The Byrds Albums Ranked

[@juliatutor8099]

The word you were looking for to describe "America's National Pastime " is Ragtime ...Kudos for this .....I love The Byrds as well.....Peace and Love....

[@gurusoft1]

Notorious is the Byrds Sergeant Pepper. A masterpiece.

[@paulg2733]

Couldn't agree more, outstanding album

[@bodietitan557]

Sorry to be so off topic but does anybody know of a tool to get back into an instagram account?? I stupidly lost the login password. I appreciate any assistance you can offer me.

[@fletchermarcos2413]

@Bodie Titan instablaster =)

[@sumtin05698]

their best album in my opinion, every single song makes you think and songs like Change is Now will make you start bobbing your head without even noticing it.

[@davidobissonette8848]

well put!!!!!

[@onmyturntable7036]

Just came across your channel: great stuff! Excellent overview of The Byrds studio releases: 'Untitled' is up there for me as well, and revisit it often. Onto the next ranking!

[@mazzysmusic]

Thanks for visiting and watching ✌🏼

[@garnetfaulkner4667]

One of my all time favorite bands. Their greatest hits album made me appreciate Dylan more. We were lucky in many ways to have been a part of that generation. I'm 72 and I think about what my parents listened to when they were in their 70's and I still listen to Hendrix and Bowie and all of the bands we grew up with. There are many new bands that I enjoy. Your shows are great and bring back so many memories. Thank you sir!

[@jimgish6546]

I saw The Byrds in Sept 1970 playing in the gym at Pennsylvania Military College. Sat on the floor 10 feet in front of Clarence and McGuinn. Like you said, if you lived it, it was a whole different experience.

[@tomkeefe599]

Was Jo there?

[@jimgish9418]

@@tomkeefe599 Jo is everywhere my friend

[@bacarandii]

"Chestnut Mare" was responsible for my first "psychedelic experience" when I was 11 or 12. I knew the song from AM Top 40 radio, and late one winter afternoon I fell asleep in my room with the radio on. I awoke listening to a trippy interlude in the middle of the song that had never been there before and I thought I was losing my mind. I had no idea that songs could be edited and re-arranged, or that there was such a thing as a "single" that was different from an "album cut." I will always associate that song with that experience.

[@maheiherp]

i think for chris hillman was younger than yesterday a breakthrough as songwriter - time between, the girl with no name, thoughts and words, have you seen here face - great, great songs...

[@christopherrigby2798]

It's 104 degrees F in your currency today so chilling out, literally, to your video ranking which goes more or less as I see them. Regarding History of The Byrds, it came out in '73 and was my gateway into the group and coupled with The Worst of Jefferson Airplane was my alternative listening session to UK pop 45s in the mid 70's being just in double digits. That compilation was notable for a few reasons, the easiest way to get Lady Friend and She Don't Care About Time and in proper mono in an era of fake stereo. The Pete Frame family tree wasn't just handy for following what happened within the Byrds but lead to my exploring of Poco, Jackson Browne, Linda Rondstat (sp?) and the Eagles. Thanks for your many videos, Chris (Curiosity), Stoke on Trent, Staffs, England.

[@MrRhmccabe]

Eight Miles High.....the greatest single ever released............the Byrds influence in Pop-Rock and Country continues to this day...the greatest band there ever was.

[@richardjones186]

Definitely the best drumming ever recorded.

[@peteowen3539]

NBB for me. Bought it the day it came out. Just amazing.

[@clarenzlarka]

Yep. Incredibly great

[@leeconrad2689]

Been a fan since the mid 60s. Loved Gene's voice. I wish I still had my blue Granny glasses ;)

[@ryantunks]

Gene would have been almost perfect, except his favorite song subject to write about is how a chick got the best of him :) thats not rock n roll

[@kevinhentze1909]

