Jayhawks

One of the reasons we’re not too worried about covering the latest and greatest whosies and whatsits here in the Broken Clock is that we want to reserve space for the timeless, the classic, the perennial favorites. A great sin of the present generation is assuming that local heroes the Jayhawks have done nothing notable since Hollywood Town Hall, or since cofounder Mark Olson ditched the band. But listen: Smile, which came out in 2000, was every bit as hummable, memorable, and collectible. We have it in our CD player right now to prove it. Many critics were not so much pleasantly surprised by Smile as they were wholly knocked on their asses. We don’t know whether there’s a new record in the works or not, but we’re pleased Gary Louris still makes his home here, and is showing no sign of corruption in the pure, clear folk rock he seems to generate effortlessly. For all their evil ways, major labels still have their pride—and the fact that they continue to support franchise players like the Jayhawks is cause enough to celebrate peace on earth and goodwill toward the Man. Don’t let the holidays distract you from what’s really important—this happy hometown gig from a local treasure.