Folkies III

Even though folk music may not be at the top of my listening queue, it’s good to know there are still folk artists out there singing about things that matter- truth, justice, compassion, joy, love, sorrow, history, freedom, common sense, and God’s commandments to love one another and respect His creation- not to mention the dangers of alcohol. Here are some more of my favorite folk songs including Celtic folk, British folk, traditional folk, political folk & protest songs, folk revival, folk pop, and Americana. Enjoy!

The Weavers

01. The Clancy Brothers, Robbie O’Connell, Tommy Makem – “When the Ship Comes In (Live)” (1992)

02. Joan Baez – “It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue” (1965)

03. The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem – “Whiskey, You’re the Devil (Live)” (1962)

04. Joan Baez – “Farewell, Angelina” (1965)

05. Richard Thompson – “1952 Black Vincent Lightning (Live)” (2001)

06. Peter, Paul, and Mary – “Blowin’ in the Wind” (1963)

07. Pete Seeger – “Guantanamera (Live)” (1963)

08. The Irish Rovers – “Nancy Whiskey (Live)” (1966)

09. The Weavers – “Goodnight Irene (Live)” (1955)

10. Pete Seeger – “Last Train to Nuremberg” (1971)

11. The Weavers – “Wreck of the ‘John B’ (Live)” (1955)

12. Joan Baez – “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall” (1965)

13. Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová – “Falling Slowly” (2007)

14. The Weavers – “Follow the Drinking Gourd (Live)” (1955)

15. Pete Seeger – “Garbage” (1979)

16. The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem – “The Rising of the Moon (Live)” (1962)

17. Pentangle – “A Maid That’s Deep in Love” (1970)

18. Joe Jencks – “Let Me Sing You a Song” (2017)

19. Pete Seeger – “My Dirty Stream (The Hudson River Song)” (1966)

20. Simon & Garfunkel – “The Times They Are a-Changin’” (1964)

21. The Dubliners – “Whiskey in the Jar (Live)” (1974)

22. James McMurtry – “Copper Canteen” (2015)

23. Pete Seeger – “Coyote, My Little Brother” (1965)

24. Bob Dylan – “North Country Blues (Live)” (1963)

25. Tommy Makem – “The Butcher Boy” (1961)

26. Ramblin’ Jack Elliott – “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right” (1968)

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Our Greatest President, Pretty Good Movie

I first watched Lincoln some years ago while living in Zambia and after recently watching the movie again I think I enjoyed it more the second time. I’m a former U.S. history teacher but even I had a hard time following the plot yet thankfully director Steven Spielberg has enough respect for the audience to not simplify or slow down the story of how the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution came to pass. It’s a complex and interesting political story, to be sure, and I definitely got more from Lincoln the second time around, but the movie's real draw is Daniel Day Lewis’ epic performance as President Abraham Lincoln. I would love to see Lewis do a one man show as Abe Lincoln on Broadway some day but since Lewis has officially retired from acting I guess that’s not going to happen.

While not an action movie, Lincoln poses interesting legal and moral questions which leave a lasting impact (yet perhaps not as deep as Spielberg’s other nineteenth century slavery movie, Amistad). Lincoln feels way too short to me and some of the actors are woefully miscast but perhaps these are small gripes especially when compared with the outstanding supporting performances by Jared Harris as Ulysess S. Grant and James Spader as the hilarious Mr. Bilbo. Lincoln may be dead but his spirit, humor, and words live on and carry this thougtful movie which reminds us that America is capable of producing great leaders. Time to be great again. Grade: B+

Rock Grab Bag III

Where would rock music be without the rock ballad? Even hard rockers need a breather between fist pumping songs (although these days I guess most fans just wave their cell phones instead of lighters). Here are some more of my favorite rock songs including folk-rock, hard rock, adult alternative, Southern rock, singer-songwriter, acid rock, and classic rock. We’re even revisiting some sweet rock tunes from Bob Dylan’s birthday bash last week. It’s the return of the rock grab bag. Enjoy!

