The Barry McGuire Album

This album, which appeared on two different labels within a couple of years of each other -- but is probably far more common in its version -- is comprised of tracks that cut in the early '60s, prior to joining . As it happens, the style with which he would distinguish himself was already in evidence on and though there are also softer aspects of his singing to be found throughout. Some of the material here features 's then singing partner (and fellow future member) , and some of the accompaniment includes future members , , and . The result is midway between a solo album and a lost release -- but however one labels it, the exuberance and good feeling emanating from the music is irresistible, especially to those with fond memories of the early '60s folk revival. This material has been reissued several times over on CD, most recently by , of all labels, under the title -- but the original LP jackets sure look cool. ~ Bruce Eder