Last night’s taping via VH1’s twitter page

VH1 taped a My Morning Jacket performance at a television studio on 106th St. in Manhattan for an upcoming episode of Storytellers last night. The band played for an audience of approximately 150 people, including 60 fans chosen from approximately 2,000 email requests for free tickets (fans were asked to submit a series of Storytellers questions and reasons why the band is special to them in the email). The rest of the audience was comprised of the band’s management, label representatives, family members and other guests.

The show ran for two hours and included Q&A’s between most songs. Unlike some classic episodes of Storytellers, the members of MMJ played electric for most of the show, though frontman Jim James played acoustic on a few numbers. The band also previewed a few songs from its forthcoming album—which is due out later this spring—including the recent tour staple “Circuital” as well as “Movin’ Away” and a cover of Shel Silverstien’s “Lullabies, Legends & Lies” (“Movin’ Away” was actually played twice due to an era in the recording). Of the new album, the band said it is more “milk than Sprite.”

The taping featured some more tender moments, too. A teary-eyed James explained that “Dondante” was written about a childhood friend who was a musical prodigy and later took his own life. James told a heartfelt story about a dream he had that he met his friend again in heaven.

James revealed that the group’s anthem “One Big Holiday” was inspired by the Beasties Boys’ “No Sleep till Brooklyn” that reflects the band’s early, naive belief touring would be all about “sex, drugs and rock and roll.” He also mentioned that the “Golden” line “bars are dark and lonely” was inspired by a conversation James had with his grandma and mentioned that he’s been playing music with My Morning Jacket drummer Patrick Hallahan since the 4th grade. Additional reporting by Jamie Widder

Here’s a look at last night’s setlist

Wordless Chorus
The Way That He Sings
Golden
Circuital
Movin’ Away
Dondante
Gideon
Smokin’ from Shootin
Movin’ Away (take 2)
Wonderful
Lullabies, Legends, & Lies
One Big Holiday