Sinéad O'Connor

01. Crosby & Nash – “To the Last Whale: Critical Mass / Wind on the Water” (1975)
02. Sinéad O'Connor – “Nothing Compares 2 U” (1990)
03. Guns N’ Roses – “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” (1991)
04. Cher – “All I Really Want to Do” (1965)
05. Jackson Browne – “Love Minus Zero/No Limit” (2012)
06. The Byrds – “The Times They Are-A Changin’ (First Version)” (1965)
07. Cher – “Masters of War” (1968)
08. Sinéad O'Connor – “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” (1992)
09. Sinéad O'Connor – “The Emperor's New Clothes” (1990)
10. The Marshall Tucker Band – “Can’t You See (Live)” (1974)
11. Crosby & Nash – “Don’t Dig Here” (2004)
12. Steppenwolf – “Born to Be Wild” (1968)
13. Traveling Wilburys – “Tweeter and the Monkey Man” (1988)
14. The Cranberries – “You and Me” (1999)
15. Sinéad O'Connor – “Mandinka” (1987)
16. Craig Finn – “Maggie I’ve Been Searching for Our Son” (2015)
17. The Marshall Tucker Band – “Fire on the Mountain” (1975)
18. Led Zeppelin – “Communication Breakdown” (1969)
19. Donovan – “Wear Your Love Like Heaven” (1967)
20. Norman Greenbaum – “Spirit in the Sky” (1969)

Traveling Wilburys

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Gateway Album

When I was around 13 years old my friends and I would take the bus to Smith Haven Mall where we would walk around spending our pocket money on useless items. On one such mall trip I purchased the Doors’ 13 (on cassette tape) and the album became my enchanted (or bewitched) gateway to adult rock music. At the time I was feeling ready to move on from the Monkees and 13 had “Light My Fire” which even in 1987 was still a hugely popular song. I didn’t know it then but 13 was the Doors’ first greatest hits package (released in 1970- just before L.A. Woman; I thought 13 was just a kick-ass studio album) and although it’s been out of print for years, 13 remains not only a flawless compilation but the perfect Doors album- especially for beginners. Grade: A

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When You’re Strange

Classic Rock: Choice Cuts IV

Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer when warm weather weekends and classic rock go together like hamburgers and ketchup. On Memorial Day we remember the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving in America’s armed forces and we celebrate our peace, freedom, and equality- which they died to protect. Here’s some more of my favorite classic rock. Enjoy!

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

01. Tom Petty – “Two Gunslingers” (1991)

02. The Rolling Stones – “Beast of Burden” (1978)

03. Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young – “American Dream” (1988)

04. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers – “The Wild One, Forever” (1976)

05. Santana – “Soul Sacrifice (Live)” (1969)

06. Paul McCartney and Wings – “Magneto and Titanium Man” (1975)

07. Tom Petty – “I Won’t Back Down” (1989)

08. The Rolling Stones – “Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)” (1978)

09. Queen & David Bowie – “Under Pressure” (1981)

10. Tom Petty – “Down South” (2006)

11. The Rolling Stones – “Dead Flowers (2009 Mix)” (1971)

12. The Doors – “The End” (1967)

13. Creedence Clearwater Revival – “Fortunate Son” (1969)

14. Traveling Wilburys – “Last Night” (1988)

15. George Harrison – “If Not For You (2014 Mix)” (1970)

16. Creedence Clearwater Revival – “Born on the Bayou” (1969)

17. Van Morrison – “Snow in San Anselmo” (1973)

18. The Jimi Hendrix Experience – “All Along the Watchtower” (1968)

19. Eric Burdon and the Animals – “Good Times” (1967)

20. Looking Glass – “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” (1972)

The Rolling Stones

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Bob’s Birthday Bash – Part 2

Peter, Paul, and Mary’s 1963 version of Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ in the Wind” catapulted the young songwriter to stardom and the royalties Dylan received from that song taught him the same lesson Lennon and McCartney would also learn: there is a lot more money to be made in writing your own songs. The Byrds’ 1965 version of Dylan’s “Mr. Tambourine Man” was a smash hit and showed Dylan that although folk music was respectable there was a lot more fun- and money to be made- in rock.

