 The embryonic version of "Mr. Tambourine Man" included on "Preflyte" illustrated how the song sounded prior to its recording as the band's debut single for Columbia Records.The Byrds' biographer Johnny Rogan has stated that McGuinn's distinctive Bach-inspired guitar intro is already present in this early version, but Crosby's harmony singing displays signs of uncertainty.Rogan has also remarked that perhaps the most striking difference between the version of the song found on "Preflyte" and the more famous Columbia recording is Michael Clarke's use of a militaristic drumming style.