The Byrds and The Zombies Tell the Story of a 60s Psychedelic CLASSIC | Professor of Rock
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- Опубликовано: 12 янв 2021
- The story of a song by one of the most influential bands of the rock era, The Byrds who combined Folk Rock, Psychedelia, Country and Raga Rock in the 60s and 70s. The story of Eight Miles Hight a song that defined the Psychedelic movement. Roger McGuinn and David Crosby tell the story of this definitive classic next.
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The Byrds are undoubtedly one of the most influential groups of any era in music history. They directly inspired some of the greatest bands to come of age in generation X from R.E.M. the Smiths, Husker Du, Echo and the Bunnymen, Stone Roses, Teenage Fanclub, Wilco and so many more as well as bands from their era.
Some may not realize that even the Beatles were blown away by their creativity. The Fab four tipped their hat to the Byrds in a few of their songs including What You’re Doing. Bob Dylan was a fan. Formed in Los Angelas California in 1964, the band had multiple lineup changes through out the years with frontman Roger Mcguinn who was actually know as Jim McGuinn until about 1967 as the only consistent member. In the middle of the british invasion as the Beatles, the Stones and others were taking over America.
The Byrds were on the front lines of defense if you will. They helped define 3 genres of music, Folk Rock, Psychedelia and country rock and were revered the world over. Although their time as one of the world’s most popular bands lasted a short period of time in the mid 60s, they are easily one of the most impactful artists of the rock era.
I’ve already mentioned the bands above that owe a great debt to this band but like I said, they were one of the first pioneers to brandish Country Rock, as groups like Poco and Eagles followed. As well as pioneering folk rock as they combined the influence of the Beatles and Dylan as well as traditional folk music with Mr. Tambourine Man and Turn! Turn! Turn! written by Dylan and Pete Seeger. As they moved through the decade though they experimented even more with a journey through Psychedelia and raga rock.
In what was one of their masterpiece as a group, the band created a psychedelic opus and arguably the defining song of the genre with Eight Miles High. the song was written by Gene Clark, Roger Mcguinn, and David Crosby. Released as a single on March 14 1966. In an exclusive interview we talk about influences on the song which gave the track it’s real strength.
Critics often sight the as being the first true psychedelic rock song which drove the counterculture era. There was controversy with the song which I discuss with Roger. Radio programmers ever so conservative and on edge because of the drug culture read into the song’s message and made a hasty judgement.
The song was banned by US Radio which stopped it from going higher than it’s #14 peak on the billboard Hot 100. 
Развлечения
This piece means a lot to me for several reasons Adam: I love the Byrds so much and 8 Miles High might be my favorite song from them. You spoke about you and your father sharing this brought tears to my eyes because I also shared this song with my 17 year old son a few years back and he loves it as well. I hope one day when I'm gone he can look back at that memory like you do with your father.
HEART WARMING BUDDY ROCK ON
so much more than 8 miles high
You ever listen to the Byrds live with an entire vinyl side playing 8 Miles High?
@@lumbertiger27 Yep! Amazing.
Awww I love you and your son!! May your relationship thrive ❤️❤️❤️
With all the reportedly bad blood between Crosby and McGuinn over the years, it's good to hear them speak so highly of each other's musical talent.
Crosby has bad blood with a few legends, doesn't he? Gotta luv him.
Pity they downplayed Gene Clark's contributions, though.
@@MsThebeMoon yes. With neil young and graham nash
I’m 72 yrs. old and grew up with this music. I know I sound like an “Old Man”, but the 60’s & 70’s had the best music ever. I was 15 when the Beatles came to the U.S.! What a Great time to be alive. Sorry about your Dad passing, Great that he got to see your success. This was Great.
"the 60’s & 70’s had the best music ever."
That's all you had to say...cuz it's true
Dear Jack Erie,
I’ll be 72 in six more weeks. Yes, the 60s and early 70s had the best music.
I grew up on the northern side of Lake Erie.
Soon to be 72 and it's true we had great music from many genres, Folk. Rock, Doo Wop all being played on the radio.It was an explosion of music and we all were so lucky to be hit with it. Remember getting your first transistor radio? Mine was a Toshiba.
I'm 65, so I'm not far behind you. Here's my formula for when music peaked: "The best music ever made was in (year I was a high school senior). It was pretty good for 6 or 7 more years. Since them, everything has been unlistenable crap". Plug and play.
71. 14 when Beatles on ES. So many great songs! To me Satisfaction was a monumental turning point. Influence of this song can’t be overestimated.