Peter, Paul, and Mary

After quickly transitioning to rock music, Bob Dylan hired a group- the Band- to back him on the road and by the end of the ‘60s Dylan was making enough money from songwriting royalties that he could afford to take a break from performing and focus on other pursuits. Although he probably doesn’t need the money, Dylan continues performing around the world and even has a new line of whiskey he’s selling- “Heaven’s Door”. Here are some more of my favorite Dylan covers. Enjoy- and Happy Birthday, Bob!

Bob Dylan and the Byrds

01. Totta Näslund – “Wigwam” (2003)
02. The Pogues – “When the Ship Comes In” (1995)
03. The Band – “When I Paint My Masterpiece” (1971)
04. Old Crow Medicine Show – “Visions of Johanna (Live)” (2016)
05. Peter, Paul, and Mary – “Blowin’ in the Wind” (1963)
06. Ramones – “My Back Pages” (1993)
07. Nico – “I’ll Keep It with Mine” (1967)
08. Guns N’ Roses – “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” (1991)
09. Mike Ness – “Don’t Think Twice” (1999)
10. The Band – “I Shall Be Released” (1968)
11. Cher – “Masters of War” (1968)
12. Willie Nelson and Calexico – “Señor (Tales of Yankee Power)” (2007)
13. Jim James and Calexico – “Goin’ to Acapulco” (2007)
14. Roger McGuinn and Calexico – “One More Cup of Coffee” (2007)
15. The Byrds – “Mr. Tambourine Man” (1965)
16. Cat Power – “Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again” (2007)
17. Them – “It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue” (1966)
18. 16 Horsepower – “Nobody ‘Cept You” (2000)
19. Jackson Browne – “Love Minus Zero/No Limit” (2012)
20. Simon & Garfunkel – “The Times They Are a-Changin’” (1964)

Bob Dylan and the Band

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Bob Dylan – 60 Minutes Interview (2004)

Bob’s Birthday Bash – Part 1

This Thursday is Bob Dylan’s 77th birthday so now seems like a good time to celebrate one of America’s most prolific and innovative songwriters by sharing some of my favorite Bob Dylan songs as performed by other artists (can you believe Dylan has been writing and performing for over 50 years?) People who don’t really like Dylan’s music because they don’t dig his singing voice might be surprised at how many of his compositions- performed by other artists- they already know and like.

Joan Baez

One of Bob Dylan’s earliest champions was American folk prodigy and political activist Joan Baez who not only dug Dylan’s unique and exciting songwriting but even performed his early songs and invited the young Minnesotan on stage to sing with her. Dylan eventually grew bored with folk music and moved onto rock while Baez remained- and remains- a folk icon. But Joan Baez is not the only artist Bob Dylan inspired. Here are some of my favorite Dylan covers. Enjoy the party- and Happy World Turtle Day!

Joan Baez at the March on Washington, 1963

01. The Turtles – “It Ain’t Me Babe” (1965)

02. Joan Baez – “Farewell, Angelina” (1965)
03. Cher – “All I Really Want to Do” (1965)
04. Manfred Mann – “Mighty Quinn” (1968)
05. The Byrds – “You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere” (1968)
06. Anberlin – “Like a Rolling Stone” (2005)
07. The Byrds – “The Times They Are-A Changin’ (First Version)” (1965)
08. The Jimi Hendrix Experience – “All Along the Watchtower” (1968)
09. Jason & the Scorchers – “Absolutely Sweet Marie” (1983)
10. The Clancy Brothers, Robbie O’Connell, Tommy Makem – “When the Ship Comes In (Live)” (1992)
11. Peter, Paul, and Mary – “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright (Live)” (1967)
12. Johnny Rivers – “Positively 4th Street” (1968)
13. The Byrds – “Chimes of Freedom” (1965)
14. George Harrison – “If Not For You (2014 Mix)” (1970)
15. Joan Baez – “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall” (1965)
16. William Shatner – “Mr. Tambourine Man” (1968)
17. Joan Baez – “It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue” (1965)
18. Lonnie Mack – “The Man in Me” (1971)
19. Wyclef Jean – “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” (2002)
20. Adele – “Make You Feel My Love” (2008)

