Some partnerships were just meant to be. Ever since alt-country
pioneers The Jayhawks broke up—though Olson and Louris have both
released highly acclaimed solo albums—it was never quite the same.
For the first time since 1995, the two have recorded together for an
album that showcases how well their voices mesh. When those harmonies
click, like on “Turn Your Pretty Name Around,” it’s bliss. The unsung
hero, though, is producer Chris Robinson (ex-Black Crowes), who had the
sensible restraint to throw these two into a studio with guitars and
see what happened. An intimate performance—blue notes and all.
This article appears in Feb 26 – Mar 4, 2009.