50's, 60's and 70's were a golden age of music
You Really Got Me by the Kinks was, to me, the first punk song. honorable mention: 96 Tears (which annoyed me). Oh, and Louie Louie, of course.
David Crosby is the absolute MASTER of harmonizing. His eclectic harmonies is what made Crosby, Stills & Nash so incredibly beautiful to listen to.
Gene Clark never got the recognition he deserved. His voice still haunts me.
"No other" is one of my favorite albums.
I loved his solo LPs . booze , many good soldiers do fall
You knew there was a time limit on this great band after Gene left. A genius of a lyricist/vocalist, it was like losing John AND Paul. Amazing they stayed at a high creative level through Notorious Byrd Bros but as they flew headlong into the 70's and losing altitude , The Byrds evolved into something truly horrific, a kind of Ten Years After, American-style! PS. Eight Miles High was written by Gene Clark and Brian Jones. Crosby, according to Gene's autobiography, wrote one line.
I spent a couple nights in Bonner Springs, Kansas (Gene's hometown) He has a relative that worked at O'Riley auto parts apparently. I love the Byrds. I grew my hair at Millbrook N.Y. high school and wore it like the drummer's.
Gene is finally starting to get the recognition that his work demands and his stock will continue to grow.
I am almost 70 years old and can remember the night I heard this ''Brand new song by the Byrds" on the radio, the day it came out. I still play it, on my stereo, my guitar, and even on my ukulele.
Try to interview the Moody Blues if possible. They were a defining influence on my life.
I for one love McGuinn and Crosby's praise for one another
It was good to hear, after all these years.
I dig McGuinn... Not too much the other guy
Yes, Crosby is a great singer but he can be very rude and blunt towards others. And there's a slim chance of any more CSN&Y epicness ever again thanks to David Crosby...
In fairness, David is, by his own admission, nearly broke. The only way for him to make big money quickly is to tour with one of his two Rock and Roll Hall of Fame bands. CSNY isn’t going on the road with him probably ever again but certainly not anytime soon so that leaves the Byrds. He’s been putting the full court press on Roger and Chris Hillman (the only Byrds left) to do a Byrds tour, particularly in light of Roger and Chris doing the complete “Sweetheart of the Rodeo” album live on stage a few years back. In David’s mind, it’s a no brainer, but, again, he is literally broke and on the verge of selling off his guitars in order to eat. It seems like Roger, in particular, is an old hippie who doesn’t like conflict so he won’t tell David to his face that life is too short for him to waste even a minute of it bickering with David over the minutia of a Byrds’ tour.
I just watched Rick Beato's video of the current top ten hits. Then I watched this one. While watching Rick's video I kept think that these songs while pleasant enough, were totally forgettable with meaningless lyrics. No one will be talking about them 50 years from now.
When I think about music from the 60's and 70's I really believe that it was a period that can never be duplicated because there was so much creation going on. Like Crosby said, music that took you on a journey. Today's music is pretty much just background noise. I still have my stereo system from the 70's and my album collection. I will still take out an album and sit in a chair listening to the music and reading the liner notes or just close my eyes and the music carry me away somewhere. I don;t think you can do that with today's music. Partly because they don't make albums anymore but also I think because people have a much shorter attention span.
Excellent! I too just went from Beato's Top Ten review to this. I agree 100% - no-one will be listening to "Driver's License" in 50 years.
Today’s music is mostly short-lived, like most other products in this fast-living throw-away consumer society. Everything is kept as temporary as possible, so that people just keep on buying. There are a few outstanding artists today who have survived the test of time, as well as a few good songs that might last into the future, but a lot of the time it’s just record companies churning out forgettable songs by forgettable artists. There’s nothing new anymore. The 60s were an exciting time because everything was new: music, fashion, attitude, ideology. Like Chris Hillman once said “it was like everything just exploded onto the scene” (paraphrasing, I don’t remember it verbatim).
There's a lot of people reconnecting with the music of the 60s and 70s. It is amazing to me that most of it isn't at all dated. For instance, all these people are listening to Sounds of Silence, and its message is more relevant now than ever. Then I listened to the Disturbed version--plodding, emotionally dead, the lyrics submerged beneath all this ugliness. And people were comparing the two??? Who are you kidding?
@@Mrbeahz1 Keep in mind that we only remember the highlights of the past. "Driver License" isn't likely to become a classic but it's certainly better than most of the Top 10 hits from the 1970s and 1980s.