Bob Dylan and Joan Baez

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American Tortoise Rescue

No Direction Home

Country Grab Bag II – Part 3

While I’m still on the lookout for new country music, I suppose I will always be partial to ‘70s country since for me it hits that sweet spot where country, rock, and pop all converge. One visible result of the social changes of the ‘60s was a relaxation of dress standards and by the ‘70s hippies had started dressing like cowboys, cowboys had started dressing like hippies, and both groups started adopting each other’s sounds. It was a great time for music.

Jessi Colter

In the ‘70s there was no social media, cable news, or Internet, and so Americans were not bombarded 24 hours a day with twaddle. Back then folks shared a common reality, got by on their talents, wits, and interpersonal skills, and music still brought people together. Country music enjoyed wide crossover appeal on ‘70s radio but no matter how popular country artists became they never forgot their solidarity with the working people- until the ‘80s when even the best country artists seemed to become lost and corrupted by the greed and trends of the shallow, image conscious ‘80s. Here are some more of my favorite country songs- including even a couple of rare ‘80s gems. Enjoy!

The Highwaymen (Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson, Johnny Cash)

01. Jessi Colter – “I’m Not Lisa” (1975)
02. The Handsome Family – “Far from Any Road” (2003)
03. Willie Nelson – “Whiskey River (Live)” (1978)
04. Waylon Jennings – “We Had It All” (1973)
05. Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter – “Storms Never Last” (1981)
06. Old 97’s – “Salome” (1997)
07. Johnny Cash – “The Shifting, Whispering Sands, Pt. I” (1965)
08. Johnny Cash – “Man in Black” (1971)
09. Flatt and Scruggs – “Father’s Table Grace” (1964)
10. The Highwaymen – “Live Forever” (1995)
11. George Jones – “A Girl I Used to Know” (1962)
12. Johnny Cash feat. June Carter Cash – “Ride Easy Baby” (1980)
13. Johnny Cash – “The Shifting, Whispering Sands, Pt. II” (1965)
14. Johnny Cash – “Singin’ in Viet Nam Talkin’ Blues” (1971)
15. Johnny Cash – “Long Black Veil” (1993)
16. Trampled by Turtles – “Kelly’s Bar” (2018)
17. John Denver – “Thank God I’m a Country Boy (Live)” (1974)
18. Jonny Fritz – “Goodbye Summer” (2013)
19. Porter Wagoner – “The Carroll County Accident” (1968)
20. Tanya Tucker – “San Antonio Stroll” (1975)

21. Steve Earle and the Del McCoury Band – “Pilgrim” (1999)

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Forever Country

Country Grab Bag II – Part 2

America is a big country and no matter how bad things get- bad relationship, bad job, bad habit (or all three)- the protagonist in every country song always has the option to get in his or her car, drive away, and start over. That’s the dark, hidden promise in every country song- that’s America.

George Jones

During country music’s golden age, talent and authenticity still carried the day- much to the delight of country fans- but by the ‘80s good looks, dumb songs, and slick production began to dominate and ruin the genre. They say art reflects the times, so what does ‘80s country- most of which is unlistenable trash- say about America during that decade? Here are some more of my favorite country songs. Enjoy!

The Byrds

01. The Byrds – “It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue (Alternate Mix)” (1969)
02. Bob Dylan – “Tonight I’ll Be Staying Here with You” (1969)
03. The Byrds – “You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere” (1968)
04. The Byrds – “Bugler” (1971)
05. Bob Dylan – “Lay, Lady, Lay” (1969)
06. The Byrds – “Jamaica, Say You Will (Live)” (1971)
07. The Dillards – “I’ve Just Seen a Face” (1968)
08. George Jones – “The Door” (1974)
09. Charlie Rich – “Behind Closed Doors” (1973)
10. Jerry Reed – “She Got the Goldmine (I Got the Shaft)” (1982)
11. George Jones – “I’m a One Woman Man” (1988)
12. John Prine – “Lake Marie” (1995)
13. Willie Nelson feat. Snoop Dog, Kris Kristofferson, Jamey Johnson – “Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die” (2012)
14. Merle Haggard – “Ramblin’ Fever” (1977)
15. Hank Williams – “Lost Highway” (1949)
16. Willie Nelson and Neil Young – “Are There Any More Real Cowboys?” (1985)
17. Hank Williams – “I’m a Long Gone Daddy” (1948)
18. Johnny Cash feat. Tom Petty – “I Won’t Back Down” (2000)
19. Johnny Cash – “Wichita Lineman” (2002)
20. George Jones – “The Ghost of Another Man” (1980)
21. George Jones – “These Days (I Barely Get By)” (1974)
22. Poco – “Rose of Cimarron” (1976)
23. Patty Loveless – “How Can I Help You Say Goodbye” (1993)
24. Jerry Jeff Walker – “L.A. Freeway (Live)” (1984)

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Johnny Cash – “Hurt"

Country Grab Bag II – Part 1

My favorite country music period runs from the late ‘60s to the late ‘70s when country rock, country-folk, and country pop all took off in a big way (in the U.S. the Eagles’ Their Greatest Hits 1971–1975 was the best-selling album of the 20th century) and it seemed like everyone in America was going country before it all went to hell in the ‘80s- and didn’t really start sounding good again until the mid-‘90s.

John Prine

Truth be told, most mainstream country turns me off and sends me running. For me to like a country song it helps if the song is weird, offbeat, or just too introspective to pass for casual entertainment (although sad songs have always been a big part of traditional country music). Here are some more of my favorite country songs including traditional country, country-folk, Texas country, outlaw country, country rock, new country, and alt country. It’s the return of the country grab bag. Enjoy!

Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash

01. Bob Dylan feat. Johnny Cash – “Girl from the North Country” (1969)

02. Miranda Lambert – “Tin Man” (2016)

03. Michael Nesmith – “Silver Moon” (1970)

04. John Prine – “Paradise” (1971)

05. Jerry Jeff Walker – “Mr. Bojangles” (1968)

06. Johnny Cash – “Why Me Lord” (1994)

07. John Denver – “Garden Song” (1979)

08. Joe Henry – “Our Song” (2007)

09. Johnny Cash – “Don’t Go Near the Water” (1974)

10. Martina McBride – “Concrete Angel” (2001)

11. John Prine – “Knockin’ on Your Screen Door” (2018)

12. John Prine – “That’s the Way the World Goes Round” (1978)

13. John Prine – “Bruised Orange [Chain of Sorrow]” (1978)

14. John Prine – “Grandpa Was a Carpenter” (1973)

15. John Prine – “Summer’s End” (2018)

16. Old Crow Medicine Show – “Wagon Wheel” (2003)

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Cheer Up, Sleepy Jean II – Part 2

Some of the biggest names in ‘60s songwriting composed many of the Monkees’ songs- Boyce and Hart, Goffin and King, Neil Diamond, Harry Nilsson; and the groovy lyrics- which often viewed the world through children’s eyes but never felt dumbed down- greatly influenced my own earliest songwriting efforts. The Monkees were eventually allowed to play their own instruments- and their music became weirder. The Monkees TV show was cancelled in 1968- the same year the Monkees appeared in their box office bomb- Head- and by 1970 the band was done.

