Sun Apr 18 2021
3
Another one of *those* albums that's probably really good if you grew up with it, but now is just more of the same
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From the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.
No Other
Gene Clark
1974
- Album Summary
No Other is the fourth solo studio album by American singer-songwriter Gene Clark. Released in September 1974, it was largely ignored or lambasted by critics and was a commercial failure; the studio time and cost were seen as excessive and indulgent. The record label, Asylum Records, did not promote the album, and by 1976 had deleted it from their catalog. Clark never recovered from the failure of the album.Just prior to Clark's death in 1991, No Other was reissued in its entirety on CD. In 1993, an Australian CD compilation entitled American Dreamer 1964–1974 included two songs from No Other, while in 1998, a double disc compilation, Flying High, was released with three songs from No Other. Then in the early 2000s, No Other was reissued a second time in its entirety to positive critical reappraisal; publications have referred to it as "a lost masterpiece" and "one of the greatest albums ever made." A highly praised, newly remastered reissue campaign by 4AD was launched on November 8, 2019, with the album reissued as a standard CD, vinyl LP, deluxe double-CD set, and an expansive super deluxe box set with three SACDs, one Blu-ray disc, a silver-colored LP, and commemorative 80-page book.
Reviews
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Date
Sat Oct 30 2021
5
Sublime. Beautiful. Coherent. There is No Other. I discovered this in 2016, and played it to death, from start to finish. It is packed with lush vocals, rich harmonies, crisp instrumentation and perfect dynamic. Putting aside the wonderful magical storytelling, it’s just a Great Wall of beauty. Please try it, from start to end. Top tracks: Strength of Strings, Some Misunderstanding, Lady of the North
Tue May 24 2022
4
Great album. The cover is one of the ugliest ones I've ever seen, but it reminds me of that one record in your parents collection that you try to play once without thinking much of it, and then it's just much better than you expected. 4
Mon Apr 19 2021
5
Loved it, Gene Clark is a master songwriter and this album has some haunting but dangerously exciting songs on it before ending with some classic beautiful country sounds. Excellent.
Thu Jan 06 2022
5
Excellent, and brand new to me as well. This is what this 1001 album experience is all about, what a gem!
Fri Feb 12 2021
5
This album scratches an itch for sure. Rockin’ soulful country reminds of Neil Young, with some folky psychedelia and George Harrison vibes thrown in for good measure. A+ for me.
Thu Sep 01 2022
5
Unceremoniously and unfairly thrown away and underappreciated by the record buying public, No Other is Gene Clark's rightful masterpiece. This is the perfect example of letting it all hang out and letting your muses take you to your greatest potential. If only everyone had seen what Gene had seen and embraced this record for what it was and what it is; an incredible tapestry of sound that would have been weakened if left to lesser hands. The power of perfection, indeed.
Sat Apr 10 2021
2
“No Other” by Gene Clark (1974) Country/folk rock of a bygone era. Neil Young meets Carlos Castaneda. Lyrics are thoughtful, if austere and unduly melancholy, demonstrating a certain intellectual curiosity, but treated unsystematically, even chaotically. There is frequently a definite mismatch between the emotional tone of the lyrics and the musical setting. Well performed backing instrumentals and vocals. As for Clark’s voice, it’s rather unremarkable. The album overall is very well arranged and produced, with plenty of texture to support the rather simple melodies. No ‘bangers’ on this record. The title track is somewhat innovative (for 1974), but seems to try to blend too many styles. Nice exploration of an elaborate chord structure in “Strength of Strings” on top of a Neil Young-ish melody. In sum, this is an album to listen to when you’re having trouble getting to sleep. 2/5
Tue Jun 08 2021
4
A sadly overlooked album in its time. Gene Clark was clearly very inspired while writing this album and it shines as a result.
Sun Sep 26 2021
4
On second listen it is apparent to me that this is quite a unique album. Love the production. Title track is dope. Strength of Strings is a great way to follow it up. Was expecting everything to be fairly standard country rock but this is a tasty cocktail of influences. I just so happen to be heading to Mendocino where this album was conceived later this week.
Mon Sep 27 2021
3
It's weird to me that this album was considered such a failure. It doesn't sound that far removed from the kind of country inflected rock Neil Young or Stephen Stills we're doing around the same time. This didn't blow my mind or anything but it's good. It seems like its commercial and critical failure really did a number on Clark and that's sad.
