Gary Louris - Vagabonds

Trial pick

I've had many a good random pick from previous reviews, but I should have read a bit further on this one ... no depth to the music, vocals weak, overall, probably will join the bottom of the cd pile. May 11, 2008

Jayhawks leader on his own

Gary has been a busy boy, between fronting the Jayhawks and co-writing many of the songs on the Dixie Chicks' Grammy winner. This record is good, but not great - there's something indefinable that's missing here compared to the best Jayhawks stuff. Nonetheless, the songs and production are impeccable, and the result generally enjoyable. April 23, 2008

Straight From the Heart

Gary's songs are straight from his heart to yours. There's a timeless quality here that crosses eerily and effortlessly from the 70s right into today. Something about his voice and the unique chord progressions grabs you where it matters most and once you've heard this CD you'll never forget it. To top it all off he has superb backup musicians, especially the haunting pedal steel guitar. The Laurel Canyon Family Choir is the frosting on the cake here on several tracks. All in all, a most impressive project destined to live forever. Go get 'em, Gary! April 16, 2008

FINE SONGS WITH INTROSPECTIVE LYRICS - AND WITH A 1970s RETRO INFLUENCE

I'm not familiar with the music of GL or the Jayhawks - we live a cloistered life here in the UK. However, I knew he had a reputation as a good song writer and the music samples sounded 'interesting'; so I took a chance and bought 'Vagabonds' - I wasn't disappointed.

With a casual first time listen, you might think 'some pleasant, if rather lightweight, pop songs'. Well, pleasant pop songs - YES; but musically and lyrically lightweight - NO. 'Vagabonds' has a very atmospheric sound (I think another reviewer uses the word 'eerie' - and I wouldn't argue with this). Also, as other reviewers have noted, the album has a strong 1970s feel about it - mainly a West Coast influence, but there are also some strands of British popular music from that era (and all songs benefit from a professional 21st. century production sheen). I don't think GL is a dynamic vocalist; he has a plaintive, slightly fragile voice, but he also has a lot of style - and so does his music. There isn't a bad song on this album, most have decent melodies and thoughtful lyrics. The production and arrangements are first class, with a few musical 'surprises' now and again - you really do need to listen to each track all the way through.

Some comments about selected tracks (all songs written by GL) :

TRUE BLUE - Perhaps, one of the more accessible songs on the album - strong melody and engaging lyrics. Also, solid musicianship with 'full bodied' piano, wistful pedal steel and crisp percussion.

SHE ONLY CALLS ME ON SUNDAYS - A waltz with a strong country flavour. A sad song about faded love and separation. He feels powerless to restore the relationship; she resorts to prescription drugs, cigarettes and alcohol to numb the heartache - only on Sundays, do lingering memories come to the surface ('She reached for the bottle and the phone').

BLACK GRASS - You might notice the occasional similarities with John Lennon's 'Jealous Guy'. There's a 2 minute instrumental/choral bridge with some emphatic keyboard playing and ethereal harmony vocals; it's a strange mixture, but it works - it's almost 'psychedelic'.

I WANNA GET HIGH - LG is more economical with his lyrics. However, they are effective to the extent that they vividly convey the 'altered state' of drug induced oblivion (not that I would know about such things of course - I'm only guessing). The interwoven sounds of acoustic/electric guitars and organ give this track an edgier sound than most others.


The music on 'Vagabonds' is best appreciated after a few good listens. It's a very sensuous album - in terms of its melodies, lyrics, playing and arrangements, there is much to pick up on; and it all adds up to some remarkable song writing.

April 14, 2008

Sounds like a classic 1970's record

Chris Robinson of the Black Crowes produced this, allowing Gary Louris to relax and settle into the true feeling of the songs, so nothing sounds forced. If its unforced setting has a downside, its occasionally too relaxed, but the overall feeling you get is wholly intended. The mixture of Gary's voice is often close to the front of the sound, letting the musicians create a comfortable wallpaper that rewards the singing. Simply awesome steel guitar permeates the proceedings, bringing you home to Gary's former band The Jayhawks without sounding like them. April 5, 2008

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