Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Which one do you guys prefer? I like the single version for it's heavier, chunkier feel in the key of D; I think they raised it to E for vocals because of the low A McGuinn has to sing on the 1st one! Not sure if I care for the RCA version... Any thoughts? Thanks! Christian

I prefer the single version. The RCA version isn't bad. Just different. From the book "Timeless Flight" by Johnny Rogan. "McGuinn used old parts from an old Philips portable record player,a two-and-a-half inch speaker from a walkie-talkie, and placed them in a cigar box. The device worked on batteries, and when used. Produced a very thin sustaining sound". Christian, if you can find it. It's a really good book.

Christian. He used the gadget on the Columbia single version only.

Oh yeah, ready Johnny's book a couple times. I 'd REALLY like to find a copy of the Bud Scoppa book from the early '70's (Lost that in the fire too!) If anyone wants to let one go for a price, please let me know. Thanks, Christian PS- Love your handle Paul! Your'e not a Lear Jet pilot are you?!

I've got the Scoppa book, and the latest Rogan edition, too. Won't part with them, either. The Scoppa book is cool because it was written when the Byrds were still around, and it details the making of the Untitled album. A lot of work went into the acapella version of "Amazing Grace" that is on the expanded version of Untitled. That's Roger singing the high harmony part, and he was pretty lightheaded when they were done. I've always liked White's and Parsons' harmony vocal blend. Gene Parsons was one of the better vocalists in the Byrds, and their 1969-1970 material gives ample evidence of that. His drumming could be awkward at times, but his versatility on vocals and other instruments more than compensated for it. Just listen to his harp playing on "It's Alright, Ma". It's also amusing to read they way Roger & company spoke back then, with everyone saying "cat" instead of dude or guy. As for "Why", I prefer the single version myself. It's got the best guitar and vocal sounds of all versions, I think. The Younger than Yesterday version is kind of weak, and it's in another key, which changes the vibe of the song. The RCA version is cool, but a little ragged.

I loved the single when it first appeared -dark and heavy. When YTY came out, I was amazed that the Byrds would re-record this same song for their next album. However, I now prefer the YTY version, mainly because of the clean & upbeat sound, great "woody" sound on the 370/12 and Hillman's terrific bass.
Also note the key change on guitar is done with a capo on the 2nd fret, putting it back into McGuinn's old favorite "D" chord position.
Those of you who haven't yet heard the (Sundazed "Another Dimension") instrumental version - Take 17 - need to have a listen. This is the most "Raga" like solo of them all...

I prefer the YTY version as well, for about the same reasons as J.W.

Me Three.

No Christain, I'm not a Lear jet pilot. But, I was in a band from 1990 to 1998 called The Lears. Our name was inspired from the Byrds song "2-4-2 Foxtrot". We were based out of Florida and had few singles released. One full length CD. Also a few songs on a couple of comps. My favorite was the Gene Clark tribute that came out in 2000. "Another Dimension" is a great listen. Picture being a fly on the wall while The Byrds were in the old Columbia Recording Studio at 6121 Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood in 1966.

...and my old Byrds cover band from the late '80's in the Bay Area, The Back Pages, covered "2-4-2 Foxtrot." We wheeled out an old Regina canister vacuum, switched it on, put one of the vocal mics on it & then jammed over the noise.

bw

PS - Paul, check out song #15 on disc two of the Gene tribute from 2000.

bw

Buddy - You were in the Back Pages? I auditioned for you guys back around 1990, and joined you onstage at Ireland's 32 to sing the 13th Floor Elevators' "You're Gonna Miss Me." I didn't get the gig, though. Hrmpf!

No hard feelings though.

HA HA, I think you were auditioning to replace ME! If this happened after May of 1990, then I had already left to play with Smalltown Parade in London, so I can't take responsibility for this one <g>

You must know Ron Silva, he played several gigs with us but the other guys weren't keen on making him a permanent member...

bw

Hey Buddy. Loved your version of "With Care From Someone". One of my favorite tracks from the Tribute album. The first Dillard & Clark album is one of my all time favorites. My favorite song is "Out On The Side". With "Care From Someone" a close second. Buddy, what do you think of the Doug Dillard version of "Care From" from his Banjo album? By the way. I enjoy your cool web site. Love the picture of you with Peter "Headless Horseman" Stuart's 370/12. Paul

It may well be that I was auditioning for your part! May '90 sounds about right.

I know Ron Silva very well, he's a close friend and musical partner. He's moving to Boston in a couple of months so we can start playing and recording together again. We may tour Spain later this year.