Product Description

Through his two-decade stint as singer, guitarist and principal songwriter of The Jayhawks and as a member of alt-supergroup Golden Smog, Gary Louris has built a deeply compelling body of music whose artistry and integrity has earned him a loyal audience and the respect of critics and his peers. With his solo debut, Vagabonds, Louris steps out to deliver some of his most evocative and personal music yet with the aid of Black Crowes frontman and longtime fan, Chris Robinson, who co-produced the album s organically soulful performances. Louris trademark introspection and uplift is reflected on the standout True Blue, which offers a compelling blend of acoustic and electric textures. The title track acts as the musical and conceptual centerpiece of the record, with bittersweet, vivid imagery and a surging vocal chorus featuring Robinson, Susanna Hoffs and Jenny Lewis of Rilo Kiley. Natural, resonating collaborations such as these are at the heart of Vagabonds.

Track Listing

1. True Blue
2. Omaha Nights
3. To Die A Happy Man
4. She Only Calls Me On Sundays
5. We'll Get By
6. Black Grass
7. I Wanna Get High
8. Vagabonds
9. D.C. Blues
10. Meandering

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #7154 in Music
• Released on: 2008-02-19
• Number of discs: 1

Amazon.com
Gary Louris has shown pop-star eager earmarks since 1989, when his endearing "Baltimore Sun" cracked the honky-tonk playlist that was the Jayhawks’ sophomore record, Blue Earth. While Louris dipped his toe in a pop direction after Jayhawks co-founder Mark Olson departed in 1995, he never took the full plunge until now, with his first solo effort. Chiming with guitars and choruses and soaring melodies straight out of 1975, Vagabonds rightfully pens the Minneapolis musician inside a small stable of America’s greatest songwriters--and singers--adding three or four compositions to his career-best list. The 10-song record (produced by Chris Robinson, late of the Black Crowes) polishes the wide-ranging Louris palette with the simplest of instrumentation, including organ and banjo, ethereal pedal steel playing from Josh Grange, and a backing chorale led by Susannah Hoffs and Jenny Lewis. Louris's saccharine falsetto has never sounded better, whether it’s offering Paul Simon-like imagery ("To Die A Happy Man"), channeling John Lennon ("Black Grass") and Nick Drake ("Meandering"), or preaching with the Laurel Canyon choir ("I Wanna Get High"). Jayhawks followers will find comfort in "True Blue"--missing only Olson’s co-vocals--and "D.C. Blues," in which Louris borrows the traditional country line, "Hand me down my walking cane," before declaring, "It’s my game to win / It’s my game to lose." My money is on the former. --Scott Holter

Amazon.com
Co-produced by Black Crowes frontman Chris Robinson, you half expect the solo debut by Jayhawks singer-songwriter Gary Louris to blast out of the speakers with a hefty retro-rock swagger. Instead, the veteran alt-country musicians have come up with something better, an unexpectedly sweet and gentle album built around softly strummed acoustic guitars, brushed rhythms and opulent melodies. "Black Grass" evokes John Lennon at his most vulnerable; "D.C. Blues" is a late-night meditation worthy of Chris Isaak's tender croon; and on "We'll Get By" Louris' sterling voice is lifted up by an all-star choir that includes Rilo Kiley's Jenny Lewis, Jonathan Rice, and former Bangles vocalist Susanna Hoffs. At 52, Louris proves it's never too late to grow up gracefully. --Aidin Vaziri

Customer Reviews

Fantastic Turner Hall Show In Milwaukee...
Just saw the man last night for the local public radio station WUWM benefit...True Blue, Vagabonds, To Die A Happy Man, and DC Blues were powerful statements of originality and meaning in these troubled and interesting times. Gary was totally at ease with a very receptive and appreciative audience, having to rethink lyrics to long ago songs, he unapologetically stated, "I'll have to get back to that one" several times throughout the night and the crowd dug it. I think not by accident, there's a melancholy to many of these songs, and Louris pulls one into the sadness without becoming maudlin or helpless, life is happening...the clouds are threatening, let's hunker down and face it...and after we'll face our brokenheartedness with dignity. Thanks Gary for a great show...pick this up now and enjoy a true American original artist...great stuff.

Fantastic!
One of the most thoughtful albums I've ever heard. Gary really lets out all of his thoughts on a wide range of subjects. A very deep album with lots of stories and notions that grow on you with every listen. Wonderful songwriting. Blue, We'll Get By, and Vagabonds are the most radio-friendly, catchy and accessible tracks. The Laurel Canyon choir and Chris Robinson's (of The Black Crowes) producing are wonderful touches. Gary is the best musical artist in the U.S., but you'd never know it from record sales and the like. Check out this gem if you like bands like The Jayhawks, Wilco, Phish, Sunvolt, Uncle Tupelo, Neil Young, The Byrds, Gram Parsons, The Eagles, etc.. You won't be disappointed if you like Americana (rock, country) and deep introspective music.

Good, but liked Jayhawks material a bit more
I thought the album was excellent, although I am used to more up-tempo songs that Gary does with the Jayhawks. It is growing on me the more I listen to it. The track "Black Grass" is my favorite, but all cuts are well-crafted. I was lucky enough to see Mr. Louris and The Jayhawks in person in Pennsylvania around 2005, and they were great. His solo effort is fine, but hope he gets back with the group in the future.