Since 1985, the Jayhawks have treated us to their 70s folk-infused Americana; a roots sound that dares to dabble in power pop. In its early days, Gary Louris and Mark Olson’s band juggled with different influences such as Gram Parsons, Byrds, CSN&Y, Tom Petty and even Big Star… Since then, they’ve grown a few grey hairs, but their talent remains intact. In 2016, Paging Mr. Proust revived the values of their first albums. After leaving and rejoining several times, Olson once again left the fray, leaving Louris to humbly pick up the songwriting torch. Without Olson, the Jayhawks leant closer to pop than folk, which Paging Mr. Proust showed in 2016… This time around, Gary Louris integrates the ideas and compositions of his bandmates Karen Grotberg, Tim O’Reagan and the other survivor from the band's early days, Marc Perlman. He even hands over the microphone on some tracks. Jayhawks is a band after all, so why not act like one! Such an approach stimulates their melodic creativity (Homecoming) and style, as heard on some more melancholic acoustic tracks (Living in a Bubble and its Kinks/Harry Nilsson melody) and heavier electric ones (Dogtown Days). Bitter Pill, a very Jayhawks sounding track, has country flavours à la Flying Burrito Brothers, luxurious vocal harmonies and powerful choruses fit for campfires or dinner parties. A classic and confident record. © Marc Zisman/Qobuz