With Sound of Lies, The Jayhawks pulled away from strictly country rock and took a more alternative direction. “The Man Who Loved Life” recalls The Beatles, with big, bold piano and a ’60s-pop background-vocal style on its high-flying choruses. And although “Big Star” isn't actually about the Alex Chilton–led band, it often recalls their bright power pop and infectious melodies. But The Jayhawks are still rootsy at heart, and they close with the melancholy, folky title track.