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The Byrds: "I'll Feel a Whole Lot Better"
Despite the supposed Beach Boys/Beatles American-British rivalry, I’ve always felt that the Byrds were a more apt American “rival” for the Beatles — their songwriting was more consistent than the Beach Boys (although when Brian Wilson got it right, he really got it right) and usually seemed more sophisticated. In any case, “I’ll Feel a Whole Lot Better,” from their 1965 debut album, Mr. Tambourine Man, is definitely one of the highest of their high points — great energy, guitars, and harmonies; a song I believe the Beatles would have been proud to call their own. The Byrds definitely arrived fully formed.
Original post date: May 23, 2011