The Notorious Byrd Brothers
The Byrds: Roger McGuinn, Chris Hillman, David Crosby, Michael Clarke. Reissue producer: Bob Irwin. Includes liner notes by David Fricke and Johnny Rogan. Building on the maturity of their previous effort YOUNGER THAN YESTERDAY, the Byrds delivered a suite of songs that naturally flow into one another with uncanny ease. It is one of the few vinyl releases where both sides would always be played, and 30 years later it begs to be heard uninterrupted--played individually, the songs lose their power. This was an artistic triumph and a commercial disappointment, as the memory of Crosby faded only to be replaced (allegedly) by a horse on the album sleeve. The Byrds moved on to their country phase and numerous line-ups but they were never to sound so perfect again.