Preflyte is a compilation album by the American folk rock band the Byrds and was released in July 1969 on Together Records. The album is a collection of demos recorded by the Byrds at World Pacific Studios in Los Angeles during late 1964, before the band had signed to Columbia Records and become famous. It includes early demo versions of the songs "Here Without You", "You Won't Have to Cry", "I Knew I'd Want You", and "Mr. Tambourine Man", all of which appeared in re-recorded form on the band's 1965 debut album.
Cover of the 1973 Columbia Records reissue. Art by Barry Windsor-Smith
Image: The Byrds Preflyte
The Byrds were an American rock band formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1964. The band underwent multiple lineup changes throughout its existence, with frontman Roger McGuinn remaining the sole consistent member. Although their time as one of the most popular groups in the world only lasted for a short period in the mid-1960s, the Byrds are considered by critics to be among the most influential rock acts of their era. Their signature blend of clear harmony singing and McGuinn's jangly 12-string Rickenbacker guitar was "absorbed into the vocabulary of rock" and has continued to be influential.
The Byrds in 1965 From left to right: David Crosby, Gene Clark, Michael Clarke, Chris Hillman, and Jim McGuinn
A Rickenbacker 360 12-string guitar similar to the one used by Jim McGuinn in 1964 and 1965. By 1966, McGuinn had transitioned to playing the three pickup 370/12 model.
Producer Terry Melcher (left) in the recording studio with Gene Clark (center) and David Crosby (right). Melcher brought in session musicians to play on the "Mr. Tambourine Man" single because he felt that the Byrds hadn't yet gelled musically.
The Byrds' psychedelic mosaic logo