Album Information:
Album ID: 10338
About The Yardbirds:
The Yardbirds were an English rock band formed in 1963 in London. The original lineup consisted of Keith Relf on vocals and harmonica, Chris Dreja on rhythm guitar, Jim McCarty on drums, Paul Samwell-Smith on bass guitar, and Top Topham on lead guitar. The band later underwent several lineup changes, and some famous guitarists such as Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page were part of the band at some point.
The Yardbirds were known for their unique sound, which blended elements of rock, blues, and psychedelia. They were one of the first bands to experiment with distortion and feedback, which later became staples of hard rock and heavy metal music. Their songs often featured intricate guitar solos and improvisations, and they paved the way for many other guitar-heavy bands of the era.
The Yardbirds were also known for their energetic live performances and innovative stage antics. They often used props and gimmicks in their shows, such as playing their guitars with violin bows and using feedback to create unusual sounds. Their shows were highly influential on the emerging counter-culture of the 1960s, and they played an important role in shaping the sound and style of rock music during that era.
The band's early singles, such as 'For Your Love,' 'Heart Full of Soul,' and 'Shapes of Things,' were commercially successful and helped establish their reputation as one of the top British rock bands of the 1960s. However, their sound evolved over time, and they experimented with different styles and influences, which led to some conflicts among the members and eventually led to the band's breakup in 1968.
Despite their relatively short career, The Yardbirds left an indelible mark on the rock music of the 1960s. Their influence can be heard in the music of many other bands that came after them, such as Led Zeppelin, The Jeff Beck Group, and Cream. Today, The Yardbirds are regarded as one of the most innovative and influential bands of the British Invasion era.
About the album Roger The Engineer:
Sure, here's a detailed description of the album Roger The Engineer by The Yardbirds:
Roger The Engineer is the third studio album released by the British rock band The Yardbirds in 1966. The album was heavily influenced by the emerging psychedelic scene at the time, with elaborate arrangements, unusual instrumentation, and unconventional song structures.
The album starts with 'Lost Woman,' a psychedelic blues-rock track with a driving guitar riff and a catchy chorus. It's followed by 'Over Under Sideways Down,' one of the band's biggest hits, that features a catchy guitar riff, catchy chorus, and an intricate lead guitar solo.
Next up is 'The Nazz Are Blue,' a track with an Eastern-styled melody and soaring vocals by frontman Keith Relf. 'I Can't Make Your Way' showcases Relf's distinctive voice over a stripped-down arrangement. 'Rack My Mind' features a catchy guitar riff and pounding drums.
The album also includes some experimental tracks that showcase the band's versatility. 'Farewell' is a mournful, acoustic instrumental with a medieval feel, while 'Hot House of Omagarashid' has a sitar-based melody and evokes a dreamy, otherworldly mood.
One of the standout tracks on the album is 'Turn into Earth,' a hauntingly beautiful track with a memorable guitar riff, hypnotic drums, and Relf's melancholic vocals. 'What Do You Want' is an upbeat track with a catchy chorus and bluesy guitar work.
The album closes with 'Ever Since the World Began,' an epic, blues-inspired track with a powerful piano intro, soaring guitar solos, and Relf's soulful vocals.
Overall, Roger The Engineer is a landmark album that showcases The Yardbirds at their most experimental and adventurous. With its innovative arrangements, unconventional instrumentation, and psychedelic soundscapes, it's a must-listen for anyone interested in the defining rock music of the 1960s.
Members:
The Yardbirds were a British rock band from the 1960s known for their innovative sound and influential role in the development of blues rock and early heavy metal. Here are the key members of The Yardbirds, along with their biographies:
1. Keith Relf (vocals, harmonica) - Relf was born in London in 1943. He formed the band in 1963 with Paul Samwell-Smith, Chris Dreja, and Jim McCarty. Relf was known for his distinctive vocals and harmonica playing, and also played guitar and percussion. He wrote several of the band's songs, including 'Shapes of Things' and 'Over, Under, Sideways, Down.' Relf died in 1976 at the age of 33.
2. Paul Samwell-Smith (bass guitar) - Samwell-Smith was born in London in 1943. He was a founding member of The Yardbirds and played bass guitar and contributed vocals. He also produced several of the band's albums. Samwell-Smith left The Yardbirds in 1966 to pursue a career in production and later worked with artists such as Cat Stevens and Jethro Tull.
3. Chris Dreja (rhythm guitar) - Dreja was born in London in 1945. He was a founding member of The Yardbirds and played rhythm guitar and bass guitar. He also contributed to the band's songwriting and provided backing vocals. After The Yardbirds disbanded in 1968, Dreja worked in the music industry as a photographer and graphic designer.
