Singer-songwriter Gary Louris, best known as the frontman of alt-country pioneers The Jayhawks, continues to evolve his sound with the heartfelt track “Two Birds” from his upcoming solo album Dark Country (out today February 14, 2025). The song celebrates partnership and resilience, highlighting Louris’ blend of classic rock warmth and introspective lyrics, while the music video features a charming retro aesthetic reminiscent of a home movie made for grandparents. Now, now, don’t think I’m being all judgy. It’s a cute video, and anyway, I think I’m one of the rare people who has never actually cared about music videos. But don’t mistake the video’s folksy, DIY vibe for simplicity: its nostalgic tone cleverly mirrors the track’s timeless melody and themes of enduring connection.
Two Birds: A Love Letter in Sound and Vision
“Two Birds” pairs jangly guitar riffs with Louris’ weathered yet tender vocals, evoking the spirit of 1970s rock while feeling refreshingly modern. Lyrically, the song nods to the strength of unity, with lines like “We’ll go walking arm in arm, we don’t mean nobody harm.” The music video leans into this sentiment, stitching together candid clips that feel plucked from a family archive; think grainy footage of sunlit picnics and slow-dancing couples. While the production might initially strike some as quaint, it ultimately underscores the song’s sincerity, suggesting that love and music thrive best when stripped of pretense.
Louris has described Dark Country as a “love letter” to his wife, Stephanie, whom he married in 2020. The album, recorded in their Quebec home studio, marks his most personal work, with “Two Birds” as its emotional centerpiece. Totally swoon-worthy that he wrote an album for his wife. Adorbs.
Gary Louris: A Legacy of Reinvention
A founding member of The Jayhawks, Louris helped shape the alt-country genre with albums like Hollywood Town Hall (1992) and Tomorrow the Green Grass (1995). After the band’s hiatus in 2005, he pursued solo projects and collaborations, including the 2008 album Vagabonds and side projects like Au Pair. His return to The Jayhawks in the 2010s reaffirmed his status as a linchpin of Americana, blending folk roots with pop experimentation.
Catch Gary Louris on Tour
Louris will support Dark Country with a North American tour kicking off in March 2025. Highlights include:
- March 20: Colony (Woodstock, NY)
- March 22: City Winery (New York City) – hey this one’s on my birthday!
- March 29: The Parkway Theater (Minneapolis, MN)
- April 4–5: Red Bird (Ottawa, Canada)
Visit his official website for full dates and tickets.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to his work, “Two Birds” offers a perfect entry point into Louris’ world, where authenticity and melody collide, and even the simplest moments resonate like classic rock anthems.
How adorable, he and his wife Stephanie have a long song playlist on Spotify. #Swoon
Gary & Steph’s Love Songs
