"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.
Contents
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 "Shapes of Things", "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.
