Which Jayhawks To Get ?

Been seeing posts regarding the Jayhawks here over time and have never heard much of their music. Anyone have any input as to what would be the best album to start out with?

 

There was a prior thread on this, with widely varying recommendations, but I think "Hollywood Town Hall" from 1992 is their best. The vocal interplay between Mark Olson (who left a few years later) and Gary Louris is gorgeous, and there isn't a clinker in the tracklist.

 

I'll vote for Tomorrow the Green Grass.

 

I like all the old stuff but their most recent "Rainy Day Music" is a very strong album and probably the most accessible for a new fan.

Tom

 

Another vote for:
Hollywood Town Hall
Tomorrow the Green Grass

Remarkable music......

 

jayhawks

This thread pops up like herpes

Just to throw a monkey wrench into the works I will say that I love "The Sound of Lies" but, without going into the whole history of the band suffice it to say it was a departure album and, as good as it is, maybe not the place to start. Definitely a place to visit though. Check out The Thorns and Golden Smog as well

Enjoy!
Norm

 

Rainy Day Music.

I like the new stuff better than the old stuff and I just got into them a few months ago because of this forum.

Get the limited edition bonus CD of Rainy Day Music before it becomes a collectors item NOW!

 

I agree wholeheartedly with Tom on this one, nearly all are great, but this one just seems more accessible, or should I say, listener-friendly

 

I've been a fan since Hollywood Town Hall, which I'd recommend as tops along with Sounds of Lies. For me, those two are the best of the lineups - with and without Mark Olson.

Lots of recs are on this thread, as well:

http://www.stevehoffman.tv/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=13798&highlight=Jayhawks

 

And another vote


.............with special mention for Rainy Day Music.

 

Don't forget to snag these live tracks

http://discover.npr.org/features/feature.jhtml?wfId=1251146

 

Hollywood Town Hall
Tomorrow the Green Grass

 

HOLLYWOOD TOWN HALL

They added a female vocalist for Tomorrow the Green Grass

 

I think The Sound of Lies is a brilliant LP. For some reason it seems to have fallen off the critical radar but IMO it's wonderful. I think Tomorrow the Green Grass Grows is the place to start. 'Blue' is one of the most insanely perfect songs EVER.

Chris

 

Tom, Based on this thread I bought the vinyl "Rainy Day Music". It's good, I plan to try to get some more of their stuff.

 

If you're into rootsy rock, Hollywood Town Hall or Tomorrow the Green Grass are the best (though the latest, Rainy Day Music, is also excellent). My personal favorite is Smile, one of the most perfect Beatlesque, pop albums ever recorded.

 

Their second album, "Blue Earth", has recently been reissued on CD (Restless/Rykodisc). This early work shows some of the brilliance that would reach full fruition on "Hollywood Town Hall".

 

Me too...
I always go to this album

 

Jayhawks

Has anyone heard the impossible to find Bunkhouse debut?
Peace-
Norm

 

The vinyl is the way to go because it's the only way you can still get the 6 bonus tracks. They were only available on the CD for the first pressing. I'm sure you could find it but will take some hunting. I'm glad you are enjoying
them, they definitely grow on you.

Tom

 

Re: Jayhawks

Sigh. MP3s of the entire album were available at the old fan site hollywoodtownhall.com, but the site is now defunct and I never got around to downloading them.
The original LPs go for silly amounts of money on eBay.

Dan C

 

This one gets my vote too!!!!
The fidelity and mix is slightly better on Rainy Day Music
but the songs are nowhere near as distinctive.

 

I really like the music on the 'Rainy Day Music' CD, but the sonics leave something to be desired, IMHO. It sounds clipped and/or compressed to me. Has anyone looked at this (CD) with Cool Edit etc.?
Tom

 

Rainy Day is LOUD! But it is their most accesible. A good starter kit.