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Other music forums => Various Artists, Lyrics, Discographies => Microscopes => Topic started by: Hombre_de_ningun_lugar on August 10, 2012, 05:12:37 AM

Title: Microscope: Mr. Tambourine Man (The Byrds)
Post by: Hombre_de_ningun_lugar on August 10, 2012, 05:12:37 AM
A Microscope of the Byrds' debut album: Mr. Tambourine Man. Released in June 1965, I think that this was the first truly excellent rock album of the 1960's, even more than A Hard Day's Night and The Beach Boys Today!. Still, I don't think this record was the best Byrds' album (in my opinion that title corresponds to Younger Than Yesterday), but it's surely their most revolutionary work, marking the beginning of Folk Rock. Moreover, this was the major influence for Rubber Soul, my very favorite Beatles' album. The Fab Four were taking a favor back, since Roger McGuinn adopted the 12-string guitar after listening to A Hard Day's Night. Even though more than half of the songs are covers (mostly written by Bob Dylan) the fresh sound of the record is what really matters; even the distorted album cover announced the shape of things to come...

(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3lyy4wqGMk0/Tn0_sF3xolI/AAAAAAAAAhA/SvmGs786yhQ/s1600/The-Byrds-Mr-Tambourine-Man.jpg)

Mr. Tambourine Man. Perhaps the most famous cover of a Dylan's song along with Hendrix's version of "All Along The Watchtower". The intro featuring McGuinn's jangly 12-string guitar could be considered as the birth of Folk Rock. The rest of the instruments on this song were played by session musicians (don't know who was the tambourine man), but this was just one of the two exceptions in the album. McGuinn took the lead vocals here doing a great job, and the harmonies during the chorus sound great. The song ends with a nice fade out endlessly repeating the guitar intro. This version is much shorter than Dylan's original, but it's a complete classic that reached #1 in both US and UK.

I'll Feel A Whole Lot Better. A pretty well known song, written and sung by Gene Clark, the byrd that couldn't fly (on airplane), so a year later was fired from the band. But at this point Clark was by far the best songwriter of the group, as it can be seen in this beatlesque tune. Once again the song starts with a jangly 12-string guitar intro, a fingerprint that is repeated on the whole album. The backing vocals are superb (God bless David Crosby), the instrumental middle is very good and the tambourine really justifies its presence. The anti-love theme of the song was also quite rare at the time (but see also the first singles by the Zombies), and this seemed to be an influence on later Bealtes' songs like "You Won't See Me" and "I'm Looking Through You".

Spanish Harlem Incident. Another Dylan's song, with some of the same condiments of the previous tracks. Bass by Chris Hillman and drums by Mike Clarke make a very solid rhythm section. Good song.

You Won't Have To Cry. Co-written by Clark and McGuinn. A fine, quite upbeat song, but not one of the highest points in the album.

Here Without You. And now Clark is talking again. A calm but still capturing melody, with an interesting middle and beautiful harmonies. Great song.

The Bells Of Rhymney. This time a cover of a Pete Seeger's song. This is certainly one of the best songs here, and as George Harrison admitted, it was the main influence for "If I Needed Someone", especially the guitar intro and the fantastic 'Aaahhh' harmonies.

All I Really Want To Do. A Dylan's song again. This is a very good version, with another fine performance and featuring an intricate tambourine almost as a lead instrument (!).

I Knew I'd Want You. Another great Clark's song and a personal favorite. A wonderful ballad. This is the other song where session musicians play instruments, but the vocals are so inspiring that it doesn't matter at all. I can smell an influence on "Norwegian Wood", but probably John had already written the song when the album was released.

It's No Use. The most rocker song of the album and another favorite of mine. Another Clark-McGuinn collaboration. The marvelous circular riff makes the song. The album needed a song like this; it has the same function as "Drive My Car" in Rubber Soul.

Don't Doubt Yourself, Babe. A nice cover. I especially like Hillman's bass lines and the strange guitar sounds toward the end of the song. Not much more to say about this track.

