20 Signs of Life From 2003

The path leading from Mark Olson’s departure to psychedelic pop and increasingly ambitious songcraft has proven longer than some expected. But with Rainy Day Music the Jayhawks have finally come full circle. Whether a reward to patient fans, or simply a return to the band’s roots, Gary Louris and company wander back into familiar territory with their most conventional set of songs since Tomorrow the Green Grass. Back are the rich harmonies and alternately twanging and chiming guitars that formed their once-definitive sound. New entries like “Stumbling Through the Dark” and “Save It for a Rainy Day” rank among the best in Louris’ canon. They recall bands that pioneered the sound from which Louris seemingly wished to distance himself. And while no one should argue Louris’ time spent in exploration was in any way wasted, his efforts during that time only occasionally displayed the confidence and informal warmth the songs on Rainy Day Music seem so naturally imbued with. More than anything, Louris sounds like a man who’s finally come to terms with the fact that what he does best now is the same thing he did best when Mark Olson used to share his writing credits. And while it was an interesting ride, it’s nice to have The Jayhawks home.