Search - Byrds :: In the Beginning

Birth of a legend

03/29/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"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!"

Interesting

05/23/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"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'."

The Byrds - In The Begining

Donald Newton | Mansfield, Texas, USA | 10/02/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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!"