The Jayhawks – Smile (2xLP)

Just as they've done with their earlier albums, the Jayhawks — the beloved Minnesota twang-rockers — have reissued their three 1997-2003 albums Sound of Lies, Smile and Rainy Day Music as expanded double LP vinyl sets. Each features bonus tracks, fresh artwork and new liner notes. High-quality plating and 180-gram pressing by Quality Record Pressings ensures maximum fidelity!

The three albums were made after original Jayhawks co-leader Mark Olson left the band in 1995 and feature Gary Louris at the helm. Reviewers characterize their sound as more rock-oriented than their previous counterparts, particularly 2000's Smile," which was produced by Bob Ezrin (Pink Floyd, Alice Cooper).

"In the mid-1980s, this Minneapolis band shared tavern stages with fellow hometown punk bands like the Replacements and Soul Asylum, dishing out a then-unique blend of country-rock that pre-dated 'alt country' by a decade. More than 15 years later, their sixth album was also their second without cofounder Mark Olson. Led by Gary Louris, the newfangled Jayhawks play pop music in the truest sense of the word, and Smile is another trademarked batch of their heartrending laments: hooks that you can't get out of your head ('I'm Gonna Make You Love Me'); melodies snatched off of '70s AM radio ('Mr. Wilson'); epic harmonies from the Big Star handbook ('What Led Me to This Town'); and even a modest attempt at Midwestern hip-hop ('Somewhere in Ohio'). Produced by Bob Ezrin (Pink Floyd's The Wall), Smile is a tad slicker than 1997's Sound of Lies. But like its predecessor, this record's charm rests in a handful of dazzling ballads ('Better Days,' 'A Break in the Clouds' and 'Broken Harpoon') — polished, yes, but never overbearing." — Amazon.com

All of the original tracks on the three newest reissues were remastered in April 2014 by renowned mastering engineer Vic Anesini at Battery Studios in NYC using original analog sources whenever possible.

Sound of Lies and Rainy Day Music were only originally released on vinyl in very limited quantities so their reissue is great news for vinyl fans. Also back on the market are deluxe reissues of the seminal Hollywood Town Hall and Tomorrow the Green Grass, both also plated and pressed by QRP.

• The Jayhawks' Sound of Lies, Smile and Rainy Day Music reissued
• Each a deluxe 180-gram 2 LP edition; Smile first time on vinyl!
• Remastered in April 2014 using original analog sources whenever possible
• Bonus tracks included; plated and pressed by Quality Record Pressings!