The Yardbirds – Ultimate Live at the BBC

The most definitive and comprehensive collection of the YardbirdsBBC appearances, this set spans over 89 tracks, with 30 previously unreleased gems by Repertoire Records.

The collection includes an introduction by Chris Welch and a detailed, track-by-track analysis by BBC historian Ashley Wood, presented in a spined book. The set also features insightful interviews with Jim McCarty and Paul Samwell-Smith, conducted by Welch.

The most definitive and complete set of the Yardbirds’ BBC appearances to date

The sound quality has been meticulously restored and fully remastered for optimal listening. With a total playing time of approximately 250 minutes, the recordings are mono, capturing the raw energy and authenticity of the original broadcasts.

Marking the 60th anniversary of the Yardbirds’ first documented live appearance, this 4-CD set highlights three discs of Jeff Beck’s era as the lead guitarist, while the fourth disc showcases Jimmy Page’s tenure. Despite numerous releases over the past 25 years by Repertoire Records, 30 tracks in this set have not been heard since their initial broadcasts. Additionally, nearly all other tracks present a significant upgrade or improvement in sound quality.

With detailed broadcast information and session notes by Ashley Wood, edited by Chris Welch, this set offers a meticulously researched narrative of the Yardbirds’ legacy. Relive the band’s electrifying performances, including standout tracks like ‘Jeff’s Boogie,’ ‘White Summer,’ and ‘Dazed And Confused,’ thanks to the efforts of those who salvaged the original BBC archive material. This collection is a testament to the Yardbirds’ enduring influence and the timeless power of their music.

Despite the impressive collection of 90 tracks, including both interviews and performances, featured on this 4-CD set, there remain 11 BBC sessions by the Yardbirds that are completely lost. The available tracks in this compilation come from a variety of sources, including transcript discs and off-air recordings, either in whole or in part. It’s remarkable that the Yardbirds likely recorded more sessions for the BBC than any other band within less than four years.

Notably, there are no surviving recordings of Eric Clapton in this set. The earliest session included dates back to March 1965.

For the first time, the accompanying booklet provides a clear and comprehensive account of what is available and what is missing from the Yardbirds’ BBC sessionography. This detailed documentation not only enhances our understanding of the band’s prolific output but also may aid in filling the gaps or uncovering further discoveries in the future.

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1I’m Not Talking
2Berry’s Boogie
3My Girl Sloopy
4For Your Love
5Someone to Love Me
6I Ain’t Got You
7Interview: Keith Relf Talks About the Band’s Background
8Totp LP Intros for ‘For Your Love’
9For Your Love
10I’m Not Talking (Full Version)
11Steeled Blues
12I’m Not Talking (Edited)
13Too Much Monkey Business
14Hush-A-Bye
15I’m a Man
16Runaround / Bottle Up and Go
17Spoonful
18I Wish You Would
19Steeled Blues
20Interview: Paul Samwell-Smith Talks About Recording and Us Tour
21Interview: Keith Relf Requests and Jeff’s 21st Birthday
22Heart Full of Soul
23Respectable

Disc: 2

1Pretty Girl
2Steeled Blues
3I’m Not Talking
4I Ain’t Done Wrong
5Louise
6Heart Full of Soul
7I Ain’t Done Wrong
8I’ve Been Trying
9Heart Full of Soul
10Berry’s Boogie
11I Ain’t Done Wrong
12Heart Full of Soul
13Love Me Like I Love You
14Wish You Would
15For Your Love
16Interview: Keith Relf Talks About Touring and Recording
17Love Me Like I Love You
18I’m a Man
19Too Much Monkey Business
20Heart Full of Soul
21I’m a Man (Edited)
22Hang on Sloopy
23Evil Hearted You
24Interview: Paul Samwell-Smith Talks About the ‘Still I’m Sad’ Single
25The Stumble
26Still I’m Sad
27The Train Kept a Rollin’

Disc: 3

1Evil Hearted You
2Evil Hearted You
3The Train Kept a Rollin’
4Interview: The Yardbirds Give Their New Year’s Resolutions
5You’re a Better Man Than I
6Smokestack Lightning (Full Version)
7Smokestack Lightning (Edited) Saturday
8You’re a Better Man Than I
9Interview: Keith Relf on Us Tour
10Shapes of Things
11I’ve Been Trying
12Dust My Blues (Full Version)
13Dust My Blues (Edited)
14You’re a Better Man Than I
15Shapes of Things
16Jeff’s Boogie
17The Sun Is Shining (Full Version)
18Interview: Keith Relf Talks About His Solo Single
19Over, Under, Sideways, Down
20Scratch My Back
21Shapes of Things
22The Sun Is Shining (Edited)
23Paul Samwell-Smith Interview
24Rack My Mind
25Over, Under, Sideways, Down
26Happenings Ten Years Time Ago

Disc: 4

1Most Likely You’ll Go Your Way (And I’ll Go Mine)
2My Baby
3Interview: Keith Relf Talks About Touring and Their “Little Games” Single
4Little Games
5Drinking Muddy Water
6Think About It
7Interview: Jimmy Page Talks About Touring #1
8Interview: Jimmy Page Talks About Touring #2
9Goodnight Sweet Josephine
10My Baby
11Think About It
12Goodnight Sweet Josephine
13White Summer
14Dazed and Confused

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