The latest CD releases reviewed

MARK OLSON & GARY LOURIS
Ready for the Flood New West ****
Here's one reunion that will put a smile on faces. By all accounts their recent Dublin show was a resounding success, not surprising as there is a wonderful intuitive musical understanding between this pair. Olson and Louris previously played together when they piloted the excellent Jayhawks to cult glory. The Minneapolis band has been out of commission for some time, but they are fondly remembered, and this collection of thoughtful, acoustic guitar-led songs is redolent of their great days, with Louris's pragmatic temperament a perfect foil for Olson's flakey inclinations. Their simple yet complex harmonies are a joy, and the understated arrangements seem apt for these winningly modest and honest songs of love lost and lives lived. Classy, slowburning country rock such as Turn Your Pretty Nameis a warm blanket for these cold times. www.myspace.com/readyfortheflood JOE BREEN

Download tracks: Turn Your Pretty Name, Bicycle, Black Eyes