Valentine’s Day is almost here, and love is in the air. What better way to celebrate than with a song from a band that has given us some of the most memorable love songs of all time? Today, we are thrilled to bring you the exclusive premiere of ‘She Don’t Care about Time’ by Upstate New York based artist Christian Parker. This song is a cover of a hidden gem by the legendary folk rock band The Byrds.
This track is from Christian Parker’s latest endeavor, the tribute album “Change is Now,” which is going to be yet another dive into the rich musical legacy of The Byrds from him. In it, he pays homage to the band’s influential blend of folk, rock, and psychedelia that shaped a generation. The album is available for pre-order and pre-save now, with an official release date set for March 22nd.
What sets this particular track apart is its recognition as a timeless piece in The Byrds’ discography. Despite not achieving the commercial success or mainstream recognition of some of the band’s hallmark tracks, it holds a special place in the canon of their music. Also, when it was initially released as a single, it did not secure a spot on the band’s second albumm the iconic “Turn! Turn! Turn!” Instead, it was relegated to the B-side of a single.
This decision belies the track’s appeal and its significance within The Byrds’ body of work. The song’s journey from an overlooked B-side to a celebrated classic shows its quality and the lasting impact of The Byrds’ music, even beyond their most popular hits. And for fans such as myself, this track is a classic.
Christian gave some detail about the song by saying:
She Don’t Care About Time” is the first track we recorded for both tribute albums to the Byrds. This is the best song or one of the best songs written by Gene Clark. Originally on their B-side to the hit single “Turn! Turn! Turn! It was the perfect track to showcase songs that should have been a number one hit but were overlooked.
Gary Jacob played the 12-string Rickenbacker, and he nailed McGuinn’s solo. Todd Staudinger sang the backing vocals; it was a 30-year reunion for us singing together. I was thrilled to have him as part of this project, as we always used to say, ‘We have the blend”. This is one of my favorite tracks on Change Is Now.
When it comes to the ability to breathe fresh life into a beloved song, that is something I feel marks a truly gifted artist. Covering a classic requires a skillful balance of paying homage to the original’s spirit while infusing it with a unique perspective. Christian Parker excels at this art. In his interpretation of The Byrds, he not here to re-create their sound, he rejuvenates it. It’s something that a lot of passion must go into, when coming from a true fan of their work.
And of course when it comes to doing a tribute record, it’s not about mimicry or imitation. Parker has a natural understanding of the little things that made The Byrds so great. There’s a respect for their identity, as his take on their song feels authentic and organic, as if he’s channeling the same creative energy that propelled the original recording.
Parker himself even naturally has a one of a kind voice that seems to transcend time itself. There’s a warmth and depth to his delivery that instantly evokes the golden age of folk-rock. With this cover it’s just like you’ve landed on a pristine remastering of the original Byrds recording, somehow infused with even greater clarity and richness that today’s techniques and technology can only deliver, yet keeping that feel of that golden age.
When it comes to the music, any devoted Byrds’ fan can instantly identify the bright, chiming tones of that iconic Rickenbacker 12-string guitar. It’s practically woven into the band’s musical DNA, an essential cornerstone of their signature sound. And some of you also understand the inherent challenge of mastering the instrument. This is where the talents of Gary Jacob shine. He evokes that classic Byrds’ jangle, adding layers of those shimmering harmonics to the track.
This amazing cover that breathes new life into a classic sound will be available this Valentine’s Day, February 14th, marking for a lovely gift. Following this release, the full album “Change is Now,”is set to arrive on March 22nd.
Change is Now
She Don’t Care About Time
Here Without You
The World Turns All Around Her
I’ll Feel A Whole Lot Better
Chimes of Freedom
Wild Mountain Thyme
Ballad of Easy Rider
Get To You
Time Between
Your Gentle Way of Loving Me
Full Circle
Bugler
Farther Along
The Last Thing On My Mind
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