"Yardbirds '68" is a double album by English rock group The Yardbirds. It was recorded in 1968 in New York City when the group was touring North America. It was released more than four decades later, on November 5, 2017. The album was produced by guitarist Jimmy Page, who arranged for the live gig and studio recordings to be professionally recorded after acquiring a new state-of-the-art mobile studio.
The record is divided into two sections. The 'Live Yardbirds' consists of the performances at the Anderson Theater, while 'Studio Sketches' is a compilation of song sketches made in New York during the tour. The 'Live Yardbirds' section features performances of their hit songs, including "Heart Full of Soul," "The Train Kept A-Rollin'," and "Dazed and Confused". The 'Studio Sketches' section offers a walk through the creative process of the band in the studio.
The album gains immense historical significance as it captures The Yardbirds during their final phase, just before their transition into Led Zeppelin. One of the highlights of "Yardbirds '68" is Jimmy Page's guitar work, showcasing his burgeoning talent before he went on to form Led Zeppelin. Pleasing fans and critics alike with its unfiltered raw version of classic rock and blues, "Yardbirds '68" is indeed a significant contribution to the chronicles of rock music history.
