Customer Reviews

The Yardbird Years

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These seminal 60's British blues-rockers released less than a half-dozen proper studio albums during their existence, but still seem to get reissued and remastered about once a month! Although I personally prefer the Jeff Beck period, collectors/completists should note that this is the best-sounding remaster of the Eric Clapton era (circa '63-'65) that I've heard to date. The band displayed its most "bluesy" sound with Clapton aboard (in fact, it was Clapton's "blues purist" sensibilities that led to his departure when he began to perceive the psychedelic pop influences creeping into the group). All the worthwhile studio cuts with Clapton are here ("Ain't Got You", "For Your Love", "Good Morning Little Schoolgirl") along with some well-chosen trademark live "rave-ups" ( rollicking jams like "Smokestack Lightning" and "Here 'Tis" feature Clapton solos that sound like Cream sans the fuzzbox). There's really nothing new here for devoted fans, but if your collection is missing pre-Jeff Beck/Jimmy Page Yardbirds material, this one disc should be all you need.

During Eric Clapton's short stint with the Yardbirds, the band produced some of the most memorable Yardbird tunes. Classics like "Smokestack Lightning" are on this complete and thorough record. Clapton's unmistakeable Blues influence is apparent on this record, and shines through on his guitar. Great album!