The Byrds, “Eight Miles High,” and the Birth of Psychedelic Rock｜Vinyl Monday
“How is it that I could come out to here and be still floating?”
Welcome (or welcome back) to Vinyl Monday! This is my series where I give the who/what/when/where/why and how I feel about classic albums in my collection. My thoughts on The Byrds’ starting shot of psychedelia, Fifth Dimension (released 1966.) Subscribe for more Vinyl Monday!
Keep in touch:
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Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@abigaildevoe
SpunIt (it’s Letterboxd for vinyl geeks): spunit://spunit.io/friendProfile?profile=sZN9N7hTusP0ifQ20TdlzbBvtHd2
I cohost the Dolls Podcast!: https://open.spotify.com/show/4JsH0rsXUNjgvFLIbwYgnK?si=798d0d6d67864c4e
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unveiling-the-legends-dolls-of-the-60s-70s/id1749327932
Nancy’s 5D episode!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqFT5vQTz58&t=584s
Timestamps:
intro – 0:00
art/packaging/personnel – 0:56
the byrds in 1965 – 4:37
the byrds and the beatles – 8:19
psychedelic rock – 11:40
gene clark’s exit – 15:35
BANNED – 19:32
my thoughts – 25:00
thanks for watching! – 40:32
Music:
Intro Music: Yeah Yeah Yeah (Long) by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/…) Artist: http://audionautix.com/
Outtro Music: Ticket To Nowhere Man by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/…) Artist: http://audionautix.com/
Vinyl Monday logo by Callum: https://www.youtube.com/@clynaack
#vinyl #vinylcommunity #byrds #beatles
@abigaildevoe
October 28, 2025 at 6:46 am
what’s your favorite song from 1966? comment below!
@PageFree1900
October 28, 2025 at 6:46 am
Eh, I don’t know. Rog seemed pretty sincere about 5D being about Einstein’s theory.
“In a 1966 interview with Hit Parader magazine, McGuinn stated, "It's sort of weird but…what I'm talking about is the whole universe, the fifth dimension, which is height, width, depth, time and something else. But there definitely are more dimensions than five. It's infinite. The fifth dimension is the threshold of scientific knowledge."”
“Talking to Michael Ross of Creem magazine in 1970, McGuinn further explained the song's meaning: "'5D' was an ethereal trip into metaphysics, into an almost Moslem submission to an Allah, an almighty spirit, free-floating, the fifth dimension being the 'mesh' which Einstein theorized about. He proved theoretically – but I choose to believe it."”
“According to the Byrds' biographer Johnny Rogan, the song's abstract lyrics were largely interpreted by the band's audience as being about an LSD trip, much to McGuinn's dismay.””
@tektologist
October 28, 2025 at 6:46 am
Can't believe you got the mcguinn glasses
@jovialjam
October 28, 2025 at 6:46 am
If you’re planning on doing 60 year album anniversary episodes I hope there’s a chance we can get one for Wake Up… It’s Tomorrow by Strawberry Alarm Clock! One of my favorite albums of the 60’s that blends jazz and psych rock with very intricate and beautiful vocal harmonies. Reminds me a lot of the post-Pet Sounds -> pre-Holland Beach Boys and a more lush Odessey and Oracle. It’s more of a hidden gem and I’d be interested to learn more about the process/band behind it!
@Skitzoidman
October 28, 2025 at 6:46 am
I wasn't buying LPs in 1966, but I was buying 45s. I still have my copy of 8 miles high, (with "Why" on side B.) One line in the lyrics I have thought all my life to be profoundly poetic. "Nowhere is there want to be found among those afraid of losing their ground." The meaning of the line is quite different from what you recited Abigail. I realize that your use of the word "warmth" in place of my understanding it as "want" is in conformity with lyrics published on the internet, but this goes against 59 years of me singing these lyrics to myself. Among those afraid of losing their ground there is no "want" to be found. I may be wrong, but I still like it that way.
Lovely dancing in the swerling paisley lights Abigail. I'm glad I caught this episode!
Unrelatedly, may I mention that I'd love to hear you do a review of the Blood Sweat and Tears first album "Child is Father To The Man".That's another one I bought nearly 60 years ago and I still play on my turntable.
@louismartinez7387
October 28, 2025 at 6:46 am
Abigail I'm absolutely amazed at your knowledge of the groups and their music and what for me anyway will always have a special place in my heart since I was there. I really love your animated ways and heartfelt descriptive language in painting a vivid picture of the times…thanks for sharing with the VC this labor of love ❤.
