To end another wonderful decade of great music, I’m going to write about ten albums from each of the last ten years, that are either great, or hold some sort of personal significance. A musical kiss off to 00s.

2003 – #8. The Jayhawks – Rainy Day Music
(Lost Highway)

Yet another last album. What was with 2003? The Jayhawks had suffered so many indignities, and it looked like they were finally on the right label (roots rock hitmakers Lost Highway), with the right record – Rainy Day Music.

It was touted as a return to country rock form – but that isn’t strictly true. Taking away the commercial pop leanings of their last two albums, Louris did return to acoustic guitars and simple, low key tunes. But it has little country – it’s a folk album, with a fair bit of power-pop.

Louris gave us some of his best songs in this collection. All the Right Reasons, Save It For A Rainy Day, Come To the River, Stumbling Through the Dark… it’s worth noting that this year’s best of, Music From the North Country, had as many songs from this album as Tomorrow the Green Grass and Hollywood Town Hall.

The album got rave reviews. It was on many best of the year lists, especially in folk and country circles. Yet, they still couldn’t get their career to the next level. It must have been so disheartening, and by the end of the year, the band have gone on ‘hiatus’.

The Jayhawks I think still exist, technically. Whether there will ever be another album under that name is a different story.