Chimes Of Freedom. Yet another professional cover of a Dylan's tune. A very pleasant song and great harmonies as usual.

We'll Meet Again. An old optimistic song of the Second World War era. Maybe the weakest song of the album, but the lyrics theme works quite well as a closer.

So here it is a key record of the 1960's. Surely better albums came later, but its impact on rock music is immeasurable.
Title: Re: Microscope: Mr. Tambourine Man (The Byrds)
Post by: tkitna on August 11, 2012, 12:38:53 AM
Great review Hombre. I dont have it, but after reading your input I think i'll go ahead and order it tonight.
Title: Re: Microscope: Mr. Tambourine Man (The Byrds)
Post by: nimrod on August 11, 2012, 02:31:16 AM
I'll have a look for it :)
Title: Re: Microscope: Mr. Tambourine Man (The Byrds)
Post by: Hello Goodbye on August 11, 2012, 02:42:00 AM
I bought this LP the same time I bought Bob Dylan's Bringing It All Back Home in 1965.  Bob Dylan's album was released prior to The Byrd's Mr. Tambourine Man.

"Folk Rock" was a term just starting to be used.  But Bob Dylan's electric side of Bringing It All Back Home wasn't true folk rock.  Subterranean Homesick Blues came closest but Bob Dylan more fully developed his own style of folk rock with Highway 61 Revisited and Blonde On Blonde.

Yes, you can call this album the first folk rock album.  I enjoyed it when I first bought it and that has not changed over the years.

Title: Re: Microscope: Mr. Tambourine Man (The Byrds)
Post by: Hello Goodbye on August 11, 2012, 02:59:26 AM
Bob Dylan - Mr. Tambourine Man (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KE_hDWMftgc#ws)
There's electric guitar accompaniment here providing a countermelody to the Bob Dylan's vocals, but this wasn't the song which produced the uproar in the folk community.



The Byrds - Mr Tambourine Man (Remastered) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06rGW0AQGiY#)



(http://img.youtube.com/vi/_eZUn2rUVGk/0.jpg)

That Rickenbacker 360/12 sounds so sweet!
Title: Re: Microscope: Mr. Tambourine Man (The Byrds)
Post by: Hombre_de_ningun_lugar on August 13, 2012, 03:35:12 AM
Great review Hombre. I dont have it, but after reading your input I think i'll go ahead and order it tonight.

Thanks tkitna. I would have bet you already had the album since it's a 60's classic. I'd really like to know your opinion about it.
Title: Re: Microscope: Mr. Tambourine Man (The Byrds)
Post by: Hombre_de_ningun_lugar on August 13, 2012, 03:38:12 AM
I'll have a look for it :)

I'd like to know your opinion as well nimrod. But don't expect much more than what you'd expect from a mid-60's record.
Title: Re: Microscope: Mr. Tambourine Man (The Byrds)
Post by: Hello Goodbye on August 13, 2012, 03:52:07 AM
But don't expect much more than what you'd expect from a mid-60's record.

Some of the best records are mid-60s records, Nowhere Man.
Title: Re: Microscope: Mr. Tambourine Man (The Byrds)
Post by: Hombre_de_ningun_lugar on August 13, 2012, 03:58:19 AM
There's electric guitar accompaniment here providing a countermelody to the Bob Dylan's vocals, but this wasn't the song which produced the uproar in the folk community.

I guess that song was "Subterranean Homesick Blues". Would I go too far if I'd say that Bob is almost rapping on that one?
Title: Re: Microscope: Mr. Tambourine Man (The Byrds)
Post by: Hombre_de_ningun_lugar on August 13, 2012, 04:03:49 AM
Some of the best records are mid-60s records, Nowhere Man.

Hey, many of my very favourite records are from the mid-60's! I was saying that to nimrod because I know he's mostly a fan of post-Sgt. Pepper's music, so he might not be much impressed even though he may like it.
Title: Re: Microscope: Mr. Tambourine Man (The Byrds)
Post by: Hello Goodbye on August 13, 2012, 04:12:50 AM
I guess that song was "Subterranean Homesick Blues".

