by Mark Deming
One thing the Byrds had in common with most of their fans was that they
weren't especially happy with the absurd overproduction that had been
inflicted upon Byrdmaniax in their absence. As a response, the group quickly
cut Farther Along in 1971, producing the sessions themselves and getting
the album into stores a mere six months after its predecessor. It's certainly
a significant improvement, but something short of a triumphant return;
the band sounds a bit tired in spots, as if they were starting to run
out of gas -- which quickly proved to be the case as the Byrds split up
a few months after the album's release. However, Roger McGuinn and Clarence
White were nothing if not professionals, and if Farther Along doesn't
always sound inspired, it's never less than well-played, really connecting
when the group can get their enthusiasm up; the tough rockin' "Tiffany
Queen" and the pensive "Bugler" are the late-period Byrds
at the top of their game, and "Bristol Steam Convention Blues"
features some superb bluegrass picking from White. This is hardly the
rousing conclusion the the Byrds' story that some fans might have hoped
for, but it's a strong and well-crafted set from a band that inarguably
gave it their all right up to the finish line.
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