Music Forecast 2003

Sing a Simple Song

Fans disappointed by the high-gloss sunniness of 2000's ''Smile'' should be thrilled by the Minneapolis band's contemplative seventh album, ''Rainy Day Music.'' Produced by Ethan Johns (Ryan Adams' ''Gold''), it's a stripped-down, rootsy affair, full of the sort of overcast songs implied by the title. Most of the CD was recorded live in the studio with few overdubs. ''There was not a computer involved in the project until the mastering. Basically, the lead vocals, acoustic guitar, bass, and drums were all live on all the songs,'' says frontman Gary Louris. ''That was very important for me.'' The studio itself -- L.A.'s historic Sunset Sound, where Buffalo Springfield, Joni Mitchell, and many others recorded -- also contributed to the vibe. ''I like having history,'' says Louris. ''There's a reason certain studios have good music come out of them and others don't.'' (April 1)