Gary Louris – Acoustic Vagabonds

This is not an album for everyone, but it is a very good album if you’re one of those who enjoys some alone time, some self reflection, and a bit of buoyancy under a starlit sky with an acoustic set of music that is revealing, yet undemanding with the soft magic it brings.

Unlike most lo-fi material out there that comes across sounding lazy and unfinished, as if anyone could strum some notes, string together a chord, and sing out of key, to my way of thinking Acoustic Vagabonds is what lo-fi music actually should be, as the songs are simple, played under a gentle hand and sung with intention. Yes, Gary Louris has selected six tracks from his solo album Vagabonds, and created an emotional intimacy, leaving other listeners with less aspirations, or perhaps patience, to say that these very good songs sound more stiff than when backed by a solid band … but I find myself not always wanting the full effect, nearly craving something more inspirational, something that shines without weight, and stand with presence on its own two feet.

Louris has given us a sweet little EP, a window into his world, certainly sounding like something from a bygone era when a skilled musician could take the stage alone with his guitar. To that end, these acoustic songs will not put you to sleep, nor will they fill your head with depression, leaving you running for the Valium bottle … it’s just smiling fine back porch singing and strumming to slide you into the evening.

Review by Jenell Kesler