The Byrds - Transmission Impossible [3 CD, 2015]

 

Featuring three full length FM Radio Broadcasts of performances by different incarnations of The Byrds, in 1968, 1973 and 1978 (albeit by then billed as McGuinn, Clark and Hillman) this boxed set provides an excellent showcase of this ever-changing groups live work during the decade that immediately followed their pop career in the earlier part of the 1960s. The first show featured, from the Avalon Ballroom in San Francisco in November 1968, was performed at a time of great change and uncertainty. Gram Parsons, who had joined a faltering line up in early 68, had departed prior to a disastrous tour of South Africa for which McGuinn notably had received much criticism. By September 1971, when the performance on the second disc of this set was transmitted, the only further change in line-up had been the replacement of John York - who had been asked to leave in September 1969 - with session bassist Skip Battin. Requiem for the Timeless, is the often overlooked McGuinn, Hillman & Clark project of 1978/79. The album they recorded together was lacklustre and featured an irritating disco-ish backing, but the live shows were magnificent. And at one-such hosted by The Boarding House venue in San Francisco on February 9th 1978, those present were treated to four original members for the price of three when David Crosby showed up. Disc Three of this package features this legendary show in its entirety.

Disc 1




1. Old Blues (Live In C.A. '68) (3:23)
2. My Back Pages Baby What You Want Me To Do (Live In C.A. '68) (6:32)
3. Mr Spaceman (Live In C.A. '68) (3:26)
4. Time Between (Live In C.A. '68) (2:37)
5. Goin' Back (Live In C.A. '68) (4:26)
6. Blue Suede Shoes (Live In C.A. '68) (1:58)
7. He Was A Friend Of Mine (Live In C.A. '68) (2:55)
8. So You Want To Be A Rock 'n' Roll Star (Version 1) [Live In C.A. '68] (2:34)
9. Drug Store Truck Driving Man (Live In C.A. '68) (5:16)
10. This Wheel's On Fire (Live In C.A. '68) (5:08)
11. Stanley's Song (Live In C.A. '68) (3:12)
12. Pretty Boy Floyd (Live In C.A. '68) (3:57)
13. Eight Miles High (Live In C.A. '68) (5:53)
14. You Don't Miss Your Water (Live In C.A. '68) (3:43)
15. So You Want To Be A Rock 'n' Roll Star (Version 2) [Live In C.A. 68] (3:27)
16. Hickory Wind (Live In C.A. '68) (4:00)
17. King Apathy Iii (Live In C.A. '68) (4:12)
18. Bad Night At The Whiskey (Live In C.A. '68) (2:25)
19. Nashville West (Live In C.A. '68) (1:47)


Disc 2

1. Intro (Live In D.C. '71) (1:02)
2. Lover Of The Bayou (Live In D.C. '71) (4:14)
3. So You Want To Be A Rock N Roll Star (Live In D.C. '71) (2:57)
4. Mr. Spaceman (Live In D.C. '71) (3:24)
5. I Want To Grow Up To Be A Politician (Live In D.C. '71) (2:41)
6. Soldier Joy Black Mountain Rag Mr Tambourine Man (Live In D.C. '71) (5:01)
7. Pretty Boy Floyd (Live In D.C. '71) (2:53)
8. Nashville West (Live In D.C. '71) (2:25)
9. Citizen Kane (Live In D.C. '71) (3:27)
10. Tiffany Queen (Live In D.C. '71) (2:35)
11. Chestnut Mare (Live In D.C. '71) (5:07)
12. Jesus Is Alright (Live In D.C. '71) (2:59)
13. Eight Miles High (Live In D.C. '71) (9:39)
14. Hold It Roll Over Beethoven (Live In D.C. '71) (2:46)

Disc 3
 
1. Silver Raven (Live In C.A. '78) (Gene Clark) (3:23)
2. Release Me Girl (Live In C.A. '78.) (Gene Clark) (4:14)
3. Bound To Fall (Live In C.A. '78) (Chris Hillman) (2:05)
4. It Doesn't Matter (Live In C.A. '78) (Chris Hillman) (2:32)
5. Jolly Roger (Live In C.A. '78) (Roger McGuinn) (3:18)
6. Ballad Of Easy Rider (Live In C.A. '78) (Roger McGuinn) (2:12)
7. Chestnut Mare (Live In C.A. '78) (Roger McGuinn) (5:49)
8. Crazy Ladies (Live In C.A. '78) (Roger McGuinn) (3:56)
9. Train Leaves Here This Morning (Live In C.A. '78) (Roger McGuinn) (4:43)
10. Mr. Tambourine Man (Live In C.A. '78) (Roger McGuinn) (6:45)
11. You Ain't Going Nowhere (Live In C.A. '78) (Roger McGuinn) (4:16)
12. Turn! Turn! Turn! (Live In C.A. '78) (Roger McGuinn) (2:51)
13. Knocking On Heaven's Door (Live In C.A. '78) (Roger McGuinn) (5:26)
14. Bye Bye Baby (Live In C.A. '78) (Roger McGuinn) (3:47)
15. So You Want To Be A Rock 'n' Roll Star (Live In C.A. '78) (Roger McGuinn) (3:17)
16. Eight Miles High (Live In C.A. '78) (Roger McGuinn) (4:25)
17. Feel A Whole Lot Better (Live) (Roger McGuinn) (3:17)