#22 The Jayhawks


One of the bands most responsible for my explosive and never-ending interest in music that hit in the mid-90s. Right around the time I discovered Uncle Tupelo, there was Minneapolis' The Jayhawks. The perfect sound for what I was seeking out at the time. As much as folks have credited Uncle Tupelo with being the fathers of the alt.country movement, The Jayhawks released Bunkhouse in 1986, and the more widely-adored Blue Earth in 1989. Gary Louris and Mark Olson were the Everly Brothers of that time: gorgeous melodies, beautiful songwriting, and to this day, they remain one of the most unfairly under-appreciated bands ever. If the Avett Brothers could reach the masses, The Jayhawks should've been stars. Think the Avetts or any other "Americana" band of the day, but with depth and longevity.

Best record? Hollywood Town Hall (1992)

 Where are they now? There have many, many incarnations of The Jayhawks, but the real nucleus broke up in 1995, later to re-form a few years back, and they're now back to being Mark Olson-less. A new record is supposedly on the way, but touring is now at a minimum.

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