A Gem Any Way you Look At It
Lance G. Rigley | Brisbane, Queensland Australia | 10/07/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"In 1979 I thought this was a superb album,in 2000 my opinion has not changed.I feel so strongly about this collection,that it still has a place in my 20 top album recordings of all time.It certainly ranks alongside *Sweetheart of the Rodeo*,by the Parsons/Hillman influenced Byrds,*Running On Empty* by Jackson Browne and Self titled,Robbie Robertson as masterpieces in there own right. Whether you think this a reflocking of the Byrds(nearly!)or three individual talents reuniting and using there developed talents in all respects,through vocals,song writing and production,..it doesnt matter,the only thing that matters is the results.If you love the rich and varied canvas that is pop music buy this CD.It should be in everyone collection.Simply put this was a rare combination of stellar talents reuniting all their influences and skills to write sing and produce a contemporary counrty rock flavoured retrospective into the 60s and 70s,encapulating all the folk and pop influences that had guided the Byrds to superstardom.Every track on this recording in excellent and is stamped with the individuality of McGuinn Clarke and Hillman,but also benefits from lush and innovative production.Taken on a simple level it is a contemporay collection close to a *best of* example of what the three artists could do.The feel of this collection made me think of Jimmy Webb or Burt Bacharch,where songs lyrics melody and production are paramount.It has been played by me,in its vinyl manifestation for over 20 years and it sounds as good today as it did then.The single *Dont You write Her Off Like That*is classic pop,but is only a small sample of what is good on this recording.The first 5 tracks are as close as you will get to perfectly produced and written contemporary pop/country rock at that time.You cannot help but sing along and be washed over by the vocals and lush production.Lead voclas are shared and the harmonies are superb.I personally like the vocals of McGuinn on the more pastoral and beautiful *Bye Bye Baby* to close the set.It reminded me of Ballard of Easy Rider,and highlighted the vocal skills of McGuinn, AGAIN.!!! The tracks *Stopping Traffic*,*Backstage Pass*,*Long Long Time*,in fact all the tracks seem to meld perfectly together and have that eternal feel of freshness in lyric content and musical longetivity.I was surprised to see that this is an import in the US,but I would personally recommend anyone buy this no matter what the price.This is an example of a record that was produced when everything went right and it all came together on the day.A classic collection of enduring contemporary pop.I ,not surprisingly have given this 5 stars and would certainly rank this in personal musical gems....buy it!!!!"
A wonderful "Byrds" sampler...
Debra E. Blick | USA | 02/01/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Back in 1979, when this record was released, I listened with a wary ear; being a Byrds/Poco fan for so long, I didn't know what to expect. Aside from the Top 40 hit "Don't You Write Her Off...", I was amazed that the lyrical and musical content did not stray from the writers' roots of country rock. In 1979, with disco and punk rock on the heels of country rock music, the band's choice to stand firm in their musical genre proves to stand the test of time. Listen to this gem now and see why Roger, Gene (rest in peace) and Chris are one of music's finest musicians and songwriters."
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1
