Blue Earth [EXTRA TRACKS] [ORIGINAL RECORDING REISSUED] [ORIGINAL RECORDING REMASTERED]

Jayhawks

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 22, 2003)
• Original Release Date: April 22, 2003
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Extra tracks, Original recording reissued, Original recording remastered
• Label: Restless Records
• ASIN: B00008WG4B
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #9,350 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Originally released in 1989, Blue Earth collects early Jayhawks demo recordings made between 1986 and 1989. While the band had produced a very limited run of their self-titled debut in 1986, this was the first mainstream release to provide a showcase for the songwriting tandem of Mark Olson and Gary Louris--a kind of Midwestern Lennon and McCartney who brought their bittersweet vocal harmonies and opaque lyrics to a nascent alt-country scene. Still rough around the edges, Blue Earth shows the young band very much in the thrall of the Byrds ("Five Cups of Coffee") and Gram Parsons in particular ("Commonplace Streets," "The Baltimore Sun," "Sioux City"). But also here are two impeccable songs that point the way forward: the sublime "Two Angels" and "Martin’s Song." Both would resurface in more polished form on their masterful follow-up Hollywood Town Hall. This 2003 reissue includes three previously unreleased tracks--"Fingernail Moon," "Two Minute Pop Song," and "Nightshade"--that are effective examples of the band at this formative period. Sure, greater things were just over the horizon, but no serious Jayhawks fan will want to overlook Blue Earth. --Mark Walker

Product Description
2003 reissue of album originally released in 1989, includes three bonus tracks, 'Fingernail Moon', 'Two Minute Pop Song' & 'Nightshade'. Digipak. Restless.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars underrated album, July 30, 2004

By	Ryan Berg "rberg" (nyc) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The rereleased, remastered Blue Earth by the Jayhawks is the seedling from which some amazing Americana grew. Originally released in 1989 by the Minneapolis label Twin/Tone, Blue Earth showcases a young band with great promise. Sure the songs are not as polished and well crafted as those on Hollywood Town Hall and later records. But there is a certain rustic charm to the cuts on this album. The listener can hear Olson and Louris search to find their voices in these simple country-styled compositions. Songs like Five Cups of Coffee and Will I Marry show the beginnings of fine craftsmanship. Enjoy this record for what it is: a small gift. There are no professional session players, no big name producer. This is a few guys from the upper midwest saving up some cash for studio time, playing together while drinking a few too many Grain Belt beers. Sounds like Blue Earth to me.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Raw like cactus, April 20, 2005

By	DirkL (Sydney, NSW Australia) - See all my reviews

Personally, I think this album is awesome. It's my favourite Jayhawks album but I'm not sure it's the perfect place for someone new to them to start at. The Jayhawks with Mark Olsen were the definitive manifestation of the band in my opinion. Later albums are less country-ish but still great music with well crafted songs. The best of these, for me is "The Sound of Lies". Although "Smile" is the slickest with all the hooks and catchy melodies you could possibly desire. Start with "Hollywood Town Hall" and "Tomorrow the Green Grass" if you want the classic stuff - with Mark Olson and Gary Louris both still in the band, together they became one of those mysterious and exotic magical puddings, like Gram Parsons & Emmylou Harris, Robert Foster & Grant McLennan (the Go Betweens) or even Squeeze's Glenn Tilbrook and Cris Difford (I'd suggest Lennon and McCartney except that no-one will know who they are). All very good on their own but outrageously creative and productive when working together.

On "Blue Earth" though, one song appeals to me more than any other Jayhawks tune; "ain't no end". It doesn't get mentioned in reviews but I think it's one of their finest. Olson's charismatic vocal style and Louris' dirty and loose guitar work make this one a real stunner. The 3 bonus tracks are also worthy inclusions. "Blue Earth" is raw, unpolished and unashamedly country - in a very good way.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Way better than people let on, January 19, 2005

By	D. R Smyers (dallas, tx United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is THE BEST Jayhawks CD. After mark Left, the band was lightweight at best. His gutsy guitar and vocals are sorely missed. "Rainy Day Music" is the best of the bunch, but "The Blue Earth" is more honest and urgent. Forget all that crap about these "just being demos." Sometimes, the raw setting actually enhances the results. Such is the case here. If you like Gram Parsons, this is the best alt-country has generated in tribute to him.