The Notorious Byrd Brothers is an essential listen for anyone interested in The Byrds or the impressive list of artists associated with the band. The story behind the album is equally intriguing. The album is known for the interesting changes in personnel during the recording process. For example, David Crosby only participated in the first half of the recording sessions. And even Gene Clark, who had previously left the band, returned to leave again after three weeks. In the end only Roger McGuinn and Chris Hillman remained from the beginning. Surprisingly, the listening experience is very cohesive, and the diverse line-up adds to the richness of the album, which features elements of psychedelia, folk rock, country, jazz, and electronic music thanks to the use of the Moog modular synthesiser. This album clearly bridges the gap between the band's early jangly pop rock albums and their subsequent country rock classic. Among the session musicians on this album was also Clarence White, who impressed the band so much that he was given a larger role on the 1968 album Sweetheart of the Rodeo. All of this makes it a real classic in terms of both its sound and its story.
TRACK LISTING
SIDE A
1. Artificial Energy
2. Goin' Back
3. Natural Harmony
4. Draft Morning
5. Wasn't Born To Follow
6. Get To You
SIDE B
1. Change Is Now
2. Old John Robertson
3. Tribal Gathering
4. Dolphin's Smile
5. Space Odyssey