Brilliant, and Comprehensive, as per usual, Mazzy! Preflyte (1969) is the only release you omitted that i would have included, with the compilations. Obviously you know it is comprised of demo material (from 1964) recorded at World Pacific Studios, prior to the release of their first studio album. As a collection of previously unreleased demo recordings, Preflyte is one of the earliest examples of the issuing of outtakes by a band. Yet another first for the seminal & incomparable Byrds. Also, I just simply LOVE The Airport Song, so very, very much. Okay, i also would include the compilation album Never Before, 1987. Comprised of material recorded from 20 January, 1965 - 13 November, 1967, at Columbia Studios and RCA Studios. Here are contained alternate takes (Eight Miles High), previously unreleased songs, et alia. Hey, it's The Byrds, as someone in-the-know (that's you, Mazzy 🤪) said, there is no bad Byrds album. Peace, Cheers, Dan

[@avlisk]

I'll always remember The Ballad of Easy Rider record for assuring that I would remember who the 3rd astronaut on Apollo 11 was. I can't separate this album from that event. It's my favorite Byrds album, and I was a fan from Tambourine Man onward.

[@northernlight4614]

My favorite bands are the Byrds, Kinks, and Beatles as well.

[@NorthernCitrusParrot]

Thanks for this. Absolutely love the Byrds coming to their music when I was 21 in the late 80s. Interesting to hear the views of someone who was there at the time. Can remember hearing Goin' Back for the first time and listening to what I thought was the most beautiful thing I'd ever heard. They can bury me with my Byrds albums.

[@lamarbender3023]

I love the Byrds and consider them among my 3 favorite bands from the 60's. I grew up with their earlier music as well and did not discover Sweetheart until the last 10 years. A great album! Thank you for the detailed and interesting commentary about each of their albums.

[@ronburger8136]

Thanks for the videos Mazzy! Lots of great stuff. I’m 70 this year and grew up in the 60s. My first concert was the Beatles in Sept ‘64 when I was 13. An incredible decade in terms of pop musical creativity. Fifth Dimension blew my mind in ‘66. Thanks for keeping the greatness alive with your knowledge and history of this music.

[@billrousseau]

Being my #1 favorite band, I really appreciate hearing your perspective as someone who was experiencing their albums as they came out. My order is a tad different, but almost in alignment. I rank Turn, Turn, Turn and Mr. Tambourine Man 1 & 2, but it’s all subjective. I started with the Greatest Hits “Nice Price” cassette as a young fella in the 90s. I would sit in my car and sometimes listen to Tambourine Man, rewinding it and listening to it dozens of times in a row. Then with the expanded re-issues that arrived around the same time, which I got free promo copies of thankfully as I was broke, I was hooked. The dense liner notes by David Fricke and the previously unreleased tracks, alternate takes and misc audio ephemera (advertisements, banter, arguments etc) made me go in super deep and my love continues to grow. Thanks for putting this together.

[@lladnar69]

The double album you spoke of, half live/ half studio, was proven to work by the atom bomb that was Cream: Wheels of Fire in '68. ALL touring bands at that time HAD to become "jam" bands because of the change in audience expectations after Cream. I agree, I wish The Byrds had continued playing like they did on that album. There is good video of the jam version of 8 miles high here on you tube! Love your vids.

[@tonyhonour665]

Pink Floyd did the same, releasing Ummagumma in 1969.

[@lladnar69]

@@tonyhonour665 Thats right. I love that album. Jethro Tull's living in the past is almost one. That is a great album.

[@mikefannon6994]

Can't disagree with your album rankings. I have almost all of these albums.. My favorite Byrds songs: 1 Mr. Tambourine Man 2 Eight Miles High 3 Chestnut Mare Mr. Tambourine Man was the hit of that summer (1965?). Parties at the lake and young love! Thanks for a great video!

[@jimward6445]

Pete Frame did the family tree for 'History Of The Byrds' and for a great many other bands too; they appeared regularly in the Zigzag fan magazine here in the UK.

[@Ianmackable]

They've also been compiled in several books. I've got the the first two, and never tire of reading them.

[@runtoeat]

I am 73, and have been there if not physically, throughout the 50's and up. I agree that you cannot just discover a band, you have to live and grow with them if you are of a like mind. Examples: Jethro Tull .I went to see every chance and bought everything. How can you rank their records? Usually, their initial releases hook you and the importance of each release grows until they hit a wall and I can't focus on newer releases. Some like John Prine, Los Lobos, Van Morrison, the Kinks, and Neil young, have kept me involved and enriched for 50 years. Love your rankings, which gives me perspective on the artists you have covered. "Too old to Rock and Roll, too young to die". I wish!

