The Yardbirds - Yardbirds
1966 UK Stereo Press
- Matrix (Runout stamp side A): YAX 3126-1
- Matrix (Runout stamp side B): YAX 3127-1
Year Released: 1966
Genre: Psychedelic Rock, Blues Rock, Garage Rock
Description:
Yardbirds is the third studio album by the English rock band The Yardbirds, released in the UK on July 15, 1966. It is commonly referred to by the titles Roger the Engineer (the name the band gave it during production) or Over Under Sideways Down (the title of the US version of the album). This album is a crucial document in the band's history and a significant record in the evolution of rock music. It is the only album to feature all original material, with all songs written by the band members, and it is the only full-length album with the legendary guitarist Jeff Beck in a prominent role.
The album's sound is a fascinating and innovative blend of blues, psychedelic rock, and garage rock. It showcases the band's growing musical complexity and their willingness to experiment with new sounds and studio techniques. The sound is characterized by Beck's inventive and often chaotic guitar work, which utilizes distortion, feedback, and a new kind of psychedelic lead playing that was a clear departure from the more traditional blues of his predecessor, Eric Clapton. The album's rhythm section is tight and propulsive, with a driving energy that was a hallmark of their sound.
Yardbirds features a number of the band's most famous songs. The album's most iconic track is "Shapes of Things," which is widely considered one of the first truly psychedelic rock songs. The song's use of feedback and a backwards guitar solo was revolutionary at the time and proved to be hugely influential on a generation of guitarists. The album also includes the title track of the American version, "Over Under Sideways Down," a raucous and blues-inflected track with a memorable guitar riff. The album's tracks often feature spoken-word passages, a touch of whimsy, and a clear sense of artistic exploration. The album was a commercial and critical success, and it cemented The Yardbirds' reputation as innovators and one of the most important bands of the British Invasion