I was referring to Bob Dylan's  Mr. Tambourine Man in the YouTube video just above my comment.



Would I go too far if I'd say that Bob is almost rapping on that one?

I'd call it rapping too.  Subterranean Homesick Blues was another one of his "talking blues" songs.
Title: Re: Microscope: Mr. Tambourine Man (The Byrds)
Post by: Hello Goodbye on August 13, 2012, 04:25:52 AM
Hey, many of my very favourite records are from the mid-60's! I was saying that to nimrod because I know he's mostly a fan of post-Sgt. Pepper's music, so he might not be much impressed even though he may like it.

I know.  But I think you'll find that nimrod likes 60s stuff too.  He might like The Byrds once he hears the Rickenbacker 360/12.
Title: Re: Microscope: Mr. Tambourine Man (The Byrds)
Post by: tkitna on August 13, 2012, 06:53:51 AM
Thanks tkitna. I would have bet you already had the album since it's a 60's classic. I'd really like to know your opinion about it.

I have their Fifth Dimension album and a Greatest Hits compilation. I'll have this one in a couple of days as I ordered it up after reading your review. I'll get back with you when I can go through it a couple of times.
Title: Re: Microscope: Mr. Tambourine Man (The Byrds)
Post by: Hombre_de_ningun_lugar on August 13, 2012, 01:10:14 PM
I was referring to Bob Dylan's  Mr. Tambourine Man in the YouTube video just above my comment.

I meant "the song which produced the uproar in the folk community", which you said it wasn't "Mr. Tambourine Man"; was it "Subterranean Homesick Blues"?
Title: Re: Microscope: Mr. Tambourine Man (The Byrds)
Post by: Hombre_de_ningun_lugar on August 13, 2012, 01:22:27 PM
I know.  But I think you'll find that nimrod likes 60s stuff too.  He might like The Byrds once he hears the Rickenbacker 360/12.

Of course, I know he likes the 60's music and as a Beatles fan I think he'll also like the Byrds.
Title: Re: Microscope: Mr. Tambourine Man (The Byrds)
Post by: Hombre_de_ningun_lugar on August 13, 2012, 01:29:56 PM
I have their Fifth Dimension album and a Greatest Hits compilation. I'll have this one in a couple of days as I ordered it up after reading your review. I'll get back with you when I can go through it a couple of times.

That's great tkitna. Now I'm thinking about doing Microscopes of other Byrds' albums, at least their first four records, which are historically the most important ones: the already reviewed debut, Turn! Turn! Turn!, Fifth Dimension and Younger Than Yesterday.
Title: Re: Microscope: Mr. Tambourine Man (The Byrds)
Post by: Sir John Johns on August 13, 2012, 07:17:42 PM
I'd add The Notorious Byrd Brothers to your wants list.



I have their Fifth Dimension album and a Greatest Hits compilation. I'll have this one in a couple of days as I ordered it up after reading your review. I'll get back with you when I can go through it a couple of times.
Title: Re: Microscope: Mr. Tambourine Man (The Byrds)
Post by: Hello Goodbye on August 13, 2012, 11:51:24 PM
I meant "the song which produced the uproar in the folk community", which you said it wasn't "Mr. Tambourine Man"; was it "Subterranean Homesick Blues"?


Oh, I see.  This is how I remember it.  Bringing It All Back Home didn't create a stir.  Mr. Tambourine Man, It's All Over Now Baby Blue and It's Alright Ma (I'm Only Bleeding) on the acoustic side overshadowed the entire electric side.  It was a few months later at The Newport Folk Festival where there was some reaction from the folk community.  The film documentary shows that he was booed.  His setlist ran like this:

1. Maggie's Farm
2. Like A Rolling Stone
3. It Takes A Lot To Laugh, It Takes A Train To Cry
4. It's All Over Now, Baby Blue
5. Mr. Tambourine Man


But was the crowd booing Bob Dylan going electric or the announcement that his set would be short due to time constraints?  I wasn't there so I can't tell you firsthand, but there are conflicting reports from those who were as to the reason for the booing.  Al Kooper, who played keyboard backing Bob Dylan that day, said that the crowd was booing the announcement and not Dylan.

