The aching harmonies of co-founders Mark Olson and Gary Louris made The Jayhawks the standard-bearers for the alt/country set throughout the 90s. After two critically acclaimed albums, however, Olson quit the band, leaving its future uncertain. Without the trademark dynamic duo, the rest of the band considered a change of name, but in the end Gary Louris picked up the mantle and became the band's chief singer and songwriter.

Their sound has undergone a thorough metamorphosis since the Hollywood Town Hall days and personally I think what they're doing now is better. Their music has drifted well beyond the folk/country/rock genre and on their newest Smile, The Jayhawks sound about like a cross between ELO and Fleetwood Mac. Gary Louris sounds so much like Jeff Lynne that it's uncanny and on "Wildest Dreams" they sound so much like vintage ELO, that you can close your eyes and imagine an 8-track player with a pack of matches wedged under to keep the music from slurring. I almost wanted to cry for my fading youth--on the other hand itÕs nice not having to worry about acne.

The backing vocals of Karen Grotberg and newcomer Jen Gunderman, give songs like "What Led Me To This Town" and Smile a rich textured depth that not only echo Fleetwood Mac but at times The Mamas and The Papas. The songs that bear the most resemblance to The Jayhawks of old, have the same kind of grace and soul that brings to mind the folkier side of The Grateful Dead.

Smile is an album that is aptly named and as consistently strong as the last releases by Wilco, Fountains of Wayne and Semisonic.