Customer Reviews

Tim O'reagan

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

One of the saddest days, for me, was whwen the Jayhawks announced that after many years of putting out some of the best "alt-country' discs (hell, why label them, some of the best discs period) were splitting up. Their songs were beautifully constructed, harmonically pleasing and and real.

Well, those same adjectives can be used to describe Tim O'Reagan's disc. He really learned a lot about crafting sterling songs from his years as their drummer. These song simply shimmer. Gorgeus harmonies and instrumentation that gives the music a balance,clarity and beauty that is simply lacking in many discs these days. Partly gently psychedellic, partly steel guitar tinged country, part gorgeous pop (I mean pop in the way that 60s'and 70's pop is meant. Not the constructed pap pop that you hear now) this dsic is a winner.

This disc is simply one of the best I have purchased in a long time. It has been in my disc changer for a month now, it will take something amazing to get it out.

I am not going to highlight any song in this review, because once I start I will have to highlight them all. That is how good this album is.

Don't think about it, just buy it and listen.

As another review mentions, one of my favorite Jaywalks songs is "Bottomless Cup," one of the few written and sung by Tim while he was part of the Jayhawks. I always wished he would be given more space on each album. This album is bitter-sweet, both in content and context. Tim has produced a great album, but its existence results from the dissolution of one of the great bands of the last twenty years.

Mind you, this is no "overnight success" story. Tim O'Reagan was a born musician and developed, through sheer tenacity over many years of study and sacrifice, into an artist of the Renaissance variety: one who can play several instruments well, has a fabulous singing voice, a keen ear for arrangements and interesting sounds, dead-on rhythm and an ability to write both music and verse.

There's no doubting the influence of the Beatles in Tim's work and (I swear) his voice sounds, at times, just like Lennon's. If you like Billy Bragg's music, you'll love this album, as well.

Tim has certainly paid his dues as a back-up player with distinguished bands (most notably, The Jayhawks), and deserves some widespread solo recognition now. Do youself and the world a favor and help to shine a spotlight on the talents of this "new" artist.

For fans of the Jayhawks, you will NOT be disappointed in this album. In fact, you will be joyfully surprised at the depth and richness of this album. For those of you not familiar with the music of the Jayhawks this album is well worth a listen. This is a "lazy summer afternoon, kick back on the couch (or hammock) and enjoy every track" type of album.

I've been a fan of the Jayhawks for a long time and was saddened by the news that they were breaking up. As I read elsewhere, what the drummer was going to do was not the first thing on my mind; however, this CD came as a surprise because it has so many great songs. My favorite is "River Bends," and it, not surprisingly, sounds the most like the Jayhawks. O'Reagan gets assists from almost everyone who's been a member of the Jayhawks in the past 10 years, but he doesn't need it. The songs and his inviting voice are what will make listeners come back to the CD. Whether you're a fan of the Jayhawks or of adult pop music, this is a very good disc.

this album is a PERFECT pop album. everything about the album is brillant. from the number of tracks,the length (38 minutes), the production, the lyrics, the voice, not to mention every track is catchy as can be, the only thing i can complain about is there is not a booklet with the lyrics but that is a minor thing. you will be huming these songs for days. every track is great. it will be in my top 10 list for this year right now it's number 2 behind the chili peppers "stadium arcadium." and the only two albums that are coming out that may beat it (that i can think of) are another jayhawks related release with golden smog, and tom petty. if you enjoy the jayhawks or good pop music give this a listen, you won't be disappointed.
favorite tracks: "that's the game," "ivy," "girl/world," and "just like you"

This is a very good solo debut for Tim. The opening track "These Things" starts out with a strikingly beautiful accordion. This track alone with worth the price of the CD! Tim's voice took awhile to get used to, but the more I listen to this release, the more I enjoy it. It's difficult to categorize this CD as pop, folk, alternative or country. The Jayhawk influence is obvious - which can be nothing but a positive. I would recommend this to any Jayhawk fan and to any listener who enjoys a consistently mellow and unique production.
P.S. - I like this CD more every time I listen to it! I'm sure it will make its way to 5 stars in my book very quickly!

I bought this a few years back, and immediately liked the album's easy grace and charm. Tim O'Reagan certainly has a way with a melody and his understated style lets the songs speak for themselves. What I didn't know when I bought the album was that it would become a constant companion for years to come. It picks me up when I'm glum, gives me something to rest with when I'm tired, adds to my joy when I'm happy. It sounds good in the car on the way to work, and fits nicely into an evening of cold beers and close friends. The album itself feels something like a friend, it's music that understands (I can't think of a better way to put it). Tim O'Reagan is a gifted artist and I can't wait for his next release whenever that may be (sure hope it's soon though!).

Tim O'Reagan's solo disc sat on my wishlist for a year. Unlike most of the other reviewers here, the two Jayhawks discs in my collection mostly gather dust. I could never see why people particularly liked what seemed a bland band to me. Additionally, the many copies of this CD @ $1 or less gave an expectation this must be a disposable disc. However, I apparently did read a review that intrigued me enough to stick it on the wishlist. Long story short:

"Tim O'Reagan" is an excellent set! The opener "These Things" percolates with a pretty low-key melody & O'Reagan's vocals are charming as the sunny sound crosscuts a bit of darkness in the lyric, "I'm looking still, sunshine or pills; I'm looking till I find you." O'Reagan's voice reminds me of John Lennon on "Highway Flowers"; and the harmonies lend to the comparison, "I'm pulling into Butterfield Station; My baby's looking back @ the highway flowers; Electric clouds accumulating & the mountains are so far away, highway headstones." O'Reagan adds diversity with an instrumental "Ocaso Rosa" which has a Spanish feeling to the arrangement. "Just Like You" sounds sweetly retro, part Dylan, part 60s bar band, "They might have worked in a fairytale sometime in your youth; I'd give all my gold for the peace I've known & another chance at love that's true." "That's the Game" & "Girl/World" are also excellent tracks. The set concludes with another stunning tune, "Plaything," "She's on my side." O'Reagan has produced an exceptional solo set. Bravo!

This is a fantastic record on its own merits and one of my new favorites -- regardless of the fact that Tim O'Reagan is best known as the drummer for the Jayhawks. If you know and like Tim's songs from the "middle period" Jayhawks (like Tampa to Tulsa) or enjoyed his singing on covers from live recordings or the current tour (such as Drivin' Wheel), you'll like this record. If you don't know Tim's style, or you aren't sure how you feel, you can sample a number of the tracks from this record online in various places (here, or his MySpace page for example). If you like the samples, you'll like this record. My only regret is that I didn't find it sooner!