[@almar2410]

Hello! My top is 1. The Byrds' Greatest Hits - A 2. Notorious Byrd Brothers - A- 3. Sweetheart of a Rodeo - A- 3. Mr. Tambourine Man - B+ 4. Dr. Byrds and Mr. Hyde - B+ 5. Fifth Dimension - B 6. Turn! Turn! Turn! - B 7. Younger Than Yesterday - B- 8. Ballad of Easy Rider - B- 9. Untitled - B- 10. Byrdmaniax - C+ 11. Byrds - C 12. Father Along - C

[@christopherfletcher5384]

I love how George borrowed off of the Byrds cover of Bells of Rhymney with If I Needed Someone.

[@mazzysmusic]

Yup. And McGuinn picked up the Rik 12 string because of George in A Hard Days Night.

[@surfraptor]

Love the Byrds. Recall I heard "Mr Tambourine Man" for the 1st time on the radio in Holland. Saw em in 1970 twice, the Clarence White version at the famous Amsterdam Concertgebouw and at the Kralingen Pop Festival. Saw the Flying Burrito Brothers after Gram left, saw David Crosby. I'd swap all those for one gig with the original Byrds with Gene Clark. Love your vids.

[@mazzysmusic]

Cool. Never saw them during the Clarence White time ✌🏽

[@Lowtech14]

I enjoy your ranking videos, lots of food for thought in them. One album you don’t mention that absolutely re-got me into the Byrds is 1969 Live at The Fillmore. That album kicks ass. King Apathy lll and Bad Night At The Whiskey whoo hoo.

[@mazzysmusic]

Yeah the Live Fillmore is great they should have stayed together in their last configuration.

[@garyolshan4177]

The Byrds were the American Beatles. As usual, great job NM, Just played Best of The Byrds on vinyl

[@viccorrell224]

Notorious is my favorite. I love the segue from Artificial Energy to Goin’ Back. Goin’ Back may be my favorite Byrd’s song.

[@thestranger56]

What a great headphones band, particularly on Younger than Yesterday. I love that era of The Byrds; successfully adding country to their psychedelic sound. Great vid, man.

[@ronaldschuurman81]

Unfortunately I didn't get to see the Byrds live, I'm from 1981. Luckily I had the pleasure of seeing Chris Hillman live at a performance with Herb Pedersen in 2006? Roger McGuinn impressed me more during a live concert in 2014. Of course I have most Byrds records in my collection. Thank you Mazzy for giving this top band some attention again.

[@DavidMFChapman]

In the 90’s Roger McGuinn recorded a CBC radio show here in Halifax and I entered a trivia contest to win tickets to be in the live audience. It was a great show.

[@alandonald9008]

A fantastic band. Love that you mentioned Glory Glory, The Ballad of Easy Rider, Jesus is Just Alright, Chestnut Mare, Lovers of the Bayou, Drug Store Truck Drivin' Man, Old Blue, Hickory Wind and Wasn't Born to Follow. What a great playlist that would make! I would add one you didn't mention - One Hundred Years From Now.

[@margaretross9150]

Interesting that three of these songs were written or co-written by Gram Parsons, who was only with the band five months and was not made a real member of the Byrds. Just an employee, they called him. Gary Usher said he worked pretty closely with Gram and enjoyed doing it.

[@xnyph8490]

You're opening minds to wonderful music! Thank-you.

[@dancalmpeaceful3903]

THIS is probably the absolute BEST, detailed ranking of the Byrd's albums in existence. Congrats on making such an awesome video!

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

A Byrds ranking, yay! I didn't know they were amongst your top 3! Rad! Can't beat their jangly sound. Just takes me home. Yeah, even though Gene wasn't a long-standing member, he sure contributed a sh*t ton to the group. My top 5 shuffles around a lot depending on the month, but at the moment, my top 5 are: 5. Turn! Turn! Turn! (includes my #1 fav Byrds song with "It Won't Be Wrong" 4. Fifth Dimension 3. Younger Than Yesterday 2. Mr. Tambourine Man 1. Notorious Byrd Bros. Really enjoyed this, Mazzy! Cheers!

