I recently picked up the new Gary Louris CD – Vagabonds – and I like it quite a bit. Like his former Jayhawk’s bandmate, Mark Olson, there is something about Gary’s songwriting that has always struck me as “pure.”

Gary with Mark Olson at the 400 Club, Minneapolis - Aug 16, 2007

This recording – which is Gary's solo debut – continues that tradition. The songs on this album are somehow both melancholy and uplifting. And like the best poets, his lyrics leave plenty of space between the lines for the listener to bring their own subconscious into play. For example, here are some of the lyrics from the opening track - "True Blue:"

Today’s the day My branches bear their fruit And all my labor will be rewarded Then I awake, it’s like starting over Riches and their thorns Rumble where they lay Revealing sparkling secrets To hold you would bring happiness Your absence sorrow Strip it down to what you can rescue Pass it on, what is right and true blue

Now imagine a beautiful melody behind it. . . God, I admire talented songwriters.

I liked this album with the first listen, and it has grown on me with each subsequent listening session. Gary has described Vagabonds like this: “I think this record is a search for meaning, knowing one may never find an answer. But maybe finding the answer isn’t the point. Maybe the questions are more important than the answers, and I think that is somewhat liberating.” The record is deep and lovely.

Vagabonds is well produced, richly textured, while also feeling quite loose and organic. And careful listening is rewarded. I’m a sucker for the ethereal beauty of pedal steel guitar - and Josh Grange uses it to add warm color throughout the record.

The record was produced by Chris Robinson of the Black Crowes and co-produced/engineered by Thom Monahan (whose credit include Silver Jews, Pernice Brothers, Devendra Barnhart and more).

Recommended listening!

You can see Gary Louris perform on March 27 at the Barrymore Theatre. Buy tickets [here].