In a better, parallel universe, The Jayhawks would be the number one pop-rock band of the 90s. Vigorous vocal harmonies, canny cadence, mellifluous sound and top-notch songs would do its part and allow The Jayhawks to play in front of full stadiums. Their songs are brilliant, but it just seems that the band doesn’t know how to instill themselves into the commercial market. Unfortunately, this is not going to change with the latest album titled Paging Mr. Proust, not because the album is not awesome, but because they are still standing behind their principles.
The album comes five years after Mockingbird Time. It is a record that every band should make If they plan to continue on existing. Co-author Mark Olson left the band, so the rest of the guys needed to find a way to compensate for his absence. They did. Discerning and emotional collection of songs does not converge to equilibrium, but it is certainly saturated with outstanding momentums. The production is supported by Peter Buck from R.E.M and Tucker Martine.
There is only one aberrantly bad song (Ace), while the rest of the effort nourishes combination of Americana music and The Beatles, Beach Boys, The Byrds and Big Star. My favorites are Quiet Corners and Empty Spaces and Lovers of The Sun. I also enjoy Leaving The Monsters Behind and I’ll Be Your Key.
Dirty guitars serve as a counterpoint to delicate vocal harmonies. The only flaw I could find was in Pretty Roses In Your Hair, where distortions sound too noisy.
Despite its imperfections, this is a strong record of an underrated band who celebrates its 30th anniversary.
