About this album
Where they were
Released on July 15, 1966, 'Roger the Engineer' was The Yardbirds' only studio album with guitarist Jeff Beck before his departure. This album marked a pivotal moment in their evolution, showcasing their shift towards more experimental sounds and paving the way for future psychedelic rock influences.
Why it matters
The album is notable for its innovative use of studio techniques and guitar effects, contributing to the burgeoning psychedelic rock genre. It is often celebrated for tracks like 'Happenings Ten Years Time Ago,' which exemplified the fusion of rock with avant-garde elements and has influenced countless musicians in the years since.
Essential tracks
- "Happenings Ten Years Time Ago" — This track features a groundbreaking combination of psychedelia and blues rock, showcasing Jeff Beck's innovative guitar work and production techniques.
- "Over Under Sideways Down" — 'Over Under Sideways Down' stands out with its catchy hook and jangly guitars, reflecting the band's signature sound during this transitional period.
- "The Nazz Are Blue" — This song highlights the Yardbirds' experimental flair, blending blues influences with surreal lyrics and complex instrumental arrangements.
Release Date
July 15, 1966
Artist Origin
United Kingdom
Tracklist
- 1 Happenings Ten Years Time Ago (mono) 2:57
- 2 Psycho Daisies (mono) 1:50
- 3 Lost Women (mono) 3:15
- 4 Over Under Sideways Down (mono) 2:22
- 5 The Nazz Are Blue (mono) 3:06
- 6 I Can’t Make Your Way (mono) 2:27
- 7 Rack My Mind (mono) 3:15
- 8 Farewell (mono) 1:31
- 9 Hot House of Omagararshid (mono) 2:47
- 10 Jeff’s Boogie (mono) 2:24
- 11 He’s Always There (mono) 2:31
- 12 Turn Into Earth (mono) 3:16
- 13 What Do You Want (mono) 3:25
- 14 Ever Since the World Began (mono) 2:07
- 15 Lost Women (stereo) 3:16
- 16 Over Under Sideways Down (stereo) 2:24
- 17 The Nazz Are Blue (stereo) 3:04
- 18 I Can’t Make Your Way (stereo) 2:26
- 19 Rack My Mind (stereo) 3:15
- 20 Farewell (stereo) 1:29
- 21 Hot House of Omagararshid (stereo) 2:39
- 22 Jeff’s Boogie (stereo) 2:25
- 23 He’s Always There (stereo) 2:15
- 24 Turn Into Earth (stereo) 3:06
- 25 What Do You Want (stereo) 3:22
- 26 Ever Since the World Began (stereo) 2:09
- 27 Mr. Zero 2:46
- 28 Knowing 1:54
- 29 Shapes in My Mind (version 1) 2:18
- 30 Shapes in My Mind (version 2) 2:43
- 31 Blue Sands (excerpt) 0:35