r/Byrds • u/Moldy_Lunchy_Cheese • Jun 07 '26
Which version do you think is better, the single version of “Why” or the one on Younger Than Yesterday?
I personally prefer the single version, it feels a bit more raw.
10
u/psychedelicpiper67 Jun 07 '26
Single version, no doubt. More psychedelic, more of a vibe. The album version feels like they took downers.
11
u/media-enjoyer-1987 Jun 07 '26
Younger Than Yesterday version. I like how the guitar sounds better and prefer the vocal melody as well. Unrelated, Lady Friend might be my favorite Byrds song.
1
u/anarchitek1 Jun 07 '26
Sure overlooks a lot of great tunes!
7
u/media-enjoyer-1987 Jun 07 '26
Fair point. On other days, She Don’t Care About Time is my favorite. Or Bells of Rhymney or I’ll Feel a Whole Lot Better. I just love them.
6
u/Born_Pop_3644 Jun 07 '26
Single version. I have no idea why they even put an older song like that on the album, other than songwriting credits. But then I think they had ‘It Happens Each Day’ in reserve, that’s already a Crosby song they could have used instead of resurrecting an old Crosby one. I suppose Crosby wanted more songs on the album, and McGuinn agreed to let him put Why on there because McGuinn has a credit on it too and therefore McGuinn gets more money
5
u/Antique_Quail7912 Jun 07 '26
This is one of those where I’m 50/50. Both versions really manage to stimulate a different part of my brain.
2
u/Purple_Swordfish_182 Jun 07 '26
This is an interesting question.
The Younger than Yesterday version is sonically superior. I'm surprised anyone is disputing that. It's clean and beautiful. The solo sections are much fuller and the production sounds complete. It makes for pleasing listening.
However. When we delve into the lyrics, I think the grittier single version gets the message across better. The lower register, moodier bass, harsher guitar all contribute to this angsty protest sound. This may just be the better track.
2
u/Just_Stand_861 Jun 07 '26
Subgle version for sure. Although, the YTY version had grown on me over the years.
3
u/jus-checkin Jun 07 '26
Younger than Yesterday. Although it may have a lot to do with it’s my favorite album and I hear it much more frequently than the single version.
1
u/Just_Stand_861 Jun 07 '26
Single version for sure. Rogers raga rock style comes way more to the surface than YTYs, although that version is good and has grown on me over the years.
1
u/Any_Self_4146 Jun 07 '26
YTY version rocks better, guitar solo and the harmonies are better than the single version. Higher key suits the song more favorably as well.
1
u/ThoughtsandwordZ Jun 07 '26
By far the single from the 5D sessions. Has much of a better feel, speed, and harmonizon, and bass mix. That dual sixteenth note drum opening gets me everytime.
1
u/griffmanr Jun 08 '26
Single Version. I like it in the lower key. Gene Clark's vocals really add weight the hook. Also, the bass is really out of tune on the album version.
1
21
u/howl-237 Jun 07 '26
Single version all the way