So you want to be a rock ’n’ roll star

     Then listen now to what I say

     Just get an electric guitar

     And take some time and learn how to play

     And when your hair’s combed right and your pants fit tight

     It’s gonna be all right 

So said the Byrds – specifically songwriters Jim McGuinn and Chris Hillman – back in 1967, and the formula still works pretty well to this day.  

(April 2014) 

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According to Wikipedia:  “John Einarson has noted that the influence of [John Coltrane]’s saxophone playing and, in particular, his song ‘India’ from the Impressions album, can be clearly heard in ‘Eight Miles High’ — most noticeably in [Jim] McGuinn’s recurring twelve-string guitar solo.  In addition to this striking guitar motif, the song is also highlighted by Chris Hillman’s driving and hypnotic bass line, [David] Crosby’s chunky rhythm guitar playing, and the band’s ethereal harmonies.” 

(July 2015)