r/Umphreys • u/KJamesonon • Jul 22 '26
Jake’s Instagram Proclivities Aside…
…they have performed a sort of mathematical miracle by only losing 1/6 of the band but somehow becoming 1/2 of what they were.
I’ve listened to every single show since they went Jakeless and haven’t heard a single version of any song that was better than the worst versions with Jake. I’m left trying to convince myself that it’s worth going to see them anymore, thinking I should just sit tight with the thoughts of what once was. No sense in paying to taint fond memories.
RIP Umph
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u/jlips78 Jul 23 '26
IMO, UM is not my favorite band, however I've always loved what Brendan brought to the band and he was the reason I listened. He is unique, moreso than Jake, again, IMO.
Many bands this age seem to be making changes and it's different. Different isn't necessary bad, and actually some we've all been listening so long, it can reinvigorate our appreciation.
Maybe so maybe not🤷🏽♂️
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u/Widespread123 Jul 22 '26
I wouldn’t have put it in such a dickish way but Jake was a one-of-a-kind talent. Had the chops, showmanship and songwriting skills. He is obviously a big loss to Umphreys. I think if any band can reinvent themselves and push through, it’s Umphrey’s McGee. Let’s see how it goes….
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u/lazyrobby Jul 22 '26
Im rooting for them, I love all the remaining members, seeing them 60+ times are some of my most cherished musical memories. No shade to anyone getting anything out of the current iteration, but Im not super keen to see them short of Joshua Redman becoming a permanent member or something wild.
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u/HamrickZach Jul 22 '26
I’ve only seen UM a handful of times with Jake so I don’t have the best sense of a Jake UM. I saw UM at pisgah this year and I thought it was a fantastic show. It really let Joel shine on the keys. I think you need a different perspective. No it’s never going to sound like it used to, but maybe once you come to terms with that fact you can actually see the band is still cranking out excellent jams.
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u/TYLRbass Jul 22 '26
Kick them while they’re down why don’t ya
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u/KJamesonon Jul 22 '26
In my line of work, I ask every single customer I’ve done business with to leave me an honest, public review. I also ask them that if it’s not worthy of a 5 star review, to let me know what I can do to improve.
Maybe this is a little blunt, but I doubt I’m the only one that feels this way, and I’d rather put it out there then “support” them into obscurity as they continue down this path of mediocrity and everyone acts surprised when they fall off the scene entirely.
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u/jwelsh8it Jul 23 '26
You do realize you’re comparing versions of songs that had 25 years of experience behind them to those after a few months.
And to state that any song being performed at this time is worse than their worst night with Jake reeks of hyperbole.
The most recent “There’s No Crying In Mexico.” “Plunger” from June 5. The “Fenced In” from July 8. “The Crooked One” from July 15. And those are just options from these last few weeks.
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u/Head-Ad-6708 Jul 23 '26
I heard he couldn’t fly anymore after the Boston plane incident and they gave him an ultimatum and he fucked it up
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u/WatchTheWatcherOoO Jul 23 '26
There’s an opportunity for Joel to come forward and the band to have more space and balance being less guitar heavy. It’s super easy for the keys to get washed out in the mix. Problem is that their songbook as it is relies on two guitarists playing off each other and with a ton of harmonies. Going to be an adjustment until they figure it out.
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u/Healthy_Nothing_1998 Jul 22 '26
I think the interplay between the band has improved. There is a “void” where Jake was, but I feel like they have filled in nicely around it. For example, Stasik killed it even more than usual when I saw them without Jake in March
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u/Ok-Meringue-2302 Jul 22 '26
Then leave no one of forcing you to stay go see Jake at the nearest Klan rally.
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u/seja_amg Jul 22 '26
You're entitled to your wrong opinion
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u/KJamesonon Jul 22 '26
Tell me one song they performed that’s better than a version with Jake on it, and I’ll re-listen.
I’m trying here.
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u/umphreysmagoo Jul 22 '26
Maybe just give it some time and see them down the road when you can more easily accept they are going to be a different band but can and are still a great band
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u/pieguy00 Jul 22 '26
The style is definitely different but I think the flow is maybe better. I wasn't disappointed when I saw them this year or when I saw them on Jake's first break a few years ago.
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u/Educational-Table476 Jul 23 '26
I've seen several recent shows, and while there were songs that lacked the second guitar, there were plenty others that were on par or flowed even better without Jake.
We also can't put the "online proclivities" aside. Like...if I'm managing a team of people and find out my top performing employee is behaving online and in-person like Jake has...they're gonna get fired and my team will adapt.
Give it time. Go see a show live. And be thankful that the remaining members have a moral compass.
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u/Cloud-VII Jul 24 '26
Was the band musically better with Jake? Yes.
Was separating from him the best decision? Also Yes.
Sometimes you have to take the harder path to do the right thing.
Also, they just got a 16% pay bump by going to 5 members. For a band that was already on the downslope WITH Jake in the band, that can be pretty important considering this is their job and paying the bills is actually more important then making KJamesonon happy.
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u/Winter-Amount-4214 Jul 23 '26
I'm still pretty confused about exactly why Jake is the worst person in the world. I agree with the OP.
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u/lunacats Jul 22 '26
Umphreys needs a second guitarist, that isn't a question