Preflyte has been released in many incarnations over the years, but the original Together Records release from 1969 is a special occasion. In fact, this post is just as much highlighting the label as the music within.
Together Records was formed in the early months of 1969 by Gary Usher, Curt Boettcher and Keith Olsen. Gary Usher had just been fired from his position at Columbia Records and was looking to start a 'boutique' label where he and a select group of friends could exercise complete artistic freedom. Although the label folded rather quickly they started off on the right track with a few first rate releases. First of all just look at that beautiful label! The unique design which was an original drawing by artist Keita Colten is worth the price of admission alone.
Preflyte was the first album released on Together in the summer of 1969, a time when Roger McGuinn was the only original member left in The Byrds. It featured 11 tracks recorded at World Pacific Studios in 1964 by the original lineup, the majority of them being Gene Clark originals. The groups early folk leanings really radiate on such notable tracks as 'You Showed Me' which became a big hit for the Turtles in 1969. Early recordings of favorites like 'You Won't Have To Cry' and 'I Knew I'd Want You' shine a new light upon the greatness of their final polished incarnations. Although they were still finding their definitive sound this set of songs creates a cohesive statement which is enjoyable all the way through. Above I have included an excerpt from liner notes written by Billy James, a publicist who wrote the sleeve notes for the Mr. Tambourine Man album. Choice words indeed...
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| Billboard Ad August 23, 1969 |
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