57. The Byrds — Mr. Tambourine Man (1965)

FISHEYE

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1. In case you’re wondering, yes: Bob Dylan did write “Mr. Tambourine Man,” and it did come out the same year as the Byrds’ cover, and the Byrds did name their album for it. I wonder about the machinations behind stuff like that. My sense from the reading I’ve done is that these dudes were all friendly, especially given how the Byrds and Dylan’s careers were merging in the electronic folk movement at the time, but still, I’m curious. Did Dylan send them a demo before it was released? Did they hear Dylan’s song and churn out a cover as quickly as they could? Did a label make this happen? How did Dylan feel about his song being not just covered, but used as an album title? So many questions! With probably boring answers.
2. The title song — it took me a couple listens to get into it, but it’s a lovely, dreamy, unique take on the tune. I’ve mentioned earlier my general rule that a cover should add something new, a different sound or perspective, and this very much meets the rule. It’s a great song.
3. My favorite song on the album, however, is the follow-up, “I’ll Feel A Whole Lot Better.” This is a rockin’ tune, with great harmonies, a killer beat, angsty lyrics, and slick guitar solos. This song is forward thinking, unhinged from any one era. It’s a classic.
4. Throughout this album, I kept hearing other bands — Petty, Springsteen, Wilco, Fleet Foxes. I read over and over about the legacy of the acts in this list as I’m going through it, who they’ve influenced, the movements they started; but to catch that legacy organically, just listening to it — it’s a wonderful feeling.
5. This album on a whole really, really grew on me. All I really knew of The Byrds is “Turn! Turn! Turn!” which is a fine tune (for a classic), but feels very dated in my memory. I came into it knowing that the next album is Highway 61 Revisited, which I was anxious to get to, and I originally planned on blowing through The Byrds to get there. I’ve now listened to it 3 or 4 times through, and it’s better each time. I’ll be moving on to traverse Highway 61 soon, but I’m glad to have spent some time with Mr Tambourine Man first.

One Essential Song:

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