In The Particular Lies The Universal

On Sun Kil Moon, Mark Kozelek, and his recent songwriting.

Beat the Beatles, Volume 2: The Byrds

The Byrds

Avid readers of this blog (read: no one) might recall my having posted a picture of my then-recent purchase of a Byrds box set about a year and a half ago. I planned to review each album in the collection; this did not happen. However, I did listen to several of their albums, leading to a great affection for the Byrds.

The Byrds had a lot going against them, critically speaking, when they formed in 1964. They were overtly influenced by the Beatles - their oddly spelled name being a reference, as well as buying identical instruments to the ones the Beatles played - AND their first few singles were Dylan covers. How could such a band hope to be original? Somehow, the Byrds managed to do so, and it’s really quite astounding.

Beat the Beatles, Volume 1: The Beach Boys

It’s not a controversial statement to say that the Beatles are one of, if not THE greatest band of all time. I am certainly not one to deny it, as I was so obsessed by them in the eighth grade that I called myself Paul McCartney and drew comics about his adventures. I wish I was kidding.

Pictured: the author.