Whatever the reason was, Dylan made the most of it by immediately writing and releasing Positively 4th Street which was interpreted as his response to what happened at the Festival.

Here's a funny side note.  I took blues guitar lessons from Ian Buchanan from 1972-1974.  It wasn't unusual for his musician friends to stop over during lessons.  They would usually occupy themselves quietly off on the side.  At one lesson, I was plugged into Ian's amplifier and was warming up with the guitar countermelody in Mr. Tambourine Man.  Ian's musician friend looked up from the book he was reading and smiled.  I found out later it was Al Kooper.  Ian wouldn't tell me who his guests were so I wouldn't get starstruck and mess up my lessons.



I like a rolling stone LIVE AT NEWPORT (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKOJO3pKxw0#)
Title: Re: Microscope: Mr. Tambourine Man (The Byrds)
Post by: Hello Goodbye on August 14, 2012, 12:08:24 AM
Of course, I know he likes the 60's music and as a Beatles fan I think he'll also like the Byrds.

Just one thing, however.  He doesn't care much for Bob Dylan.    :-\
Title: Re: Microscope: Mr. Tambourine Man (The Byrds)
Post by: nimrod on August 14, 2012, 01:12:17 AM
Of course, I know he likes the 60's music and as a Beatles fan I think he'll also like the Byrds.

of course I love 60's music, I just think things got more interesting after Revolver.
Title: Re: Microscope: Mr. Tambourine Man (The Byrds)
Post by: nimrod on August 14, 2012, 01:27:44 AM
Just one thing, however.  He doesn't care much for Bob Dylan.    :-\

I certainly appreciate his huge talent Bazza its just Ive never been a fan of his voice, which makes it hard to listen to his songs, but I love cover versions of his stuff, some of his quieter songs I do listen to like If You See her say Hello
Title: Re: Microscope: Mr. Tambourine Man (The Byrds)
Post by: Hello Goodbye on August 14, 2012, 01:43:07 AM
I certainly appreciate his huge talent Bazza its just Ive never been a fan of his voice, which makes it hard to listen to his songs, but I love cover versions of his stuff, some of his quieter songs I do listen to like If You See her say Hello

I think Bob Dylan is the quintessential poet, lyricist and songwriter.  I like how he sounded in the 60s.  After 1975 or so he started to sound bad, Kev.
Title: Re: Microscope: Mr. Tambourine Man (The Byrds)
Post by: Hombre_de_ningun_lugar on August 14, 2012, 01:47:20 AM
I'd add The Notorious Byrd Brothers to your wants list.

The Notorious Byrd Brothers is an interesting record because it's the Byrds' most psychedelic album, but at the same time it's a bit messy and the songwriting is not as good as previous material in my opinion. Moreover, David Crosby (their best singer) was fired during the recording of the album, so lot of troubles were surrounding it. I think the result was quite good but not great. If I had to rate the first five Byrds' albums (those recorded with David Crosby), it would be something like this:

Mr. Tambourine Man (1965) ***** (excellent)
Turn! Turn! Turn! (1965) **** (very good)
Fifth Dimension (1966) **** (very good)
Younger Than Yesterday (1967) ***** (excellent)
The Notorious Byrd Brothers (1968) *** (good)
Title: Re: Microscope: Mr. Tambourine Man (The Byrds)
Post by: Hombre_de_ningun_lugar on August 14, 2012, 01:59:47 AM
Oh, I see.  This is how I remember it.  Bringing It All Back Home didn't create a stir.  Mr. Tambourine Man, It's All Over Now Baby Blue and It's Alright Ma (I'm Only Bleeding) on the acoustic side overshadowed the entire electric side.  It was a few months later at The Newport Folk Festival where there was some reaction from the folk community.  The film documentary shows that he was booed.  His setlist ran like this:

1. Maggie's Farm
2. Like A Rolling Stone
3. It Takes A Lot To Laugh, It Takes A Train To Cry
4. It's All Over Now, Baby Blue
5. Mr. Tambourine Man


But was the crowd booing Bob Dylan going electric or the announcement that his set would be short due to time constraints?  I wasn't there so I can't tell you firsthand, but there are conflicting reports from those who were as to the reason for the booing.  Al Kooper, who played keyboard backing Bob Dylan that day, said that the crowd was booing the announcement and not Dylan.

