mtd music: The Jayhawks

A long long time ago, in a state far far away, I discovered the Jayhawks. You know that it was a long time ago when the way in which you discovered some music was through Napster.

Anyway, the first Jayhawks song I heard was “Better Days” and loved it. I grabbed a couple more, “Blue” and “I'd Run Away”. All three were great songs. In fact, I was so impressed, I bought a couple of their CD’s online, including Tomorrow The Green Grass and Smile. And to think, record companies, I never would have heard of these guys if it wasn’t for your arch nemesis, music file sharing!

The Jayhawks sound is driven by Gary Louris and Mark Olson, who both provide a folk rock/blue grass sound resulting in addictively soothing harmonies. Olson’s voice, in particular, digs deep, producing a rather twangy and somber tone, in the same vein as Michael Stipe from REM. In fact, it was through this comparison, I believe, I first found the group, since I was looking for REM music at the time and The Jayhawks popped up.

As much as I like The Jayhawks, the albums I bought weren’t without their hits and misses. However, I think a Jayhawks compilation album would go nicely in any collection. For me, right now, I would love to see them live, either as a group or solo, as their style would translate well to intimate, somewhat homey live set. In particular after discovering my latest favorite Jayhawks song through various wanderings on youtube, and that would be “Save It For A Rainy Day”. I loved this song so much I learned to play it myself. Well, most of it, and when approached on the street, I will gladly play and sing it for you. Although, I would suggest you wait for the Jayhawks to come to your town.

Although this might not exactly sound like a ringing endorsement, I can honestly say, of all the groups/music that’s come out in the last 20 years, I would rank The Jayhawks in the top 10 best artists, along with Rufus Wainwright and Ray LaMontagne.