The Jayhawks - XOXO (2020) CD

 

In 2020, The Jayhawks are still releasing warm, melodic records with just enough twang to firmly lay claim to their upper Midwest roots. All their records are worth buying but this really reminds me of their very early releases. I am not claiming that this was their intention but there is something about the feel of this record that reminds me of their releases back in the late 1990s. That is a good thing.

I lived in Minnesota for 4 years. While many bands and artists can state they represent the "Minneapolis/St Paul sound", the The Jayhawks capture the sound of rural Minnesota. Maybe because I lived there, The Jayhawks represent for that "feeling"...what is that "feeling"? ....'Feelin' Minnesota'. 

Listen to Bitter Pill

The Jayhawks - Paging Mr. Proust (Vinyl) 2016

I have a rule that you should never doubt a release by The Jayhawks.  While my musical tastes have changed over time, there is always room for the sweet sounds of The Jayhawks and the voice of Gary Louris.  I lived in Minnesota for a few wonderful years and this band always makes me feel so Minnesota. Those from the upper Midwest of the US will understand the term, "Feeling Minnesota".  Trust me, it is a good thing.  The Jayhawks should be a bigger band and Gary Louris should be considered a national institution - yet another one from Minnesota (i.e., Prince).  Alas, we do not live in that kind of world.  However, you can always go and buy this album and state your vote for one of the best truly American bands over the last 25 years(?). By the way, on pretty much every Jayhawks album there is one drop-dead gorgeous song that should be a million copies seller. For this album, it is Lovers of the Sun. Check it out.  Majestic.