Whatever the reason was, Dylan made the most of it by immediately writing and releasing Positively 4th Street which was interpreted as his response to what happened at the Festival.

Here's a funny side note.  I took blues guitar lessons from Ian Buchanan from 1972-1974.  It wasn't unusual for his musician friends to stop over during lessons.  They would usually occupy themselves quietly off on the side.  At one lesson, I was plugged into Ian's amplifier and was warming up with the guitar countermelody in Mr. Tambourine Man.  Ian's musician friend looked up from the book he was reading and smiled.  I found out later it was Al Kooper.  Ian wouldn't tell me who his guests were so I wouldn't get starstruck and mess up my lessons.



I like a rolling stone LIVE AT NEWPORT ([url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKOJO3pKxw0#[/url])


That's a great story, Hello Goodbye. Thank you.

I estimate Al Kooper especially because he was the main responsible for making the Zombies' gem Odessey And Oracle see the light.
Title: Re: Microscope: Mr. Tambourine Man (The Byrds)
Post by: Hombre_de_ningun_lugar on August 14, 2012, 02:03:44 AM
of course I love 60's music, I just think things got more interesting after Revolver.

I know and I meant that, that you feel more attracted by late-60's stuff. But I didn't mean that you don't like mid-60's music.
Title: Re: Microscope: Mr. Tambourine Man (The Byrds)
Post by: Hombre_de_ningun_lugar on August 14, 2012, 02:10:00 AM
I think Bob Dylan is the quintessential poet, lyricist and songwriter.  I like how he sounded in the 60s.  After 1975 or so he started to sound bad, Kev.

Can't really disagree, and I think that only the Lennon-McCartney team could rival him as songwriter. In fact, the Beatles and the 60's would not have been the same without Bob Dylan. I must say that I'm not a huge fan of him as an interpreter, but I still like listening to his classic stuff and he had some magic that makes me forget that he's not a great singer.
Title: Re: Microscope: Mr. Tambourine Man (The Byrds)
Post by: Hello Goodbye on August 14, 2012, 02:23:15 AM
That's a great story, Hello Goodbye. Thank you.

I estimate Al Kooper especially because he was the main responsible for making the Zombies' gem Odessey And Oracle see the light.


I'm glad Ian waited until after my lesson to introduce me to Al Kooper.  As it was, I acted like a "zombie" trying to say hello.  I can only imagine how my lesson would have gone if he introduced me when I came in!   


(http://i41.tinypic.com/105sf**.jpg)
Title: Re: Microscope: Mr. Tambourine Man (The Byrds)
Post by: Hello Goodbye on August 14, 2012, 02:29:24 AM
Can't really disagree, and I think that only the Lennon-McCartney team could rival him as songwriter. In fact, the Beatles and the 60's would not have been the same without Bob Dylan. I must say that I'm not a huge fan of him as an interpreter, but I still like listening to his classic stuff and he had some magic that makes me forget that he's not a great singer.


And they respected each other.  Bob Dylan wrote this beautiful "answer song" to Norwegian Wood...


4th Time Around

Bob Dylan - 4th Time Around (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irTw5mU_n4Y#)

Bob Dylan - "4th Time Around" (Mono) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iv0LlJcCtjo#ws)


Title: Re: Microscope: Mr. Tambourine Man (The Byrds)
Post by: Hombre_de_ningun_lugar on August 14, 2012, 02:35:26 AM
Could you make Al some questions when you met him?

And they respected each other.  Bob Dylan wrote this beautiful "answer song" to Norwegian Wood...


