View source for "Eight Miles High" backed with "Why"

We have chosen to begin the "Art Rock Era" with "Eight Miles High" by [[The Byrds]] because it was the most drastic break with pop rock tradition that had yet been released, when it was released as a single in March 1966. 

== Lyrics by Gene Clark with David Crosby ==
The lyrics concern a plane ride, though there's been lots of insinuation over the years, some of it confirmed, that it was really about drug use. Clark wrote the lyrics with a line or two from Crosby. McGuinn has claimed he had the initial idea and wrote some of the lyrics but it is believed he has made this up.

== Music by Gene Clark with Roger McGuinn ==
The music was originally written as a folk song with an Indian influence in the vocals, but McGuinn suggested it be re-arranged to incorporate the John Coltrane music they were listening to on their tour.


== Arrangement and Performance ==
*Gene Clark: Vocal
*Michael Clarke: Drums
*David Crosby: Electric Guitar, Vocal
*Chris Hillman: Electric Bass Guitar, Vocal?
*Roger McGuinn: Eletric 12-String Guitar, Vocal

The performance features droning vocal harmonies and free jazz-inspired guitar breaks from McGuinn and Indian-inspired rhythm playing from Crosby in the opening. Some members of The Byrds believe that the original recording - recorded at a studio not associated with their label, so it couldn't be released - is better.


== Production ==
To our ears it sounds like it was recorded live in the studio, or at least without overdubs.


== Released ==
March 14, 1966 - before every other candidate for the "first psychedelic song" except for [["Heart Full of Soul"]], [["See My Friends"]] and [["Norwegian Wood"]]


== "Why" ==
Lyrics by David Crosby with Roger McGuinn

Music by David Crosby

Arrangement featuring

*Gene Clark: Vocal?
*Michael Clarke: Drums
*David Crosby: Electric Guitar, Vocal
*Chris Hillman: Electric Bass Guitar
*Roger McGuinn: Electric 12-String Guitar, Vocal

Like "Eight Miles High," "Why" is notably influenced by Indian music. Unlike "Eight Miles High" there is no influence of Coltrane.