[@mazzysmusic]

Can't argue with that list. All good stuff. They have been a very fave for so very long. Nice to hear from you Hannah!!!

[@glenn301]

Great video, Norman. I liked your point about a 20 year old discovering a band with 30 or 40 years of history behind them because that’s exactly what happened for me. My favorite album is Notorious Byrd Brothers. My dad’s is also Fifth Dimension.

[@glenncollins4778]

Love this review and totally wholeheartedly agree with your rankings. I graduated in 67 went to LA in 68 . I’m right there with ya

[@stanleycrim]

Great vid. Thanx for taking me back. For what it's worth (nothing), I rate Mr. Tambourine Man #1, Turn, Turn, Turn or Untitled #2 & #3, 5D #4, & Notorious #5 (I've changed rankings even writing these two lines). Thanx again. Big fun.

[@albarton7189]

Mazzy, I enjoyed your video, as always. We’re about the same age and I totally disagree with you about the reunion album. I loved it. For me, it was maybe more of a Crosby led album with the others supporting him. Great song selection: both Neil Young songs, Mitchell’s For Free, and two great Crosby tunes: Long Live the King and Laughing. I probably played that album a thousand times back in the day. Crosby should release a Joni Mitchell cover album. Only he could do it right. His recent cover of Amelia is one of my favorites. Also, Jorma Kaukonen and John Hurlbut released a 10 minute version The Ballad of Easy Rider on a recent Record Store Day album titled The River Flows. You’re probably already familiar with it, but, on the slim chance you’re not, you ought to check it out. One last thing: Dusty Springfield does the “definitive” version of Going Back.

[@renegonzalez1336]

Great video! The byrds are one of my favorite bands oat. That 3 album run from 5D to Notorious Byrd Brothers is something that not many can compete with. 1. The Notorious Byrd Brothers 2.Younger than Yesterday 3.Fifth Dimension 4.Mr Tambourine Man 5.Dr. Byrd and Mr. Hyde 6.Turn! Turn! Turn! 7.Sweetheart of the Rodeo 8.Ballad of Easy Rider 9.Byrds 10.(Untitled) 11.Byrdmaniax 12.Farther Along

[@franklarin8100]

Always loved that psychedelic 12 string electric guitar and folk rock style of the Byrds. Thank You.

[@TRamone01]

Mr. Tambourine Man is an album I could not do without. Go electric Bob!

[@chrissygerwitz520]

It is insane that Mazzy didn't put "Mr. Tambourine Man" as the best Byrds album. It was their best and most iconic album. Come on.

[@mazzysmusic]

Well that would be your choice. I love it and 5D is my choice. Based on the comments, we all have a different take of these records. Frequently based on when we first heard them and that our tastes were at the time.

[@chrissygerwitz520]

@@mazzysmusic Why should any album review be "based on when we first heard them and that our tastes were at the time?" Enough time has passed at this point that we can step back and objectively rate these great albums in a more meaningful way for a current ranking list.

[@TRamone01]

@@mazzysmusic Always interested in what you think especially as The Byrds are one of your favorite bands. They had a lot of talent and incredible albums.

[@bradleyclough3156]

Mazzy, I'm loving your reflections on all these great artists; becoming a big fan--cheers!

[@mazzysmusic]

Thank you ✌🏽

[@rockroll6791]

thanks for doing this show, man what a ton of talent these guys had...

[@stevefleming8742]

Nice video. History of the byrds was the 1st byrds I had in the 80s. Great picture. Greetings from liverpool

[@mazzysmusic]

Hello Liverpool. Miss ya😎

[@redbeard374]

I think McGuinn said if that horse was supposed to represent Crosby, he would've been facing the other way🤣. Good talk-ups on each; just recently picked up the self-titled from '70. Dig it. Desperately need Sweetheart. I think Notorious is my #1, but 5th Dimension sneaks in there from time to time. Good stuff. Man, you've been cranking out the videos lately! Keep 'em comin, sir.

