Fifth Dimension by The Byrds...Episode #14

About this episode

In this episode of Classic Rock Album Olympics music historians Gary Wenstrup and Robert Rodriguez enter The Byrds’ Fifth Dimension.  Released in July 1966 the album captures the moment when the band stepped into new territory and helped invent what would soon be called psychedelic rock. Medal Winners ⁠John Riley⁠ ⁠5D (Fifth Dimension)⁠ ⁠Eight Miles High⁠ ⁠What’s Happening?!?! The Byrds were already riding high on the success of their folk-rock hits “Mr. Tambourine Man” and “Turn! Turn! Turn!” But the departure of their musical anchor, Gene Clark, left the group at a crossroads. Instead of retreating, The Byrds—now centered around Roger McGuinn, David Crosby, and Chris Hillman.  Part of the album’s magic comes from the band’s willingness to take risks. Without Clark’s songwriting contributions, McGuinn stepped up with ambitious compositions drawing from jazz, raga, and avant-garde ideas, while Crosby found his footing as both a writer and a conceptual thinker. Their trademark harmonies and McGuinn’s 12-string Rickenbacker still captivate.  Upon release, Fifth Dimension reached #24 on the U.S. Billboard 200.  The chart position was quite modest compared to their first t