The Jayhawks
Sound of Lies

(American)

It's been two years since the last Jayhawks album, and despite the blow of losing co-founder Mark Olson, the band has come back strong with its latest release Sound of Lies. The country sounds of the group's earlier releases are nearly gone, and what remains is a series of more psychedelic, Beatles-meets-Neil Young arrangements.

The Jayhawks is bolstered by the addition of two new musicians — violinist Jessy Greene and guitarist Kraig Johnson. They both add significantly to the arrangements.

Some of the lyrics discuss the changes that The Jayhawks has seen since Olson's departure. Most notable is the hopeful Trouble, a pretty tune with outstanding harmonies, and the revved-up Big Star.

Lead guitarist Gary Louris covers the vocals on all but one of the tracks (drummer Tim O'Reagan sings Bottomless Cup), matching his voice perfectly with keyboardist Karen Grotberg's. On It's Up to You and Stick in the Mud, Grotberg and Louris manage to capture the vocal sound of the pop-oriented incarnation of Fleetwood Mac, though they pair it with their own musical style.

Sound of Lies contains a different feel that may take some adjustment, but the new sound works well and just may grab a bigger following for this well-deserving group. Long-time Jayhawks fans ought to give it a chance.  ½

1 Star:   Pitiful
2 Stars: Listenable
3 Stars: Respectable
4 Stars: Excellent
5 Stars: Can't Live Without It!!