Tim O'Reagan

Tim O'Reagan

BY Kerry DoolePublished Aug 1, 2006

Normally, news that a drummer is stepping upfront with his debut solo album is cause for anxiety, not anticipation. When he is with a band as credible and talented as roots rock veterans the Jayhawks, however, hopes are higher. They are fulfilled with this very enjoyable outing from Tim O’Reagan. It is a musically diverse album, one that often crosses into the melodic pop territory sometimes explored by the ’Hawks. This is more Beatles and Badfinger than the Flying Burrito Brothers, as Tim reveals a strong British Invasion influence in his songs and pleasant vocals. O’Reagan plays guitar and bass as well as drums, and calls upon 17 other musicians, so this is not a sparse, stripped-down record. Those lending a hand include Jayhawk comrades Marc Perlman, Mark Olson and Gary Louris. The lavish production and background vocals occasionally overwhelm such songs as "Highway Flowers” and "Ivy,” while the steel guitar on "River Bends” is a little too intrusive — a case of more being less. A generally satisfying work, nonetheless.
(Lost Highway)

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