THE BYRDS
The Preflyte Sessions (Sundazed)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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There's probably no band with a better claim to being the founders of the genre that is broadly labeled "Americana" than the Byrds. Whether in their various permutations as a band or in post-Byrds efforts like The Flying Burrito Brothers, Crosby, Stills & Nash, the Desert Rose Band, etc., there is practically no one performing in the Americana scene that is untouched by these original masters of folk-rock.

While some of these early recordings have appeared elsewhere, there are 16 previously unreleased tracks on this 40 song, two disc collection, and every one of them deserves to be heard. 35 tracks credited to the orginal Byrds lineup are joined by four (including three previously unreleased) early solo demos by David Crosby and one by The Jet Set, which was the pre-Byrds trio formed by Crosby, Roger McGuinn and Gene Clark.

The tracks here include some that would become regulars in the Byrds' set lists or hits on later Byrds albums, as well as some that would be relegated to forgotten history. They're all resurrected here, restored from the World Pacific Studio sessions that documented the band's earliest rehearsals. While these tracks were recorded more as an opportunity for the group to study their progress than with an eye toward any possible release, they deserve release as a significant historical document, a goldmine for other musicians to study and simply as terrific music to listen to.

Packaged with a 48 page booklet full of band history and archival photographs, this is a set that belongs in the collection of any fan of American music.

Track Lists:

Disc One: The Reason Why * You Don't Have To Cry * She Has A Way * You Showed Me * Here Without You * Don't Be Long * I Knew I'd Want You * Boston * Tomorrow Is A Long Ways Away * For Me Again * It's No Use * You Movin' * Please Let Me Love You * The Airport Song * Mr. Tambourine Man * She Has A Way * I Knew I'd Want You * Boston * You Showed Me * The Times They Are A-Changin'

Disc Two: The Only Girl I Adore (The Jet Set) * Tomorrow Is A Long Ways Away * You Showed Me * I Knew I'd Want You * You Won't Have To Cry * Mr. Tambourine Man * Willie Jean (David Crosby) * Come Back Baby (David Crosby) * Jack Of Diamonds (David Crosby) * Get Together (David Crosby) * She Has A Way * Here Without You * For Me Again * It's No Use * You Movin' * Boston * She Has A Way * You Movin' * The Reason Why * It's No Use

© 2002 - Shaun Dale