The Notorious Byrd Brothers

The Byrds started recording this 1968 album with four members and ended up with two, but the internal turmoil isn’t reflected in the harmonious songs and adventurous spirit. While there’s a golden glow to the nostalgic reverie of “Goin’ Back” and country picking of “You Ain’t Going Nowhere”, the group also push boundaries: “Artificial Energy” soundtracks a drug trip with blaring horns and phased guitars. And on the anti-conscription song “Draft Morning”, tinkling instrumentation and gentle vocals run into careening brass and gunfire sound effects.