Mockingbird Time

If any two vocalists needed each other it’s Gary Louris and Mark Olson. Together, they create timeless harmonies that invigorate the alt-country-rock genre. After touring together for several years, they’ve finally put the band back together and done what fans have been dreaming of since the mid-‘90s. With their roots in Chris Hillman-based Byrds music, they deliver the goods on the chiming “She Walks In So Many Ways.” “High Water Blues” adds extra horsepower, while “Black-eyed Susan,” with its lovely violin saws, is an epic ballad. “Hide Your Colors” and “Closer to Your Side” create an organic approach to their Hollywood Town Hall days. “Stand Out In the Rain” lurches like vintage Neil Young and “Tiny Arrows” evokes memories of Young’s magnificent On the Beach. “Pouring Rain At Dawn” hits a perfect crawling-through-the-desert effect. The Deluxe Edition is loaded with goodies. Extra album tracks such as “Touch the Stars” and “Darkest Hour” plus an in-depth video documentary about the history and creative center of the band as well as several filmed rehearsal sessions and a soundcheck make it the essential package.