The Very Best of The Byrds - The Byrds Album Review

Album Review

When their jangly 12 string guitar version of Bob Dylan's Mr.Tambourine Man hit the airwaves in summer '65, The Byrds were an instant hit, when it became a chart topper. Later, two further Dylan songs would be covered - tracks 6, a limpish countrified Baby Blue and a poor The Times, track 18. Singles-wise in the UK, they had a further five entries, (tracks 3, 4, 8, 12, and 16) the last being the sublime Chestnut Mare in February 1971. This outstanding folk-rock combo was born in LA in 1964. The quintet's meteoric rise to fame was backed by exceptional songwriters and singers consisting Roger McGuinn, Chris Hillman, Gene Clark, David Crosby and Michael Clarke. Briefly the Jet Set, then The Beefeaters they settled on The Byrds, misspelled like The Beatles, whom they drew some inspiration from. Eventually, they would become known for their studio wizardry, trademark high pitched harmonies and jangly guitars, along with catchy tunes. Evolution saw changes in direction, including controversial 'space rocker' Eight Miles which was one of the first records to be widely banned because of supposedly drug referenced lyrics, and latterly country tinged material, tracks 12 and 13 -You Ain't going Nowhere, Hickory Wind.

Early on, some criticism was levelled at them for using a Beatles sound found in particular on track 2, I'll Feel A Whole Lot Better, with Dylan's songwriting. In-fighting resulted in the departure of Gene Clark (early '66), considered their best songwriter, then Crosby and Mike Clarke late '67. Crosby would resurface as part of Crosby Stills Nash and Young.

Hillman also bailed out leaving one original member McGuinn to soldier on the band name with replacements Gram Parsons, Clarence White and John York, but the resulting combo failed to repeat their early successes.

They remain a seminal act, who went on to influence bands such as Fleetwood Mac, R.E.M and Tom Petty.

Top tracks - Chestnut Mare, You Ain't Going Nowhere, All I Really Want To Do.

Elly Roberts