Even so, there are a lot of reasons why it's so much harder to create a classic today. I could list a lot of them but that would be a very long post. There is one factor though that I notice so well myself all the time. It's the background noise.
20 years ago I could easily do a fully acoustic gig in a room big enough for a 200+ audience. Today that's simply not possible, I need a small PA to be heard. Maybe my voice has lsot some power (I don't think it has) but my guitar sure hasn't. Back then it could make itself heard in such a setting, today - no way. You don't usually notice how the background noise has gradually increased everywhere you go but when you play it's easy to notice how much less dynamic range you can use. So you have to flatten out the music, loosing much of the contrast between soft and loud that used to be such a vital part of what made music exciting. It's not jsut me btw, just google "Loudness war" and you'll get a ton of information.
There's nothing us musicians or the music industry can do about it unfortunately. Whether we are old survivors of the past or new wannabes, we jsut have to try to adapt and make the most of what we still have.
@@tessjuel if you say music of the 60's and the 70's and lump them together, i would not disagree. But trying to lump the 70's with the 80's is as grievous a foul as it would be to offer a guest either a slice of chocolate frosted cake or a slice of fecal covered cake.
while there's no question George Harrison loved The Byrds, Roger McGuinn has said he got the Rickenbacker 12 string after seeing George Harrison with one, not the other way round.
Yep, McGuinn says he got one after seeing Harrison playing it in the 1964 film "A Hard Day's Night."
A lot of guys started wearing turtlenecks and blazers after seeing George and John wearing them in A Hard Days Night. That movie was actually hugely influential.
In public I stated running away from mobs of screaming girls after I saw that movie.
Always loved Crosby's telling of the band leaving the theater after seeing AHDN.
Swinging around a light pole and dreaming of the r&r life.
Turtleneck dickie. My brother had them.
Don't forget the hat tip to the Byrds from the Mamas and Papas in their song Creque Alley. Line in the song "McGuinn and McGuire just a getting higher in LA you know where that's at"
I always think of that when I hear McGuinn's name.
And McGuire being Barry McGuire, of "Eve of Destruction" fame.
@@georgerussell9525 Yep, McGuires voice always reminded me of what years of drink and smoke could accomplish.
And nobody's getting fat except Mama Cass
McGuinn and McGuire had been part of the Village scene but had split for LA - good choice, and also the reason for the line in Creeque alley.
63 years old I listen to the Byrds every day in 2021
I think you were born to do this, you connect well with all artist and you let them talk and share their story , cool beans
I agree, he is a very likeable chap as well
Adam is the best rock journalist ever. He comes prepared to every interview and regularly has interviewees blown away at his depth of knowledge about their material.
What Bruce said
Still gives me chills to listen to this masterpiece. The Byrds were ahead of their time, but just far enough ahead to take the rest of us with them. Thanks for this video.
The Zombies are so great. "Odessey and Oracle" is a phenomenal record.
That story about your dad, no lie, made me cry. I'm going through a divorce right now, and my dad is in Colorado from Illinois helping me through it, and it's been really nice to share music with him again. I will make this as good of a memory with my dad as I can with him in memory of your dad, as well as for the sake of the memory itself.
Some of my best memories of my dad (born '07) were listening to music together, including going to some live shows (Persuasions, stick out). He had a 78 record of Jellyroll Morton. Top that! ha ha ha.
Nice video. I saw McGuinn - I think in 2015 - doing a solo show. He told stories, and quite frankly, that was the best part of the show. Before the rest of the icons of the 60s pass away, it would be great to document their stories about the songs and albums they made, plus of their experiences as music artists. Some great and interesting stuff out there.
Thanks for what you do.
The Byrds were also a huge influence on Jon Anderson and Chris Squire in forming YES!
Another tremendous show. You do a wonderful job of making me want to re-explore music I’ve been hearing my entire life. Well done, Professor.
When Pink Floyd came out with "Interstellar Overdrive", I thought that was a further progression on "Eight Miles High"--more like "Eight THOUSAND Miles High", because now were REALLY leaving the earth's atmosphere and doing some real exploring, and just hope that we don't get burned on re-entry
As maybe, but having first heard it way back then Interstellar Overdrive consciously or sub consciously ripped its main riff off the theme to the BBC tv comedy series Steptoe & Son. It has always been my belief and recently Waters stated it had similarities. Probably the closest Rob Grainer is going to get to having a credit. Mind you, fantastic comedy series, "Piper ATGOD" still one of the best Floyd albums and I haven't heard 8 Miles High for decades but really, really enjoyed it at the time!
More like "2,000 Light Years From Home." Distance wise anyway not that they sound alike.
Lord how does Roger look so young?! Music my friends MUSIC
who says drugs/alcohol are bad lmao
@@brucewightman5168 Just look closely at Crosby. THAT says it. 😂
@@mathewfullerton8577 ok what are you guys sayn yeah they were wild till about 35 40 who cares .. Crosby has done rehab .. .. THE GUY is going to be 80 yrs old aug 14/21 .
@@mathewfullerton8577 you mean IF I told you,,, you could be a rock'n roll star AT 19 money ,babes ,toys , everything ,take care of ALL FAMILY MEMBERS .. BUT,, YOU WILL DIE AT 45 from self destruction lol WHAT SAY YOU ... DON'T LIE LOL
@@brucewightman5168 And Roger will be 79 in July.
Excellent documentary. Terrific interviews with McGuinn, Crosby, and the Zombies. I love hearing the stories behind the music, as they used to say on VH1.
Turn, Turn, Turn.The first album I ever bought. What a brilliant record.
I remember when 8 Miles High came out on the radio, and was blown away on how different it was from the the typical Rock'N'Roll that was on at the time. I didn't think of it as "psychodelic" rock, I thought it was outside the mainstream and loved it. I grew up in California (the Bay Area and LA) in the 60's so I have been blessed with growing up in an era of new and inspirational Rock. I still listen to 60', 70's & some 80's music to this day. There is no reason to listen to anything else.
GOSH DARN RIGHT BUD LOL
GREG AT 6 PM EST I WQILL TIP MY GLASS TO YA LOL
Greg Anderson
I'm with you buddy. I live in 70's 80's music bubble.....anything after the 90's is a waste of time..
@@barsixful As much as I hate to say it, I've heard no new true musicians in this century either.
- I grew up listening to that and I'll always love it but good music is still being made. Check out Fantastic Negrito for some newer bad@$$ music.
The only part missed by the 'professor' & 'Rod Argent - was that it was the piano break in The Zombies ' She's Not There' that influenced Roger , And the clip of 'She's Not There' stops just short of that break . But still a great review of my favorite song of all time . And I was 17 when The Byrds came out in '65 ! -- very touching about your father .
I knew it was special the first time I heard it with those beautiful melodic harmonies of David Crosby. The overall melody was very good but the harmonies really put it over the top. And the electric Guitar was outstanding. I can remember driving my father 66 Bonneville with a reverberator listening to it and feeling out of my head at 17 years old. Wow it was beyond far out .
Wow, what an awesome episode. I saw Roger McGuinn live in the early 90's on his Back From Rio comeback tour, and I'm so glad I did. The Byrds were iconic among musicians and this song is so important. The musical dialogue between The Beatles, Dylan, Beach Boys and The Byrds shaped decades of music to come. What a treat to get Crosby's recollections as well. Great job, Adam.
I saw McGuinn on that same tour. It was fabulous.
I love 60's music, I gotta thank my parents for that!
I shared lots of great music with my parents too. I understand your loss. Absolutely nothing beats the iconic sound of a Rickenbacker🎸 How cool To have the privilege to interview legendary Roger McGuinn
The best most expressive music came out in the 60’s. I miss those days, gone but not forgotten.
Roger n David 2 brilliant and humble musicians that influenced millions of future musicians! Good to see them again! Thanks 🤩 Professor, great interviews!
Eight Miles High is absolutely one of my all-time favorite songs! Definitely in my top ten; brilliant perfection.
people of your generation know so much more about the songs than we did. i guess we were busy. thanks for throwing light on a time and music we couldn't see objectively.
Your dedication to your dad was so special, and personal. Thank you for sharing this with us. I am so sorry for your loss, I am very glad that you had a good relationship with your dad, and that he was so proud of you; with good reason. I too am thankful to my dad for the music he introduced me to. Music like The Byrds, Buffalo Springfield, CSNY, Joni Mitchell, and dozens more.
David Crosby has such a beautiful voice. The song "The Lee Shore", on CSNY's concert album, "4 Way Street", is so beautiful.
The zombies are one of my all-time favorite bands, she's not there is one of my all-time favorite songs. Can't wait to see the whole interview. Keep up the great work I'm still addicted.
Being born in the 60's and growing up with this stuff with my older brothers and sisters, I was in love with it from single digit age. To this day it's some of my favorite music. Thank you for digging into it and finding what the artists were thinking at the time. It means a lot to me.
One of the greatest songs...EVER !!!
Imagine it's potential impact if this song been allowed to climb the charts the way it should have been. I DIG THE BYRDS !!!
I'm a child of the 60's and dig all the music you review. I especially like your interviews with the people who made this generation musically beyond compare. Keep up the good work!
Good to hear McGuinn making it fairly clear that Coltrane's "Africa" was a more obvious influence than "India". Also great to hear from an unassuming Rod Argent.
Adam, this episode was simply terrific. Bravo to you for getting RM & DC to speak and hat's off to your song choice. I saw Husker Du cover this song in 1985 in Boston and hearing their version was off the charts. Your love of music is genuine and this show is a delight.
I heard R. McGuinn perform a few years back in a very small theater. It was like the professor here sitting down and listening to him. Fascinating individual. His wife sells the merch.
Terrific interviews, enjoyed them. The Byrds and The Zombies made some classics, deservedly in the Hall of Fame.
I was lucky enough to see The Zombies get inducted ..what a beautiful moment
Odyssey and Oracle!! Due a vid on that classic!!!
I know that there is probably a good explanation for it, but I’m always a little surprised that ( in the case of the Zombies interview ), four dudes pitch up, and then one guy kinda hogs the spokesperson duties. I wonder what goes through the other three dudes heads. Do they ponder why they are there at all?
@@robertcarter9350 They probably preferred their guy fielding the questions and not having to themselves. I’ve seen the Rolling Stones interviewed, and it was just Mick Jagger acting as spokesman while Charlie Watts and Ronnie Wood just stood there quietly.
@@jefffinkbonner9551 Agree with you Jeff. That was definitely one of the thoughts that crossed my mind. Thanks for your input.👍
I love the Byrds! As a teenager, I remember getting their career spanning box set out from the library and it blew me away. Before then, I only knew Mr Tambourine Man and Turn Turn Turn
Bro. This was AMAZING. The insight of musical Masters and brilliant commentary. This is spirit and art.
I just watched this video and was so delighted to learn something new. I am 66 and was a kid when 8 Miles High came out. I hadn't known that famous riff came from Coltrane. Amazing. And as you stated, 1966 was a fantastic year-the entire last half of the 60s were-for music. It's hard to describe to anyone who wasn't "there." There was a cultural revolution going on and it was led by music. Keep up the great work.
Loved this episode the most! I'm glad you made the tribute to your Dad. It's wonderful to see his joy at seeing you succeed so much and give him insights into bands he liked. This is the best kind of joy a Dad can have.
Great content! Graduated high school in ‘66. Still have vinyl Byrds, Revolver, and Blond on Blond. I was spoiled on R&R! Keep up the good work!
love this video. my favorite part of the 60's music is that everyone piggie-backed off each other to define what was the 60's music and What was to become future music.
Thanks for the interview. McGuinn has been a major part of my musical enjoyment since I first heard The Byrds while in high school in 1966. McGuinn, Crosby, Clark, Hillman; all rock and roll greats. Stellar as a group and careers worth following to the present (and till his passing for Clark).
Thanks so much. I was 16 in 1966 and I remember being blown away by "Eight Miles High."
Some of my favorite things about this, my favorite Byrds track, are 1) parallel motion in the vocals at the first line of verses 1 and 3, contrary motion (one going up, one going down) in the first line of verses 2 and 4, and also oblique motion (one moving and one staying on same note).. and that 12-string guitar and the variety of things Roger is doing... oh, and the drumming is great, too!
Even the bubble gum music of the era was more imaginative, explored different ideas, played with chords, and rhythms more then top 40 musicians now.
...And they knew the difference between “then” and “than”!
@@edryba4867 I agree, but older people suck at grammar. But I guess people my age do too….
Good point, however the Byrds were certainly not bubblegum music then or now.
@@edryba4867 You are a child, simple minded,but ,still a child.
I was 13. It changed my life. I would play it on the tour as I passed the Whisky 50 years later. Thanks Professor for the tribute to the Byrds. Truly one of the most iconic sounds of the sixties. God I love their music.
Somehow this song had escaped my ears til now. Makes me appreciate the Byrds so much more. Thank u Professor.
Roger McGuinn really put his finger on it when he described the song as "early Jazz Fusion." Many musicologists have identified the song as the first recorded instance of Jazz Rock Fusion, based upon that break in the middle.
Profesor of rock is so great doing interviews and his love for music is so inspiring 🎶🎵
Thanks so much from Canada Adam, The Byrds and The Zombies are two of my favorite bands.
I feel so rich after these interviews , thank you for this connection as we can revisit and remember the times of influence with free open minds .
One of the greatest songs ever and fascinating mini doco. Keep up the great work mate :-)
The song also name drops one of my favorite bands, Small Faces. "In places small faces unbound".
Correct Chuck, in his autobiography Ian McLagen (SF keyboard player) said Crosby caught him at an airport and told him that the Byrds loved the Small Faces, and wrote them into the song.
@@tonymurphy6227 Maybe true..but can we believe anything he says?
@@georgebarry8640 I get where you're coming from, but they would have HAD to have noticed the Small Faces in the UK at that time, they were really big at the time and the name was unique. Incidentally I just happen to be watching Crosby the documentary 'Remember my name' this very moment, weird eh?
@@georgebarry8640 why wouldn't you trust what Ian McLagen says?
@@bioux101 I guess if you have 2 accounts..Id buy into it. I am just saying, Crosby talks circles and has for years. It's a shame it takes away from all the music he has made. I've seen it. Shame. But hey, if Ian sez so..maybe THIS TIME its the truth. Ya know...even a broken clock is right..2 times a day.
I am 73 and the Byrds were my favorite group in high school followed by the Beach Boys before the Beatles and the Rolling Stones arrived. In 1969 The Byrds played at Panther Hall in Ft Worth Texas and my date and I loved the 2-hour show. Afterwards I asked her if she wouldn't mind trying to go around the Hall and see if we could talk with them as they left.
It actually was hugely better. McGuinn let us in and while the Roadies were packing up talked with us for an hour. I was completely blown away. We discussed Croz having left the band and Jim/Roger said it was the hardest thing he had ever done, but David was involved in drugs forever and could no longer play or sing and could no longer be counted on. He was cordial and answered every question I had about their various tunes. Your description of 8 Miles High is exactly what he told me.
He excused himself and asked Chris Hillman to come talk with his "friends". I couldn’t believe it. So we spent another 45 minutes with Hillman before the band left. It was one of my best Rock N Roll experiences. They all signed the poster (link below) for the concert and without asking, my ex-wife tossed it decades later, not realizing its value.
My best friend at the time was frustrated that he didn't attend the concert as he was and still is a huge fan, like me. He remained in our home town and I lived in several cities in the country. Every time I returned, I would walk in to his front desk area and tell his receptionist to tell him Roger McGuinn was there. He would let out a scream and come running up front to give me a hug. We still exchange Playlists with the Byrds, Flying Burrito Brothers, Gram Parsons and music from our era. We were very lucky to grow up in the 60’s.
Lastly my father was in to Jazz, especially the xylophone. He took me to several concerts in my younger days. I happened to be in NYC on a buying trip for Six Flags and saw Lionel Hampton play in the Rainbow Room atop of Rockefeller Center. I had my photo taken with Hampton. Lionel asked what I wanted signed on the photo and I told him to write "to" my father's name, "from" my name. I wasn’t sure if Hampton would follow through. About 2 1/2 months later my father called crying and I knew Hampton had sent him the autographed photo. Music is a generational thing and I am lucky that my father played Jazz often, before the advent of TV and I grew up with music!
photos.app.goo.gl/4DW5VW1jFPPHBX8S7 photos.app.goo.gl/GRjSUuesjUoVXryX7
Thank you for keeping the music I grew up with alive and well. Loved the story about your father. How wonderful for you both! Keep up the great work. I look forward to more.
Another great episode. You choked me up a bit with the tribute to your dad. All that being said, I wish Chris Hillman would get more recognition in interviews about The Byrds.
Agreed, Hillman is a badass.
Love his songs in the band
“What You’re Doing” by the Beatles was recorded in September 1964, the Byrds released their debut album in June 1965. Both songs have a Rickenbacker 12 string so that’s the only similarity, it wasn’t the Beatles giving a nod to the Byrds.
Actually the Byrds were certainly inspired by the Beatles on that one. The riff from Mr. Tambourine Man is basically identical to What You're Doing
The George Harrison written ‘If I Needed Someone’ is definitely influenced by The Byrds rendition of ‘The Bells of Rhymney’.
Roger said he played the 12 strings Ric because of the Beatles
If anything, it's what McGuinn was inspired by with the 12-string.