[@kevindeibert3369]

Younger Than Yesterday is my favorite! Good list . Thanks

[@desertcrawlers]

Farther along is my favorite... how bummed I was to hear it at 12

[@JCStorm76]

It’s my favourite too. He had it way too low. It’s a lost classic

[@JCStorm76]

@rob lagan That’s their worst album too

[@wongnaichungrd]

Great comment regarding Phish! Great you also mention Bradley's Barn!

[@dutchcoyote]

Hi Norman, I only have two albums of the Byrds, sweetheart of the rodeo and Byrdmaniax and I love them both, great albums i.m.o. and thanks for your great videos:)

[@mazzysmusic]

Well now you might know which ones to go for next....

[@billkelley4860]

I really enjoyed your Byrd's theme. I was lucky enough to see the Untitled group at Duke's Joe College weekend in '72. Unbelievably good and Clarence White was a revelation. Also, attended the 50th anniversary of Sweethearts of the Rodeo with Marty Stuart and band. The stage was full of amazing string instrument musicians and Marty was playing Clarence's B bender guitar.

[@mazzysmusic]

I really wanted to see that Sweetheart tour. Was hoping they would make it to San Francisco or Seattle but they didn't... I did see Marty several years ago and he is amazing!!

[@billkelley4860]

@@mazzysmusicMarty was having a ball playing with McGuinn and Hillman. One of the best shows I've seen in many years. The Fabulous Superlatives has to be one of the all time band names.

[@beatlejeb]

Great video! Always loved The Byrds. They are a band that are not discussed enough. I always mention them in the same breath as The Beatles, Stones, Who, and other top 60's bands. My top 3 are Younger Than Yesterday, Untitled, and Mr. Tambourine Man.

[@mikebruce3933]

Thanks for this Mazzy. For some inexplicable reason I don't have any Byrds albums in my collection. I'll have to remedy that.

[@Welovefelixtoe]

I have all the Byrd's UK original albums but "Byrdmaniax" has always been my favourite.The line up for this lp is superb !

[@cindyurban150]

I love "Chestnut Mare". I think Tom Petty was somewhat influenced by them, he even sings "Feelin A Whole lot Better"...love it.

[@mazzysmusic]

Petty was influences by the Byrds big time.

[@bluebird925]

Tom Petty also did "So You Want To Be A Rock And Roll Star" too.

[@billkeon880]

I stumbled on to a B side of a single called Lady Friend about five years ago, and I was blown away. It could have been a hit and should have been on Younger. Just glad I found it. One of my fav Byrd’s songs

[@mrswimmyboy]

Its on the 1996 Younger than Yesterday reissue as a bonus track.

[@domico5838]

Sweetheart of the rodeo is a country rock masterpiece!!! Until I heard that record I just didn't give the byrds a chance because of all the Dylan songs they covered I didn't think they had the ability to be creative. That lead me to get into the rest of their catalog and I'm so glad that I did.

[@PaulRobinson64]

Mazzy Thank you for this introduction to the Byrds. I loved 8 Miles High live. Thank you

[@whitey7998]

Really great, detailed review Mazzy. Never really dipped into The Byrds but will definitely get a few of these now. Thanks from U.K.

[@martinpatrick3589]

Good to acknowledge Michael Nesmith's country-rock work prior to Sweetheart as well. (minor quibble!) Enjoyed your discussion here and especially your enthusiasm for such relative "outliers" as Byrdmaniax and Untitled. And your enthusiasm in general is a great aspect of your videos hugely watchable!

[@thehufflepuffhermione]

Definitely a band I want to check out. Good timing with this video. Keep up the rankings. I love them.

[@Claus-CaptainPhoenixCorner]

Must admit I'm not familiar w. The Byrds 🤫 even if I'm +60... "Sweetheart..." was amongst 130 LPs given to me by a friend a couple of weeks ago. It was on it's way to others via an "antique bookstore"... - but then I stumbled over this video where you rate it #5, so I'll give it a thorough listen (and probably keep it as the first Byrds record, I have 😀)

[@bandcouver]

I know my Top 5 Byrds albums are: 1.) Notorious Byrd Brothers 2.) Younger Than Yesterday 3.) Fifth Dimension 4.) Mr. Tambourine Man and 5.) Turn! Turn! Turn! It's a toss up with most of the others, except the double 'Untitled', which I'm searching out.

