The Story Of The Yardbirds: A Trip Down Memory Lane
Alright, let’s talk about The Story Of The Yardbirds. Released in 2008 by ABC Entertainment out of Germany, this album is basically a time machine to the glory days of British blues and rock. If you’re into Regional Blues, Blues-Rock, or even that trippy British Psychedelia vibe, this one’s for you. It’s not just another compilation—it’s like flipping through an old photo album where every track has its own story.
Now, I gotta say, some songs on here hit harder than others. Take "Shapes Of Things"—it’s one of those tracks that sticks with you because it feels like they were trying to invent the future back then. The guitar riff? Insanely catchy. And when they break into that psychedelic section halfway through, man, it’s like your brain gets rewired for a second. They also included a live version from German TV in ’67, which adds this raw, unpolished energy. You can almost picture the crowd going nuts while Jeff Beck shreds away like there’s no tomorrow.
Another standout is "Dazed And Confused." Yep, the same tune Led Zeppelin made famous later—but hearing The Yardbirds’ original take is wild. It’s slower, moodier, and kinda haunting, like walking through fog at midnight. Jimmy Page was already flexing his genius here, blending heavy riffs with these eerie bow scrapes on the guitar. Honestly, listening to it feels like peeking behind the curtain of how rock music evolved. Plus, knowing Zeppelin turned it into something massive makes it even cooler.
What I love most about this album is how it captures different sides of The Yardbirds. There’s the poppier stuff like "For Your Love" and the gritty blues-rock jams like "Train Kept A-Rollin’." Even though it came out in 2008, it doesn’t feel forced or nostalgic for nostalgia’s sake—it’s more like rediscovering a treasure chest full of gold.
Here’s the thing: if you’re new to The Yardbirds, this album gives you a solid crash course. But if you’re already a fan, it’s like hanging out with an old friend who still surprises you sometimes. Weirdly enough, as I listened to it, I kept thinking about how much we owe these guys. Without them, would we have had the crazy solos of Clapton, Page, or Beck? Who knows?
Final thought: Listening to this record felt like finding a mixtape in the attic that somehow survived decades without losing its magic. Oh, and fun fact—I totally forgot they covered "My Girl Sloopy" until I heard it again. Made me laugh because it’s such a random little gem tucked in there. So yeah, grab this album if you want to hear history come alive. Just don’t blame me if you end up air-guitaring all day!
