The Jayhawks, Are You or Aren't You?

 
What initially started as an obituary on the premier alt-country, roots, americana, "no depression", whatever you defined them as band, has become something more interesting. As recently as last week it appeared the Jayhwaks were done for good. In the Star Tribune, there it was, the end of The Jayhawks. They had quotes from band members saying the band had "run it's course" and "it's dead". Today it appears either the band was misquoted or they've had a change of heart. While currently on tour with original founding member Marc Olson, lead singer/guitarist Gary Louris has told the fans on the message board at the Jayhawks fan page to "calm down" and "you never know where this might lead... the door hasn't been closed, etc..." in reference to his acoustic tour with Marc and a possible full scale reunion.
A little background... The Jayhawks were first introduced to me in high school in a friends basement. From the first time I heard the disc "Hollywood Town Hall", I knew immediately I had to get the disc for myself. It was so accessible and built around such seemingly simple arrangements and great melody. The arrangements may have been simple but they never sounded old or "stock". I liked some country music at the time, but this was so far removed from the glossy, pop type country that music row in Nashville peddles on you. The Jayhawks were a huge part of the soundtrack of my life. They were formed up here in Minnesota by singer/songwriter Marc Olson and singer/songwriter/lead guitarist Gary Louris. Their debut album "Blue Earth" was released on a small, local record label and didn't create a whole lot of interest except among diehard alternative country fans. With the release of "Hollywood Town Hall" they started to develop a national following. Upon the release of their next (and last album with Marc Olson), "Tomorrow The Green Grass" they had carved out a spot for themselves in the big song and would rightly be labelled as "one of the most influential bands of the decade" by both Rolling Stone and Spin magazines later on. After the somewhat amicable departure of Marc Olson, Gary Louris would continue on under the Jayhawks name and release the very solid "Sound of Lies", "Smile", and as it appeared, would be their final release and fitting swan song, "Rainy Day Music". I remember seeing them at First Avenue with special guest Victoria Williams (now Marc Olsons wife), they seemed to be having such a great time on stage and they sounded incredible. I remember seeing them at Midway Stadium opening for Soul Asylum, what a great day that was! Two of my favorites on the same bill. I'll always remember Gary Louris's maroon Gibson SG guitar and how anybody who played guitar wishes they could play like him and sound like him, one of the most underrated guitar players among them all. As I stated earlier, Gary and Marc are doing some acoustic shows together, which made the announcement of a breakup all the more surprising I think. If anything I expected they'd be getting Marc back in the band for some shows and maybe a record. We'll have to see what they have in store. A fan can't really complain too loudly though if it appears they're through, they provided me with great memories and will forever hold a spot in my soul.