@weezadam
October 28, 2025 at 6:46 am
God only knows
No Byrds without The Beach Boys (vocal harmonies at least)
@ronaldwilliams2456
October 28, 2025 at 6:46 am
Actually, if you swapped out Hey Joe, Captain Soul, and The Lear Jet Song (my pick for the weakest songs in this set) for Psychodrama City, Why, and I Know My Rider, this album would be much closer to being a total masterpiece.
@TheBitterSweetgr
October 28, 2025 at 6:46 am
I absolutely love this lp though it is definitely uneven. A very ispirational and experimental masterpiece, it never ages. My favourite Byrds lp for sure. 'Eight Miles High' was a sonic revolution.
@henrywilliams7877
October 28, 2025 at 6:46 am
nahhhhhhhhh Wild Mountain Thyme is soooooooo gooooood
@snarfusmaximus
October 28, 2025 at 6:46 am
Bought myself the Sundazed mono LP of this a few months ago after realising I don't have any of their albums. I didn't have to think twice which one to get – 5D.
@Skitzoidman
October 28, 2025 at 6:46 am
Abigail, that's a "long A" in Blakely. Great video!😊
@KneeAches
October 28, 2025 at 6:46 am
All Byrd’s LPs, for me, are uneven.
@sethtravins3647
October 28, 2025 at 6:46 am
Enjoyable, entertaining and well researched as usual! I noticed that you credit Chris Hillman as lead vocalist of “Mr. Spaceman”
I’m pretty sure that’s it’s McGuinn, as he wrote it and I think Hillmans first lead vocals were on his own songs on “Younger than Yesterday” a few months later.
@just_somebody6950
October 28, 2025 at 6:46 am
Would love to see a vinyl Monday on tenement steps by the motors!
@WesCOX-mm4oz
October 28, 2025 at 6:46 am
Gene Clark put out several solo albums which were very good!!!
@georgerudawsky1083
October 28, 2025 at 6:46 am
Growing up in the 60s, these Byrds albums were personal favorites. Great band.
@GrahamBeck-x6f
October 28, 2025 at 6:46 am
Hi Abs, On the CD of Fifth Dimension there is a selection of bonus tracks and I just love the song Why, which was a Byrds single around that time. But I also like Eight Miles High as well. It's so hard to pick a best from that period because there were so many great bands and music around at that time. The Doors, Moby Grape, Buffallo Springfield, Pink Floyd, Love, The Kinks, The Move, The Beach Boys, Bob Dylan and so many more. I love that period of music of the late sixties psychedelia. I often listen to those bands and music from that time, it was innovating music that was exciting to listen too. I saw Roger McGuinn play a solo show live over here in the Uk in Sheffield in the nineties. It was at a place called the Leadmill in Sheffield UK. Don't know whether you have heard of the place, probably you haven't being from the States. He was absolutely amazing that night as he played lots of Byrds songs on acoustic guitar. Love the Roger McGuinn glasses and the groovy psychedelic top and jacket you are wearing in the video. By the way the video was really good to watch, Keep up the good work Abs.
@deirdre108
October 28, 2025 at 6:46 am
Shout out to the CIA for controlled experiments with and distributing LSD to college campuses.
@creeder44
October 28, 2025 at 6:46 am
Abby, you always go above and beyond with your production, but this one is particularly fantastic. I love the wardrobe, glasses and the interstitial clips with the hippie dancing and '60s light show. I never even took LSD, and you're giving me acid flashbacks.
I would argue, though, that the first concept album was "In The Wee Small Hours" (1955) by Frank Sinatra. He continued pioneering that idea with albums like "Come Fly With Me" that included special material written just to support the concept. "September of My Years" came out in 1965, and by 1970, "Watertown" had a through-line story with soliloquies. Take that, Pete Townshend.
@johnstebbins24
October 28, 2025 at 6:46 am
Nothing says left-wing hippie like getting introduced by Ilya Kuryakin on Capitalist TV
@melvyncollins7305
October 28, 2025 at 6:46 am
Well hello, fantastic video, very inciteful. Just discovered the channel, now slowly working my way through! Keep up the sterling work. Xx
@leematthews6812
October 28, 2025 at 6:46 am
Hmmm…the lyrics quoted from 'I come and stand at every door' are also used in 'I Unseen' by The Misunderstood around the same time. Interesting.
@markrogers5727
October 28, 2025 at 6:46 am
You should consider reviewing The Notorious Byrds Brothers. Some consider that their most consistent album. I would tend to agree, although Eight Miles High is my favorite Byrds song. Thanks for talking about all this great music.
