Blue Earth (album)

History

After the local release of their debut album The Jayhawks, the band recorded a set of demos in order to attract a major label deal. Singer/guitarist Gary Louris was injured in a car accident and left the band. Their manager was able to interest Twin/Tone Records in releasing the demos. Louris went to the studio to overdub his guitar parts and ended up re-joining the band. The re-mixed demos were released as Blue Earth.

"Martin's Song" and "Two Angels" were later re-recorded on Hollywood Town Hall.

Blue Earth was re-issued on CD on the Rykodisc label in 2003 with three bonus tracks.

Reception

In his review for Allmusic, critic Jason Ankeny wrote that due to the songs originally being demos, they lack punch, and noted "the songs are simply too primitive to come to life in this setting. Nonetheless, the growth of the band's songwriting skills over their debut is substantial..." Music critic Robert Christgau gave the album an A- rating, noting "Gram Parsons comparisons get you nowhere, but I'm not kidding—this is the obliquely songful followup the Burritos never made."

Track listing

All songs written by Mark Olson except as noted.

1. "Two Angels" – 4:07
2. "She's Not Alone Anymore" – 3:23
3. "Will I Be Married" – 3:53
4. "Dead End Angel" – 3:40
5. "Commonplace Streets" – 5:21
6. "Ain't No End" (Olson, Greg Louris, Marc Perlman) – 3:45
7. "Five Cups of Coffee" (Olson, Louris) – 3:52
8. "The Baltimore Sun" (Olson, Louris) – 3:10
9. "Red Firecracker" (Louris, Olson) – 3:08
10. "Sioux City" – 3:11
11. "I'm Still Dreaming, Now I'm Yours" – 3:45
12. "Martin's Song" – 3:31

Bonus tracks on 2003 re-issue:

1. "Fingernail Moon"
2. "Two Minute Pop Song"
3. "Nightshade"

Personnel

Additional musicians: