I saw the line up of Battin, White, Parsons, McGuinn three times. I saw a lot of bands back in the day and that lineup kicked ass and took no prisoners. I have played Lover of the Bayou on stage more than any other song. Clarence White was the best guitarist I ever saw live and I saw a lot of them.
The sound of that Ric-12 exploded out of my '61 Falcon's AM Radio dashboard speaker(I was driving at 15) ...Never had a guitar cut thru in the mix like this on Mr.Tambourine Man in June '65 and a mere month later? Like a Rolling Stone was released by Dylan...yeah you had to be there...
Thanks for this fascinating four-part. And thanks in particular for the Gene Clark stuff. My favorite song in the world--not just my favorite Byrds song--is Free This Time. I'm going to have to search for those Gene Clark albums!
Clarence Whites mother used to babysit my two kids in the early 70s in North Hollywood, Ca. I had the chance to meet him a couple of times, really great guy and so good looking! RIP Clarence.
Just wanted to say thanks so much for this 4-part series, I absolutely adore The Byrds and this has been really enjoyable to watch!! A great presentation and very thorough :)
the birds untitled record is so good, totally underrated. i found a mint copy at wreckless records in chicago and got it for like 5 bucks and was blown away.
Thanks much for this extensive series. Well deserved by this band. I was fortunate to see The Byrds in May of 1965. Also saw all of the original members solo and in bands during the '70s. Met Michael Clarke in Boulder when he was with Firefall.
“Untitled” is the best Byrds album by their finest lineup. Pull up the live version of “8 Miles High”. It is epic. Gene Parsons on drums and Skip Battin on bass = one of the greatest rhythm sections in rock. “Untitled” is just fantastic. Every track. Matt thanks so much for this Byrds history series. Really great.
When I discovered FM rock radio, “Chestnut Mare” happened to be in heavy rotation. The Byrds in their late country period were extremely important to my development as a music aficionado. Clarence White was a fantastic guitarist, and the entire band exuded a hip denim-chic that quieted any potential critics. Country-hippie once was a thing, and that came from both Dylan and the Byrds…
@@popgoesthe60s52 have you seen the great documentary in 2020 (Laurel Canyon-2 part documentary)about all the great folk and rock singers who lived there during the 60’s and 70’s. It starts with the Byrds and everything you discussed. Can you do a review on this? Thank you for your channel.
I saw the last incarnation of the Byrds in December, 1972 at the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago. Festival seating, a local act called 'Wildflowers', the Commander Cody and his Airmen, who only clicked on 'Hot Rod Lincoln' and 'Smoke, Smoke, Smoke (That Cigarette). The Byrds set was amazing - apart from the drummer who wasn't dialed in a on a couple songs (there wasn't a band introduction, so I've never been sure if it was John Guerin or more likely Jim Moon (a/k/a Jim Schwerz). Mcguinn, White and Battin played off each other like jazz musicians and the sound was phenomenal, the best I've ever heard at any concert. The audience loved The Byrds demanding and getting multiple encores before Roger politely asked everyone to go home. Wonderful show.
I saw that version too, with Guerin on drums. December 15th at the Tower Theater. Unfortunately, McGuinn was drunk by the time The Byrds came on after Paul Butterfield and Commander Cody. The rest of the band took up the slack. McGuinn could barely stand up and only got 4 notes into Eight Miles High before handing it off to Clarence. McGuinn was celebrating something though I can't quite recall what it was. Some fans were tossing presents up on stage.
With this Long 8 Miles high The Byrds touched Grateful Dead Territory … supreme WestCoast Music That‘s why we love this Kind of Music Please do a Gene Clarke Special THX for your Passion & Great Work
I sure do appreciate all your effort making this music history live for me again. still got my weed after 55 years. no cancer yet, knock on wood. knew many musicians on this journey. ''when the music's over, turn out the lights!!!!!!!
Thanks! I loved your history of the Byrds. One of my favorite bands ever. Your experience and analysis mirrored mine so closely, it was kinda spooky. I worked for a version of the Byrds in the 90's doing the light show .They played the state/County fair circuit with Paul Revere and the Raiders. Skip was an awesome guy! One show in Montana, the promoter gave him cases of microbrews and artisan liquors. Skip sent me to the store to get him Pabst Blue Ribbon, and gave me all the beer and liquor to share with the crew. Thanks for bringing back this memory, hadn't thought about it in years. What a great summer that was.
BTW…..EXCELLENT 4-PART Byrds History. Thank you. Well-researched and presented. I was a radio DJ for over a decade, a music TV reporter and have written for many publications, besides being a real musician with songs on the radio. VERY nice work!
Just remembered that the only Byrd I saw live was a Gene Clark at a Mass. coffeehouse in 1987, very intimate, about 50 people there, lots of early Byrd songs , just him with acoustic guitar. He did a version of 8 miles high, I taped it on a cassette and he died not long after I believe. He was a musical hero and didn’t disappoint.
Congratulations Matt on your excellent 4 part series on The Byrds. Their influence on other artists over the period is huge. Regarding how good a guitar player Clarence was, after a Byrds gig a guy came back stage and a told Clarence how much he admired his guitar playing..... the guy was non other than Jimmy Hendrix !
Bravo, maestro Matt. I stayed up all night listening to your really superb documentary of the BYRDS, all 4 parts. Music history is richer indeed to have your magnificent legacy.
Great retrospective on a great band. Final comment :I lived in Northwest New Jersey for a while and Roger McGuinn was touring. This was somewhere in the late 1990s. he did a single show in a county Park in Hunterdon County-- just him and his 12-string Rickenbacker. I got to meet him,shake his hand wish him good luck. he sounded like the whole band. Great performer on his own.
@@munimathbypeterfelton6251 well I'm going back quite a few years but he was very personable down to earth .didn't really talk too much and that was about it really
The deal with Asylum getting the reunion album is that Columbia was supposed to get a McGuinn/Crosby album. In the wake of Clive Davis firing that didn't happen. I've often wondered what that would have sounded like.
@@popgoesthe60s52 I thank you Matt, for the education and all the work you put into your presentations. You are seriously the GOAT when it comes to reviewing bands from back in the day. You know of course that I'm still waiting for the "Airplane" to land on your channel : ) P.S. It will be a monster task BUT have you ever considered attempting to review "The Rolling Stones" ?
@@BrixtonTone This Byrds series is one of the more intense series. Of the other 'biggies' I have in my cross hairs are the Beach Boys, Airplane, Monkees, Stones - probably in that order. I'll only be able to handle 2 of those in this calendar year if I'm really on top of it. I have some additional Beatles series to sprinkle in as well plus some interviews and feature on Psychedelia. Others have requested the Airplane too and I have tons of deep research Ill have to condense into 3 videos, so that will be a fun one!
Outstanding Matt! Great 4 part series! The Byrds Reunion Album was disappointing to me because the Rickenbacker was missing in action. Watched their Hall of Fame clip the other night. Sad that Gene Clark passed away a few months later. Your series has reignited my love of the Byrds. Matt you're a genius! Thanks for all your videos!
Thanks again Mr. Matt. The McGuinn, White, Parsons & Battin line up was where I came in. These were MY Byrds. When I started learning more about the group - online - I found out that the Byrds really capitalized on the "college concert" circuit. You're right with BYRDMANIAX. The group really sounds like they're spinning their wheels...especially with the over-production. FARTHER ALONG has always been one of my favorites. They come out of the gate kicking ass, and McGuinn really let the group bring their own material. Had time allowed, this group would've been undoubtedly able to establish themselves. I have heard that it was Crosby who pressured McGuinn to break up the 1970-1973 Byrds, because they sounded different and he didn't like it. The reunion album is just four guys (Mike? Meh.) bringing their solo work to an album under the title of the "Byrds." McGuinn, by this time, really sounds like he was running out of gas. Outside of being a concert pull, nobody was buying their records, except for the GREATEST HITS album. They took a gamble with the reunion, but I could see why McGuinn attempted it. The Byrds' albums of 1969-1971 weren't really selling a whole bunch, and it turns out the reunion album didn't either. I remember Roger on a "Midnight Special" or a "Don Kirshner's Rock Concert" show, as a solo, trying to push one of his albums. There was a great quote, where he said that having to be the wrangler of all these different band members from 1968 to 1972, a few of his friends mocked; "who's in the Byrds this week?" Nobody was "nostalgic" for the Byrds...yet.
Very nicely done. Learned a lot despite starting at ground floor in 1965 & going 8 miles up. I saw the (untitled) band- Clarence was a wonder. Also saw (& met) Gene & Roger playing a club in Newport RI. & Roger singing Chestnut Mare with Dylan’s Rolling Thunder Review 4 times. Chris & his band in GG Park. in more recent years. Saw & met Michael in the 70s with Firefall. I still llisten too. Gram & Gene are hero-saints of mine.
I saw the Dylan/Tom Petty tour in the late 80's in Stuttgart Germany. Petty did several Byrds songs. My friend and I said wow they really sound like the byrds. Then we noticed that's McGuinn!! They did 8 Miles High. As close as I ever got to seeing the byrds. On the reunion album your dog 🐕 bailed!! Even he thought they should have stopped after Untitled!! I liked alot of the Chris Hillman stuff in the 80's he did as the Desert Rose Band. Enjoyed the 4 part series of the byrds. Great job!! 🎸🎸🎸
Yes, Battin, Parsons, and White has real tight musical and mutual chemistry among them which made for all the more musical and social harmony within the band at that time. Hence the reason that particular lineup lasted the longest of all The Byrds’ band lineups throughout the group’s career.
The 2018 Sweetheart of the Rodeo 50th anniversary concert tour with McGuinn, Hillman, and Marty Stuart (playing Clarence White's Stringbender) were something of a Byrds swan song - there are plenty of clips on RUclips and they're worth checking out.
Thanks Matt, this was a nice wind-up for the Byrds series. “Untitled” was my favorite album of this bunch. I continued to purchase all of their albums from this period, and found a lot of the material lacking with some exceptions. Byrdmaniax had great album cover art, but again, had just a few outstanding cuts with a lot of filler. Looking back, the Byrds and the individual members produced a great body of work over several decades that has left an indelible mark on multiple music genres.
Craig meant Gene Parsons’s drumming on the latter-day lengthy landmark live version of Eight Miles High, as featured on the Untitled, Live At The Fillmore, and Live At Royal Albert Hall albums.
@@munimathbypeterfelton6251 Thanks for pointing this out. The Byrds suffered from having too many people with similar names: Gene Clark, Michael Clarke, Gene Parsons, Gram Parsons. And let's not even talk about Jim/Roger McGuinn. Nice that he's back from Rio. :)
@@greg6351 No problem, Greg. It is interesting how there were many parallels drawn within the band in that regard. Sadly, Gene Clark, Michael Clarke, and Gram Parsons are all sadly no longer with us. And yes, Back From Rio is my favorite solo album of McGuinn's. :)
Loved your series on the Byrds. Was a fan from the moment I first heard Mr Tamborine Man in my teens - am 72 now. Never cared for the country sounds yet I bought every album I saw. Listened to Byrdmaniax once - felt it was a waste of vinyl and trashed it. Actually liked the reunion album, especially Cowgirl in the Sand and Gene Clark's Changing Heart. Still a McGuinn fan and see his solo show whenever it is nearby (CT/MA/RI/NY).
Thanks for this information. This was a band that was and is very near and dear to me, but the songs were hit or miss. The mix of psychedelic and folk was so captivating for me as a kid, and still sound amazing to me. An innocence that was fleeting. The Notorious Byrd Brothers is my favorite by far. Perhaps it was mainly the lifestyle excesses took its toll after that, and they could not focus on their musical strengths, and had a hard time staying organized enough to produce a strong coherent album. That’s just my opinion, I’m sure many may disagree.
Matt, thank you for taking all the time to do this retrospect on the Byrds! It brought back soooo many memories. Sometimes it's odd where music can take your mind. It's not just memories but feelings as well. I plan on watching and listening to these videos several times. Again, Thank you Matt. 😊
I enjoy every incarnation of the Byrds. The McGuinn, Battin, White and Parsons line-up was fantastic live; every recording I've heard has been great. Along with the Untitled album, that makes that line-up essential for me as a Byrds fan. I do enjoy quite a bit from those later albums, but McGuinn should have exerted more quality control. I think they had another really good album in them when you consider that McGuinn, Skip and Gene Parsons all had solid to very good solo albums following the dissolution of the band. But maybe that's my Byrds bias coming through. Nevertheless, they remain one of the handful of groups from that era and beyond that will always brighten my day when I put one of their records on.
Love these Byrds episodes. I’m learning a lot. Thank you. I see Spotify has finally added Byrdmaniax. It has some great tunes on it. I really like “Glory Glory” and “I Trust” along with Clarence’s version of “Jamaica Say You Will”. Cheers ✌️❤️
"Glory Glory" was a big hit in E England. "Pale Blue" and Kathleen's song" were two of McGuinn's greatest songs. "Green Apple Quick Step" was epic bluegrass. "Jamaica..." was the best thing Clarence ever sang. If the best tracks from the last two albums had been combined, it would have been one of their greatest albums and more than worthwhile.
Matt, the Byrds lineup of: McGuinn, Battin, Parsons and White was a great touring/recording band. That lineup was able to capture all the sounds the group created during their time together. (Thanks for remembering McGuinn’s Rickenbacker and White’s Telecaster). Great job!
Excellent series! I started to get into the Byrds this last year after always not really caring for them too much. Something just clicked and I've been obsessed since. I was really hoping to hear your take on Gene Clark's No Other.
Just finished watching your Byrds series and I was impressed with your very nice and accurate coverage of this great group. I am re-subscribing to your channel. Thanks alot for your history of this!
What an awesome series, you did a great job on this one Matt. It's crazy how often everything changed for them, basically changing band mates almost every album! Can't wait to see who you cover next.
Just want to thank you, Matt, for your awesome videos. Thank you for covering The Byrds, Association st.al. Perhaps in the future you could do a feature on the Chicago groups of the mid-60's, The Buckinghams, Cryan Shames, New Colony Six, Shadows of Knight, Ides of March, etc. Thanks again, Tom Robinson, ex-Byrds Online Appreciation Society (BOAS).
Yes! You will eventually see the New Colony Six, Bucks, and Cryin' Shames for sure. The others are in play as well. I saw them all do a concert in 2019 at Summerfest in Milwaukee. Surprisingly good show, especially the New Coloy Six!
If your posts weren't so consistently superb I wouldn't have to be so repetitive in telling you so. But I know you're not going to stop and I don't want you to stop. So once again -- fantastic work, Matt !
Great work Matt - The Byrds to me are the original line-up, so I struggled with parts 2, 3 and 4, but appreciate your full coverage of the band's career. Take care!
After 53 years I still think All The Things is about the best song of the later period and Clarence White was a most inspired and inspiring addition to their personnel. Brilliant appraisal of Untitled.
I'd completely lost track of The Byrds at this point in time. My familiarity was mostly before the Gram Parsons days. These have been very educational.
"McGuinn, Clark, and Hillman", was/is my favorite Byrds album, and one of my all-time favorite non-Beatles albums. Some great material, well-produced, with good singing and playing. Pity so few people even know about it.
Thanks for putting out this 4 part Byrds videos They are my favorite music group of all time. Good Research done & compiled for this series of videos. A pleasure for this Fan to view & relive their musical legacy.. Will always have the opportunity for future rewatching. Thanks Again.
@@popgoesthe60s52 I am glad you took the time to delve as much about The Byrds history. For me it gave a new & refreshing look at their music, personnel, legacy- from what I had already known of The Byrds through books, articles & videos I had done over the years. Deeply Appreciated you replied back to me. Thanks Have a Great Day
You're probably aware but fans/collectors may not be of a CD single from 1989 by Crowded House with Roger McGuinn. It features their new single 'I Feel Possessed' which is fine but the bonus tracks are credited to ByrdHouse: 'Mr. Tambourine Man', 'Eight Miles High' and 'So You Want to Be a Rock 'N' Roll Star'.
Great series, thanks so much for doing all the research and putting these together. I don't recall you mentioning the 4 CD box set from Columbia/Legacy in 1990. It was simply titled "The Byrds" and came in a plain black box which had the name embossed. It boasted 17 previously unissued recordings with 4 new tracks and some live stuff as well. And of course there's a booklet, 56 pages.
Another great episode. I enjoyed all of them very much. Even the mystery guest at 14:28..whatever his name was. I love The Byrds and learned things I did not know. I especially prefer the later configurations after Crosby and Gene Clark. Well done. 👍
The original group got back together one final time in 1991, when they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame. Gene Clark died shortly afterwards, and Michael Clarke two years later.
Finally got to the end of the exceptional series. A great band who I was priviledged to see when I was 16 and they h ad just released Untitled. An unforgettable experience. I should also say I have seen McGuinn both solo and in bands many times since and he has always been a joy. Thanks, Matt.
Wonderful job of putting this whole rockumentary together and paying homage to the Bryds. Their harmonies were so perfect. I saw them in concert several times and they were really good.
Absolutely fabulous series Matt. Watched every minute on the edge of my seat. I have always felt The Byrds left a ton of unfinished business behind due to all the drama your so well walked us through. The mind boggles at what could have been. Great job. Have you every considered covering the incredible transition in the very short period of time between early 1966 and Summer of Love? Mind blowing transition the world will never see again. Rubber Soul to Jimi Hendrix in one season...Buckinghams and Dave Clark to The Doors. Just a crazy evolution. anyway, great stuff Matt. Thanks for all you do for us history buffs of pop music...Cheers!
Thank you, David! I haven't thought about the 1966-1967 transition but I will be touching on that in my _What Makes A Song Psychedelic_ series coming soon!
Nice work as usual Matt. Every time I watch one of your videos I end up taking a trip down memory lane. I don't know why you would, but if you remember any of my previous comments you know that lane is pretty long! Unexpectedly, this video led me back to one of those vinyl covered 45 record boxes in which we find my copy of "It Was I' by none other than Skip and Flip. Thanks for the memories (Bob Hope's theme song BTW).
Yes!!! Part four!!! As usual - Thanks for taking the time to do these, Matt. Strange fact - In my later years, I listen far more to The Ballad Of Easy Rider through the last self-titled record as opposed to the early classic period. Not sure why that is, but the 1969 - 1973 period gets spun a ton more than the 1965 - 1968 period. Funny how preferences change over time. Thanks again for these videos. Looking forward to the next series!!!
Yeah, I’m the same way… I usually listen to later stuff more, myself. The untitled/unissued CD is an absolute must have - and a great companion piece is live at the Fillmore…
I've been listening to the 1968-1970 stuff more too. That music now seem more mature to me, for some reason. Probably because the Byrds and the times were maturing too. Thanks for the comment!
I sometimes find myself doing the same thing with The Byrds’ music. I think it’s because each of the albums from Younger Than Yesterday onward feature more original compositions from multiple band members than did the first two albums which relied heavily on Dylan covers and also featured Gene Clark’s compositions during his tenure with the band then. Great songs of course, but not as much compositional variety and corresponding musical-lyrical output as the albums that followed in my opinion.
Very well said, guys. And for some reason (I'm not sure why this is), I really dig Gene Parsons's singing voice. That was an incredibly nice addition to the second half of the band's timeline. Yesterday's Train is a vocal highlight for me. Either way - Truly amazing band. Thanks again, Matt, for doing these videos. The research put into all of it is second-to-none.
I saw the line up of Battin, White, Parsons, McGuinn three times. I saw a lot of bands back in the day and that lineup kicked ass and took no prisoners. I have played Lover of the Bayou on stage more than any other song. Clarence White was the best guitarist I ever saw live and I saw a lot of them.
Yeah, Clarence continues to amaze me. I don't know what the Byrds would have been without him during this period.
Except it wasn't "back in the day". What did we say then? Way back when? A long time ago? Once upon a time? I really can't remember.
@@augustusbetucius2931 If you can't remember how can you say it wasn't back in the day EH! LOL.
Fantastic Job. I never apreciated the depth or longevity of this band, even though I was "there", though young. I am going to listen to them now :)
Well done. Fond memory of a trip to CA in my youth. Daytimes at the beach, nighttime’s at Whiskey A Go Go watching and listening to the Byrds.
The sound of that Ric-12 exploded out of my '61 Falcon's AM Radio dashboard speaker(I was driving at 15) ...Never had a guitar cut thru in the mix like this on Mr.Tambourine Man in June '65 and a mere month later? Like a Rolling Stone was released by Dylan...yeah you had to be there...
❤
Thanks for this fascinating four-part. And thanks in particular for the Gene Clark stuff. My favorite song in the world--not just my favorite Byrds song--is Free This Time. I'm going to have to search for those Gene Clark albums!
Thank you, Jon. I appreciate the feedback and your comments.
Yeah, Set You Free This Time from Turn Turn Turn, RIP Gene,always loved your songs and your voice.
Gene Parsons was an incredible drummer in this era.
Clarence Whites mother used to babysit my two kids in the early 70s in North Hollywood, Ca. I had the chance to meet him a couple of times, really great guy and so good looking! RIP Clarence.
Such a beautiful song , Chestnut Mare .
Just wanted to say thanks so much for this 4-part series, I absolutely adore The Byrds and this has been really enjoyable to watch!! A great presentation and very thorough :)
Thank you, Jake. That was a satisfying series to do.
the birds untitled record is so good, totally underrated. i found a mint copy at wreckless records in chicago and got it for like 5 bucks and was blown away.
catch my review of untitled west coast ep 2 ruclips.net/video/E5vuDKxgcaY/видео.html the byrds/poco
If I had to pick just one Byrds album to own, it would have to be “Untitled”…
@@BaconTomatoCheese the live side is my personal favorite.
Nothing better than finding a record like that! (Well, almost nothing.)
i always really liked Tom Petty's cover of Lover of the Bayou on the Mudcrutch album..
Thanks much for this extensive series. Well deserved by this band. I was fortunate to see The Byrds in May of 1965. Also saw all of the original members solo and in bands during the '70s. Met Michael Clarke in Boulder when he was with Firefall.
You put a lot of work in this series. thanks for what you have done. The Byrds did some great material.
“Untitled” is the best Byrds album by their finest lineup. Pull up the live version of “8 Miles High”. It is epic.
Gene Parsons on drums and Skip Battin on bass = one of the greatest rhythm sections in rock.
“Untitled” is just fantastic. Every track.
Matt thanks so much for this Byrds history series. Really great.
When I discovered FM rock radio, “Chestnut Mare” happened to be in heavy rotation. The Byrds in their late country period were extremely important to my development as a music aficionado. Clarence White was a fantastic guitarist, and the entire band exuded a hip denim-chic that quieted any potential critics. Country-hippie once was a thing, and that came from both Dylan and the Byrds…
Yes the Byrds certainly had street cred during this late period. They never lost their cool.
as well as the dead & new riders too ...
Same here with Chestnut Mare and early 70s AOR FM. But then early 70s AOR played such a WIDE variety of music.
@@popgoesthe60s52 have you seen the great documentary in 2020 (Laurel Canyon-2 part documentary)about all the great folk and rock singers who lived there during the 60’s and 70’s. It starts with the Byrds and everything you discussed.
Can you do a review on this?
Thank you for your channel.
@@jimclemente6546 I have yet to see it. There is also a book I've been meaning to read on it as well. Thanks for the recommendation.
Absolutely love the Clarence White" era"of the Byrds!
🎤🎶🎶🎶🎸🎸🎸🥁
Just watched all your byrds videos in order. Very well done again. Really enjoyed it great stuff. Keep them coming matt. 🎸👌
I appreciate you getting through all four!
I saw the last incarnation of the Byrds in December, 1972 at the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago. Festival seating, a local act called 'Wildflowers', the Commander Cody and his Airmen, who only clicked on 'Hot Rod Lincoln' and 'Smoke, Smoke, Smoke (That Cigarette). The Byrds set was amazing - apart from the drummer who wasn't dialed in a on a couple songs (there wasn't a band introduction, so I've never been sure if it was John Guerin or more likely Jim Moon (a/k/a Jim Schwerz). Mcguinn, White and Battin played off each other like jazz musicians and the sound was phenomenal, the best I've ever heard at any concert. The audience loved The Byrds demanding and getting multiple encores before Roger politely asked everyone to go home. Wonderful show.
Thanks for sharing that experience, Thomas!
I saw that version too, with Guerin on drums. December 15th at the Tower Theater. Unfortunately, McGuinn was drunk by the time The Byrds came on after Paul Butterfield and Commander Cody. The rest of the band took up the slack. McGuinn could barely stand up and only got 4 notes into Eight Miles High before handing it off to Clarence. McGuinn was celebrating something though I can't quite recall what it was. Some fans were tossing presents up on stage.
Really enjoyed this series on the Byrds. My very first concert was the Byrds in 1971 in Lafayette, Louisiana.
With this Long 8 Miles high
The Byrds touched Grateful Dead Territory
… supreme WestCoast Music
That‘s why we love this Kind of Music
Please do a Gene Clarke Special
THX for your Passion & Great Work
I sure do appreciate all your effort making this music history live for me again.
still got my weed after 55 years. no cancer yet, knock on wood. knew many musicians on this journey. ''when the music's over, turn out the lights!!!!!!!
Thanks! I loved your history of the Byrds. One of my favorite bands ever. Your experience and analysis mirrored mine so closely, it was kinda spooky.
I worked for a version of the Byrds in the 90's doing the light show .They played the state/County fair circuit with Paul Revere and the Raiders. Skip was an awesome guy! One show in Montana, the promoter gave him cases of microbrews and artisan liquors. Skip sent me to the store to get him Pabst Blue Ribbon, and gave me all the beer and liquor to share with the crew. Thanks for bringing back this memory, hadn't thought about it in years. What a great summer that was.
What a great experience - thanks for sharing!
BTW…..EXCELLENT 4-PART Byrds History. Thank you. Well-researched and presented. I was a radio DJ for over a decade, a music TV reporter and have written for many publications, besides being a real musician with songs on the radio. VERY nice work!
Thank you, mc2!
A very underrated era for the Byrds. The Untitled record is my favorite record from this period. PLAY LOUD
my review of untitled west coast ep 2 ruclips.net/video/E5vuDKxgcaY/видео.html the byrds/poco
Clarence White brought a new dimension. One of the most unique sounds.
Just remembered that the only Byrd I saw live was a Gene Clark at a Mass. coffeehouse in 1987, very intimate, about 50 people there, lots of early Byrd songs , just him with acoustic guitar. He did a version of 8 miles high, I taped it on a cassette and he died not long after I believe. He was a musical hero and didn’t disappoint.
I'd love to hear that!
Long live the Music and Legacy of The Byrds 🎼🎶🎶🎶🎶🎸🎸🎸🎹🥁
Great series. I just watched all 4 in one sitting. Loved it. Very well done!
That's quite a compliment to watch all 4 in a row! Much thanks!
Congratulations Matt on your excellent 4 part series on The Byrds. Their influence on other artists over the period is huge. Regarding how good a guitar player Clarence was, after a Byrds gig a guy came back stage and a told Clarence how much he admired his guitar playing..... the guy was non other than Jimmy Hendrix !
I didn't know that about Hendrix, but I certainly understand it!
Wow that’s amazing! I bet Hendrix and White are jamming up a storm up in Heaven. ❤️
love the sound of Clarence's guitar nothing sounds like it so glad Marty Stuart owns it and we can hear it still
Agreed, this was an excellent 4 part RUclips series on The Byrds. They remain arguably the most underrated band of the 60's. Great job!
Really?
Outstanding research and a great informative experience, thank you so much for your hard work!!
Thank you, Trey. This series was a satisfying one to do.
Brilliant on all four parts Matt. Much appreciated from the Uk.
Thank you for this epic series on The Byrds. I've been a fan since 1965! Keep them comin'.
Bravo, maestro Matt. I stayed up all night listening to your really superb documentary of the BYRDS, all 4 parts. Music history is richer indeed to have your magnificent legacy.
Outstanding! Just listened to all four episodes back to back. Thank you. Love your work.
Thanks for your stamina! I appreciate the support, William.
Great retrospective on a great band. Final comment :I lived in Northwest New Jersey for a while and Roger McGuinn was touring. This was somewhere in the late 1990s. he did a single show in a county Park in Hunterdon County-- just him and his 12-string Rickenbacker. I got to meet him,shake his hand wish him good luck. he sounded like the whole band. Great performer on his own.
Cool stuff Eugene! How was Roger to talk to as a person?
@@munimathbypeterfelton6251 well I'm going back quite a few years but he was very personable down to earth .didn't really talk too much and that was about it really
@@eugenedegeorge5084 Cool; thanks for sharing!
Loved this Byrds retrospective. Best musical history channel on RUclips by-far!!!!!!!
Thank you, David! Much appreciated.
The deal with Asylum getting the reunion album is that Columbia was supposed to get a McGuinn/Crosby album. In the wake of Clive Davis firing that didn't happen. I've often wondered what that would have sounded like.
That was a really deep dive into the Byrds . The weren't my favourite band but I found the series more than interesting. Great stuff as usual Matt.
Hey Tony - thanks for hanging in there and watching all 4.
@@popgoesthe60s52 I thank you Matt, for the education and all the work you put into your presentations. You are seriously the GOAT when it comes to reviewing bands from back in the day.
You know of course that I'm still waiting for the "Airplane" to land on your channel : )
P.S.
It will be a monster task BUT have you ever considered attempting to review "The Rolling Stones" ?
@@BrixtonTone This Byrds series is one of the more intense series. Of the other 'biggies' I have in my cross hairs are the Beach Boys, Airplane, Monkees, Stones - probably in that order. I'll only be able to handle 2 of those in this calendar year if I'm really on top of it. I have some additional Beatles series to sprinkle in as well plus some interviews and feature on Psychedelia. Others have requested the Airplane too and I have tons of deep research Ill have to condense into 3 videos, so that will be a fun one!
Incredible! Thanks for this incredible history of the Byrds! Incredible!
Outstanding Matt! Great 4 part series! The Byrds Reunion Album was disappointing to me because the Rickenbacker was missing in action. Watched their Hall of Fame clip the other night. Sad that Gene Clark passed away a few months later. Your series has reignited my love of the Byrds. Matt you're a genius! Thanks for all your videos!
Thanks again Mr. Matt.
The McGuinn, White, Parsons & Battin line up was where I came in. These were MY Byrds. When I started learning more about the group - online - I found out that the Byrds really capitalized on the "college concert" circuit. You're right with BYRDMANIAX. The group really sounds like they're spinning their wheels...especially with the over-production. FARTHER ALONG has always been one of my favorites. They come out of the gate kicking ass, and McGuinn really let the group bring their own material. Had time allowed, this group would've been undoubtedly able to establish themselves. I have heard that it was Crosby who pressured McGuinn to break up the 1970-1973 Byrds, because they sounded different and he didn't like it. The reunion album is just four guys (Mike? Meh.) bringing their solo work to an album under the title of the "Byrds." McGuinn, by this time, really sounds like he was running out of gas. Outside of being a concert pull, nobody was buying their records, except for the GREATEST HITS album. They took a gamble with the reunion, but I could see why McGuinn attempted it. The Byrds' albums of 1969-1971 weren't really selling a whole bunch, and it turns out the reunion album didn't either. I remember Roger on a "Midnight Special" or a "Don Kirshner's Rock Concert" show, as a solo, trying to push one of his albums. There was a great quote, where he said that having to be the wrangler of all these different band members from 1968 to 1972, a few of his friends mocked; "who's in the Byrds this week?" Nobody was "nostalgic" for the Byrds...yet.
Good stuff, Mark - thank you!
Very nicely done. Learned a lot despite starting at ground floor in 1965 & going 8 miles up. I saw the (untitled) band- Clarence was a wonder. Also saw (& met) Gene & Roger playing a club in Newport RI. & Roger singing Chestnut Mare with Dylan’s Rolling Thunder Review 4 times. Chris & his band in GG Park. in more recent years. Saw & met Michael in the 70s with Firefall. I still llisten too. Gram & Gene are hero-saints of mine.
Well done.
I saw the Dylan/Tom Petty tour in the late 80's in Stuttgart Germany. Petty did several Byrds songs. My friend and I said wow they really sound like the byrds. Then we noticed that's McGuinn!! They did 8 Miles High. As close as I ever got to seeing the byrds. On the reunion album your dog 🐕 bailed!! Even he thought they should have stopped after Untitled!! I liked alot of the Chris Hillman stuff in the 80's he did as the Desert Rose Band. Enjoyed the 4 part series of the byrds. Great job!! 🎸🎸🎸
Thank you, Lucian!
Out of all the Byrd lineups, this one had the best musicianship.
Yes, Battin, Parsons, and White has real tight musical and mutual chemistry among them which made for all the more musical and social harmony within the band at that time. Hence the reason that particular lineup lasted the longest of all The Byrds’ band lineups throughout the group’s career.
*had real tight
The 2018 Sweetheart of the Rodeo 50th anniversary concert tour with McGuinn, Hillman, and Marty Stuart (playing Clarence White's Stringbender) were something of a Byrds swan song - there are plenty of clips on RUclips and they're worth checking out.
Stellar, one of the best things I've seen in some time.
Watching The Byrds perform on 'Playboy After Dark' is surreal to say the least.
Just great! Learned a lot of their later years that I didn't know. Enjoy your extremely high quality productions.
Thank you, Brian - much appreciated!
Very well done. I enjoyed this four part series on the Byrds. Thank you.
I appreciate you watching all 4!
Thanks Matt, this was a nice wind-up for the Byrds series. “Untitled” was my favorite album of this bunch. I continued to purchase all of their albums from this period, and found a lot of the material lacking with some exceptions. Byrdmaniax had great album cover art, but again, had just a few outstanding cuts with a lot of filler.
Looking back, the Byrds and the individual members produced a great body of work over several decades that has left an indelible mark on multiple music genres.
Excellent 4 part series. Some of your best stuff. Good depth, and a storied group. Thanks
I appreciate the feedback Alan! Thank you.
Bravo Matt. Amazing 4 part series. Your understated talent is undeniable.
Gene's drumming on Eight Miles High is amazing. So much drive and swing.
Michael Clarke was the drummer. He was born Michael Dick, but changed his last name to Clarke, with an 'e' to differentiate from Gene's last name.
Craig meant Gene Parsons’s drumming on the latter-day lengthy landmark live version of Eight Miles High, as featured on the Untitled, Live At The Fillmore, and Live At Royal Albert Hall albums.
@@munimathbypeterfelton6251 Thanks for pointing this out. The Byrds suffered from having too many people with similar names: Gene Clark, Michael Clarke, Gene Parsons, Gram Parsons. And let's not even talk about Jim/Roger McGuinn. Nice that he's back from Rio. :)
@@greg6351 No problem, Greg. It is interesting how there were many parallels drawn within the band in that regard. Sadly, Gene Clark, Michael Clarke, and Gram Parsons are all sadly no longer with us. And yes, Back From Rio is my favorite solo album of McGuinn's. :)
@Glenn Watson That's from the Filmore. The (Untitled) live sides were taped at Queens College and The Felt Forum.
Loved your series on the Byrds. Was a fan from the moment I first heard Mr Tamborine Man in my teens - am 72 now. Never cared for the country sounds yet I bought every album I saw. Listened to Byrdmaniax once - felt it was a waste of vinyl and trashed it. Actually liked the reunion album, especially Cowgirl in the Sand and Gene Clark's Changing Heart. Still a McGuinn fan and see his solo show whenever it is nearby (CT/MA/RI/NY).
Wonderfully educational, and appreciative of the different sounds the Byrds produced. Thank you.
Thank you, Antonio!
Thanks for this information. This was a band that was and is very near and dear to me, but the songs were hit or miss. The mix of psychedelic and folk was so captivating for me as a kid, and still sound amazing to me. An innocence that was fleeting. The Notorious Byrd Brothers is my favorite by far. Perhaps it was mainly the lifestyle excesses took its toll after that, and they could not focus on their musical strengths, and had a hard time staying organized enough to produce a strong coherent album. That’s just my opinion, I’m sure many may disagree.
I appreciate the comment!
Matt, thank you for taking all the time to do this retrospect on the Byrds! It brought back soooo many memories. Sometimes it's odd where music can take your mind. It's not just memories but feelings as well. I plan on watching and listening to these videos several times. Again, Thank you Matt. 😊
I'm please that you watched them just once! What a nice compliment!
Well done covering this era of the Byrds. Still love the band during this era, because they were a great live act.
I enjoy every incarnation of the Byrds. The McGuinn, Battin, White and Parsons line-up was fantastic live; every recording I've heard has been great. Along with the Untitled album, that makes that line-up essential for me as a Byrds fan. I do enjoy quite a bit from those later albums, but McGuinn should have exerted more quality control. I think they had another really good album in them when you consider that McGuinn, Skip and Gene Parsons all had solid to very good solo albums following the dissolution of the band. But maybe that's my Byrds bias coming through.
Nevertheless, they remain one of the handful of groups from that era and beyond that will always brighten my day when I put one of their records on.
I agree - the final lineup of the Byrds of McGuinn, White, Parsons, and Battin were absolutely fantastic live! Wish they could’ve kept going…
@@BaconTomatoCheese Agreed. I don't generally like jam bands (that do 10- or 20-minute solos), but I sure liked the latter Byrds.
I consider Clarence White the Mick Taylor of the band, bringing the live sound forward
A truly superb series. Thank you.
Well researched series. I enjoyed it a lot.
my review of untitled west coast ep 2 ruclips.net/video/E5vuDKxgcaY/видео.html the byrds/poco
Another great installment, many kudos for shedding light on this obscure period for them. Can certainly hear where the Eagles got their template from.
my review of untitled west coast ep 2 ruclips.net/video/E5vuDKxgcaY/видео.html the byrds/poco
Love these Byrds episodes. I’m learning a lot. Thank you.
I see Spotify has finally added Byrdmaniax. It has some great tunes on it. I really like “Glory Glory” and “I Trust” along with Clarence’s version of “Jamaica Say You Will”. Cheers ✌️❤️
"Glory Glory" was a big hit in E England. "Pale Blue" and Kathleen's song" were two of McGuinn's greatest songs. "Green Apple Quick Step" was epic bluegrass. "Jamaica..." was the best thing Clarence ever sang. If the best tracks from the last two albums had been combined, it would have been one of their greatest albums and more than worthwhile.
Thank you Matt... like walking back into history.
can't thank you enough, Matt. This is by far my most cherished channel.
I appreciate the support, Aceface! Thank you.
This was Great and Thank you :) QC
Hey Matt what you doing is so freaking cool… I am a mammoth music freak myself so keep doing this show I think it’s awesome!!!
Thank you, George - much appreciated!
A thorough and brilliant history of a legendary band...
Thank you. This was a satisfying one to do.
Loved this series, Matt! Excellent job. Would be cool to do a Part 5 with some of the post-Byrds solo work, especially Gene Clark's material.
Another insightful, terrific Byrds video 🎉
Matt, the Byrds lineup of: McGuinn, Battin, Parsons and White was a great touring/recording band. That lineup was able to capture all the sounds the group created during their time together. (Thanks for remembering McGuinn’s Rickenbacker and White’s Telecaster). Great job!
I'd agree if they'd kept Battin's songs off the records.
Excellent series! I started to get into the Byrds this last year after always not really caring for them too much. Something just clicked and I've been obsessed since.
I was really hoping to hear your take on Gene Clark's No Other.
Great documentary on the best band ever.
Respect.
Much thanks, Nick!
Just finished watching your Byrds series and I was impressed with your very nice and accurate coverage of this great group. I am re-subscribing to your channel. Thanks alot for your history of this!
Welcome back, Bill!
really enjoyed the final installment of the byrds i enjoy their music having both box sets and i have several books on the byrds and their ex members
Thank You. This is Wonderful! 💗💗💗
What an awesome series, you did a great job on this one Matt. It's crazy how often everything changed for them, basically changing band mates almost every album! Can't wait to see who you cover next.
Just want to thank you, Matt, for your awesome videos. Thank you for covering The Byrds, Association st.al. Perhaps in the future you could do a feature on the Chicago groups of the mid-60's, The Buckinghams, Cryan Shames, New Colony Six, Shadows of Knight, Ides of March, etc. Thanks again, Tom Robinson, ex-Byrds Online Appreciation Society (BOAS).
Yes! You will eventually see the New Colony Six, Bucks, and Cryin' Shames for sure. The others are in play as well. I saw them all do a concert in 2019 at Summerfest in Milwaukee. Surprisingly good show, especially the New Coloy Six!
'Hungry Planet' was reconstructed by McGuinn, who played synthesizer on the track.
If your posts weren't so consistently superb I wouldn't have to be so repetitive in telling you so. But I know you're not going to stop and I don't want you to stop. So once again -- fantastic work, Matt !
That's high praise, syater! Much thanks.
Great work Matt - The Byrds to me are the original line-up, so I struggled with parts 2, 3 and 4, but appreciate your full coverage of the band's career. Take care!