Several Monkees reunions have occurred through the years, the last being in 2016 when the three surviving members- Michael Nesmith, Peter Tork, and Micky Dolenz- released Good Times! (the only British Monkee- Davy Jones- died in 2012). While living and working in Zambia some years ago, I was introduced to Micky Dolenz’ daughter at a dinner party where I’m pretty sure I then proceeded to tell her about how I am a huge Monkees fan (yeah, I’m sure she’s never heard that line before). Here are some more of my favorite Monkees songs. Enjoy!

01. The Monkees – “Cuddly Toy” (1967)

02. The Monkees – “Goin’ Down” (1967)

03. The Monkees – “The Girl I Knew Somewhere” (1967)

04. The Monkees – “Tapioca Tundra” (1968)

05. The Monkees – “Zor and Zam” (1968)

06. The Monkees – “I’m a Believer” (1967)

07. The Monkees – “Take a Giant Step” (1966)

08. The Monkees – “Me & Magdalena” (2016)

09. The Monkees – “Sometime in the Morning” (1967)

10. The Monkees – “Someday Man” (1969)

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Cheer Up, Sleepy Jean II – Part 1

I first started getting into the Monkees and their music in the ‘80s when MTV was regularly showing reruns of The Monkees ‘60s television show. For me, The Monkees was a fascinating window into ‘60s pop culture and although the show's humor was goofy, the four Monkees were so hip and likeable and the songs so perfect for pre-pubescent kids looking for cooler music; I immediately went and bought a Monkees album- as well as a Monkees poster to hang on my bedroom wall. It might as well have been 1967- but it was the Reagan years. Here are some more of my favorite Monkees songs. Enjoy!

01. The Monkees – “She” (1967)

02. The Monkees – “Randy Scouse Git” (1967)

03. The Monkees – “Porpoise Song (Theme From ‘Head’)” (1968)

04. The Monkees – “Shades of Gray” (1967)

05. The Monkees – “Listen to the Band” (1969)

06. The Monkees – “Words” (1967)

07. The Monkees – “As We Go Along” (1968)

08. The Monkees – “(Theme From) The Monkees” (1966)

09. The Monkees – “Can You Dig It?” (1968)

10. The Monkees – “Daddy’s Song” (1968)

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Davy Jones on the Brady Bunch – Part 1

The Monkees TV Show Intro

A Spoonful of Summer

The Lovin’ Spoonful were advertised as a “jug band” and the New York City group found their niche in the eclectic ‘60s music scene with fun, feel-good folk-rock that delivered good vibes, catchy songs, and fond memories of first loves and sunny days. Still one of my favorite band names, the Spoonful’s music was a big part of my childhood and I started rediscovering their songs when I was in my 30’s.

In less than two years the Lovin’ Spoonful (led by singer-songwriter John Sebastian) served up an impressive batch of tunes that for me still hold up some 50 years later. I usually start listening to the Spoonful when the weather is getting warmer, the days are growing longer, and I'm dreaming of lying in a hammock somewhere with a gentle summer breeze blowing over me and sunshine kissing my face. Here are some of my favorite Lovin’ Spoonful songs. Enjoy- and Happy Mother’s Day!

01. The Lovin’ Spoonful – “Nashville Cats” (1966)
02. The Lovin’ Spoonful – “Darlin’ Companion” (1966)
03. The Lovin’ Spoonful – “Summer in the City” (1966)
04. The Lovin’ Spoonful – “You Didn’t Have to Be So Nice” (1966)
05. The Lovin’ Spoonful – “Do You Believe in Magic” (1965)
06. The Lovin’ Spoonful – “Darling Be Home Soon” (1967)
07. The Lovin’ Spoonful – “Daydream” (1966)
08. The Lovin’ Spoonful – “Rain on the Roof” (1966)
09. The Lovin’ Spoonful – “Coconut Grove” (1966)
10. The Lovin’ Spoonful – “Butchie’s Tune” (1966)

