Additional information
Personnel: Chris Hillman, David Crosby, Roger McGuinn (vocals, acoustic guitar, acoustic 12-string guitar, electric guitar, electric 12-string guitar, mandolin); Gene Clark (vocals, acoustic guitar, harmonica, tambourine); Michael Clarke (drums, congas, percussion). Liner Note Author: Ian McFarlane. Recording information: A&M Hollywood Studios (1972); Wally Heider Recording Studio (1972). The Byrds emerged in 1965 with one of the most identifiable sounds of the 1960s, and proceeded to evolve from folk-rock to psychedelia to country-rock. The Byrds were defunct by 1972, but re-grouped briefly in 1973, with all of its original members, to record one last album. BYRDS is in the country-steeped vein of the 1968 classic SWEETHEARTS OF THE RODEO, shimmering with chiming 12-string guitars and lush, multi-part harmonies. But while the signature sound is there, the album isn't on par with the band's classic material, namely because the songwriting is inconsistent (save Gene Clark's winning originals). Even so, the album belongs in any Byrds fanatic's collection, and is a suitable swan song from one of the era's most important bands.
