Genre: Album
Grade A-
Notable People: The Jayhawks
Title: Mockingbird time
Review: I came across this album while looking for the new Jayhawks album they have done with Kinks founder Ray Davies…and was amazed that I somehow missed it when it came out. Their 8th studio album, in 2011 was their first in ten years at the time, and reunited the original classic lineup featuring dual songwriters/singers Gary Louris with the prodigal Marl Olsen. Olsen has been in and out of the band for 20 years, but when her is there…this is the real Jayhawks sound- coupling tasteful musicianship, elegant writing and soaring guitars with the closest Everly Brothers harmonies outside of ..…well the Everly Brothers. I was staying in New York for work back in 2011 when I hear what sounds like someone playing very loud Jayhawks music in the street. I wandered down from the 21st floor of my hotel on a hot summer night to check it out, and the Hawks were actually playing the songs from this album in a tiny studio space across the street. It was magical. The album is nothing groundbreaking, but if you like their music , this is a spot on example of their best work. Good stuff.