This is the second in a series of releases that feature rare unreleased performances or compositions by members of the Byrds, perhaps America's most influential group of the sixties. Advance track listings had me salivating and cowering in mortal fear at the same time. To begin with, I hope Raven decides to keep the series alive (they're looking for suggestions for Byrd Parts 3---hint to all Byrdmaniax out there). With that said, I have to say that this disc is for serious Byrds afficianados only. It is most definitely not for those looking for a casual glimpse into the group's sound or style. OK, now that we're dealing only with the true believers, there are some flat out diamonds in this collection. True, there's a few cuts here that argue strongly for complete and total artist control of released material. At worst, it shows that, as individuals, the members of the Byrds were human, capable of the occasional stinker. To everyone's credit, the release of this material provides some incredible insight as to the origins and development of the most innovative band in American rock history. Here's a rundown of the 28 tracks.

You Movin' (The Jet Set) -- McGuinn, Crosby, and Gene Clark as a trio. Previously featured on a number of releases, this has a cleaner mix along with an extended 12-string break by McGuinn. Pure pop, but it clearly shows the potential harmonies and ringing sound that would soon emerge.

Brisbane Ladies-- Hoyt Axton with Jim McGuinn. This is a live performance from a 1962 gig at the Troubador in LA, where he backed up Axton (best known for his composition, Greenback Dollar) with a 12-string acoustic and some understated harmonies. The melody for the song appeared on McGuinn's first solo album in 1972 with the song Time Cube, a banjo/moog synthesizer oddity. This one's a real find if you concentrate on McGuinn, and try to ignore Axton's melodramatic delivery.

Baiion--- Les Baxter's Balladeers I still haven't gathered the courage to hear this one all the way through. The similarity to the Main Street Singers in the film, A Mighty Wind is frightening. A very young David Crosby is in there somewhere and you can pick up on some of the funky 12-string tunings he later became known for. I'd characterize this as quasi carribean, Mitch Miller. Rumor has it that Crosby is in need of a new legal defense fund to keep this puppy from reaching the public.

Jack of Diamonds, Get Together, Brotherhood of the Blues--- David Crosby. The first two cuts were previously released on the (((((((((((. Hearing them together with the previously unreleased third cut reminded me of what a stunning vocalist Crosby could be. Its a shame he had no solo outings on the first Byrds album, Mr. Tamborine Man. (Note to Raven---there has to be alternative mixes of The Airport Song (from Preflyte) kicking around somewhere.

Beach Ball, Sun Tan Baby--- The City Surfers. Frankie Avalon & Annette Funicello meet a Beach Boys cover band. Oooof! Written by McGuinn when he worked for Bobby Darin as an accompanist in 1962. McGuinn is rumored to be playing guitar while Darin plays the drums. This is a true rarity and now I understand why. Roger had some fun with the song on his live CD, Invaders From Mars. Beach Ball was a hit in Australia in 1963 by someone named Jimmy Hannan. The Gibb brothers (Bee Gees) sang backup on that one.

Turn! Turn! Turn!--- Judy Collins. McGuinn accompanied her on Judy Collins #3 (still unreleased on CD). This is a subdued version of the Byrds hit. Some of the other cuts not included here (Bells of Rhymney, Bullgine Run) show Roger at his very best studio work and demonstarte the origins of the folk arrangements that he later electrified. These would be welcome additions to Byrd Parts 3.

Why Can't I have Her Back Again---Gene Clark This seems to be a solo acoustic demo for something that may have been covered by the group during the World Pacific sessions that would later turn into Preflyte.The roots of Gene's unique vocal phrasing and rythmic styling are clearly evident.

If I Hang Around---Gene Clark & Chip Douglas. One of Gene's first efforts after leaving the Byrds in 1966 This duet with a soon to be Turtle and Monkees producer is interesting only in the fact that it was never available before. 'Nuff said.

Till Today and Long Time---The Rose Garden. These are two songs recorded by a quasi-Byrds group from West Virginia. They are true finds because they appear to be the only recorded versions of two Gene Clark songs ever released. Some pleasant Rickenbacker and not an especially solid arrangement or production. No evidence that Gene had any part in the recording. Be interesting if someone came up with some demos of Gene recording the songs. The lyrics are true Clark.

November Nights---Peter Fonda. Per the liner notes, this is a rare Gram Parsons song and apparently, the only known recording. An absolutely horrible arrangement (mariachi meets the Monkees). Parsons is rumored to have been an uncredited producer. Good thing Fonda decided to stay with acting.

Apple Tree---Johnny Rivers. Another unrecorded Gram Parsons song. Former Byrds bass player, John York, was involved in the session.

