Gary Louris - Vagabonds
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Free Music Notes for Vagabonds
Free Music Review: Sounds like a classic 1970's record
Hit: 5 Stars
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. Free Music Review: Beautiful bucolic balladry
Hit: 5 Stars
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.
Free Music Review: THE SOUL OF MIDWEST AMERICA IS HERE!
Hit: 5 Stars
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.Free Music Review: True Blue Louris
Hit: 5 Stars
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. Free Music Review: Eerily Stunning!
Hit: 5 Stars
This is about as good as it gets so far for the 2008 releases. Of course not all tracks glisten but one listen to track #8 "Vagabonds" will have you hooked. Produced by Chris Robinson, this sounds nothing like the Crowes. This is early Jayhawks, rootsy with just the right amount of rust. Someday Olson will rejoin Louris and Tweedy will rejoin Farrar...now wouldn't that make for an interesting tour. Uncle Hawk and Jay Tupelo. Ok I'll stop!
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