The Byrds: every album, every song (On Track)

As a Byrds fan who has the 1990s Columbia reissues of their albums with additional tracks and liner notes, the Never Before compliation, and the book Timeless Flight I thought at first, why do I need this book? I was pleasantly surprised by the new insights and background the author provides for each Byrds song and album.

I thought I was the only one who considers the instrumental break in "Wild Mountain Thyme" to be nothing short of heaven for the ears. But the author agrees so I have to give the book 5 stars.

I'm a Byrds freak ,which means i read everything there is available on this great band, now this book has only 142 pages but the content is considerable and free of waffle which is exactly what i want from a Byrds book. The author takes you through every album, including the 'reformed' album which was effectively the end of the band. Each track is discussed , some more than others but that's down mainly to their importance in the Byrds catalogue . Fortunately Mr MacArthur's views on tracks is not dissimilar to mine and appropriate reflection on certain songs is in my view correct and he seems to have a couple of insights i was unaware of and that just makes me more pleased with the purchase. However i will pick up on one specific thing, the author states that the first track to feature Clarence White's b bender was 'Old Blue' , that is incorrect . There is an interview on you tube where Gene Parsons the co inventor of the aforementioned 'bender' clearly states contrary to popular belief Clarence first used it on 'Tulsa County Blue' on the 'Easy Rider' album. An easy mistake to make though as Clarence had a certain magic in his fingers which would make very impressive 'bends' , without any mechanical aid . That said i cannot recommend this book highly enough. Well done to the writer a great purchase

Very informative and a very good inner perspective of the Byrds and their internal dynamics.

Although only having had this book 24 hours, and therefore yet to go through it in detail, I felt that I must at least record that the time and dedication put into producing it is astonishing. I can only assume that Andy McArthur started compiling it in 1964 and has only just finished. Every Byrds track is listed and commented on in detail, and the book is illustrated with both b&w and colour photos of the band, as well as shots of the album covers. If you love the band as much as Andy clearly does, don't hesitate to get a copy, for it will sit very comfortably on your bookshelf, alongside the legendary collection of Byrds works by our much missed John Rogan.

Much better than I was expecting. Balanced views of the group’s output and full of interesting snippets I’d never heard before. Highly recommended.