Although the Byrds' Fifth Dimension was wildly uneven, its high points were as innovative as any ock music being recorded in 1966. Immaculate folk-rock was still present in their superb arrangements of the raditional songs "Wild Mountain Thyme" and "John Riley." For the originals, they devised some of the first and best psychedelic rock, often drawing from the influence of Indian aga in the guitar arrangements. "Eight Miles High," with its astral lyrics, pumping bassline, and fractured guitar solo, was a Top 20 hit, and one of the greatest singles of the '60s. The minor hit title track and the country-rock-tinged "Mr. Spaceman" are among their best songs; "I See You" has great 12-string psychedelic guitar solos; and "I Come and Stand at Every Door" is an unusual and moving update of a raditional rock tune, with new lyrics pleading for peace in the nuclear age. At the same time, the R&B instrumental "Captain Soul" was a throwaway, "Hey Joe" not nearly as good as the versions by the Leaves or Jimi Hendrix, and "What's Happening?!?!" the earliest example of David Crosby's disagreeably vapid hippie ethos. These weak spots keep Fifth Dimension from attaining truly classic status. [The CD reissue has six notable bonus tracks, including the single version of the early psychedelic cut "Why" (the B-side to "Eight Miles High"), a significantly different alternate take of "Eight Miles High," "I Know My Rider" (with some fine Roger McGuinn 12-string workouts), and a much jazzier, faster instrumental version of "John Riley."]
Part Three: Fifth Dimension (1966)Fifth Dimension marked the beginning of major changes for the Byrds. Internal conflict that would follow the band around forever started with the exit of Gene Clark. His absence was attributed to a fear of flying, which he described on the album's first single, "Eight Miles High." Backed with another Clark composition, "Why," "Eight Miles High" is seen as th...
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Part Three: Fifth Dimension (1966)Fifth Dimension marked the beginning of major changes for the Byrds. Internal conflict that would follow the band around forever started with the exit of Gene Clark. His absence was attributed to a fear of flying, which he described on the album's first single, "Eight Miles High." Backed with another Clark composition, "Why," "Eight Miles High" is seen as th...
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So, today I turn 25. If I were Rolling Stone, I'd be publishing several issues to celebrate my history. Or, as my brother says, if I were a band, we would be reuniting for an arena tour and issuing a greatest hits collection. Alas, I am neither of these things, but this is one birthday which does not fill me with a melancholy feeling. While I've never really dreaded my birthday, the thought...
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The Byrds are kind of a no-brainer here. The only tough bit for me was choosing between this album and the 1967 "Younger Than Yesterday." 1966's "Eight Miles High" came first and is the more truly psychedelic of the two. There is still a bit of folk rock left over from their early period, but the Indian influence is felt keenly here, and "Eight Miles High," banned at the time by many radio stat...
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 "Fifth Dimension")
