Paging Mr. Proust

2016 album from the Americana/rock pioneers. Paging Mr. Proust finds the 2016 Jayhawks still remain one of America's foremost rock bands: based around leader Gary Louris' gift for melody that has made them such a respected and seminal group for almost three decades. Paging Mr. Proust features the long-time core of the Jayhawks: Louris (lead vox/guitars), Marc Perlman (bass), Tim O'Reagan (drums/vox), and Karen Grotberg (keyboards/vox). From the jangle of album opener "Quiet Corners & Empty Spaces" to the trademark harmonies of "Isabel's Daughter" to the more pensive "Lover Of The Sun", it is clear that The Jayhawks' power remains undiminished from their initial national impact, 1992's Hollywood Town Hall. Other tracks such as the sludgy rocker "Lost The Summer", the kraut-rock groove of "Ace" and the taut minimalism of "Comeback Kids" bring new sounds to the palette. Paging Mr. Proust shows a commitment to adventure and forward motion, which makes this collection of songs exciting and instantly memorable.