Tuff & Stringy---Clarence White. This is the old Nashville West lineup (White, Gene Parsons, Gib Gilbeau, and Wayne Moore). Some impressive licks by Clarence.

I'm on My Way Home---The Everly Brothers. This has been a real find on CD. Originally released on the album Silver Meteor (Sierra Records), this features some stunning harmonies by Phil & Don, but really takes off with some superb guitar by Clarence White. This album also featured some of Clarence's solo work after the dissolution of the Byrds in 1972. Those cuts would also be a welcome addition to Byrd Parts 3.

Mae Jean Goes to Hollywood and Willin'---Johnny Darrell. Some outtakes from the Ballad of Easy Rider, but recorded by a "country" singer. The Byrds connection has Clarence White playing on Darnell's album and ultimately bringing these two songs to the Byrds.

You Ain't Goin' Nowhere and Nothin' to it---Byrds, Earl Scruggs family & Friends. This is a 1st time CD release of two cuts from a PBS-TV special that tried to illustrate the compatability of bluegrass with almost any kind of music. You ain't goin' Nowhere with an ordinary Scruggs banjo solo in place of Clarence's famous break. Doesn't work. On the other hand, Nothin' to it features some blistering acoustic work by Clarence.

Rock of Ages---Delaney & Bonnie & Friends. OK cut of a collaboration that seems to include Gram Parsons. The claim to fame may be that Gram walked past the studio during the recording.

Tried So hard---Flying Burrito Brothers. Nice cover of a Gene Clark composition. Gene sings harmony with the FBB. Previously released.

Knockin' on Heaven's Door---Roger McGuinn and Gene Clark. It all comes together on this cut. A live recording from NY's Bottom Line, the harmonies are exquisite. Gene and Roger trade lead vocals on different verses and it is absolutely chilling to hear Gene's heartfelt vocals. He captured the essence of the song that was featured in the film Pat Garret & Billy the Kid, with a gutshot Slim Pickens slowly making his way to a river as his wife takes his hand while he dies. Roger's arpeggios at the close of the song are absolutely breathtaking. This song was also featured on a bootleg recorded in San Francisco with 4 original Byrds (all but Mike Clarke)doing some acapella harmonies and Chris adding some fancy mandolin work.

Shoot 'em---Roger McGuinn. A live version was featured on 3 Byrds Land in London was far superior to this mix that has some atrocious brass, and "funky" gospel choruses. While we can all appreciate Roger having the vision to anticipate the succes of Austin Powers some 30 years later. This version was never formally released---makes Born to Rock & Roll look like a classic. It is kind of fun in a retro sort of way.

Making Movies---Roger McGuinn & Chris Hillman. This was the last collaboration of these two Byrds. It sems to be the result of a contractual obligation and features an "entertainment" theme. Previously released...c'mon guys, I know there must be some live versions of America for Me kicking around. That would be the crowning achievement of BP3.

Jokers are Wild---Gene Clark and the Textones. Vintage Clark vocal from the Textones' Back in Time. Some Byrdsy arrangements. More of these for BP3.

Lover's Turnaround---Gene Clark and Carla Olsen. Outtake from So Rebellious a Lover. Some additional cuts are rumored to be gathering dust somewhere.

In all, a must for collectors of Byrds and related material. It would be great if BP3 had a theme of alternate versions of songs recorded by the original Byrds for their solo albums. One has to be dazzled by the creative output of the originals during a very brief two year period (1965-67). But you have to dig a lot deeper to realize that, collectively, the 5 Byrds remained a vital creative forces throughout their solo careers. Can you imagine what Dreamland, No Other, It doesn't matter, and Wooden Ships might have sounded like with all 5 Byrds contributing. While all hopes for a reunion are probably fruitless, man...what a thought!

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Byrds
Byrd Parts 2

Released: May 16, 2003
Origination Year: 2003
Time: 47:29
Tracks: 28
Produced by: Albert Zychowski
Engineered by: N/A
Mixed by:N/A
Mastered by: Warren Barnett
Style: Studio
Format: CD
Enhancement: None
Label: Raven Records
Website:
www.ravenrecords.com

You Movin'
Brisbane Ladies
Baiilon
Jack of Diamonds
Get Together
Brotherhood of the Blues
Beach Ball
Sun Tan Baby
Turn, Turn, Turn
Why Can't I Have Her Back Again?
If I Hang Around
Til Today
Long Time
November Nights
Apple Tree
Tuff & Stringy
I'm On My Way Home Again
Mae Jean Goes To Hollywood
Willin'
You Ain't Going Nowhere
Nothing To It
Rock of Ages
Tried So Hard
Knockin' On Heaven's Door
Shoot 'Em
Making Movies
Jokers Are Wild
Lover's Turnaround