Roger McGuinn - Cardiff Rose (1976)
 
Size: 66.5 MB 

Anyone vaguely familiar with history of Rock-n-Roll or appreciative of seminal song/sound smiths, recognizes both the name and SOUND of Roger McGuinn. In '65, leading THE BYRDS into national preeminence with Mr.Tambourine Man (the single; then the justly reputed album), the former back-up singer and guitarist for various folk ensembles overnight created the genre-sound sensation termed FOLK ROCK. His 12-string Rickenbaker's jingle-jangle clarion-chords and raga riffs revolutionized and elevated expectations of rock audiences and musicians thereafter. Years ago, Jolly Roger McGuinn was Bob Dylan's emissary. Where young listeners might be put-off by Dylan's insouciance and palpable insolence, The Byrds' troubadour tunes would remind to everything there was a season under heaven and to TURN, TURN, TURN to that time and purpose. Soon McGuinn's purpose became clear and edifying. He was not a mere Dylan-clone nor simply a ROCK-N-ROLL STAR. 

Who Mr.Roger McGuinn became is manifestly evidenced in this spectacular solo effort,CARDIFF ROSE. The distinctive McGuinn Rickenbaker ((a model of the 12-string is now named after him))and voice shine in this 9 song collection. To me the most interesting...stirring...song is ROUND TABLE. To non-fans this call to arms & honor is unknown and to most listeners lacks signum quality of Eight Miles High or Chestnut Mare. Yet this unique song is, I believe, singularly ROGER McGUINN. Round Table is about QUEST for the Grail. McGuinn throughout an accomplished career has...unlike his former buddy and sideman David Crosby...always been a cool head. Yet like Dylan, Brian Wilson and very few practicioners of rock-n-roll as art and formidable communication medium, McGuinn has always been on a MUSICAL MISSION. One of this album's songs proposes...again borrowing Dylan: I guess it was up to me. To what, JOLLY ROGER? The latter...for all its hip fun...is a summons to authenticity as a human being. DREAMLAND details what happens when this summons is ignored.ROUND TABLE explains how this summons...easily sullied when Quest devolves into self-centered power tripping... challenges one to service rather than Self-homage.CARDIFF ROSE is Sir Roger McGuinn's call to knighthood. It may be quixotic...but like this great album... it's a call worth listening to...... 

1. Take Me Away 
2. Jolly Roger 
3. Rock & Roll Time 
4. Friend 
5. Partners in Crime 
6. Up to Me 
7. Round Table 
8. Pretty Polly 
9. Dreamland 

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