Great Speckled Bird [Remaster]

Historically, it is one of those albums that should have been re-released years ago on CD, as should discs by bands like the Amazing Rhythm Aces (hooray to Stony Plain for finally doing it!). And it still stands up as a good album. It is not the perfect album, but when you realize it was made in 1969, and the great courage it took for these two folksingers to follow their instinct and make this album, you appreciate it even more. There is a good and intelligent storyline in the lyrics, and some great music comes from the speakers. Listen to the interplay between Amos Garrett's (yes, the same musician who went on to fame with Paul Butterfield's Better Days and Maria Muldaur, and is still causing big guitar ripples) multiple string-bending guitar tones and Buddy Cage's (your memory is correct -- New Riders of the Purple Sage) steel guitar. The solid rhythm section provides a solid rock bastion from which to leap about and playfully take chances. It is a solid effort all the way through. Most of all, it should be listened to because it is an excellent album. ~ Bob Gottlieb|