John Sebastian performing at Woodstock, 1969

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John Sebastian – “Younger Generation (Live)”

Byrds of a Feather II – Part 4

John F. Kennedy’s murder in 1963 seems to have really pissed off David Crosby who (while still with the Byrds) would rail on stage against the Warren Commission and spout conspiracy theories- much to his bandmates’ chagrin. I saw Crosby perform live with Stills & Nash some years ago and the Cros was still a spitfire on stage only now he was throwing insults at George W. Bush and making the audience laugh. Say what you want about David Crosby but the guy is fun to listen to- and still has that ‘60s rebel spirit.

Gene Clark died of alcoholism, Roger McGuinn became a Christian Republican, but the spirit of the Byrds- the spirit of the ‘60s- lives on though it is in danger of disappearing. Where are the innovative bands of today? Who are today’s Byrds? Why aren’t there more people making and listening to mind blowing music today? I mean can you imagine walking into a garden party circa 1966 and hearing “Captain Soul” playing? It would blow your mind. Where is the political action, the protests, and the youth rebellion of 2018? I guess we’re all too busy in our own private universes to want to change the world.

I hope you have enjoyed Byrds week and that the Byrds’ (birds’) spirit of peace, love, and exploration serve to enrich your life and inspire you to do good things and spread good vibes. By the way, not only does tomorrow mark World Migratory Bird Day but 2018 is the Year of the Bird. Here are some more of my favorite Byrds songs. Enjoy!

01. The Byrds – “He Was a Friend of Mine” (1965)

02. The Byrds – “Renaissance Fair” (1967)

03. The Byrds – “Mr. Spaceman” (1966)

04. The Byrds – “What’s Happening” (1966)

05. The Byrds – “John Riley” (1966)

06. The Byrds – “Here Without You” (1965)

07. The Byrds – “Captain Soul” (1966)

08. The Byrds – “The Bells of Rhymney” (1965)

09. The Byrds – “It’s No Use” (1965)

10. The Byrds – “I Knew I’d Want You” (1965)

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2018 is the Year of the Bird

Don Henley Inducts the Byrds into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

End of an Era

Byrds of a Feather II – Part 3

“‘Eight Miles High’ has been called the first psychedelic record. It’s true we’d been experimenting with LSD, and the title does contain the word ‘high’, so if people want to say that, that’s great. But ‘Eight Miles High’ actually came about as a tribute to John Coltrane. It was our attempt to play jazz.”  

– Roger McGuinn 

For better or worse by 1965 rock music was maturing and becoming more complex. Lyrically the first two Byrds albums are nothing special although the “love songs” Clark and McGuinn were writing back then seem darker and more realistic than what had come earlier with the Beatles or even the Rolling Stones. But for me it’s always their music that makes the Byrds special: the harmonies, the guitars, and that mysterious element that one can’t put into words- but you can feel it. Then came the Byrds’ third album- Fifth Dimension- and all rock rules went out the window.

Although blessed with a beautiful singing voice, David Crosby had a reputation for being difficult, self-indulgent, and unpredictable and in 1968 the Byrds fired him- just as the band was about to enter their country rock phase. The disgruntled Crosby went on to find great success with Crosby, Stills & Nash but his resentment toward McGuinn would reportedly last decades.

The Byrds recorded music at a time when rock records were thought to be disposable but now it’s 50 years later and their songs still sound great to me. If there were contemporary bands who sounded this good then I would listen to them but until then here are some more of my favorite Byrds songs. Enjoy! 

