Ballad Of Easy Rider - THE BYRDS***

Ballad Of Easy Rider/Fido/Oil In My Lamp/Tulsa County Blue/Jack Tarr The Sailor/Jesus Is Just Alright/Its All Over Now Baby Blue/There Must Be Someone/Gunga Din/Deportee(Plane Wreck At Los Gatos)/Armstrong Aldrin & Collins

Ballad Of Easy Rider was the last noteworthy album from The Byrds, with plenty of laid back country rock, although not quite up to the standard of previous releases. (US:36 UK:41)

“This isn't one of their most exciting albums, but it's definitely worthwhile a listen. As a country-rock album, it's well-done and Gunga Din is one of the best late-period Byrds tunes.”

“Ballad Of Easy Rider is a very humble and pleasant sounding album. No revolutions, no diversity, but the songs are quite solid. The highlights include the absolutely gorgeous title track, the catchy Jesus Is Just Alright and the upbeat Fido.”

“This is easily the most laid-back LP The Byrds ever offered us and it captures the end-of-the-decade mood perfectly. This is sun-blasted music and most of it is exquisite, making it arguably one of the most accomplished country-rock records ever made. The arrangements are rich in subtle details and the playing is gorgeous.”

“Ballad Of Easy Rider is a shrug of an album composed largely of filler, relaxed to a fault but featuring only a couple noteworthy tracks. The title track is one, with a partial set of Dylan lyrics set to McGuinn's stunningly beautiful melody. The other buried gem would be Gunga Din, an excellent slice of 60s country rock that wouldn't be out of place on previous Byrds releases. Elsewhere you get a few pleasant but unremarkable country and folk covers.”

"Ballad Of Easy Rider is everyman's America captured in music. Full of warm, harmonious vocals, simple themes, brilliant musicianship, plus pure and genuine production.”

“This is the 1969 version of The Byrds, the jangling 12-string guitar sounds are gone, replaced by country leanings and delicate harmonies. Ballad Of Easy Rider is the last of the outstanding Byrd’s albums. After this, nothing of note would appear, so I consider this their real swansong effort, and it shines. Eleven beautifully performed folk/country/rock songs that are a gentle tonic for the soul.”