Search - Byrds :: Dr Byrds & Mr Hyde (Exp)

Overlooked, but a Byrds classic.

Jack | Doylestown, Pa. | 11/28/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Dr. Byrds and Mr. Hyde is indeed the 1st Byrds album to feature only one original Byrd, yet that one, Roger McGuinn, put forth one of his greatest performances (singing, playing 12 string, writing great new songs) to ensure that The Byrds were still flying high. This is also the album where the newest Byrd, Clarence White, was showcased. Clarence's guitar literally explodes all throughout this disc. White, known as the king of country guitar, demonstrates his talents were far more eclectic. He crackles out bluesy riffs that are fierce and fiery on songs like "King Apathy," "Bad Night At The Whiskey," "Child Of The Universe," and the apocalyptic "This Wheels On Fire." As Byrd bassist, John York, has reported, all the while that White created this furious pace there was still the chiming, transcendent sound of McGuinn's 12 string, the interplay between the two guitarist has never been adequately praised, and the depth and quality of their accomplishments ranks with the elite work of Eric Clapton and Duane Allman when they interacted on the "Layla" sessions. The Byrds, much like Dylan, always stayed on the cutting edge of Rock music, "Dr. Byrds" will delight you with the joyful country sounds of "Old Blue," "Drug Store Truck Drivin' Man," "Nashville West," "Candy," and "Your Gentle Ways Of Lovin' Me." But don't be surprised when the rest of the cd rocks you out of your chair, and you ask yourself: Why havn't I heard before how great this album was? Chalked it up to an album that maybe fell between the cracks or just wasn't aggressively marketed by Columbia, but whatever, do listen and hear some groundbraking music by some extraordinarily talented and inspired musicians."