The Byrds Album: “In the Beginning”

Description :

The Byrds: Jim McGuinn, Gene Clark, David Crosby (vocals, guitar), Chris Hillman (bass), Michael Clarke (drums). Additional personnel: Ray Pohlman (bass), Earl Palmer (drums). Compilation producer: Bill Inglot. Recorded in 1964. Includes liner notes by Billy James. IN THE BEGINNING is a collection of rare early recordings, demos and alternate takes. Recorded in 1964 and produced by the Byrds' manager, Jim Dickson, the charming and often fascinating demos and rarities on IN THE BEGINNING provide a valuable overview of how the Byrds developed their trademark sound. They may not have been the first to combine folk and rock (Trini Lopez was doing it in 1963), but it was their striking combination of ringing guitars and soaring harmonies that defined the genre. That combination is present throughout IN THE BEGINNING, but the relatively sparse live-in-the-studio arrangements strip their sound down to the basics, making it easy to see what tricks this band of erstwhile folkies picked up from the Everly Brothers and the Beatles. Dedicated Byrds watchers will recognize most of this album's tracks from PREFLYTE, a collection of early demos, which was first released in 1969. However, the presence of several previously unreleased tracks makes this an essential purchase for collectors and anyone who is more than a casual fan. Special kudos to Rhino for not giving it the obvious title ("Early Byrds").

If you are expecting the pristine quality of the early Columbia recordings, you may want to pass on this one. However, if you are a serious Byrds fan with a sense of history, you will enjoy it. "In the Beginning" offers a fascinating look at some of the very earliest sessions by one of the most influential bands of all time. This set of rehearsal and demo recordings provide a surprisingly listenable glimpse of The Byrds as they were striving to refine their sound. It also reaffirms Gene Clark's invaluable role as both songwriter and vocalist. The sincerity which is evident in all the performances more than compensates for the rough edges. Highly recommended for all serious Byrds fans!

Most people would say that these tunes were "baby pictures;" The Byrds trying to find their place in the music business. I offer this opinion. Many so-called "stars" in the music industry could call this a "Greatest Hits" album, if they had released such masterpieces themselves. Some of these acoustic versions were actually better than the "electric" releases. The Byrds' biggest mistake was not using Gene Clark written songs as A-side releases. He was the most underrated song writer of the 1960's and 1970's. The Byrds never needed Bob Dylan and these gems prove it!

Probably not a place to start your Byrds collection, but this is a highly interesting collection for fully-fledged Byrds fan. Some of these tracks appeared on an early 70's Byrds Lp called 'Preflyte'. These recordings are mostly demos and rehearsals. The orginal 'Preflyte' lp is worth tracking down as that contains material not included on 'In the Beginning'.

It is great material but it and Preflyte (they had completely different sets of tracks from the same sessions)are now part of one compilation that includes everything that's releaseable.

The Preflyte Sessions on Sundazed music is the one, if you want everything