Roger the Engineer cover

Roger the Engineer

The Yardbirds · 1966

79 min · 31 tracks · psychedelic rock · R&B · blues rock

A kaleidoscopic blend of blues rock and psychedelic experimentation, weaving intricate guitar work with surreal lyrical imagery.

Why this album works

The album is notable for its innovative use of studio techniques and guitar effects, contributing to the burgeoning psychedelic rock genre. It is often celebrated for tracks like 'Happenings Ten Years Time Ago,' which exemplified the fusion of rock with avant-garde elements and has influenced countless musicians in the years since.
Best for
long, immersive listening sessions dynamic emotional journeys layered, dense sonic textures
Context
Released on July 15, 1966, 'Roger the Engineer' was The Yardbirds' only studio album with guitarist Jeff Beck before his departure. This album marked a pivotal moment in their evolution, showcasing their shift towards more experimental sounds and paving the way for future psychedelic rock influences.
Stylistic neighbors
The Animals· The Rolling Stones· Eric Burdon

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Happenings Ten Years Time Ago (mono) 2:57
  • 2 Psycho Daisies (mono) 1:50
  • 3 Lost Women (mono) 3:15
  • 4 Over Under Sideways Down (mono) 2:22
  • 5 The Nazz Are Blue (mono) 3:06
  • 6 I Can’t Make Your Way (mono) 2:27
  • 7 Rack My Mind (mono) 3:15
  • 8 Farewell (mono) 1:31
  • 9 Hot House of Omagararshid (mono) 2:47
  • 10 Jeff’s Boogie (mono) 2:24
  • 11 He’s Always There (mono) 2:31
  • 12 Turn Into Earth (mono) 3:16
  • 13 What Do You Want (mono) 3:25
  • 14 Ever Since the World Began (mono) 2:07
  • 15 Lost Women (stereo) 3:16
  • 16 Over Under Sideways Down (stereo) 2:24
  • 17 The Nazz Are Blue (stereo) 3:04
  • 18 I Can’t Make Your Way (stereo) 2:26
  • 19 Rack My Mind (stereo) 3:15
  • 20 Farewell (stereo) 1:29
  • 21 Hot House of Omagararshid (stereo) 2:39
  • 22 Jeff’s Boogie (stereo) 2:25
  • 23 He’s Always There (stereo) 2:15
  • 24 Turn Into Earth (stereo) 3:06
  • 25 What Do You Want (stereo) 3:22
  • 26 Ever Since the World Began (stereo) 2:09
  • 27 Mr. Zero 2:46
  • 28 Knowing 1:54
  • 29 Shapes in My Mind (version 1) 2:18
  • 30 Shapes in My Mind (version 2) 2:43
  • 31 Blue Sands (excerpt) 0:35

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata