Customer Reviews

Over Under Sideways Down

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"Over, Under, Sideways, Down" or "The Yardbirds" or "Roger the Engineer" was the Yardbirds` first real album released in 1966. They had released two albums in America in 1965 "For Your Love" and "Having a Rave Up", but they were merely a compilations of singles, EP`s , live-recordings or obscure recording which were included to fill up the albums to reach an acceptable playing-time.

For the first time they were given the opportunity to record a real album. The were not given unlimited studio-time; on the contrary; the album was recorded during a very short time-period; I believe it was about 2 weeks. This makes the result even more impressive. It`s no exaggeration to call this album one a the greatest of the mid-sixties. Very tight playing by everyone, impressive and innovative guitar-work from Jeff Beck, solid vocals and great songs.

In my opinion there is no doubt that it`s Jeff Beck who makes the difference. I love the sounds he can get out of his guitar. It`s not difficult to imagine how he stunned people listening to his guitar back in 66. The great mixture of traditional blues and the new psychedelic sounds has never been surpassed.

Even classic 12 bar blues tracks like "Lost Woman","Over, Under, Sideways, Down", "The Nazz Are Blue", "Rack My Mind", "Jeff`s Boogie" and "What Do You Want" sounded (sounds) new; and these recordings still sound uplifting and full of energy today.

On songs like "Ever Since The World Began", "Turn Into Earth", "Hot House" and "Happenings Ten Years Time Ago" showed a purer progressive side of the band. In fact "Happenings Ten Years Time Ago" was not originally included on the album, as it was recorded shortly after, at a time when Jimmy Page had also joined the group. "Happenings Ten Years Time Ago" was released as a single with "Psycho Daisies" as the b-side. These two songs have been featured on most re-releases of the album, and can almost be considered as originals. The moving "Farewell" is a another favourite; makes you think of the sad destiny of Keith Relf who died electrocuted in 1976 by his own guitar while practising at his home.

Unfortunately this 2 lead-guitarist period would last very short, as Jeff Beck soon left. As far as I know, they only recorded 3 songs; with "Stroll On" from the movie "Blow Up" as the third.

The bonus tracks make the CD an even better buy. The Keith Relf solo tracks a all solid; in fact they are really the Yardbirds backing singer Relf. "Mr Zero" is not far from later Yardbirds recordings like "Little Soldier Boy".

If you`re even the least interested in the music that came out of the 1960`s this milestone is a must buy!

if, like me , you realize how the 60's were like no other time, and the window has closed, this is an album full of songs that opens that window on the best era of music to come along scince the classical time. the yardbirds defined a type/style of the time. blues, rock, and psychedelic swirling around in one grand mix to create a unique stew. jeff beck shines on this album, as does the entire group. if at first listen, it sounds dated, give it a little time. it's raw and full simultaneously. if you are into the 60's, this is essential.

Pick any of the Best of the Best ever. I mean the all time greats: Court of the Crimson King, Dark Side Moon, Quadrophenia, Exile on Main St, Piper at the Gates of Dawn, Days of Future Past, Freak Out, Safe as Milk, Spirit #1, Pet Sounds, Village Green Preservation, Aqualung, Velvet Underground and Nico. Eric Dolphy Out to Lunch, whatever... This one is up there with any of them. Amazingly, for a band basically known for their singles, there is not one hit single on this whole album, yet any one of these tracks could have been one, it's that tightly put together. Wow!

My brother bought the original album at a record convention in 1979 when the album was nearly impossible to find anywhere. Now 30 years later, he is enjoying the CD to relive the memories of a 45 he bought in 1967 with "Over Under Side Ways Down" on side A and "Jeff's Boogie" on side B on the Epic label.

The bonus tracks only enhance a fine collection of songs that could arguably be called the beginning of an evolution. If you enjoy Led Zeppelin, you should listen to this album as the influences for the New Yardbirds (later Led Zeppelin) are more than coincidence.

The original EPIC vinyl LP has the original 10 tracks. Most of the 20 + CD tracks are a RAID into the YardbiRds Gomelskey catalog. I'd say that 'there are too many extra song tracks'. If you like original YardbiRds, try 'Roger The Engineer', and the 'RHINO' 2CD Ultimate Collection. Both CDs' should be available here at amazon.com. Many tracks are 'Re-channeled'STEREO, In 1963-64 most Yardbirds and Rolling Stones tracks were recorded in natural mono.
I usually rate the YardbiRds HIGH, their innovations still sound great, even now, 30 + years after their original release dates! I'd say 'Buy' this CD.

This great track on this compilation, surprisingly hard to find in something resembling the version that got a lot of airplay in the 1960s, features a strong backbeat, driving rhythms and a consistent message. If you feel down, play this and feel better.

Well, yes, it's admittedly shallow, sexist and juvenile. Joni Mitchell it ain't. But for sheer playability and youthful joy, what was its equal?

"I'm not searching for a reason to enjoy myself, it seems it's better done, than argued with somebody else."

When will it end? Hopefully never.