4th Time Around

Bob Dylan - 4th Time Around ([url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irTw5mU_n4Y#[/url])


I've read that John wasn't very happy with that answer...
Title: Re: Microscope: Mr. Tambourine Man (The Byrds)
Post by: Hello Goodbye on August 14, 2012, 02:53:44 AM
Could you make Al some questions when you met him?

I could barely say "hello."     ;D



I've read that John wasn't very happy with that answer...

I have a hard time following John's logic in several of his interviews.  He should have felt flattered!  As for me, I consider both songs brilliant.
Title: Re: Microscope: Mr. Tambourine Man (The Byrds)
Post by: Hombre_de_ningun_lugar on August 14, 2012, 01:54:35 PM
I could barely say "hello."     ;D

And "goodbye"? ;D

Quote
I have a hard time following John's logic in several of his interviews.  He should have felt flattered!  As for me, I consider both songs brilliant.

John changed like a chameleon, so even he might not have found logic in his words. However he sometimes said some interesting things that had a good effect on me (like following messages instead of leaders), and I keep those words.

About Bob Dylan, John seemed to have lost interest in his work after Blonde On Blonde or even before, as he said in 1980:

PLAYBOY: "Were you a Dylan fan?"

LENNON: "No, I stopped listening to Dylan with both ears after 'Highway 64' [sic] and 'Blonde on Blonde,' and even then it was because George would sit me down and make me listen."
Title: Re: Microscope: Mr. Tambourine Man (The Byrds)
Post by: Hello Goodbye on August 14, 2012, 07:07:08 PM
PLAYBOY: "Were you a Dylan fan?"

LENNON: "No, I stopped listening to Dylan with both ears after 'Highway 64' [sic] and 'Blonde on Blonde,' and even then it was because George would sit me down and make me listen."


Or so he said.
Title: Re: Microscope: Mr. Tambourine Man (The Byrds)
Post by: Hombre_de_ningun_lugar on September 04, 2012, 03:20:39 AM
Here in Argentina there's a very famous version of "I'll Feel A Whole Lot Better" by Charly García. He translated the lyrics to Spanish.

Me siento mucho mejor - Charly García (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ix-zYYhVsV4#)

Charly is a huge fan of the Beatles. The first song he heard was "There's A Place" in 1963 and then he became a beatlemaniac. Here's his live rendition of the song:

Charly Garcia - There's a place (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocis1v3vNw8#)
Title: Re: Microscope: Mr. Tambourine Man (The Byrds)
Post by: tkitna on September 07, 2012, 04:44:30 PM
Mr. Tambourine Man - I’ve always said Dylan songs were better when sung by other artists and this is certainly a good example. A classic 60’s staple song here. Love the vocals and guitar sounds. Will always be a great song.

I’ll Feel A Whole Lot Better - I’ve always loved this song. This was one of the songs I used to warm up on the drums with along with others. Love the guitar solo. Nothing fancy, but fit the song perfectly. Love this tune.

Spanish Harlem Incident - Not one of my favorites. Harmonies are the best part, but it doesn’t do too much for me overall. The drums are kind of sloppy too. Oh well. Bob could have kept this one.

You Wont Have To Cry - ‘You Cant Do That’s’ twin, but not as good. I like this tune though. It has a nice beat that keeps it moving forward and the drums are fun to play to it. Pleasant song.

Here Without You - Probably my favorite song on the album. Has a darker, mood to it. Love the harmonies and really dig the drummer on the ride throughout. Love this song.

The Bells Of Rhymney - Opening guitar reminds me of ‘If I Needed Someone’. Kind of a boring tune all in all. Just kind of plods along for me. Not one of my favorites, but its alright.

All I Really Want To Do - Is this song on every 60’s Greatest Hits? I must have this song on 10 different CD’s. it’s a good one. I personally love the middle part, but the whole tune is pretty decent. I like it. Pretty cool bass line too.