01. The Byrds – “Wasn’t Born to Follow” (1968)

02. The Byrds – “Draft Morning” (1968)

03. The Byrds – “Time Between” (1967)

04. The Byrds – “The World Turns All Around Her” (1965)

05. The Byrds – “My Back Pages” (1967)

06. The Byrds – “Have You Seen Her Face” (1967)

07. The Byrds – “So You Want to Be a Rock 'n' Roll Star” (1967)

08. The Byrds – “It Won’t Be Wrong” (1965)

09. The Byrds – “I Know My Rider (I Know You)” (1966)

10. The Byrds – “Eight Miles High” (1966)

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Rock Goes Psychedelic

Byrds of a Feather II – Part 2

“At one time, he was the power in the Byrds, not McGuinn, not Crosby—it was Gene who would burst through the stage curtain banging on a tambourine, coming on like a young Prince Valiant. A hero, our savior. Few in the audience could take their eyes off this presence. He was the songwriter. He had the ‘gift’ that none of the rest of us had.”

– Chris Hillman on Gene Clark

The Byrds were somehow part of my early childhood (in the late ‘70s) and I have hazy memories of listening to their music in the car with my dad while driving around Long Island on warm, sunny days with the windows rolled down. I was 30 when I started rediscovering the Byrds’ music and while their various incarnations and lineups can be confusing for newbies, for me the band’s overall spirit of excitement and adventure remains whether its ‘60s Byrds (mop-tops) or ‘70s Byrds (“the Beards”).  

From their first album the Byrds were loaded with secret weapons: Roger McGuinn’s guitar playing, those beautiful vocal harmonies, and Gene Clark’s songwriting. Clark flew the coop in 1966- just as the Byrds were entering their psychedelic phase and McGuinn was emerging as the main songwriter and arranger. If I had to pick my favorite Byrds period then it would probably be their country rock years when the band was performing a public service by taking country music away from rednecks and giving it back to the weirdos- where it belongs. Here are some (more) of my favorite Byrds songs. Enjoy!

01. The Byrds – “Chimes of Freedom (Live)” (1969)

02. The Byrds – “Everybody’s Been Burned” (1967)

03. The Byrds – “Nashville West (Live)” (1971)

04. The Byrds – “Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is a Season)” (1965)

05. The Byrds – “Old Blue” (1969)

06. The Byrds – “I’ll Feel a Whole Lot Better” (1965)

07. The Byrds – “Old John Robertson” (1967)

08. The Byrds – “Goin’ Back” (1968)

09. The Byrds – “It’s All Over Now Baby Blue (Version One)” (1965)

10. The Byrds – “Lover of the Bayou (Live)” (1970)

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Gene Clark Documentary

Roger McGuinn Explains Folk-Rock

Byrds of a Feather II – Part 1

In addition to turtles I also love birds and since next Saturday is World Migratory Bird Day now seems like a good time to revisit one of my favorite bands- the Byrds! The one constant member of the Byrds- Roger McGuinn- started his music career as a folk singer but soon began sneaking Beatles songs into his set lists. In 1964, McGuinn moved from New York City to Los Angeles where he met and joined forces with Gene Clark and David Crosby- and the rest is Byrds history.

‘60s Byrds

After inventing folk-rock with their cover of Bob Dylan’s “Mr. Tambourine Man”, the Byrds continued to evolve musically and their psychedelic and country rock periods were equally trailblazing. While not as well known as the Beatles or the Rolling Stones, the Byrds’ influence on ‘60s and ‘70s rock music cannot be overstated- and I think most of their songs still sound groovy! Here are more of my favorites. Enjoy!

‘70s Byrds

01. The Byrds – “Lady Friend” (1967)

02. The Byrds – “Fido” (1969)

03. The Byrds – “5D (Fifth Dimension)” (1966)

04. The Byrds – “Wild Mountain Thyme” (1966)

05. The Byrds – “Ballad of Easy Rider” (1969)

06. The Byrds – “Tiffany Queen” (1971)

07. The Byrds – “Gunga Din” (1969)

08. The Byrds – “Mr. Tambourine Man (Live)” (1970)

09. The Byrds – “Farther Along” (1971)

10. The Byrds – “Dolphin’s Smile” (1968)

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Roger McGuinn Interview