Customer Reviews

Vagabonds

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Five (plus) stars.

I have been a Jayhwaks fan for years and was very disappointed when they called it quits. It was always oddly comforting to know that they were out there in the world quietly creating classic albums that stood the test of time. I liked the Louris-helmed material just as much as the Olson-Louris albums and thought that they were heading in a good direction when they released Rainy Day Music.

However now that I hear this album, perhaps the Jayhawks breakup wasn't such a bad thing. This continues pretty much where the band left off, returning to the rootsy sound that made them unique but with an added sense of smart-poppiness a la Golden Smog (Louris's "other band" in which he seemed to have been playing a larger role than before). So far my favorites are "Omaha Nights" (with a gospel-style chorus) and the ramshackle 70s-styled "She Only Calls Me On Sundays." But the thing is this album will grow on me over repeated listens, and other tracks will start to stand out as well and gain meaning as they form the backdrop to my life. This is something that has always been true of The Jayhawks' music too - their albums are meant to be digested over long periods of time and their facets reveal themselves over many listens. That above all else is the mark of a great musician - the ability to craft songs that stay with you. Gary Louris is that kind of musician and this album is a hands-down immediate classic on a par with The Jayhawks and Golden Smog albums that I love so much.

I agree with some of the other reviewers - haunting, eerily stunning; however, I feel the Byrds influence here, but not Crosby's 1st solo - with the rich chorus texture and subtle vocal effects - I'm hearing more Gene Clark's No Other album influence than anything else. This album is weird, after the first listen, it didn't grab me at all - because it's not an "in your face" recording. I've left it in the car player all week and I don;t know if I can take it out! I hear something wonderfully new every time I listen through it. His voice is alluring, like Tweedy of Wilco. True Blue American mid-west SOUL. This is a solid work of a master songcraftsman. It would be cool to shake his hand some day. Tell him he's good. And mean it.

I'm a big Jayhawks fan and of course immediately pounced on this record. It has a beautiful sound, with the chorus swelling behind Gary's lovely voice, not to mention the pedal steel throughout which I love.

This record has a timely quality to it like it could have been made back in the 70's feeling to it. If you love early Eagles, Jackson Browne, the Byrds, the Burrito Bros., this will fit right in.

Being a big fan of Louris' melancholia, this organic-sounding album hit a chord with me. I also got a early-release vinyl version from Ryko, so I've given this one a few spins and allowed it to sink in. The sound of the pedal steel and the use of rich harmony chorus singing remind me of the David Crosby album If I could Only Remember my name, and the album has a haunted quality much like that record as well. Its a sleeper and a keeper.

The dynamic of certain bands is such that when their wildly talented frontman--or woman--steps out of the shadows and demands the spotlight to be thrust upon them in the context of a solo project, it often confirms something for the listener: they were the flesh and blood of the band all along.

Actually, this brings to mind the producer of this particular CD, Chris Robinson. (Check out both of his fantastic solo discs: they bring with them the best of the Black Crowes--their organic rootsiness, poetic luster, as well as grit and arrogance--all staples of his full time gig.)

As for Gary Louris' first solo outing, it's diffiult to mourn the now defunct Jayhawks--despite the stellar nature of their latest disc, Rainy Day Music. Vagabonds is the best of the Jayhawks: it's a pure, stripped down affair that's all about the songs. And Louris brings with him ten new beauties. Check out the gorgeous acoustic poetics of "True Blue" or the forlorn country laze of "She Only Calls Me On Sundays." "Omaha Nights", perhaps the rowdiest tune on the disc, is nevertheless steeped in some of Louris' most profound lyrics: "Am I growing old in the arms of the wrong lover."

A detour into trippier territory with songs like "I Wanna Get High" and "Black Grass" are welcomed deviations. A track by track listing is not necessary. Everything about this music works: it's warm, inviting, and without a trace of pretense. On the one hand, the tunes suggest the somber melancholy of a jilted, contemplative lover, while on the other they proudly reveal the heart of a man who knows where he's been and where he's going. Louris, hopefully--and possibly with Robinson at his side once again--will continue to light out for similar ground, following the shadow of his muse.

I have been impressed with Gary Louris's work for over 20 years. His output with the Jayhawks speaks for itself. In a strange way, I found this new release to be a logical progression from "Rainy Day Music", the Jayhawks' swan song and best CD. When I first listened to this CD, the first thing I referenced (as one poster has already astutely noted) was "If I could Only Remember My Name" by David Crosby from 1971. This CD has a very intimate, very organic feel to it. It is very L.A./Laurel Canyon/Early 70's in terms of being creatively open, yet very accessible. The arrangements are scaled down, but you can still hear the great pop, rock and americana sensibilities that Louris has always had. You can tell that this music is coming from a very creative focus as opposed to pandering to demographic or genre in terms of entertainment value. That's not to say that Louris has ever pandered to an audience for purposes of pure entertainment, and he is certainly a skilled and seasoned live performer. However, this is a real step forward for him in terms of that this just might be the first time he has completely captured his muse on record (CD) in the way that he has always wanted to. My favorites here include the title cut, "True Blue", "I Wanna Get High", "Omaha Nights", and "Black Grass", although there is not a bad song of the 10 offerings here. If this is the kind of thing that is happening in L.A. at the present time, the future looks bright for those of us who are craving a return to literate and well-crafted songs. Thanks, Gary.

Chris Robinson of the Black Crowes produced this, allowing Gary Louris to relax and settle into the true feeling of the songs, so nothing sounds forced. If its unforced setting has a downside, its occasionally too relaxed, but the overall feeling you get is wholly intended. The mixture of Gary's voice is often close to the front of the sound, letting the musicians create a comfortable wallpaper that rewards the singing. Simply awesome steel guitar permeates the proceedings, bringing you home to Gary's former band The Jayhawks without sounding like them.

Just saw the man last night for the local public radio station WUWM benefit...True Blue, Vagabonds, To Die A Happy Man, and DC Blues were powerful statements of originality and meaning in these troubled and interesting times. Gary was totally at ease with a very receptive and appreciative audience, having to rethink lyrics to long ago songs, he unapologetically stated, "I'll have to get back to that one" several times throughout the night and the crowd dug it. I think not by accident, there's a melancholy to many of these songs, and Louris pulls one into the sadness without becoming maudlin or helpless, life is happening...the clouds are threatening, let's hunker down and face it...and after we'll face our brokenheartedness with dignity. Thanks Gary for a great show...pick this up now and enjoy a true American original artist...great stuff.

Gary has been a busy boy, between fronting the Jayhawks and co-writing many of the songs on the Dixie Chicks' Grammy winner. This record is good, but not great - there's something indefinable that's missing here compared to the best Jayhawks stuff. Nonetheless, the songs and production are impeccable, and the result generally enjoyable.

I reviewed the album on the CD page, but this is a record that benefits from being on vinyl. It's touchstones and ancestry were most likely heard on licorice pizzas, and the warmth that those and this album exude is enhanced in this format. go vinyl when possible.