Ear-x-tacy, and a rousing throwdown in front 10,000 fans in their hometown's Waterfront Park.
This seven-song EP (plus one hidden track) captures highlights from those August 16, 2008, sets including performances of songs from EVIL URGES, Z, and AT DAWN, and "Where to Begin" from the ELIZABETHTOWN soundtrack. Finding MMJ in particularly fine form (especially underrated guitarist Carl Broemel, who shreds throughout), the set has a rapturous energy and winning air--presumably brought on by home cooking. Released on Record Store Day in 2009, the band urged fans to forego online purchases and buy the EP at their favorite local record stores.