Gary Louris has been talking about it for years, and fans -- the ones who don't already have a bootlegged copy -- have been clamoring for it for even longer. Lost Highway Records finally announced today that the Jayhawks' self-titled 1986 debut record will be reissued on May 18. Widely known as the "Bunkhouse Album" after the small label it came out on (operated by the band's then-manager Charlie Pine), the 13-track collection was only issued once as a 2,000-copy pressing on vinyl. One track from the album, "Falling Star," was included in last year's two-disc anthology, "Music From the North Country." Other songs on it include "Tried and True Love," "King of Kings," "The Liquor Store Came First" and "Six Pack on the Dashboard," the latter two titles a good indicator of the yahoo-flavored country-rock that permeates the record (well before alt-country became in vogue).

And another sign of what's old is cool again: This reissue pressing will include vinyl editions, in addition to CDs and downloads. There won't be any bonus tracks on the reissues, though. Those of you who bootlegged it years ago will only have your conscience to entice you to buy it, then.

In other Jayhawks news, Louris is playing a few assorted solo dates in May, including one at the Broadway Theater in beautiful Wabasha, Minn., which promises to be a pretty special gig. Click here for ticket info.