Sharing YOUR memories was very touching. Thank you
"You were born to do this" for sure. Blessings
Absolutely riveting - had no idea there was a Coltrane connection to this song. Genius work from both McGuinn and Crosby. RIP to both Michael Clarke and Gene Clark. Your dad was a wise man! Keep on doing what you're doing, I know I can speak for MANY fellow music junkies like myself- we all very much appreciate what you do and are always looking to learn a little bit more about all this great music we all love so much.
Whoa now, genius work from GeneClark. He wrote nearly all of the lyrics. The whole genesis was his. Roger McGuinn always downplayed Gene's contributions, and David Crosby (may he rest in peace) belittled him. Poor Gene.
Did anyone notice that Roger’s guitar had SEVEN STRINGS? I’ve never seen that before, what a unique instrument! All in all, one of the best episodes so far!
They are actually pretty common. Google "baritone 8 string" if you really want to be awed.
It's his $4000 Roger McGuinn signature Martin 7 String. The G string has a string an octave higher next to it. A unique idea.
@@dggydddy59 Taylor also makes an 8 string baritone with the D&G strings having each having an octave up double.
Man Eight Miles High brought me back today to a time when times were so great almost made me cry spending time with my family we were young kids just with so much ahead of us and so many dreams and Eight Miles High was one of those many songs of that era with the Beatles The Monkees the stones the Dave Clark Five and of course the doors that just resonates a time when the world was good and there was so much to look forward to. I wish I could get into a time machine and go back
that time in our lives me and my six cousins give anything to go back to those days
Thanks again bro for your channel always look forward to it on my Saturday day off
Peace
I was 11 when Eight Miles High was released, and the Byrds was my first concert about 5 years later. Great episode, Prof! How epic to interview the real legends! Your Dad was right, you were born to do this, and to his credit, you were raised to do this also!
Excellent interviews POR. The section about your father is wonderful. George Harrison stated that his song 'If I Needed Someone' was directly influenced by The Byrds 'Bells of Rhymney'. Keep up the fine work, RNB
Wow, that was an amazing story! I had no idea they were influenced by John Coltrane. I could hear Ravi's influence in so many groups of that era. I'm 68 so I grew up in that time.
I love the fact you and your father had such a musical bond. I have a strong music bond with my children. I exposed them to the music from my youth. It gave them a great appreciation for good music.
A unique 'one-off', "Eight Miles High". Impossible to duplicate, just pure curiosity and genius combined. The comments about record companies reminded me of Zappa's comments. When the cocaine-addled banker's kids took over the business was ruined.
Funny how McGuinn still doesn't want to cop to any drug allusions, but Crosby's like "yeah." Anyway -- well done. And it is an absolutely classic, epic track. In the highest stratosphere so to speak.
Really? It seemed the other way around to me. David Crosby said that "psychedelic" had nothing to do with the content 14:45 which implies that it was not a drug-inspired song. On the other hand, Roger McGuinn admitted that they did acid during that time period 14:33 so it getting labeled as "psychedelic" seemed "fair enough" to him- not that he agreed with it, but he seemed to understand why it happened.
Wait! Are you trying to imply that David Crosby did drugs? ;) :P
@@shawnerz98 Some experimented with drugs; others were into full scale research.
If you lived through that time, you'd realize that the psychedelic experience permeated just about everything, all the time, so trying to parse things out like that is pretty much meaningless.
@@taknothing4896 It was also a classification in the music industry, and that's what David Crosby was talking about there. "Eight Miles High" was composed from the influence of jazz and eastern music, not so much pop psychedelia. In fact, to me the Colombia recording sounds like they tried to back away from the heavier, reverb-rich tone of the RCA recording.
I loved the "Byrds". They went way beyond answering the Beatles. Really cool that they used American Jazz to pull off this song; beautiful! My favorite titles of thiers where The "Chimes of Freedom" and "I was So Much Older Then." To me, these songs really spoke to the times.
I was so much older then is cslled My Back Pages. One of my favorite
When I think of jazz influences I think of the Grateful Dead. Phil Lesh especially was into jazz.
Adam, thank you for an outstanding video on The Byrds and “Eight Miles High”. Certainly one of the most misinterpreted songs in 60s Rock History. The Byrds were on the cutting edge of the progressive movement that produced so much great music. Your comment on the summer of ‘66 was spot-on...the beginning of a new era. I grew up in that time and everyday was an adventure when I listened to AM Top 40 radio. In retrospect, it was an era “when the music mattered”. Thanks again and keep up the great work!
