Shapes of Things

"Shapes of Things" is a song by the English rock group the Yardbirds. With its Eastern-sounding, feedback-laden guitar solo and anti-war/pro-environmental lyrics, it "can justifiably be classified as the first psychedelic rock classic", according to music critic Richie Unterberger. The song was built on musical elements contributed by several group members in three different recording studios in the US. When it was released as a single on 25 February 1966, it was their first composition to become a record chart hit. The song reached the pop Top 40 in several countries, but, aside from compilations, was not included on a Yardbirds' album.

The song features Jeff Beck's musical use of feedback, which he learned to control by finding the guitar's resonant points and bending the strings. Music writers have called his work groundbreaking and cited its influence on Paul McCartney and Jimi Hendrix. Several live Yardbirds recordings with Beck and later with Jimmy Page have been released. In 1968, Beck reworked it for the lead track on his debut album Truth. The new arrangement, along with other album tracks, has been described as a precursor of heavy metal. "Shapes of Things" is included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's permanent exhibit of the "Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll" and several artists have recorded renditions of the song.

Shapes of Things (album)

Shapes of Things is a double LP compilation album of classic recordings from 1964-1966 of the English blues rock band The Yardbirds, released in 1977. The album was manufactured and distributed by P.J. Imports.

Track listing

Side One

Introduction: Hamish Grimes

Side Two

Side Three