The Byrds "Under Review" is a two DVD documentary released by MVD Entertainment Group. It is an unauthorized
biography of "America's answer to The Beatles", and as such is missing direct input from the undisputed leader
of the band, Roger McGuinn. Even so, the project contains numerous photographs and film clips from the storied
career of the band, including bits of some pre-Byrds television appearances by McGuinn. There are no real surprise
revelations about the early days, and much of the information has been covered in other formats, but it is a
well-organized presentation and will give the neophyte a succinct history of the Byrds, while having enough rarely
seen photos and footage to keep a more seasoned fan interested. The portions of the production that focus
on the middle years of the band, particularly around the time of Sweetheart of the Rodeo, may be of particular
interest to those who are less familiar with the band following the departures of Gene Clark and David Crosby.

The Byrds had a major impact on pop charts when they debuted in the mid 60s with their cover of Dylan's Mr. Tambourine Man,
and they went on to be musical innovators, incorporating folk, jazz and Eastern influences in their productions, and
practically inventing country-rock. They insprired bands too numerous to mention throughought the 70s and eighties, and
continue to influence to this day. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, REM, Crowded House, and Teenage Fanclub all pay
homage to the Byrds, and many recent country acts, such as The Mavericks have the high lonesome superimposed over
a bit of jingle jangle. Marty Stuart plays Clarence White's Telecaster.

"Under Review" covers all phases of the band's career and features select bits of the different musical stages they went through.
Some more full-length performances, rather than short clips, would have strengthened the impact of project overall, but again
there is just enough rarely seen footage to make it interesting, although somewhat abridged..

Running commentary is provided throughout by a number of prominent rock writers, including Johnny Rogan. John York, a
bassist with the band for a short time during the middle years, also contributes insider points of view, as well as
some original music for the background. Noted songwriter, Van Dyke Parks provides comments and insight into the
career of The Byrds, and the music scene of the time, and especially what was going on in Los Angeles. Gene Parsons, who
played with the band in the later period, talks about his experiences and gives a peak into the development of the
string bender that guitarist Clarence White used to produce unique lead guitar parts that were closely identified
with The Byrds sounds in that later incarnation.

While not as slick a production as some other rockumentaries that are on the market, "Under Review" is informative
and entertaining and would be a good introduction for someone not overly familiar with The Byrds. And it has
enough classic footage and music to maintain the interest of a more knowledgeable fan of the band.

The DVD can be ordered at SEEOFSOUND.COM


And save 25% on your order from seeofsound.com by entering the coupon code BYRDS (caps!) upon checkout.