Search - Roger McGuinn :: Thunderbyrd (Dig)

Good, not great

Jack F. Chavoor | Fresno, CA | 03/11/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Many might like Cardiff Rose or Back from Rio better than Thunderbyrd, and they could make a strong case. But the 9 songs here are good, especially when you consider some of McGuinn's other, much less listenable solo efforts, and there are a few Byrds albums--Farther Along, and the reunion album from '73-- that can't come close to the consistency here. If you're a McGuinn fan you'll like it."

Like the car...A Classic!

psychedelic surfer | Ohio | 06/04/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Having released an album just about every year prior, I think that Roger McGuinne set out to "go out on top" before taking a extended leave. He assembled a tight band, had come off the road after having been part of Bob Dylan's Rolling Thunder revue for two years and had gathered some fine songs that he'd cover in addition to his own songs.



If timing is crucial, 1977 couldn't have been worse. New Wave and Punk music held much of the public's attention. McGuinne's roots extended back before The Byrds he'd honed and into folk music, leaving him branded as not current (or worse).



The lack of air play and attention left this truely fine album without much of an audiance. It opens with a tastier version of Peter Frampton's "All Night Long" and closes with a moody "Russian Hill" that evokes the past much like Led Zeppelin's "Ten Years Gone". In between, there are a mix of country rock songs that are close to Tom Petty's "American Girl", which Roger covers magnificently. If you haven't heard this but are a fan, do yourself a favor and have a listen!"