GARY LOURIS > Vagabonds

After 20 years of writing, performing, and producing music with such notable artists as Jeff Tweedy, The Black Crowes and The Dixie Chicks, Gary Louris, co-founder of roots rock stalwarts The Jayhawks has decided that it’s finally time to release his first solo album.

Label: Ryko
3 STARS

After 20 years of writing, performing, and producing music with such notable artists as Jeff Tweedy, The Black Crowes and The Dixie Chicks, Gary Louris, co-founder of roots rock stalwarts The Jayhawks has decided that it’s finally time to release his first solo album. The aptly titled, Vagabonds paints a picture of a man whose age has him looking for answers and possibly looking to settle down as he plainly wonders amidst screeching pedal steel on “Omaha Nights”: “Am I singing melodies meant for other singers/ occupying spaces that were clearly meant for others?/Am I growing old in the arms of different lovers?” Both melodic as it is loose, Vagabonds is as introspective as anything Louris has ever done, and although it will be warmly familiar to Jayhawks fans, it’s not nearly as rocking as Hollywood Town Hall or as moving as Rainy Day Music. Vagabonds seems to lack an edge, although it’s not without moments that justify Louris hasn’t lost his touch, most notably the mid-tempo, dirty scuffle of “I Wanna Get High,” and the gorgeous harmonies, keys, and harmonica on the weeping country ballad “Vagabonds.” Overall, Vagabonds seems to only reveal the magnificence of what The Jayhawks were as a group, and clearly shows that Louris would benefit from a reunion.