Gary Louris: “Vagabonds”
PERFORMER: Gary Louris (www.rykodisc.com)
CD: “Vagabonds” (Ryko)
The first solo release from Jayhawks co-founder Gary Louris is not surprising in its style. It explores the various shades of what has become known as “Americana” (which itself is a tip of the hat to Louris’ influential band). What is surprising — stunning is perhaps a better term — is its depth.
There’s no doubt that this is a spiritual effort, especially lyrically, in its quest for answers to some of the basic questions that have haunted humans. There are also moments when it downright feels like a gospel record. The spontaneous-feeling hand claps on the closing of “To Die a Happy Man” will put you inside a country church as will the chorus of “Black Grass,” while “She Only Calls Me On Sunday” is like a Dylanesque hymn.
The constants are Louris’ voice, an easy flow to the music and the lyrics and Josh Grange’s beautifully evocative pedal steel. On the opener, “True Blue,” Louris effectively melds the spirits of Neil Young and Vic Chesnutt; “We’ll Get By” could be a Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young outtake; “D.C. Blues” is all his own, a gorgeous, pleading ballad; and just when you think he’d be out of ideas, the longing of the wonderfully fresh “I Wanna Get High” is palpable and urgent. This is especially great stuff for a wintry day.
– By Michael Lipton
January 24th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
By far my most anticipated release of early ‘08. I look forward to hearing Chris “Black Crowes” Robinson’s production skills, and the backing vocals from Susanna “Bangles” Hoffs and Jenny “Rilo Kiley” Lewis.
Thanks for the review!
February 7th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
I absolutely cannot wait to get my copy of this CD. I think Gary’s voice, which may be slightly familiar, is all his own and it’s beautiful, calming and somewhat enchanting. I got my 17 year old neice hooked on the Jay Hawks. I’ll bet she loves this just as much, maybe better.