You have me feeling so strongly as I listened to this show. The sharing you did about you and your dad really touched me deeply.
Beatles (Harrison) "If I Needed Someone" as to the Byrds influence from "Bells of Rhymney" would have been a much better example
Great show. Need more Byrd’s stories.
Wonderful interviews! You are so knowledgeable, asking just the right questions! I remember that song coming out, I was in college in Germany. There was so much fantastic music around at that time, Beatles, Stones, Byrds, Mamas and Papas, The Who, Zombies, Kinks, and so many more. When I listen to any particular song I’m instantly back in time, I remember what I was doing, it’s almost like looking at a photograph! I am very grateful so many artists or bands of that era are still touring, or have done so up to very recently. I was thrilled to see Paul, Ringo, the Stones, and many others in recent years! Hope to see McGuinn! (And glad I saw McGuire! ) Thank you, Professor of Rock!
Thank you for your video. I’m an old guy that was in high school when all this great music came out, graduated in ‘66. I loved this song when it came out. At the time nobody in my sphere of friends were thinking drugs. It was just a great song now I have a new perspective on it. Thanks again.
Any song that has anything to do with John Coltrane makes it special...the ascending chord changes the vocal harmonies and the whole vibe of the song is awesome
Excellent video! The Byrds are one of the best bands of the era, and I’d like to see you cover more of the 60’s! I agree with you, they don’t make music like they used to, SMH! 🤦🏻♂️
McGuinn was absolutely right when he said that Crosby is a genius at vocal harmony and deserves the credit for the Byrds' unique style.
There was NOTHING else like The Byrds before or since and much of the credit goes to David Crosby for that beautiful Byrds sound of their first three albums.
What a lucky guy you are to be able to relate with your father about something you both love. There’s a saying my mother taught me as we grew older I taught my mother. Love your knowledge of music and when you interviewed your guests you let them talk.
Great mini documentary on a great band and song
Don’t forget 1966 was the year of the lovin spoonful one of my favorite bands ever
That is a great story about your dad I'm addition to the stories in the interview itself.
My dad gave me a Beatles education & I grew up on all this wonderful music. The Byrds are a part of my personal roots!! Thanks for doing this!
Thank you for sharing about your dad. I'm sorry for your loss but I'm happy you got to hear him say he was proud of you
What better person to dissect the lyrics of American Pie than the professor. I'm looking forward to that.
Love the Byrds. Love the Zombies. Love hearing about how bands influenced one another!
Excellent in many ways! Your technical knowledge, emotional availability, and willingness to share yourself makes your delivery of this content stand out. Obviously many artists agree. I'm sorry about the loss of your dad and am happy for you both that you enriched each other's experience of music.
YESSSS!!! What your Dad said is why I listen to this channel. I love revisiting songs that I loved (or even didn't love) and hearing them with a "new set of ears". I would guess that's why almost all your followers feel the same. Keep doin' this!
How do you always know what music I am listening to?!
Intro to Turn! Turn! Turn IS the sound of the Mid-60s. Instantly takes me back to 65, and I wasn't even alive yet.
Great video and tribute to your dad. Thank you for sharing. I was 8 yrs. old and remember the music from summer of 66’. The next 6 yrs. of rock after that will never be duplicated.
One of the highlights of my musical life was getting to meet Roger McGuinn and hearing him give talks (and play) recently on the Queen Mary 2. Totally awesome man and amazing musician.....
No doubt David Crosby had some interesting conversations. Very like this show, thank you for your work.
I also remember seeing Roger McGuinn and a grinning Tom Petty hanging out in the studio during the Traveling Wilbury's sessions.
I listened to the Byrd's since I was in Junior High, as my older Brother was 5 years older than I, we were super close, and Eight Miles High we would sing along as we passed J,s around the room! We always had Music playing, I still listen to this song and I am 67, now, Byrd's music all songs awesome, but Eight Miles High, took me to another place! LOVE 💓 to Rock !
Yeah my dad graduated high school in 1966 and my mom 1968 so growing up i got to hear some of their music and really enjoyed it. And then i myself was lucky enough to grow up during all the great 80s music so i got to hear the best of both worlds 😊👍🏻
I lived through the Psychedelic 60's and this brings back some of the magic. I continue to feel that period was the high point (pun intended) in modern culture.
I was born in the 70s and I know that it was too. Definitely in American and British culture...heck most probably the world