Byrds: Requiem for the Timeless: Volume 1 Paperback – 15 Dec. 2011

The Byrds are an uncommonly fortunate band. Not only has their entire back catalogue been presented several times in a remastered, expanded and fully documented form, they have also featured prominently in the writings of some of the finest historians of popular music. All of this reflects both the profound influence that they had on other bands (including The Beatles) during the 60s and 70s, and the inspiration they have provided for subsequent generations. They are quite simply, timeless.If you are in any way, interested in The Byrds and their magnificent legacy, then you will be truly fascinated by Johnny Rogan's epic biography. It provides the most thorough analysis ever written about them or indeed any group. What exactly was that mid 60s ferment that enabled The Byrds to become such an important force? Why do five of their first six albums feature in 1001 ALBUMS TO HEAR BEFORE YOU DIE? How did their music come to evolve as quickly as it did and why was it so difficult for the wonderfully diverse talents of the individual members to remain harnessed within the group for very long? You'll be able to reflect upon these and a myriad of other questions as you make your own journey through a very special world.If you are already familiar with Rogan's previous work, you'll be aware that we have already seen three editions of 'Timeless Flight', each more informative than the last. But I would urge the prospective reader to think of 'Requiem For The Timeless' as being much more than a mere fourth edition. Its 1200 pages compare spectacularly with the 720 of 'Timeless Flight Revisited' from the late 90s and we see amongst many other jewels, an even more detailed and insightful examination of the music. We gain an ever deeper appreciation of an amazing paradox. How was it that the very forces that broke up the original band during 1967-68 also helped to make their music from that time so innovative and visionary? And what exactly went wrong with the largely unloved Byrdmaniax and Farther Along. Recently acquired observations from Kim Fowley on that are especially absorbing. And the best of it all is that what we have here is merely Volume 1! A sequel is promised in which the focus will be on the biographies and solo careers of the individual group members. As the author reminds us in two especially affecting chapters, 'Fatalities' and 'The Reaper's Blade',the majority of these are no longer with us. And it is this, of course that gives added resonance and poignancy to the very title of this wonderful book.

Not started to read yet. This is one heavy book, in weight. Intend to start over holiday period....glass of wine, mince pies, Byrds soundtrack in background .... what more to get over Xmas? Perhaps log fire!!! Bought used, but book in excellent condition and never been opened as far as I'm concerned.. (seem my sellers review!!

I'm only 160-odd pages into this but this much I know already - it's heavy stuff. The book that is; it's all very interesting stuff, albeit probably slightly more for the obsessive fan than the mildly interested. But my overall point is, it's jolly heavy. If you do all your reading at a desk and put the book down in front of you, you'll be fine. However, for those of us who read in an armchair and/or in bed, the weight will start to annoy. Dreadful shame this isn't available in Kindle format.Can't quite believe I've written a book review going on its size, but the advice above still stands. In fact I may not have bought it if I'd read a similar review. Will I be getting Volume 2? Maybe, if this carries on being interesting/gets more interesting

I love this book. It is huge in length and packed with information but, personally, I pick it up when I want a "Byrd-fix". It doesn't take long for you to be transported back to the excitement of the Byrds in the mid to late 60s when they were constantly breaking new ground and every day was exciting and unpredictable. Whether you are interested in the band, or the music itself, there is so much to gain from buying this book.

This is indeed a Requiem for the Timeless. Fantastic book that catches the zeitgeist and gives detail on the musicology and biography of everyone who was anyone in relation to the Byrds. It has given me a new found understanding of every recording that they ever made, plus a sadness that they could have achieved so much more. Lots of detail but there is always a narrative to bind it all together.

There's some great reviews for this masterpiece about the greatest band in Rock/Folk history - I just wanted to add my five stars to it.Those were the days indeed.Ah, but I was so much older then. I'm younger than that now.Dylan's words - but sung like no-one else could except The Byrds.

I borrowed this from someone I know and whilst reading it bought it via here as I knew I'd read it again down the line.Thorough without being sterile, warm without being the type of band biography you know was written by a fan as they can do no wrong in the authors eyes.

This book is way too big , both in physical size and in content . There is far too much information that only the greatest Byrd obsessive could want , and unfortunately not all the individuals who made up the Byrds are always the most fascinating of characters and do not justify this sort of in-depth analysis . If the book was half as long it would possibly still be too much information . Saying that I think it is quite well written and the Byrds are a fantastic group who produced some of the greatest music ever recorded . So if you buy it just be prepared to take on far more detail about them than you ever imagined you'd need !