Tuesday, September 20, 2011

The Jayhawks 'Mockingbird Time' Review

The Jayhawks

Mockingbird Time
Rounder/Decca

“I want to make something for you that brings you joy”  

     The Jayhawks were always a band that deserved more than they got and now 16 years after Gary Louris and Mark Olson last recorded together under that moniker, their new album Mockingbird Time should earn them a lot more than just the critical kudos their 90's releases garnered. Any worries of disappointment I had were instantly erased as soon as I heard those beautiful intertwining vocals on opener 'Hide Your Colours'... that's the essence of the Jayhawks, the way those twinned voices just hit your heart like love (or the loss of love).
     Being 16 years older, it's no surprise that the sound has mellowed somewhat from the alt-country-pop perfection of Tomorrow The Green Grass (1995), but the influences (and easy reference points for critics) are all still there... Byrds (both Gene& Gram era's), Burritos, CSN&Y et al. It's a damn strong album, and although I'd still pick Tomorrow... as my fave, Mockingbird Time feels like it's going put up one hell of a challenge over the next few years.

The Jayhawks - Mockingbird Time

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