4. Jim McCarty (drums) - McCarty was born in London in 1943. He was a founding member of The Yardbirds and played drums and occasionally sang backing vocals. He was known for his jazz-influenced drumming style and contributed to the band's songwriting. After The Yardbirds disbanded, McCarty went on to form the band Renaissance.
5. Eric Clapton (lead guitar) - Clapton was born in Surrey, England in 1945. He joined The Yardbirds in 1963 as the lead guitarist and quickly became known for his virtuoso playing style. He left the band in 1965 to join the blues band John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers. Clapton went on to become one of the most famous and influential guitarists in rock history, playing with bands such as Cream, Derek and the Dominos, and as a solo artist.
6. Jeff Beck (lead guitar) - Beck was born in Surrey, England in 1944. He joined The Yardbirds in 1965 as Clapton's replacement and brought a more experimental and avant-garde approach to the band's sound. Beck left The Yardbirds in 1966 to form The Jeff Beck Group and went on to become one of the most respected and innovative guitarists in rock history.
7. Jimmy Page (lead guitar) - Page was born in London in 1944. He joined The Yardbirds in 1966 as a bassist before switching to lead guitar. He was known for his virtuosic playing style and innovative use of amplified distortion, and contributed to the band's songwriting. Page went on to form the band Led Zeppelin, which became one of the most successful and influential bands in rock history.
Track List for Roger The Engineer:
1. 'Lost Woman' (3:17) - This track features a driving rhythm with a bluesy guitar riff and harmonica accents. The vocal delivery is commanding, with vocalist Keith Relf yelling and growling the lyrics.
2. 'Over Under Sideways Down' (2:24) - A classic Yardbirds hit, this track opens with a catchy guitar riff and features a bouncy, upbeat melody. The lyrics are whimsical, describing a journey through different landscapes.
3. 'The Nazz Are Blue' (3:02) - This track features intricate guitar work and a pulsing beat. The lyrics describe a culture clash between a peaceful society and militaristic invaders.
4. 'I Can't Make Your Way' (2:26) - A bluesy ballad, this track features subdued guitar work and a mournful vocal delivery by Relf. The lyrics describe a failed relationship and the singer's inability to change his partner's mind.
5. 'Rack My Mind' (3:16) - This track features a catchy guitar riff and tight harmonies. The lyrics describe a frustrated lover who can't stop thinking about their significant other.
6. 'Farewell' (1:29) - A brief instrumental track featuring acoustic guitar and mandolin.
7. 'Hot House of Omagararshid' (2:38) - This track has a psychedelic feel, with trippy guitar effects and a meandering melody. The title is a nonsense phrase created by the band.
8. 'Jeff's Boogie' (2:27) - A guitar showcase, this instrumental track features virtuosic playing by guitarist Jeff Beck. The melody is upbeat and bouncy, with a jazzy feel.
9. 'He's Always There' (2:13) - A straightforward rock song, this track features a driving beat and powerful guitar work. The lyrics describe a man who is always lurking and watching.
10. 'Turn Into Earth' (3:06) - A moody, atmospheric track, this song features haunting guitar work and eerie background vocals. The lyrics describe a world that is crumbling and decaying.
11. 'What Do You Want' (3:22) - A hard-rocking track with a powerful beat and cutting guitar riff. The lyrics describe a woman who is confused about what she wants from a relationship.
12. 'Ever Since the World Began' (2:03) - An acoustic track with a folky feel, this song features Relf's plaintive vocals and a simple guitar accompaniment. The lyrics describe the wonders of the natural world.
Discography for The Yardbirds:
Sure, here's the complete discography for The Yardbirds:
Albums:
- Five Live Yardbirds (1964)
- For Your Love (1965)
- Having a Rave Up (1965)
- Yardbirds (Roger the Engineer) (1966)
- Little Games (1967)
- Live Yardbirds Featuring Jimmy Page (1971)
- Birdland (2003)
Singles:
- 'I Wish You Would' / 'A Certain Girl' (1964)
- 'Good Morning Little Schoolgirl' / 'I Ain't Got You' (1964)
- 'Heart Full of Soul' / 'Steeled Blues' (1965)
- 'Evil Hearted You' / 'Still I'm Sad' (1965)
- 'For Your Love' / 'Got to Hurry' (1965)
- 'Shapes of Things' / 'You’re a Better Man Than I' (1966)
- 'Over Under Sideways Down' / 'Jeff’s Boogie' (1966)
- 'Happenings Ten Years Time Ago'/ 'Psycho Daisies' (1966)
Other releases:
- Sonny Boy Williamson & The Yardbirds (1965, EP)
- The Yardbirds' Greatest Hits (1967, compilation)
- Great Hits (1977, compilation)
- The Ultimate Collection (2001, compilation)
Note that release dates may differ depending on the region.