Fifth Dimension

by The Byrds

Overview

Although the Byrds' Fifth Dimension was wildly uneven, its high points were as innovative as any rock music being recorded in 1966. Immaculate folk-rock was still present in their superb arrangements of the traditional songs "Wild Mountain Thyme" and "John Riley." For the originals, they devised some of the first and best psychedelic rock, often drawing from the influence of Indian raga in the guitar arrangements. "Eight Miles High," with its astral lyrics, pumping bassline, and fractured guitar solo, was a Top 20 hit, and one of the greatest singles of the '60s. The minor hit title track and the country-rock-tinged "Mr. Spaceman" are among their best songs; "I See You" has great 12-string psychedelic guitar solos; and "I Come and Stand at Every Door" is an unusual and moving update of a traditional rock tune, with new lyrics pleading for peace in the nuclear age. At the same time, the R&B instrumental "Captain Soul" was a throwaway, "Hey Joe" not nearly as good as the versions by the Leaves or Jimi Hendrix, and "What's Happening?!?!" the earliest example of David Crosby's disagreeably vapid hippie ethos. These weak spots keep Fifth Dimension from attaining truly classic status. ~ Richie Unterberger

Product Details

Release Date:	02/01/2008
Label:	Legacy / Sbme Special Mkts.
UPC:	0886972325828
Rank:	31025

Tracks

1. 5D (Fifth Dimension)
2. Wild Mountain Thyme
3. Mr. Spaceman
4. I See You
5. What's Happening?!?!
6. I Come and Stand at Every Door
7. Eight Miles High
8. Hey Joe (Where You Gonna Go)
9. Captain Soul
10. John Riley
11. 2-4-2 Fox Trot (The Lear Jet Song)
12. Why
13. I Know My Rider
14. Psychodrama City
15. Eight Miles High
16. Why
17. John Riley

Album Credits

Performance Credits

The Byrds   Primary Artist
Roger McGuinn   Banjo,Guitar,Vocals,Lead Vocals,Guitar (12 String)
Van Dyke Parks   Organ,Keyboards
David Crosby   Guitar,Vocals,Lead Vocals,Guitar (Rhythm)
Chris Hillman   Bass,Vocals,Mandolin,Guitar (Bass),Vocals (Background)
Gene Clark   Vocals,Harmonica,Tambourine
Michael Clarke   Drums

Technical Credits

Vic Anesini   Mastering,Remastering,Mixing,Remixing
Roger McGuinn   Arranger,Composer
Hope Chasin   Packaging Manager
Johnny Rogan   Song Notes,Liner Notes
Nazim Hikmet   Composer
Adam Block   Project Director
Ricky Neff   Composer
David Crosby   Arranger,Composer
Bob Gibson   Composer
Billy Roberts   Composer
David Fricke   Liner Notes
Allen Stanton   Producer,String Arrangements
Traditional   Composer
Bob Irwin   Producer,Memorabilia,Photography,Photo Courtesy,Reissue Producer
Joan Baez   Composer
Chris Hillman   Arranger,Composer
Francis McPeake   Composer
Gene Clark   Arranger,Composer
Jim Dickson   Producer
Michael Clarke   Arranger,Composer