The Jayhawks: Mockingbird Time

The Jayhawks
Mockingbird Time
Rounder Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: The Jayhawks original line up is back - any good? You bet!

Album Review:
I will fully admit that I have had this reunion record from Americana godfathers The Jayhawks circled on the calender for some time now. Mockingbird Time represents the first joining of the original line up in 16 years that includes Mark Olson and Gary Louris, as The Jayhawks are back in full force and it sounds like the guys never split up. The rich harmonies that they are most known for hit you immediately on the opener "Hide Your Colors" and gracefully continue throughout the albums 50 minute running time. Even though individually both Olson and Louris are great musicians their voices really do complement each other, especially when they sing at different octaves like on the memorable and upbeat "She Walks In So Many Ways". Other stand out moments include the off kilter musical shifts and guitar work in the title track that takes a simple ballad and propels it to the next level, while "Black-Eyed Susan" highlights the string playing which creates a warm depth to the track. Mockingbird Time is a grower of a record, as it takes several spins for the little intricate pieces to stand out and it should excite longtime fans that have been waiting for this moment. The Jayhawks will always be hard pressed to live up to Hollywood Town Hall [1992] and Tomorrow The Green Grass [1995] but Mockingbird Time is still very good even though it may not quite reach their caliber. The sheer fact that Olson and Louris are dynamic fronting the full band again will be enough for most but if this union keeps going - another pinnacle record is always possible!

Key Tracks: "Hide Your Colors", "She Walks In So Many Ways", "Black-Eyed Susan"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Byrds
The Avett Brothers
Buffalo Springfield

The Jayhawks: Hollywood Town Hall [Expanded Edition]; Tomorrow The Green Grass [Legacy Edition] [Fire Note Review 1/26/11]
The Jayhawks: Music From The North Country - The Jayhawks Anthology [Deluxe Edition] [Fire Note Review 7/8/09]
Mark Olson & Gary Louris: Ready For The Flood [Fire Note Review 2/9/09]
Gary Louris: Vagabonds [Fire Note Review 3/5/08]

The Jayhawks Website
The Jayhawks Facebook
Rounder Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony