REVIEW: Jayhawks, Sound of Lies (American)

- Al Muzer

Returning to the fray after most critics and fans assumed the departure of guitarist/singer/co-songwriter Marc Olson signaled the death knell for this supple, Minneapolis-based quartet; singer/guitarist/songwriter Gary Louris (long considered by many to be the heart of the now six-member group in the first place) has masterfully taken charge on the band's fifth release, Sound of Lies.

Traveling in a dense, lush, more harmonic, pop-like direction than on previous efforts, the Cowsills harmonies, chiming piano and swirling guitar that drive "The Man Who Loved Life" serves as a perfect introduction to what, for all intents and purposes, marks the rebirth of the Jayhawks.

Displaying a welcome authority in his singing style and commanding a very visible presence in the mix, Louris' guitar is a blistering psychedelic wash riding a hypnotic, mantra-like chorus and propulsive beat on "Think About It"; his trademark warble and frayed leads convert "Trouble" into a shimmering thing of beauty; gentle piano and ringing Louris/Karen (keyboards) Grotbeg harmonies turn "It's Up To You" into a classic, late-nite beer-jerker; emotional lyrics coupled with a road-weary delivery cause "Stick In The Mud" to ring with a troubling authority; while a pulsing beat, layered harmonies, sardonic lyrics and maximum jangle mesh perfectly on "Big Star."

"Poor Little Fish" begins side-two (there's the very distinct sense of flipping a record over) on a bitter lyrical note brightened by weird violin and e-bow effects floating over ethereal harmonies and an uplifting beat, while "Sixteen Down" projects a dark, brooding, chaotic vibe punctuated by the harmonic choir of vocal-guest Matthew Sweet.

Following with "Haywire," which works beautifully thanks to simple instrumentation, outstanding Wurlitzer organ fills and a resigned sense of willing defeat; "Dying On The Vine" (a mellow slab of semi-funk that features a classic chorus); "Bottomless Cup" (written and sung with an endearing Ronnie Lane-like gruffness by drummer Tim O'Reagan); and the reflective, sadly-introspective title track - the Jayhawks not only manage to defy staggering odds by coming back strong, they do so with one of the best albums of the year.