Album review: CHRIS HILLMAN – Bidin’ My Time

Rounder Records [Release date 22.09.17]

‘Bidin’ My Time’ marks the first solo album from one of the Byrds founding members Chris Hillman in over twelve years. On this album he has long time fan Tom Petty handling production, along with Hillman’s Desert Rose collaborator Herb Pederson.

The album starts with a new recording of Pete Seeger’s and Idris Davies’ ‘The Bells of Rhymney,’ which the Byrds recorded for their debut album. Joining in on the harmony vocals is fellow Byrds member David Crosby. In fact it is a pretty guest heavy album including Roger McGuinn, the aforementioned Tom Petty and most of the Heartbreakers – Mike Campbell, Steve Ferrone, and Benmont Tench.

Another Byrds link is the bluegrass influenced ‘New Old John Robertson’, which is a sequel of sorts the Byrds’ ‘Old John Robertson’. The tale of a old man is touching and the vocals hold your attention.

Of the newer songs ‘Such Is The World That We Live In’ is a timely plea for more forgiveness in the world, made all the more stronger by the gospel like arrangement.

Not only does Tom Petty appear on the album, Chris Hillman sings a sterling cover of one of Petty’s more mellower tunes, ‘Wildflowers’. One of the album’s stand outs due to the singing, pure bliss on the ears. Speaking of covers, Hillman does a lovely version of the Everly Brothers classic ‘Walk Right Back’. The Everly Brothers and their country infused being an influence on the Byrds.

It is heartening to see Chris Hillman still in fine voice and revisiting some songs from his past to give them another chance in the limelight. Pretty damn fine throughout, the album highlights Chris Hillman’s love and passion at making memorable and enjoyable country music. ****

Review by Jason Ritchie

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out radio stream repeat on Tuesday 8th (16:00 GMT) and Thursday 10th April (21:00 GMT)
Next Session: Sunday 4 May

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 2 March 2025.

UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast on 4 March 2025

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com

Power Plays w/c 7 April 2025

SEVEN BLOOD To The Unknown (indie)
FROM FALL TO SPRING Incomplete (Arising Empire)
POP EVIL Side Effects (MNRK Heavy)
ERJA LYYTINEN Abyss (Tuohi Records)
SKY VALLEY MISTRESS Too Many Ghosts (New Heavy Sounds)
RED GIANT Free Me (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 7 April 2025

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Singer Songwriter)

Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings. The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.