Side one of the original LP version of their fourth album continues in the eclectic folky style of their earlier albums, containing only one original (
Tyson's "Marlborough Street Blues"). The other cuts include the fine
Gordon Lightfoot title track, a
Johnny Cash cover ("Come in Stranger") that heralded their increasing interest in country & western music, one of their finest interpretations of a bona fide traditional warhorse ("Nancy Whiskey"), and "Darcy Farrow," a fine obscure composition that could pass for a traditional standard (written for the duo by an unknown Californian singer/songwriter pair). Side two, however, with the exception of one traditional tune and another
Lightfoot cover, is composed entirely of originals. The most notable of these is
Tyson's "Song for Canada" (written with Pete Gzowski). A bittersweet plea for greater communication between French- and English-speaking Canadians, it could just as well be heard as a comment on any sort of deteriorating relationship. ~ Richie Unterberger