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 Mira Records version -- is comprised of tracks that Barry McGuire cut in the early '60s, prior to joining the New Christy Minstrels. As it happens, the style with which he would distinguish himself was already in evidence on "Banjo" and "Good Times Is All Done Now," though there are also softer aspects of his singing to be found throughout. Some of the material here features McGuire's then singing partner (and fellow future New Christy Minstrels member) Barry Kane, and some of the accompaniment includes future New Christy Minstrels members Karen Gunderson, Art Podell, and Paul Potash. The result is midway between a Barry McGuire solo album and a lost New Christy Minstrels 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 RPM, of all labels, under the title Star Folk -- but the original LP jackets sure look cool. ~ Bruce Eder