AMG Review of Best of the Gomelsky Years

Thom Jurek
All Music Guide

The title of this set refers to the earliest Yardbirds material, when the band was managed by that irrepressible impresario Giorgio Gomelsky, whose credentials also included having managed the Rolling Stones in their earliest years. These sides represent the transition period of the band from guitarist Eric Clapton to Jeff Beck, but more importantly, their move from playing classic blues and R&B covers -- as well as some Chuck Berry as evidenced by the inclusion of "Talkin About You" -- to more original material that flirted with pop/rock and early psychedelia. There isn't anything here that aficionados won't have, but this is an excellent starter compilation for the novice who has read the stories and knows the names, Clapton, Beck, and Jimmy Page, but hasn't heard the music. While the Yardbirds' own album recordings and singles compilations might be the very best way to get to know them, this budget-priced compilation is also an excellent starting point.