In The Beginning

by The Byrds

Description by OLDIES.com:

A collection of rare and previously unreleased early recordings and alternate takes.

Product Description:

The Byrds: Jim McGuinn, Gene Clark, David Crosby (vocals, guitar), Chris Hillman (bass), Michael Clarke (drums).

Additional personnel: Ray Pohlman (bass), Earl Palmer (drums).

Compilation producer: Bill Inglot.

Recorded in 1964. Includes liner notes by Billy James.

IN THE BEGINNING is a collection of rare early recordings, demos and alternate takes.

Recorded in 1964 and produced by the Byrds' manager, Jim Dickson, the charming and often fascinating demos and rarities on IN THE BEGINNING provide a valuable overview of how the Byrds developed their trademark sound. They may not have been the first to combine folk and rock (Trini Lopez was doing it in 1963), but it was their striking combination of ringing guitars and soaring harmonies that defined the genre. That combination is present throughout IN THE BEGINNING, but the relatively sparse live-in-the-studio arrangements strip their sound down to the basics, making it easy to see what tricks this band of erstwhile folkies picked up from the Everly Brothers and the Beatles.

Dedicated Byrds watchers will recognize most of this album's tracks from PREFLYTE, a collection of early demos, which was first released in 1969. However, the presence of several previously unreleased tracks makes this an essential purchase for collectors and anyone who is more than a casual fan. Special kudos to Rhino for not giving it the obvious title ("Early Byrds").