Blue Earth

Blue Earth is one of the strongest Jayhawks albums but easily the oddest one in terms of its gestation. The Jayhawks had released their self-titled debut album on their own and recorded these demos in hopes of signing a major-label deal. This being the '80s, the majors passed, but the indie label Twin/Tone signed the group. Original Jayhawk Gary Louris, who'd been in a car accident and had left the group, rejoined and overdubbed his parts. This explains why the majority of the tunes are written by Mark Olson alone, with Louris contributing to "Five Cups of Coffee," "The Baltimore Sun," and "Red Firecracker." The looser, underproduced feel works to the band's advantage and points out some obvious debts to Gram Parsons and The Flying Burrito Brothers. "She's Not Alone Anymore," "Will I Be Married," and "Commonplace Streets" are solid country-rock with no-nonsense approaches. "Two Angels" and "Martin's Song" would appear in greater detail on Hollywood Town Hall. Three outtakes—"Fingernail Moon," "Two Minute Pop Song," and "Nightshade"—are bonuses.