@jonnyberven2264
October 28, 2025 at 6:46 am
Hei there. Older dude from Norway here. Stumbled upon your channel and really like your content. I am a mucisian and a tutor, but I also have a lot of records. I like your thorough backgrund stories and that you are showing the links between bands and band members. I will be following you, and maybe drop some fun facts down the line. Cheers 🙂
@spencerraney4979
October 28, 2025 at 6:46 am
Of the Byrds’ legendary four album streak from 1966-1968 (Fifth Dimension, Younger Than Yesterday, The Notorious Byrd Brothers, and Sweetheart Of The Rodeo) which album do you guys these is their greatest/ most important for the development of music at large?
@HabHalloway
October 28, 2025 at 6:46 am
Can't believe you. Still not over that time you said you don't mind the difference between Stereo and Mono. I watched like 3 of your videos and I plan on watching no more. I remember when I first seen your SMiLE video and had no idea who you were and really wanted to watch a video about SMiLE and as a bonus you are absolutely beautiful and I watched some of your videos. I really did, I loved that video I looked through your uploads and opened a new tab for every video about something I liked. I don't know why I'm commenting on this new video when I haven't seen one at all in years. This is a very very angry hateful comment with my one arbitrary reason which is probably made up just because I didn't agree with every single thing you said in your amazing SMiLE video I am SO angry about that lowk makes me wanna dislike the video even though I cannot because I do not dislike it and I am not a liar to anyone but myself. VAN DYKE PARKS??? Sorry, I hadn't paused your video while writing this that's the guy from SMiLE I might check this album out, it has some small connection to something I like hell yeah man I'm gonna listen to this tomorrow remind me, I've got a bad memory. I just remembered! You made that video about The Fool! I loved that video! I tried to listen to the album and it fucking sucked I couldn't get through the first song, your video has so much more replayability than that godawful slop. You make such amazing videos BUT I am a very irrational person so I will not be subjecting myself to this content I do not deserve. again, I am so bored I'm writing a very angry and very truthful hate comment. Goodbye.
@richardelliott8352
October 28, 2025 at 6:46 am
dig this band. the cover pictured here reminds of trivia I found interesting, the fanciful concept of a magic flying carpet was originally a phrase started by the English occupiers of India, in relation to the smoking of hashish while seated on an Indian rug. I enjoyed the inclusion of the hippie dancing and light show. properly done with swirling colored oil and water and an over head projector
@MelindaMurphy
October 28, 2025 at 6:46 am
Beautiful thumbnail and great video as always. ♥️
@THEScottCampbell
October 28, 2025 at 6:46 am
McG sang lead on "MR. SPACEMAN" and co-lead on 'I See You", "Wild Mountain Time", "Eight Miles High", "John Riley", and "2-4-2 Foxtrot" (the tail number on the Lear Jet they flew on). "WILD MOUNTAIN THYME" and "JOHN RILEY" could have been big hits if CBS had released them as singles.
@wyliesmith4244
October 28, 2025 at 6:46 am
YouTube recommended this post. Good thing too. When I saw "Lark's Tongue in Aspic" as the previous choice, I figured that your taste must, at least occasionally, align with mine. I read the Rogan book when it came out, but I would love to see it again. While the album "Fifth Dimension" is not going to crack my top 10, 'Eight Miles High' is in my top 5 all-time. Hillman's opening on bass for 'Eight Miles High' is about as distinctive as any 'pop' song. And I am happy to see a review of "Fifth Dimension" that takes it seriously. The critics (and there weren't many) regarded the album as sub-par. When I put it on, I was surprised they transitioned into a new sound. After hearing the first two albums, maybe CBS wanted a link from the past to the present? 602 paranoia or 20s paranoia? Your show was great, I subscribed, and it looks like I have some backtracking to do.
@tylerjblack6953
October 28, 2025 at 6:46 am
Beck's Bolero, recorded 1966, released 2 years later. BTW, rock history is my addiction, this channel is one of my favorite drugs!!
@catlui04
October 28, 2025 at 6:46 am
I listened completly for the first time the day Croz died, such a bittersweet memory
@fredde328
October 28, 2025 at 6:46 am
1966?? Mine is Foxy lady and some Stones.. Maybe some Dylan! But you are the best, Abigail!❤❤
//Fredrik, Sweden
@dennislillie8047
October 28, 2025 at 6:46 am
"Blows Against the Empire"
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