[@johnsmusicpassions9740]

byrdmaniax is my favourite because of the variety and the eclecticism of it

[@clancydubh]

Great video! My top two - Fifth Dimension & Notorious Byrd Brothers

[@StanKindly]

I bought "The Byrd That Flew Alone" documentary of Gene Clark. A lot of great Byrd history there - beside Gene being one of favorite songwriters ever. It was done by Four Suns Productions a few years ago and is not being distributed anymore. But if you contact them I think they may do one-on-one sales. Highly recommended ❤️🎶

[@dadonabudgetvinyl1819]

Norman, I really enjoyed this program and have several of your videos now, English Folk, XTC and now this Byrds program and they've all been excellent. You could easily do another show on the Byrds... maybe spend a little more time focusing on the different line ups and especially the work of Gene Clark. I also feel that Chris Hillmen and Gene Parsons deserve a little more time. You also mentioned Los Lobos and I love you for that. Please do a show on them and turn a few more people onto their wonderful catalog and many fantastic side projects. In the meantime, nice job and beautiful collection. Keep up the good work!

[@mazzysmusic]

I’ll probably do some sort of Byrds Parts video in the future. Good idea

[@dadonabudgetvinyl1819]

@@mazzysmusic awesome, but the main idea is Los Lobos. Los Lobos. Los Lobos. I dont know of a more criminally underrated band. They really should be on every music lovers list. I'm with you on Beatles, Byrds and Kinks as bands. But as far as musicians go, I dont anyone more talented or soulful or humble, than David Hidalgo. Los Lobos, Latin Playboys, Houndog, 3 Skulls, soundtrack work... the list just goes on and on. And I'm willing to bet that you own most if not all of it. Lol. Good times. Thanks again for your work.

[@northwesterncorgi]

A most well balanced and nuanced ranking, Norman. I tend also to include 'Preflyte' as being amongst the original albums as it was released during the band's lifetime. We in the UK are mourning the recent and unexpected death of Johnny Rogan - the Byrds were uniquely fortunate in having their career and legacy documented by such a gifted writer. Keep up the excellent work.

[@mazzysmusic]

Yeah Preflyte is interesting It’s good I just don’t feel I should have included it since it was a different label thing

[@margaretross9150]

So sorry to hear about Johnny Rogan; such a loss.

[@carltweed942]

The loss of Johnny Rogan is sad indeed. His obsessive attention to detail when it came to the Byrds/solo Byrds was mind-boggling. I first came across him via his contributions to Dark Star fanzine in the late 1970s.

[@northwesterncorgi]

@@carltweed942 Yes indeed Carl - I vividly remember once such piece, entitled 'The Byrds - Into the Vaults'. That's when I became aware that the single version of 'Why' was a dramatically different recording from the track on 'Younger Than Yesterday'. And then in the mid 80s, there was that tape of unreleased 1965-67 recordings that he wrote so enticingly about - eventually of course these saw the light of day in the form of the revelatory 'Never Before' archive release.

[@arcook1963]

My favorite L.A. bands from the same period are: 1) The Doors 2) The Byrds 3) Love and 4)The Electric Prunes. Anyway, thanks for the video Norman!

[@casperguylkn]

Byrdmaniax, Farther Along, Untitled, Sweetheart and Younger than Yesterday

[@brianmedeiros6845]

You really got me going on the Kinks Lol On the hunt for 1968/1969 The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society. Will need to settle for the 1969 RS 6327 which it totally fine. Thank You

[@jimtremblay5539]

1 Notorious 2 Younger 3 5D 4 Untitled 5 Mr Tambourine Man 6 sweetheart 7 Ballad of Easy Rider 8 Dr Byrds 9 Turn 10 farther along 11 byrdmaniax 12 Byrds

[@stephenstickney1125]

keeping the original lineup intact with Gene Clark would have put them on par with the Beatles. Love to imagine songs like "Echoes, Why not your baby, train leaves here this morning, or Spanish Guitar" done by the original Byrds lineup.

