Byrds, The: The Lost Broadcasts (DVD)

Gonzo Multimedia is at it again, releasing more rare rock footage from the vaults, this time it's the seminal US folk/psychedelic/country rock legends The Byrds. Here you have two German TV broadcasts from 1971 & 1972 featuring the later line-up of vocalist/guitarist Roger McGuinn, bassist Skip Battin, guitarist Clarence White, and drummer Gene Parsons.

The first session is from May 19, 1971, and includes two takes of the rocking song "Chestnut Mare", a rambling, near 14-minute instrumental take on the psychedelic classic "Eight Miles High" (including lengthy bass solo), and their folk/pop hit "Mr. Tambourine Man", a Bob Dylan song that they made all their own, here a lovely duet between McGuinn & White on acoustic guitars. Throughout, you'll see & hear the magical Rickenbacker guitar tones from McGuinn perfectly mesh with White's sizzling Telecaster (oddly enough White was more of a country player but you can really see his rock side coming out here), while the rhythm section of Battin & Parsons, both who also handle vocals as well, are firing on all cylinders. It's performances like these that show that The Byrds were much more than a folk rock or country rock band. Over to the October 1972 sessions, you'll see the band doing three takes of the wild bluegrass instrumental "Black Mountain Rag" (lots of weaving guitars and banjo) and two versions of their staple hit "So You Want to Be a Rock'n Roll Star", another great example of how this band was able to mix psychedelic rock with folk and pop.

The sound and audio is very good for source material that is 40 years old, which goes along with the high standards that Gonzo has previously set in this video series. In the end, you'll just wish there was more footage-at slightly over 30 minutes, it's all over before you feel you've really gotten started.

Track Listing

1. "Chestnut Mare" Take 1
2. "Chestnut Mare" Take 2
3. "Eight Miles High".
4. "Mr Tambourine Man"
5. "Black Mountain Rag" Take 1
6. "Black Mountain Rag" Take 2
7. "Black Mountain Rag" Take 3
8. "So You Want to Be a Rock'n Roll Star" Take 1
9. "So You Want to Be a Rock'n Roll Star" Take 2

Added: January 18th 2012
Reviewer: Pete Pardo
Score:
Related Link: Gonzo Multimedia
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Language: english

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