What do I know about the hippie generation? Not much. I was born in 1984 so I haven't lived through any of the golden eras of music. Luckily we have records, CDs, and tapes...
This Byrds album is amazing. Before deciding I wanted this album, I listened to a few sample clips and was immediately sold. I knew right away that this would be the album that would make my drive to work a whole lot better, and it sure did!
It starts off the way it finishes - smooth, soulful, and strong. The first few songs seem to blend together without more than a second break in between, I can't even imagine how awesome it would have been to be at this show. In between the beginning and end are tons of great songs, including a medley with their most famous hits - "Turn!Turn!Turn! - Mr.Tambourine Man - Eight Miles High." It's a great medley but the spotlight is easily stolen by less known songs as band leader, Roger McGuinn, narrates a few stories of how songs were created.
On "Drug Store Truck Drivin' Man," McGuinn explains that The Byrds went to Nashville before they were a proven group. After playing a few songs for a record executive, he quickly told them that he didn't like hippies and their music would never make it. They wrote this song about him. Ironically, the song is probably better known than the executive who didn't like it. I guess The Byrds got the last laugh on this one.
Another bonus surprise from this album is that The Byrds cover some good country songs. "Buckaroo" is an old Buck Owens & The Buckaroos instrumental that guitarist, Clarence White, burns up his B-Bender Guitar (http://www.stringbender.com/bender/classic.htm).
When you hear The Byrds rendition of Merle Haggard's "Sing Me Back Home" you'll get the chills. This is quality music from a group that appreciated good music as well as they played it.
If you like music, you will not be disappointed with the first Byrds live album ever released. I highly recommend this one!
Track Listing:
Nashville West
You're Still On My Mind
Pretty Boy Floyd
Drug Store Truck Drivin' Man
Medley:
Turn!Turn!Turn! - Mr.Tambourine Man - Eight Miles High
Close Up On The Honky Tonks
Buckaroo
The Christian Life
Time Between
King Apathy III
Bad Night at the Whiskey
This Wheel's on Fire
Sing Me Back Home
So You Want to Be a Rock'N'Roll Star"
He Was a Friend of Mine
Chimes of Freedom
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