Album Information:

About The Yardbirds:

The Yardbirds were a British rock band formed in London, England, in 1963. The band consisted of lead guitarist Eric Clapton, rhythm guitarist Chris Dreja, bassist Paul Samwell-Smith, lead vocalist Keith Relf, and drummer Jim McCarty. Over the years, the band went through several personnel changes, including the addition of Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page on guitar.

The Yardbirds were known for their innovative and experimental approach to rock music, incorporating elements of blues, soul, and psychedelic music into their sound. They are widely regarded as one of the most influential bands of the British Invasion and were known for their complex guitar solos, unconventional song structures, and creative use of studio effects.

The band initially gained fame with their hit singles 'For Your Love' and 'Heart Full of Soul,' both of which featured a pop-oriented sound. However, Clapton left the band shortly after the release of 'For Your Love,' citing creative differences, and was replaced by Jeff Beck.

Under Beck's leadership, the Yardbirds continued to push the boundaries of rock music, releasing a string of groundbreaking albums such as 'Roger the Engineer' and 'Little Games.' They experimented with elements of Indian music, Eastern scales, and complex time signatures, paving the way for the progressive and psychedelic sounds of the late 1960s.

After Beck's departure, Jimmy Page joined the Yardbirds as a guitarist and played on the band's final album, 'Little Games.' The Yardbirds disbanded in 1968, with Page going on to form Led Zeppelin.

Despite their relatively short career, the Yardbirds left a lasting impact on the rock music landscape, influencing countless musicians and bands in the decades that followed. Their innovative approach to songwriting, guitar playing, and studio experimentation continues to inspire new generations of musicians.

About the album Having A Rave Up With The Yardbirds + 16:

Having A Rave Up With The Yardbirds + 16 is an album by British rock band The Yardbirds, released in 1965. The album is a compilation of tracks from two of the band's British releases, Five Live Yardbirds and For Your Love, along with tracks from their US release, Having a Rave Up.

The album begins with a high energy cover of 'I'm A Man,' which sets the tone for the rest of the record. It's a perfect blend of blues and rock that showcases the band's raw talent and energy. The next track is 'Mister You're A Better Man Than I' which is a slower, more melodic track, but still packs a punch with its guitar riffs and strong vocals.

The album also features the iconic hit single 'For Your Love,' which was a departure from the band's typical blues rock sound. The track features a catchy melody, jangling guitars and bright harmonies that helped the band achieve widespread commercial success.

Other standout tracks on the album include 'Evil Hearted You' and 'Shapes of Things,' both of which feature sharp guitar riffs, and the emotive ballad 'Still I'm Sad.' The album also includes a cover of the classic song 'Smokestack Lightning,' which is a highlight of the record.

Overall, Having A Rave Up With The Yardbirds + 16 is a cohesive and high-energy blend of rock, blues and pop that showcases the band's versatility and skilled musicianship. The album helped solidify The Yardbirds' place in rock history and is a must-listen for fans of classic rock and blues.

Members:

The Yardbirds were a British rock band formed in London in 1963. While the band’s lineup changed frequently over the years, some of its key members include:

1. Eric Clapton: Born in Surrey, England, Clapton is widely considered one of the greatest guitarists of all time. He joined The Yardbirds in 1963 and stayed with the band until 1965, during which time he played on some of their most famous songs, including “For Your Love” and “Heart Full of Soul.” Clapton left the band to join John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, but he continued to have a hugely successful career as a solo artist.

2. Jeff Beck: Born in Wallington, England, Beck is another legendary guitarist who spent time with The Yardbirds in the mid-60s. He joined the band shortly after Clapton left and played on hits like “Shapes of Things” and “Over Under Sideways Down.” Beck left the band in 1966 to form The Jeff Beck Group, which included Rod Stewart on vocals.

3. Jimmy Page: Born in London, Page is best known as the founder of Led Zeppelin, but he actually got his start as a session musician in the 1960s. He played on some of The Yardbirds’ recordings before officially joining the band in 1966. Page played on several of the band’s later hits, including “Happenings Ten Years Time Ago” and “Dazed and Confused.” When The Yardbirds disbanded in 1968, Page went on to form Led Zeppelin.

4. Keith Relf: Born in Richmond, England, Relf was the lead vocalist for The Yardbirds. He also played harmonica and acoustic guitar on some of the band’s recordings. Relf stayed with the band until its dissolution in 1968. After leaving The Yardbirds, he founded the group Renaissance with his sister, Jane.

5. Chris Dreja: Born in Surbiton, England, Dreja was The Yardbirds’ rhythm guitarist. He also played bass on some of the band’s recordings, as well as contributing to their songwriting. After The Yardbirds disbanded, Dreja pursued a career in photography, but he continued to be involved in music in various capacities.

