Only three tracks separate the original "Mr. Tambourine Man" and The Byrds' version in the chronology of my collection. In reality, there were only three months separating the two albums, so they didn't waste much time. And the title track is only one of four Dylan covers on the album. Unoriginality like that sometimes bothers me, but they definitely reinvented each song.
The Byrds were one of those bands that took me a while to recognize. I knew them primarily as a band David Crosby used to be in. But they were so much more than Crosby's pre-mustache musical project, The Byrds were a strong answer to the British Invasion, and they added so much to the musical reformation by hinting at the psychedelia that would soon follow.
On the back of the record sleeve is a lengthy letter written by Billy James, president of The Byrds National Fan Club. Underneath is the address in case the listener would like to write in and join. It's things like this that add a nostalgic charm to vinyl records.
The last song on the record, "We'll Meet Again", is an ode to Dr. Stranglove, one of my favorite movies. They dedicated it to Peter Sellers, Slim Pickens, and Stanley Kubrick. I'm liking The Byrds more and more.
favorite song: "Don't Doubt Yourself, Babe"
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