I appreciate you watching them all! Thanks for the support, Borella.
After 53 years I still think All The Things is about the best song of the later period and Clarence White was a most inspired and inspiring addition to their personnel. Brilliant appraisal of Untitled.
I love that song and I would put it near or at the top too. Thank you, David.
I'd completely lost track of The Byrds at this point in time. My familiarity was mostly before the Gram Parsons days. These have been very educational.
"McGuinn, Clark, and Hillman", was/is my favorite Byrds album, and one of my all-time favorite non-Beatles albums. Some great material, well-produced, with good singing and playing. Pity so few people even know about it.
What an excellent series this is Matt. Such a turbulent history, but you analysed and explained it very well.
I appreciate the comment, Alan!
Thanks for putting out this 4 part Byrds videos
They are my favorite music group of all time.
Good Research done & compiled for this series of videos.
A pleasure for this Fan to view & relive their musical legacy..
Will always have the opportunity for future rewatching.
Thanks Again.
I'm glad you enjoyed it, Richard. I hadn't originally planned for each video to go so long, but the story took the time it took! Thank for watching.
@@popgoesthe60s52 I am glad you took the time to delve as much about The Byrds history.
For me it gave a new & refreshing look at their music, personnel, legacy- from what I had already known of The Byrds through books, articles & videos I had done over the years.
Deeply Appreciated you replied back to me. Thanks
Have a Great Day
@@richardcappuccio8561 My pleasure.
Superb work ol’ chap! You’ve introduced me to some really decent Byrd’s music I wasn’t aware of. Thank you.
You're probably aware but fans/collectors may not be of a CD single from 1989 by Crowded House with Roger McGuinn. It features their new single 'I Feel Possessed' which is fine but the bonus tracks are credited to ByrdHouse: 'Mr. Tambourine Man', 'Eight Miles High' and 'So You Want to Be a Rock 'N' Roll Star'.
I didn't know that - thank you!
I never knew about Milestones before Matt thank you so much for telling us! Also your dog in the background is so adorable lol
Great series, thanks so much for doing all the research and putting these together.
I don't recall you mentioning the 4 CD box set from Columbia/Legacy in 1990. It was simply titled "The Byrds" and came in a plain black box which had the name embossed. It boasted 17 previously unissued recordings with 4 new tracks and some live stuff as well. And of course there's a booklet, 56 pages.
There is a second box set, 'There Is A Season', which has 3 CDs of music and a DVD of Byrds television appearances.
Another great episode. I enjoyed all of them very much. Even the mystery guest at 14:28..whatever his name was. I love The Byrds and learned things I did not know. I especially prefer the later configurations after Crosby and Gene Clark. Well done. 👍
The original group got back together one final time in 1991, when they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame. Gene Clark died shortly afterwards, and Michael Clarke two years later.
Finally got to the end of the exceptional series. A great band who I was priviledged to see when I was 16 and they h ad just released Untitled. An unforgettable experience. I should also say I have seen McGuinn both solo and in bands many times since and he has always been a joy. Thanks, Matt.
Thanks for watching all four, Robert!
Wonderful job of putting this whole rockumentary together and paying homage to the Bryds. Their harmonies were so perfect.
I saw them in concert several times and they were really good.
Absolutely fabulous series Matt. Watched every minute on the edge of my seat. I have always felt The Byrds left a ton of unfinished business behind due to all the drama your so well walked us through. The mind boggles at what could have been. Great job. Have you every considered covering the incredible transition in the very short period of time between early 1966 and Summer of Love? Mind blowing transition the world will never see again. Rubber Soul to Jimi Hendrix in one season...Buckinghams and Dave Clark to The Doors. Just a crazy evolution. anyway, great stuff Matt. Thanks for all you do for us history buffs of pop music...Cheers!
Thank you, David! I haven't thought about the 1966-1967 transition but I will be touching on that in my _What Makes A Song Psychedelic_ series coming soon!
Nice work as usual Matt. Every time I watch one of your videos I end up taking a trip down memory lane. I don't know why you would, but if you remember any of my previous comments you know that lane is pretty long! Unexpectedly, this video led me back to one of those vinyl covered 45 record boxes in which we find my copy of "It Was I' by none other than Skip and Flip. Thanks for the memories (Bob Hope's theme song BTW).
Very valuable documentary. Bravo, Matt!
Loving the Byrds videos. Untitled is my favourite out of this batch. All The Things is a personal favourite.
You have a great way of telling a story. Looking forward to more videos!
Yes!!! Part four!!! As usual - Thanks for taking the time to do these, Matt. Strange fact - In my later years, I listen far more to The Ballad Of Easy Rider through the last self-titled record as opposed to the early classic period. Not sure why that is, but the 1969 - 1973 period gets spun a ton more than the 1965 - 1968 period. Funny how preferences change over time. Thanks again for these videos. Looking forward to the next series!!!
Yeah, I’m the same way… I usually listen to later stuff more, myself. The untitled/unissued CD is an absolute must have - and a great companion piece is live at the Fillmore…
I've been listening to the 1968-1970 stuff more too. That music now seem more mature to me, for some reason. Probably because the Byrds and the times were maturing too. Thanks for the comment!
I sometimes find myself doing the same thing with The Byrds’ music. I think it’s because each of the albums from Younger Than Yesterday onward feature more original compositions from multiple band members than did the first two albums which relied heavily on Dylan covers and also featured Gene Clark’s compositions during his tenure with the band then. Great songs of course, but not as much compositional variety and corresponding musical-lyrical output as the albums that followed in my opinion.
Very well said, guys. And for some reason (I'm not sure why this is), I really dig Gene Parsons's singing voice. That was an incredibly nice addition to the second half of the band's timeline. Yesterday's Train is a vocal highlight for me. Either way - Truly amazing band. Thanks again, Matt, for doing these videos. The research put into all of it is second-to-none.
@@blackpeach, I'm definitely with you on that!
excellent series, I learned some things and enjoyed all 4 segments.
I appreciate you watching all 4, Harry! Thank you.