While technically not the Jayhawks’ debut (that would be the eponymous collection of songs from 1986 usually referred to as the Bunkhouse album), Blue Earth, released in 1989, was the record that first garnered national attention for the Minneapolis band and specifically the partnership of Mark Olson and Gary Louris. Their kinship was established right out of the gate on the opener “Two Angels”, which begins with a blast of harmonica straight outta Nebraska and the two-part harmony that would become the band’s signature.
Upon re-examination via this remastered and expanded reissue, much of Blue Earth feels overtly modeled on Gram Parsons, specifically his Sweethearts Of The Rodeo stint with the Byrds. It is musically thin in patches and doesn’t start with its strongest material (the aforementioned “Two Angels” would be more fully realized when the band re-recorded it for 1992’s Hollywood Town Hall). The beauty of Blue Earth lies more in its vibe and the authenticity of its performances, even as the Jayhawks veer toward outright Parsons re-creation. And there’s no missing the appeal of the effortless vocals traded and blended between Olson and Louris.
The best songs are those co-authored by the pair: “Ain’t No End” (with an assist from bassist Marc Perlman), “Five Cups Of Coffee” and “The Baltimore Sun”, plus Olson’s fine closer, “Martin’s Song”. On the last, Louris turns in the kind of expressive guitar solo that would distinguish much of Hollywood Town Hall and his work beyond.
The Blue Earth reissue adds three previously unreleased bonus tracks from the era, each with its own charms: “Fingernail Moon”, which sounds like a direct attempt at Nashville pop; “Nightshade”, a fun roadhouse blues number that’s soft around the edges; and the surprisingly substantial “Two Minute Pop Song”, featuring a heartfelt Olson vocal and some fine understated playing from Louris.
In hindsight, Blue Earth sounds like an album of elements and influences, of spirits kindred, and the place where which a brilliant musical partnership first flourished.