[@musicforfun5350]

The Byrds lost me with "Sweetheart of the Rodeo". A few tracks after that were good but the whole Country deal left me cold. The early records were prime stuff.

[@tyesmith9661]

Your comments about vocals made me think about the instrumental performances. I'd love to hear your take on the best contributions of this era to albums by The Wrecking Crew. It would be an interesting ranking. Let us know what you think. Thanks.

[@joebloggs8636]

HUGE Byrds fan here...although i like the later albums by this powerful band,,the heart and soul of The Byrds was the main songwriter and singer GENE CLARK,when he left the band they lost alot..like i say they made some pretty decent records without him but CLARK was the force..Also i am not a big fan of PARSONS..check out CLARKS solo stuff espes. THE WHITE LIGHT DEMOS...if you can find it...talk about the record suits missing the boat on him as the SINGER SONGWRITER ushered in.

[@mazzysmusic]

Thanks for watching and writing. I’m a huge Gene Clark fan and do have that and all his solo records.

[@thomasroth4533]

Great talk. I grew up with The Byrds and Notorious is my favorite. It contains two songs in 5/4 time, quite unusual in rock and pop. (Get to You and Tribal Gathering) McGuinn was asked if the horse on the cover was Crosby, No, he said. If it was we would have turned the horse around.

[@jamesgriffithsmusic]

Thanks for this, Mazzy. I enjoy the Byrds but a lot of their albums seem to blur together for me so this was useful. Pete Frame is your family tree guy. Cheers, James

[@brendanoreilly2014]

The steep drop off in quality when it comes to Byrds albums is staggering.

[@derosa1989]

Love that family tree for 'History Of The Byrds', thanks mazzy!

[@RockessentialTim]

Really, really dig your channel. Besides the Byrds, The Kinks are one of my very favorites too.

[@otisdylan9532]

I love The Byrds. Their first 5 albums are what I care about from them. Mr.Tambourine Man is my favorite Byrds album. I like albums 2 through 5 about equally.

[@GIBKEL]

Maybe this isn’t a logical question but listening to you reminded me of a great Country-esque I got into an early 00’s Court and Spark -Bless You. -only put out on cd but it’s a gorgeous record and hard to describe, definitely a country vibe. Short lived but continue to check out M.C Taylor solo works. I continue to come back to it. The Byrds are a neglected part of my collection. I couldn’t tell you why? Always praised and referenced. What a time in music.

[@1175rw]

One of my favorite bands. I remember just staring at the album covers from Turn! Turn! Turn! and Fifth Dimension and Younger Than Yesterday and was totally mesmerized by the music. Eight Miles High is in my top 5 songs of all time.

[@roygoad2870]

So where are The Rolling Stones The Beach Boys and The Who on your list of favourite bands? Excellent vlog👍. My memory of The Byrds first UK tour in 1965 was there live performances were panned and they got very bad reviews from fans and critics, I remember buying a rock magazine called Zig Zag that was the first time I saw the family trees, there was a book published that had all his trees, amazing! Have you ever done a vlog on Emitt Rhodes, who unfortunately died last year, I would like to hear your opinion on his life and music?

[@mazzysmusic]

I resisted ranking records but I’m finding it enjoyable and the reaction has been great for the most part with a few folks being pissed off 🤷🏻‍♂️ I’ll eventually working my way through sone of those artists you cite. ✌🏽

[@josefeschweiler3631]

I alway find it quite difficult to rank albums, but in some cases I do agree. My personal fvourites are Untitled and Maniax, the latter one because its so controversial and has the most artistic cover. Kinks, Beatles, Byrds are as well among my favourite bands of that aera, although I was a bit too young for the scene and only followed them from 1968 onward. Thank you & cheers ... Josef

[@frankholdman743]

Huge Byrds fan here Mazzy! Loved your countdown & you picked my favorite Byrds album Fifth Dimension! 5D may be my favorite song! Big Gene Clark fan here but that album is my favorite! Did you ever get to see Gene live? I think you said you saw the 4 man line up in 1967- I love your videos & great taste in music!!

