The Yardbirds Re-Releases from Repertoire Records

SINGLES As, Bs AND EPs
Forget The Beatles and Rolling Stones. It was The Yardbirds who really shaped the future of rock with their trio of brilliant guitar players and daring blend of R&B and progressive pop. As they rapidly moved on from blues roots the group created some truly imaginative hit singles such as ‘For Your Love’ and ‘Shapes Of Things.’ Repertoire Records re-releases includes a whole bunch of Yardbirds material from the 1960s kicking off with a massive double CD compilation ‘Singles As, Bs and EPs’. This set features the band’s core line up of Keith Relf (vocals), Chris Dreja (guitar), Jim McCarty (drums) and Paul Samwell-Smith (bass) with wonder guitarists Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page. Listen to Clapton’s amazing guitar riffs on ‘I Wish You Would’ and ‘Got To Hurry.’ Beck cuts loose on ‘Jeff’s Boogie’ an early example of his astounding dexterity.

BEST OF THE YARDBIRDS
As if this compilation isn’t enough Repertoire Records also offer ‘The Best Of The Yardbirds’ a superb compilation of songs and performances that showcase the full range of the band’s achievements. Spanning the years 1964 to 1967 some 28 tracks highlight such advanced numbers as ‘Shapes Of Things’ and ‘Over Under Sideways Down’ recorded before the advent of ‘Sgt.Pepper.’ ‘For Your Love’ written by Graham Gouldman was a big hit for the group in 1965 and led to blues purist Clapton quitting the group. His replacement Jeff Beck is heard on ‘Happenings Ten Years Time Ago’ and ‘Stroll On’ a tune featured in the movie ‘Blow Up.’ From ‘Good Morning Little Schoolgirl’ to ‘Little Games’ here are The Yardbirds at their boyish best.

FIVE LIVE YARDBIRDS
Here ‘Tis the 1965 debut album by a group that followed in the footsteps of the Rolling Stones. The Yardbirds ‘live’ album was intended to capture the spirit of the group in the raw. They may not have been as raunchy as Bo Didley or Howlin’ Wolf but The Yardies with Eric Clapton breaking strings and Keith Relf singing his heart out were always a treat. Here are the lads raving at Soho’s Marquee Club in 1964 on ‘Too Much Monkey Business’ and ‘Smokestack Lighting’ complete with announcements and cheering crowds. Eight bonus tracks including more ‘live’ material from the famous Crawdaddy Club.

FOR YOUR LOVE
‘Hey! This will be Number One baby!’ That’s what group manager Giorgio Gomelsky told his beloved group when they finished recording ‘For Your Love’. This unusual song, written by future 10 cc tunesmith Graham Gouldman, was indeed a smash hit for The Yardies in 1965. With its bongo beat and harpsichord backing, the song ensured the former R&B group would become overnight pop stars. This displeased blues purist Eric Clapton, who quit shortly after the single’s release. However, Eric can be heard playing with vigorous energy on such B sides as ‘Got To Hurry’ and ‘I Wish You Would’ part of ‘For Your Love’ an excellent compilation originally designed as the band’s first U.S. album release. Repertoire Records have added a further 13 bonus items including a rare 1963 studio acetate, demos and several tracks featuring Clapton’s replacement, Jeff Beck.

LIVE AT THE CRAWDADDY
Before they became pop stars a great moment in blues history was captured when The Yardbirds were recorded backing blues legend Sonny Boy Williamson. It happened one night in December 1963 at the Crawdaddy Club in Richmond, Surrey. The band with Eric Clapton on guitar had youthful energy on their side. Sonny Boy, born in 1899 and armed with a bottle of Scotch as well as a case of harmonicas, was unpredictable and cantankerous. Even so it all came together. On ‘Live At The Crawdaddy’ Repertoire Records revive 16 sizzlers such as Sonny Boy’s ‘Bye Bye Bird,’ ‘Mister Downchild’ and ‘Pontiac Blues.’ The full story of this encounter with a blues legend is told in the CD notes. Originally intended to be the band’s debut album it was not released until 1967.

HAVING A RAVE UP
So you want MORE Yardbirds. How about Eric Clapton wailing on guitar…Keith Relf screaming the blues…yes its The Yardbirds ‘Having A Rave Up.’ Here is the band at its ‘blueswailing’ best on a compilation originally put together to introduce the band to America. ‘Having A Rave Up’ was released in the US in 1966 and followed ‘For You Love’ another U.S only album that came out the previous year. Many of the group’s finest singles are included such as ‘Evil Hearted You’ and ‘Heart Full Of Soul’ but the emphasis is on the blues with ‘live’ cuts like ‘Here ‘Tis’ bringing back memories of Keith Relf shaking his maracas and blowing a mean harmonica at the Marquee. Repertoire Records have added 11 bonus items including ‘Shapes Of Things’ a Top Five hit from 1966 with Jeff Beck on guitar. So get raving.

More information about these Yardsbirds re-releases can be found at Repertoire Records (repertoire.de).