Today we have the Byrds' fourth studio album Younger than Yesterday. Released in 1970, the album continues Fifth Dimension's exploration of psychedelic music. While initially it only received mild praise, it is now considered one of their better works. Although The Notorious Byrd Brothers featured some of Crosby's playing and writing, it would be the Byrds' last album with Crosby, who was fired by Roger McGuinn during sessions for their next album.
While usually listenable--except for David Crosby's dreadful "Mind Gardens"--most of this makes little to no impression on me. The psychedelic songs are only noticeable because they're awkward and ill thought-out and the folk-rock songs are soporific, blending flat melodies and uninspired instrumentation. The two exceptions are, of course, "So You Want to Be a Rock 'N' Roll Star" and "My Back Pages," both of which stand amongst the band's best material. I'm not sure whether to blame this lackluster performance on Crosby and Chris Hillman, whose contributions dominate the album, or McGuinn, who appears to have almost entirely shirked songwriting responsibilities. B- [Later: B]
