Songs I Like

A key member in later lineups of the Flying Burrito Brothers and second only to the Sammy and Doug Kershaw brothers in the Louisiana country-rock pantheon, Gib Guilbeau remains a shadowy figure to all but the most committed country-rock fans, best-known -- if at all -- to the general public as the guy who wrote Rod Stewart's "Big Bayou," and the Byrds' "Your Gentle Ways of Loving Me." Only the latter of those two songs appears on Songs I Like, a self-selected set of 24 songs ranging from throughout Guilbeau's career, given new readings by Guilbeau and a wide selection of pals ranging from fellow former Burrito Sneaky Pete Kleinow to '60s pop historian and former Sneetches' bassist Alec Palao. Three songs feature guest vocalists, although Guilbeau's friendly, unprepossessing vocal style is one of the album's best features. The problem is that there's a stately, almost old-masterish feel to Songs I Like that's perhaps fitting to Guilbeau's status as one of the few remaining towering figures in this style, but unfortunately doesn't always translate to interesting, exciting music. Outstanding songs like the bouncy shuffle "Caroline Gives" and the haunting ballad "Walk on the Water" deserve a bit more oomph than these relaxed, unruffled performances provide. ~ Stewart Mason|