Its No Use - Love the bass on this song. Its just really pronounced and he jams on it. Probably my 2nd favorite tune on the record. Drummer jams too. Love the harmonies. Great song, but does have a sloppy guitar solo. Lol.

Don’t Doubt Yourself Babe - The off beat trambourine facinates me for some reason, but this song is one of the weaker ones in my opinion. Not enough umph. More sound from the drum toms would have made this song a contender, but they are lost in the mix. The echo guitar blows too. Ehhh.

Chains Of Freedom - This one is another that just kind of plods along. it’s a decent song, but it sounds like something they have already done a thousand times before. Just a straight four throughout. Still an alright song, just nothing special.

We’ll meet Again - The ‘Some Sunny Day ay ay ay’ kind of kills it for me. Bad guitar solo too. Sorry to say, but this isn’t one of may favorites either, but that doesn’t make it bad.  it’s a slower song that has a fell good vibe. Not bad.


Strong album overall. I will warn some though that the Byrds have their own sound and all their tunes sound alike in my opinion. That’s not a bad thing though. I like their sound. Fantastic folk rock here. Even the songs that I’m not that keen on are inoffensive and enjoyable enough. This is a record you throw on and just let it play. There should be no skipping. I’m anxious to listen to their other efforts now.
Title: Re: Microscope: Mr. Tambourine Man (The Byrds)
Post by: Hombre_de_ningun_lugar on September 08, 2012, 02:30:21 AM
Mr. Tambourine Man - I’ve always said Dylan songs were better when sung by other artists and this is certainly a good example. A classic 60’s staple song here. Love the vocals and guitar sounds. Will always be a great song.

I’ll Feel A Whole Lot Better - I’ve always loved this song. This was one of the songs I used to warm up on the drums with along with others. Love the guitar solo. Nothing fancy, but fit the song perfectly. Love this tune.

Spanish Harlem Incident - Not one of my favorites. Harmonies are the best part, but it doesn’t do too much for me overall. The drums are kind of sloppy too. Oh well. Bob could have kept this one.

You Wont Have To Cry - ‘You Cant Do That’s’ twin, but not as good. I like this tune though. It has a nice beat that keeps it moving forward and the drums are fun to play to it. Pleasant song.

Here Without You - Probably my favorite song on the album. Has a darker, mood to it. Love the harmonies and really dig the drummer on the ride throughout. Love this song.

The Bells Of Rhymney - Opening guitar reminds me of ‘If I Needed Someone’. Kind of a boring tune all in all. Just kind of plods along for me. Not one of my favorites, but its alright.

All I Really Want To Do - Is this song on every 60’s Greatest Hits? I must have this song on 10 different CD’s. it’s a good one. I personally love the middle part, but the whole tune is pretty decent. I like it. Pretty cool bass line too.

Its No Use - Love the bass on this song. Its just really pronounced and he jams on it. Probably my 2nd favorite tune on the record. Drummer jams too. Love the harmonies. Great song, but does have a sloppy guitar solo. Lol.

Don’t Doubt Yourself Babe - The off beat trambourine facinates me for some reason, but this song is one of the weaker ones in my opinion. Not enough umph. More sound from the drum toms would have made this song a contender, but they are lost in the mix. The echo guitar blows too. Ehhh.

Chains Of Freedom - This one is another that just kind of plods along. it’s a decent song, but it sounds like something they have already done a thousand times before. Just a straight four throughout. Still an alright song, just nothing special.

We’ll meet Again - The ‘Some Sunny Day ay ay ay’ kind of kills it for me. Bad guitar solo too. Sorry to say, but this isn’t one of may favorites either, but that doesn’t make it bad.  it’s a slower song that has a fell good vibe. Not bad.


Strong album overall. I will warn some though that the Byrds have their own sound and all their tunes sound alike in my opinion. That’s not a bad thing though. I like their sound. Fantastic folk rock here. Even the songs that I’m not that keen on are inoffensive and enjoyable enough. This is a record you throw on and just let it play. There should be no skipping. I’m anxious to listen to their other efforts now.