6. Jim McCarty: Born in Liverpool, England, McCarty was the drummer for The Yardbirds. He was one of the few members of the band to stay with it throughout its various lineup changes, and he played on some of The Yardbirds’ most well-known songs, including “Train Kept A-Rollin’” and “Over Under Sideways Down.” After The Yardbirds, McCarty continued to play music with various bands and also dabbled in writing and producing.

Track List for Having A Rave Up With The Yardbirds + 16:

Sure! Here are the tracks in the album 'Having a Rave Up with The Yardbirds + 16' by The Yardbirds, in order of appearance along with the play time and a brief description:

1. 'Mr. You're a Better Man Than I' (3:16) - This track starts off the album with a powerful guitar riff and features a bluesy vocal performance by lead singer Keith Relf.

2. 'Evil Hearted You' (2:23) - Written by Graham Gouldman of 10cc fame, this song features a catchy melody and a driving rhythm that showcases The Yardbirds' talents as a rock band.

3. 'I'm a Man' (2:36) - This cover of the Bo Diddley classic features a pulsating guitar riff and a groovy rhythm section, with drummer Jim McCarty delivering an impressive solo.

4. 'Still I'm Sad' (2:58) - One of the album's slower tracks, 'Still I'm Sad' features a haunting melody and atmospheric instrumentation, with Jeff Beck's guitar work standing out in particular.

5. 'Heart Full of Soul' (2:28) - This anthem features a memorable guitar riff and a soaring vocal performance by Keith Relf, with the lyrics addressing the themes of love and heartbreak.

6. 'The Train Kept A-Rollin' (3:28) - A cover of the Johnny Burnette Trio classic, 'The Train Kept A-Rollin' sees The Yardbirds revving up the tempo and delivering a high-energy performance.

7. 'Smokestack Lightning' (5:35) - This cover of the Howlin' Wolf classic features a memorable blues riff and a powerhouse vocal performance by Keith Relf, with the band showcasing their improvisational skills in the extended instrumental section.

8. 'Respectable' (5:32) - Another Bo Diddley cover, 'Respectable' sees The Yardbirds delivering a rollicking performance with a driving beat and tight harmonies.

9. 'I'm a Man' (4:33) - A longer version of the earlier track, this version of 'I'm a Man' features extended instrumental breaks that highlight the band's musical prowess.

10. 'Here 'Tis' (5:08) - This track showcases The Yardbirds' blues influences, with harmonica player Sonny Boy Williamson joining in for a lively performance that features an extended instrumental section.

11. 'Shapes of Things' (2:23) - One of The Yardbirds' most recognizable tracks, 'Shapes of Things' features an otherworldly guitar riff and an imaginative lyrical theme that explores the boundaries of reality.

12. 'You're a Better Man Than I' (3:19) - A live version of the album's opening track, this version features a raw energy and a more anarchic performance that showcases The Yardbirds' live prowess.

13. 'Train Kept A-Rollin' (3:41) - Another live version of a track from the album, this version has a faster and harder edge than the studio recording, featuring a blistering solo by Jeff Beck.

14. 'New York City Blues' (4:24) - This track is a bluesy number, drawing on the band's blues influences with Keith Relf delivering a husky vocal performance over a pulsating beat.

15. 'Puzzles' (1:11) - An instrumental track, 'Puzzles' sees The Yardbirds experimenting with different textures and soundscapes, creating an atmospheric and mysterious piece.

16. 'Jeff's Boogie' (2:24) - A showcase for Jeff Beck's virtuosic guitar playing, 'Jeff's Boogie' is an instrumental track with a fast-paced rockabilly feel, featuring impressive solos and tonal experimentation.

Discography for The Yardbirds:

Here is a complete discography for the artist The Yardbirds in chronological order, including all albums, all singles, and all other releases with their respective release dates:

1. 'Five Live Yardbirds' (1964)
2. 'For Your Love' (1965)
3. 'Having a Rave Up' (1965)
4. 'Evil Hearted You' (single, 1965)
5. 'Heart Full of Soul' (single, 1965)
6. 'Still I'm Sad' (single, 1965)
7. 'Over Under Sideways Down' (single, 1966)
8. 'The Yardbirds' (1966)
9. 'Shapes of Things' (single, 1966)
10. 'Roger the Engineer' (1966)
11. 'Happenings Ten Years Time Ago' (single, 1966)
12. 'Little Games' (1967)
13. 'Ten Little Indians' (single, 1967)
14. 'Goodnight Sweet Josephine' (single, 1968)
15. 'Live Yardbirds! Featuring Jimmy Page' (1971)

Note: The Yardbirds have also had several compilation albums released over the years, but they are not included in this list as they do not contain entirely new material.