The Byrds are a legendary band that always seemed to be
falling apart. After their initial success, Gene Clark first left to seek
his fortune elsewhere, followed soon by David Crosby. The Gram Parsons
whirlwind swept in then swept out, taking Chris Hillman with him. By the
late 60s, Roger McGuinn was the only original member left, but he had put
together a solid lineup with ace guitarist Clarence White and the crack rhythm
section of Skip Batten and Gene (no relation to Gram) Parsons. This outfit
wasn't out to change the world, they just wanted to make good music. Ballad
of Easy Rider carries a laid back, country-folk vibe that would soon come
to dominate pop music. But the tunes on this album are as good as any in
the band's formidable catalog and the playing is always clear and sharp, never
lazy.
Like most Byrds albums, writing contributions come from several band members
mixed with a selection of covers and traditional songs. The title song,
however, comes from McGuinn himself and is the album's best known
song. The theme from the iconic movie, and supposedly co-written by an
uncredited Bob Dylan, the song is both simple and
infectious. "Fido" is a slice of country funk penned by former
band member John York. With a nice little percussion breakdown in the
middle, it's a cool jam session condensed down to a neat 2:40. The band
tackles a pair of traditional folk tunes with "Oil in My Lamp," a
catchy sing-a-long, and the sea chantey "Jack Tarr the Sailor." They
also turn in a nice pair of country covers with "Tulsa County" and a
beautiful rendition of Vern Gosdin's "There Must Be Someone (I Can Turn
To)."
The oddest track on the album just might be "Jesus Is Just
Alright." The band takes a short, little gospel song and gives it a
trippy, psychedelic backing, the only real bit of psychedelia on the
album. The Doobie Brothers would score a hit with their version a few
years later, but the Byrds' take is the one to hear. Every incarnation of
the Byrds has turned to Bob Dylan's songbook for inspiration and this album is
no different. This fantastic version of "It's All Over Now, Baby
Blue" ranks as one of their best Dylan covers. They also take on
Dylan's hero Woody Guthrie with a moving take on "Deportee (Plane Wreck at
Los Gatos)." McGuinn's mournful vocal is one of his most powerful
performances. Gene Parsons proves his songwriting chops as well with the
catchy, relaxed vibe of "Gunga Din." The album concludes with a
short tribute the Apollo astronauts "Armstrong, Aldrin and Collins." While
lacking the hits of their early career, Ballad of Easy Rider is a strong
entry in The Byrds' catalog. It's an overlooked classic well worth
checking out.
- Adam
Reshotko
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