[@mazzysmusic]

I saw Gene at a club in Berkeley and up near Santa Rosa CA a bit after No Other. Twice same tour.

[@frankholdman743]

Wow that must have been amazing to see Gene at that time! I see you have an XTC box on your shelf - you should do a countdown on their great catalog- 👍

[@incamera1457]

Big Gene fan here too. Have you seen the Gene Clark No Other Band recreate that album on stage on KZbin? Excellent.

[@ederbofete4833]

I just bought 5TH Dimension on CD a couple of hours ago, I'm really interested on The Byrdsm cool video, liked and subscribed!

[@mazzysmusic]

Thank you. Enjoy the music ✌🏼

[@kjbiz]

I love untitled and the lover of the bayou song 🎵 very cool

[@robertsaul234]

I like - love all their albums. Favorite album: Tie between , Notorious Byrd Brothers and Mr. Tambourine Man. "Whoever The Byrds are is just alright. Oh Yeah!"

[@VIDSTORAGE]

I wished only if Gene had of stayed in the band at least to 1970, they could have been even better because he was a key songwriter and that was a big change for Byrds when he packed up and went SoLo and his career just did not take off no mater how great his albums were and still are .

[@richardfinlayson1524]

Yeah ,good point, gene had a problem with flying, which would have been difficult,and the first few albums after he left were very good.

[@kevindeibert3369]

I actually like The Monkees! The 1st band whose singles and albums I bought when they came out !

[@andreadaleyutronebel5894]

Mr. Tambourine Man Younger Than Yesterday Turn Turn Turn Fifth Dimension Notorious Byrd Brothers Preflyte Sweetheart of the Rodeo

[@mikebruce3933]

The oversight I mentioned a while ago has been rectified by purchasing a CD boxset containing all the band's albums for Colombia. Marvelous stuff and an absolute bargain at £30 which at the moment is about $30. Thanks again.

[@vinylrichie007]

It’s good to see you rating records. You are growing balls. The Byrds are my 3rd favorite 60’s band.

[@vinylrichie007]

@Fred c. Dobbs Yeah, Freddie and the Dreamers are so much better.

[@michaelneal900]

Roger Mcguinn's faster banjo picking made his 12 string play much more jangly.

[@namcat53]

Oh, if only there were concert films of The Byrds when they first started out 1965- 67....

[@derwynpowell7689]

I had looked forward to the Byrd's (1972) reunion album but was disappointed upon release as it just couldn't replicate that magic of a earlier era. In saying that l find some nice gems on the album. Full Circle was a nice intro and came close to the Byrd's that flew a longtime ago. Also Born to R'nR and Sweet Mary. As is sometimes the case reunion albums are a make it or break ordeal. We can be set up to be let down. Two albums that l enjoy are Beau Brummels '75 S/T & Animals... Before we were so rudely Interrupted from' 76, both hold up well and carry some of that feeling of their early days... And just like the Byrd's.... All original members in both bands... (for extra points).

[@markvanderdrift6801]

Byrds related is Terry Melcher, as you mentioned, Mazzy. He wasn't just a producer but a pretty decent singer as well. In the early 60s with Bruce (Johnston) & Terry, for instance. His two solo albums from the mid-70s are simply amazing. Overblown self-deprecating L.A.decadence, much in the vein of the best Jimmy Webb solo records. The resemblance with Father John Misty is uncanny, mr. Tillman based his entire singing style on Melcher's cover of the Byrds' Just A Season.

[@jmulvey371]

I have one Bruce & Terry single, "Summer Means Fun," and it sounds trite even for 1964. But he was learning how to make rock records, which paid off bigtime when he got assigned to The Byrds.

[@kevindeibert3369]

The Kinks are so underrated! The Byrds were great!

[@ryantunks]

you and i need to roll a j and listen to records some time. you nailed this list

[@ryantunks]

i think my favorite thing on fifth dimension is Dave laughing during What's Happening?!?!

[@charlesjefferis8812]

❤️ The Byrds. . most especially Gene Clark (his songwriting) and Clarence White (his guitar work). thanks Mazzy