Good review tkitna, it made me revise some details on some songs. You just forgot to write something about "I Knew I'd Want You", one of my favorite songs actually. I'm glad that you liked the album.

If you're looking for more Byrds' records, my word is that their first four albums are the most essential. But according to your music tastes you may also like their fifth album, The Notorious Byrd Brothers, since it's their most psychedelic work. After that, the band lineup and style were heavily transmuted: Sweetheart Of The Rodeo is pure Country Rock, you won't get nothing from it if you don't like the genre; Dr. Byrds And Mr. Hyde makes honor to its name, as it's a messy album that mixes Country with Acid Rock; and Ballad Of Easy Rider is a pretty pleasant record, a return to the Folk Rock origins.
Title: Re: Microscope: Mr. Tambourine Man (The Byrds)
Post by: Hello Goodbye on September 08, 2012, 03:01:06 AM
All I Really Want To Do

Bob Dylan All I want To Do (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBO9KKMoCgI#)

The Byrds - All I Really Want to Do (Top of the Pops - 1965) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjAI9R94X-M#)

Cher - All I Really Want To Do (Shindig! 1965) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPjPnUcvbzs#)
Title: Re: Microscope: Mr. Tambourine Man (The Byrds)
Post by: Hello Goodbye on September 08, 2012, 03:08:28 AM
Go, Cher!!


She really sang that well.
Title: Re: Microscope: Mr. Tambourine Man (The Byrds)
Post by: tkitna on September 08, 2012, 03:18:55 AM
You just forgot to write something about "I Knew I'd Want You", one of my favorite songs actually.

Your right. Totally missed typing that one, but its a popular one thats on a ton of Greatest Hits too. Great cover. I've listened to The Notorious Byrd Brothers and do like it, but dont own it. I just got a short stack of CD's in the mail the other day and have to wade through them for awhile, but once i'm done, I think i'll order up 'Turn, Turn, Turn' to keep up with the reviews. Its not like I wont enjoy it.  ha2ha

Title: Re: Microscope: Mr. Tambourine Man (The Byrds)
Post by: Hombre_de_ningun_lugar on September 08, 2012, 03:29:57 AM
Your right. Totally missed typing that one, but its a popular one thats on a ton of Greatest Hits too. Great cover. I've listened to The Notorious Byrd Brothers and do like it, but dont own it. I just got a short stack of CD's in the mail the other day and have to wade through them for awhile, but once i'm done, I think i'll order up 'Turn, Turn, Turn' to keep up with the reviews. Its not like I wont enjoy it.  ha2ha

Don't worry, I'll try not to go so fast with the reviews! ;D

If you want to, try to order up Younger Than Yesterday as well, I think it's their best album. So you will own their first four classic albums (as you already have Fifth Dimension).
Title: Re: Microscope: Mr. Tambourine Man (The Byrds)
Post by: Hello Goodbye on September 08, 2012, 11:11:18 PM
Chimes Of Freedom

Bob Dylan - Chimes of freedom (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8C0-hu5PLo#ws)

The Byrds - Chimes of Freedom (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opqjh2jjIM0#ws)
Title: Re: Microscope: Mr. Tambourine Man (The Byrds)
Post by: ibanez_ax on September 09, 2012, 03:23:11 AM
Keep reviewing Hombre!  Yours reviews helped me decide to get their boxed set and rediscover this great music!
Title: Re: Microscope: Mr. Tambourine Man (The Byrds)
Post by: Hombre_de_ningun_lugar on September 09, 2012, 04:12:07 AM
Keep reviewing Hombre!  Yours reviews helped me decide to get their boxed set and rediscover this great music!

I'm glad this helped you. I'm planning to review at least the first four Byrds' albums, but perhaps I'll do some more.
Title: Re: Microscope: Mr. Tambourine Man (The Byrds)
Post by: ibanez_ax on September 09, 2012, 05:04:10 AM
I'm glad this helped you. I'm planning to review at least the first four Byrds' albums, but perhaps I'll do some more.

That would be great if you did.  I would like to read them as I listen to the albums.