Roger McGuinn

Only sometimes does Roger McGuinn strive to echo the astonishing harmonies and buoyant strength of the Byrds, the pioneering '60s folk rockers he once led. Powered by fine playing from L.A. studio stalwarts, his debut concentrated on songwriting collaborations with psychologist Jacques Levy, which was McGuinn's modus operandi for his next three albums as well. Cardiff Rose, produced by Mick Ronson, and Thunderbyrd are strong sets; maddeningly, they go in and out of print.

Back From Rio, his sixth solo outing, is a powerhouse. Elvis Costello, Tom Petty and his Heartbreakers, Michael Penn, and ex-Eagle Timothy B. Schmit join McGuinn in his stunning return to form. Even though a pinched, adenoidal quality can sometimes mar his vocals, here McGuinn sings with absolute command. The most Byrd-like of his solo work, the record suggests that McGuinn had come to terms with his legacy -- a style so ahead of its time that every song on Rio sounds sharp and up to the minute. Live From Mars presents McGuinn at his most congenial, serving up the classics with accompanying commentary. Treasures From the Folk Den, a collection of folk chestnuts McGuinn originally released on the Internet, is mild-mannered fun with nice guest appearances by the likes of Joan Baez, Pete Seeger, and Judy Collins. (PAUL EVANS)

From 2004's The New Rolling Stone Album Guide