Blue Earth
In the mid-'80s, the last thing the world expected from the frosty hometown ofPrinceand theReplacementswas a band that perfectly captured the spirit ofGram Parsons. Long before anyone had heard of alt-country, the Jayhawks redefined the Minneapolis sound and damn near perfected it on this 1989 sophomore effort. From the evocative pop of "Two Angels" to the hauntingly resonant "I'm Still Dreaming, Now I'm Yours," it's less rock-centric than the group's subsequent George Drakoulias-produced albums, but no less memorable. All in all, a perfect showcase forMark Olsonand Gary Louris's songwriting and harmonies.--Bill Forman