The Very Best of the Yardbirds [Metro] (2005)

About this title: This is another of the ubiquitous Yardbirds compilations to utilize the band's 1963-1966 output, what are referred to informally as the Giorgio Gomelsky tapes (referring to their ex-manager, though he sold his rights to this material off decades ago). As a compilation, it's mainly distinguished by its relatively good sound -- they've gone to good tape sources -- and their willingness to program the group's early rock & roll and blues sides, including "Pontiac Blues" featuring Sonny Boy Williamson II on vocals and harp, alongside their subsequent pop-oriented hits, including "For Your Love," ... read more

Tracks:

1. Baby What's Wrong [Reed]
2. Talkin' 'Bout You [Berry]
3. Let It Rock [Live] [Berry]
4. Pontiac Blues [Live] [Williamson]
5. I Wish You Would [Arnold]
6. Too Much Monkey Business [Live] [Berry]
7. Smokestack Lightning [Live] [Howlin' Wolf]
8. Good Morning Little Schoolgirl [Williamson]
9. Got to Hurry [Rasputin]
10. For Your Love [Gouldman]
11. Heart Full of Soul [Sitar Version] [Gouldman]
12. I Ain't Done Wrong [Relf]
13. My Girl Sloopy [Russell/Farrell]
14. Still I'm Sad [McCarty/Samwell-Smi]
15. I'm a Man [McDaniel]
16. Train Kept a Rollin' [Bradshaw]
17. Shapes of Things [Relf/Samwell/McCart]
18. Jeff's Blues [Beck]
19. Like Jimmy Reed Again [Beck/Relf/Samwell]
20. Stroll On [From Blow Up] [Dreja/Page/Beck/Rel]

Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is further described below.