Mark Olson

Ready for the Flood mirrors the first impression of the partnership of the Jayhawks founders, Mark Olson and Gary Louris, finally reunited after 13 years. Recorded in eight days, it's a gut-checked affair produced by the Black Crowes' Chris Robinson, who surpasses the less-is-more mantra to achieve a Zen-like level of zero intervention. Like Blue Earth, the collection relies on little more than the dynamic of the songwriters and a couple of strumming guitars keeping things afloat. Like always, their songs are faded and familiar, with plenty of space and elegant harmonies.

Mark Olson and Gary Louris' new disc may not be the Jayhawks reunion some fans hoped
for, but it's a respectable set of mostly acoustic folk songs sweetened by the duo's bright,
sibling-like harmonies. Most of the music here is slow and muted: In "Saturday Morning on
Sunday Street," the two channel Simon and Garfunkel like they used to channel the Burrito
Brothers. This isn't trailblazing work, but on tracks like "The Rose Society," Olso... More >