The Byrds (Untitled)
| The Byrds
The Byrds (Untitled)
The Byrds (Untitled) is the ninth album by the American rock band the Byrds and was released in September 1970 on Columbia Records (see 1970 in music). It is a double album, with the first LP featuring live concert recordings from early 1970, and with the second disc consisting of new studio recordings. The album represented the first official release of any live recordings by the band, as well as the first appearance on a Byrds' record of new recruit Skip Battin, who had replaced the band's previous bass player, John York, in late 1969. The studio album mostly consisted of newly written, self-penned material, including a number of songs that had been composed by band leader Roger McGuinn and Broadway theatre director Jacques Levy for a planned country rockmusical that the pair were developing.-Wikipedia
Critic Reviews
Show All-
Ultimate Classic Rock
2015- In September 1970, the Byrds released the double album (Untitled), which featured both studio and live recordings. Sides one and two were recorded onstage in New York City at Queens College and the Felt Forum; sides three and four were studio cuts that featured four songs written by guitarist Roger McGuinn and Broadway producer Jacques Levy for the musical Gene Tryp.
-
All Music
Among the later Byrds albums, Untitled was always the one to own, even if you weren't a huge fan. Issued back in 1970 as a two-priced-as-one LP, Untitled was one of the few modest commercial successes for the latter-day group.
-
Blog Critics
Untitled remains listenable today due to the fine concert tracks. They present McGuinn, White, and company proving that their live material could be favorably compared to the best of what was being produced at the time.
-
Adrian's Album Reviews
2015- . . . this is a damn good album, actually, full of fine songs and performances. If not for the lack of cohesion created by the live/studio split i'd give this a nine. The studio half REALLY IS that good. A fine quality Byrds album that practically saved their careers, wiped out their debts, and made them a ton of money.
-
Don Ignacio's Music Reviews
I'll reiterate that Untitled/Unissued is a surprisingly worthy addition to the Byrds' discography. They find enough decent material to fill up two whole hours of music, and they don't embarrass themselves nearly as much as I thought they would.
-
Record Collector Magazine
Originally issued as a value-for-money double-album for the price of a single in 1970 on Columbia, (Untitled)’s line-up boasts original member Roger McGuinn alongside Gene Parsons, Skip Battin and Clarence White.
-
Wilson & Alroy's Record Reviews
A double album on one CD, but it's a bargain only for diehard McGuinn fans. The first part, recorded live, is predictable, tight and professional - except for a tedious, 16-minute cover of "Eight Miles High." The studio half is decent and close to the sound of Easy Rider: harmless, upbeat ballads . . . , country crooners . . . , grooving sing-along numbers ("Well Come Back Home," ruined by an interminable, mantra-ized fadeout), etc.
-
Rock Times Archiv
2004- The Byrds are rocking their heads off (though headbangers will not be able to do anything with that!) - it's always country rock (emphasis on rock on the live record!). Connoisseurs were and are enthusiastic without compromise! The studio record (with an emphasis on country) then showed again exemplary, . . . .
-
Elusive Disc
Untitled was a great Byrds album in that you get a greatest hits concert album featuring a plethora of their big hits as well as a sensational studio masterpiece featuring nine new tracks including the stirring hit single Chestnut Mare.
-
FYE
Among the later Byrds albums, Untitled was always the one to own, even if you weren't a huge fan. Issued back in 1970 as a two-priced-as-one LP, Untitled was one of the few modest commercial successes for the latter-day group.
-
George Starostin's Reviews
Not perfect by a long shot, but way too much solid country-rock quality over its current sprawling 120 minutes to be disregarded.
-
John McFerrin Music Reviews
All in all, then, there is more than a bit of low quality material here, but there are also a LOT of tracks here I very much like, and for all that I happily give it an A. Just remember, though - this isn't an album so much intended for a Byrds fan as it is for somebody who likes the Byrds and has at least a tolerance for well-done country rock. If that's you, swoop it up.
-
Constantine Soo's Dagogo
This psychedelic classic with the strange title of Untitled reminded me of what a great band The Byrds were. It is basically one live album plus one studio album. As I listened to this album, I was reminded of how gifted they were. The Byrds’ brilliance comes through strong on their brilliant comeback album also named Untitled from 1972.
-
Robert Christgau
I'm sorry. I love them--or do I mean him?--too, but it finally seems to be ending. The new songs are unworthy except for the anomalous McGuinn showcase "Chestnut Mare," the harmonies are faint or totally absent, and the live performance that comprises half this two-record set . . . well, I'm sure you had to be there.
-
J Hendrix 110
A double album, half live. They sound good live, although they mainly play earlier song like "Mr. Tambourine Man" and an entire side is devoted to "Eight Miles High". Oddly enough, it largely ignores their newer country-rock material, save for "Nashville West" and the excellent "Lover of the Bayou", but the lineup gives everything a rockin' country tint.
Rate This Album and Leave Your Comments