May 13, 2019

1965 - December - The Byrds - Turn Turn Turn

29 minutes

Brian presents the second album by The Byrds as they continued their folk rock mix of vocal and twelve-string guitar harmonies originally explored in their debut album released earlier in the year. There are two songs from Bob Dylan - "The Times They Are A-Changin' and "Lay Down Your Weary Tune" - along with a number of other covers.

Join us as we explore the album Turn! Turn! Turn! as well as the famous title track and several other excellent songs from The Byrds.

“Oh! Susannah”

This Stephen Foster cover was originally intended as a joke, but they received a positive reception regardless. There aren't too many songs originally written over 100 years prior.

“Set You Free this Time”

This track features the 12-string Rickenbacker guitar, common in many of the songs from The Byrds, and has a San Francisco feel. The Byrds were originally from Los Angeles.

“It Won't Be Wrong”

This brief track showcases the vocal harmonies of The Byrds, reminiscent of The Mamas and The Papas.

“Turn, Turn, Turn”

The well-known title track was written by Pete Seeger and originated in the book of Ecclesiastes from the Bible. There was a guitar solo in this song, a rarity at the time. It is a reaction to the tumultuous times of the mid-60's. "A time for peace - I swear it's not too late."

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

“Christmastime Is Here” by Vince Guaraldi Trio

The first airing of "A Charlie Brown Christmas" occurred this year.

STAFF PICKS:

“Fever” by The McCoys

Originally recorded by Little Willie John and covered by lots of people, most famously by Peggy Lee, The McCoys were moving up the chart with this cover at the time. The McCoys featured Rick Derringer who would go on to play in the Edgar Winter and Johnny Winter bands.

“Seesaw” by Don Covay

Wayne's pick goes into the R&B genre. Aretha Franklin would chart even higher with her version of this Don Covay original. There is a great horn section in this track. "Your love is like a seesaw."

“Flowers on the Wall” by The Statler Brothers

Rob's pick goes into the country genre with this debut single. Check out that bass voice in the vocal harmony. The Statler Brothers were members of Johnny Cash's band at the time that this song was recorded. The name "Statler" came from a brand of tissue in their hotel.

“Let's Hang On” by The Four Seasons

Brian closes out Staff Picks with the distinctive high tenor that can only be Frankie Valli. He was recording both with The Four Seasons and his solo work at the time.

LAUGH TRACK:

“The Drinking Mans Diet” by Allen Sherman

Allen Sherman was a precursor to "Weird Al" Yankovic - a comedian who produced spoof songs like this track. "Drink, drink, everyone drink!"

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By Rob Marbury, Wayne Rowan, Bruce Fricks and Brian Dickhute

4.8

4646 ratings