Stranger Than Known

Time for The Byrds. Although certain of their songs were the staple of the "Golden Oldie" weekend afternoon slots on Radio 1 & 2, I can't say that I really listened to their music until the late 1990s. 

My then-girlfriend introduced me to a whole raft of jangly indie music and also had a clutch of music that formed the roots and inspiration for much of this. Amongst the CDs was The Byrds Collection, a late '80s, 24-track compilation on the budget price Castle Communications label.

In 1999, I compiled a mixtape, with 16 songs culled from The Byrds Collection on one side, and David Bowie's 1960s songs on the other, again plucked from a bargain CD. I was tempted to recreate and post The Byrds collection here today but instead I've gone for a completely new 16 song selection, split into two sides for your listening pleasure. Only 4 songs appear on both track listings, so I may get around to posting my original mixtape in the future.

Listening back to this selection, I realise that I don't listen to The Byrds nearly enough. Forty five minutes in and I feel uplifted. I'm also pretty sure I cracked a smile of happiness once or twice. The power of music, eh?

Side One

1) Why (1967)

2) Jesus Is Just Alright (Cover of The Art Reynolds Singers) (1969)

3) Ballad Of Easy Rider (1969)

4) I See You (1966)

5) It's All Over Now, Baby Blue (Alternate Mix) (Cover of Bob Dylan) (1969)

6) So You Want To Be A Rock 'n' Roll Star (1967)

7) Hickory Wind (1968)

8) The Times They Are A-Changin' (Cover of Bob Dylan) (1965)

 

Side Two

1) Dolphins' Smile (1968)

2) Chimes Of Freedom (1965)

3) Mr. Spaceman (1966)

4) Renaissance Fair (1967)

5) The World Turns All Around Her (1966)

6) Eight Miles High (1966)

7) Mr. Tambourine Man (Cover of Bob Dylan) (1965)

8) Chestnut Mare (1970)

 

1965: Mr. Tambourine Man: B2, B7

1965: Turn! Turn! Turn!: A8, B5

1966: Fifth Dimension: A4, B3, B6

1967: Younger Than Yesterday: A1, A6, B4

1968: Sweetheart Of The Rodeo: A7

1968: The Notorious Byrd Brothers: B1

1969: Ballad Of Easy Rider: A2, A3 

1970: (Untitled): B8

2001: Sanctuary III: A5

 

Side One (22:16)

Side Two (23:11)