Sunday, 9 May 2021

Clouds by The Jayhawks

Trust me #24

Back in 1993 there was a BBC Scotland show called No Stilettos, featuring bands filmed live in the lovely setting of Cottiers Theatre in the West End of Glasgow. Hosted by Eddie Reader, bands like The Lemonheads, Trashcan Sinatras, Aztec Camera, BMX Bandits and American Music Club passed through the doors, on to the stage and on to our screens.

As a 17-year old soaking up alternative guitar pop from as many sources as possible in a pre-internet age, it seemed like this programme had been created directly for me. 

In addition to the acts mentioned above, a band called The Jayhawks played, promoting their 3rd LP, the outstanding Hollywood Town Hall.

Clouds and Wichita were the 2-songs filmed for the show, there was possibly a 3rd but I can distinctly remember these two. I bought the album soon afterwards.

Mark Olson on lead vocals and acoustic guitar, alongside Gary Louris on electric guitar and harmonies, absolutely captivated me. The way their voices and guitars combined seemed so effortless and vital. They looked like a proper band, Olson was all smiles, strumming his acoustic way up the neck, Louris made it look easy.

Mark Olson & Gary Louris

So many American bands get that combination of acoustic and electric guitars spot on, The Jayhawks sure hit a sweet spot with rock, country, folk and what would become known as Americana or alt country.

While browsing YouTube I came across this amazing Hollywood Town Hall press kit video the band made for promoting the album.


I've decided to write a blog on Hollywood Town Hall in the near future. In the meantime, I chose to write about Clouds for my monthly Trust Me feature.

Clouds bursts into life with electric guitar, organ and acoustic guitar all at once before Gary Louris settles into a riff, beautifully underpinned by Mark Olson's acoustic.

It's not just the guitars that sound so good together. Louris and Olson's voices gel beautifully as they harmonise, particularly as they sing can you see them shine on the chorus.

Can your diamonds talk to you? Can you see them shine?
Keep them hiding in your room, can they guide you in your time?
Can they guide you in your time?

Clouds is like a burst of warm sunshine pouring through a window and seeping into your room. The closing 50 second instrumental builds and the last 30 seconds are a band in full flight.

Screw that, go back to the start. Clouds is 4 minutes 52 seconds of the band flying; swooping, soaring, gliding, playing ... and then there is the majestic closing instrumental.

The way the band settle into a groove after the initial intro burst is just glorious, Olson's lyrics are kind of Dylan style string of consciousness, fitting together, leading to the chorus. Louris harmonises in all the right places, the little riffs he fires off are stunning, the keys/organ underneath are beautiful and help lift the song. 

Clouds and The Jayhawks made an immediate impression on me all those years ago. It was also a lasting one, I've really enjoyed revisiting Hollywood Town Hall as an album and I'm going to work through their catalogue.


You can check all the songs I've featured in my Trust Me series by searching for Everything Flows Trust Me on Spotify or by CLICKING HERE

God of the rich man ain't the God for the poor
God, men and the state hospital is closed, and wouldn't you know
Winos and office girls in the park
Wanted you alone to walk beside her
Wanted you alone to live beside her, it was morning
Better roads with light on them

Can your diamonds talk to you? Can you see them shine?
Keep them hiding in your room, can they guide you in your time?
Can they guide you in your time?

Windows were broken by your dear one's hands
Gates left swinging by your dear one's hands
An old book statesmen asked if he could step in.
The sidewalks you slept on held no rest
Gave away the money you saved in your trust
You're sorry now
Light hits you funny at the time

Can your diamonds talk to you? Can you see them shine?
Keep them hiding in your room, can they guide you in your time?
Can they guide you in your time?

The sidewalks, you slept on
They're so broken
They're so broken down
I'll meet you there
I'll meet you there

Years before and the trees would start to bloom
You walked outside, wanted back in your room, what did you hope for
Turn the corner while you slept.
God of the rich man, ain't the God for the poor
God, men and the state hospital is closed and won't you know
Winos and office girls in the park

Can your diamonds talk to you? Can you see them shine?
Keep them hiding in your room, can they guide you in your time?
Can they guide you in your time?

Written by Gary Louris & Mark Olson


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