Mark Olson - The Salvation Blues

Nervous Music

Mark Olson's "Salvation Blues" begins with the weeper "My Carol" and continues with tracks like "Poor Michael's Boat" and "National Express" that have Olson's nervous vocals with his high and thin voice. The songs "Keith" and "Sandy Denny" appear to be musical biographies of people with problems. While I like this acoustic folk genre, neither Olson's voice nor his songwriting connect with me in much the same way that I've shelved all the Jayhawks CDs after a couple of listenings. "My Salvation Blues" sounds like nervous music for nervous people. It doesn't strike me as overly original or likeable. However, I do like the photography in the booklet. On the closer "My One Book Philosophy," Olson's vocals are particularly painful. I fail to relate. Taxi! August 30, 2008

Don't overlook this.

I bought the CD that included a small book of photographs and poetry. The words and images add to the experience of the CD as if to make it more multidimensional. This CD is an experience. It is sometimes risky to associate artists, but fans of the Jayhawks, and I know they're out there, should include this in their collection. It stands on its own and should be considered amongst the best of 2007. The production work, the lyrics, and overall quality of songwriting, not to mention the emotion of some of the songs, really works for me. Similar to Tim O'Regan's CD last year and likely the upcoming Gary Louris CD, these former Jayhawks know how to make the same great music on their own that they made together for many years. January 12, 2008

one of his best

Mark since his early days with the Jayhawks has always had a pressence that you can not get enough of,Its good to see hes back after a long lay off,keep up the great music Mark. November 7, 2007

A great album

I didn't know that Mark Olson had a new album until I did an itunes search for anything Jayhawks-related that was new. I listened to a few tunes then immediately downloaded the album. It's definitely his best solo work so far. If, like me, you need a Jayhawks fix from time to time then buy the cd or download it. The last song on the album kept me from giving it the full 5 stars. November 4, 2007

The Colonel

In fairness I would like to say that I have only just recently listened to this CD. I am somewhat disappointed that there seems to be very little original thinking going on with the writing both musically and lyrically. The production quality is well intended but way too overdone. October 15, 2007

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