Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Mark Olson & Gary Louris - Ready For The Flood

(version française)


I wrote a review of the album for the French site etat-critique.com. I don't have much time to translate the whole thing, but all I can tell you is that it feels good to hear those two guys singing together again. It's like they had never parted, except that now they got rid of the Jayhawks' electricity to play acoustic, in a rootsy way that shows their true influences : the singing coutry/folk duets of the past, like Simon & Garfunkel, the Everly Brothers but also their ancestors : Delmore Brothers, Louvin Brothers, Carter Family et al.


The album is very pleasant. They haven't lost their songwriting abilities, and it shows on wonderful ballads such as "Black Eyes", "Saturday Morning On Sunday Street", or the opener, "The Rose Society". Their voices blend together like they've always done.
Of course, it is not a masterpiece, it is a bit austere sometimes, all songs are not at the same level, but it is a very pleasant and nostalgic listen.

Mark Olson & Gary Louris - Black Eyes(buy)

And, for those who want a Jayhawks reminder :

The Jayhawks - Two Angels(buy) (1992)

Last, this video clip in which both guys present their albums :




Have a good time !

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