Sun Apr 04 2021
4
This files into the boring but good-sounding music category, which I guess is about a 7.
Sat Dec 18 2021
4
Pleasant listen. Blown away by "Strength of Strings" in particular.
Thu Mar 04 2021
3
Never heard of this artist prior to this. At first I thought it was Glen Clark of “Hee Haw” fame (bet you young ‘ us don’t even know what that is!). First track was good, and it got better from there. Good vocal tones, guitar work excellent and very solid tunes through the first three songs of this album. Sort of reminded me of Doc Watson, with a little bit more energy. But after track three, it starts to fall off on “Strength of Strings” and then further downhill after that - the songs just seem to tank. If this were an LP, I would give side one 4 stars and side two 2 stars = 3.
Tue Jan 05 2021
2
Nice and folky but just more background music for me. Wasn’t blown away by any of it.
Fri Jan 15 2021
5
Silver Raven really good and haunting. Lady of the North has really interesting function sections in otherwise standard country rock ballad. No Other is just good 70s rock. Strong, thoughtful lyrics throughout.
Mon Jan 18 2021
5
Pretty good, nice sound and good voice.
Sat Jan 23 2021
5
What a hidden gem this album is. Also ahead of its time.
Thu Jan 14 2021
5
Already a great album in my mind. It's a very warm, inviting record in a way; there's so much life in the music - from the moving guitar solos that genuinely add to the emotion of the songs, to the beautiful melodic basslines. The backing vocals that weave in and out add a layered warmth to the mood of it and Gene Clark has such a captivating voice. His lyrics seem very evocative, occasionally impressionistic maybe (?), but seem to have real depth and vulnerability to them. Lots of natural imagery and, on one listen, seem very forthright about the 'troughs' of life, especially when pleasure is sought to excess, whilst capturing the beauty too. Never nihilistic. I just want to explore deeper.
Wed Apr 21 2021
5
.
Wed Mar 24 2021
5
I won't wait tomorrow to rate this incredible album. Foolish me thought it would be only country, but Gene Clark voice looks like heaven.
Tue May 11 2021
5
Never thought I would like this. Grew on me, will definitely keep listening
Tue Jul 20 2021
5
Excelent. Best folk rock ever
Thu Jul 22 2021
5
Umm; I apparently love country music
Wed Aug 04 2021
5
This was actually quite a good listen! I can't believe it was a flop when it was released.
Tue Oct 05 2021
5
This was unexpectedly great - started off sounding like it was going to be straight forward country, and then gospel and folk and soul and the kitchen sink get thrown in too! Sad backstory to the whole thing, as well. Fave tracks - "No Other" sounded very Zappa to my ear, and "Some Misunderstanding" has some powerful energy going on...
Sun Oct 10 2021
5
Liked it way more than I expected I would. Kind of a "John Denver meets Pink Floyd" sound. Big fan.
Thu Jan 27 2022
5
wow this album leaves an impact country influence but way more than that
Thu Feb 10 2022
5
Amei esse album! Ouviria sempre, bom pra qualquer mood. Fato que não prestei muita atenção nas letras, mas a melodia, o ritmo e a voz são bem do jeito que eu gosto. <3
Fri Feb 18 2022
5
Oh wow. This is an amazing album. As soon as my first listen ended I dove into a second listen and liked it even more than the first time. The music has a ton of influences and is impeccably produced. Some great lyrics in these songs too. “Said she saw the sword of sorrow sunken in the sand of searching souls” - From A Silver Phial “We all need a fix at a time like this but doesn’t it feel good to stay alive?” - Some Misunderstanding
Fri Feb 25 2022
5
Simply amazing
Sat Apr 30 2022
5
Haha is it country or rock or folk? A welcome change to the usual anyhow. Really like this.
Mon May 09 2022
5
Really liked this. A good mix of rock, folk and country. To me there even had a bit of a prog rock sound to it occasionally. "No Other" my favourite track.
Sun Jun 12 2022
5
Merci pour ce moment
Mon Jun 20 2022
5
Great
Thu Jun 23 2022
5
First heard this in the early 2000s. Mostly buried since '76. I'd take this over the Eagles any day.
Sat Jun 25 2022
5
Really enjoyed this one. Hidden gem for me. Lots of great guitar songs.
Thu Sep 01 2022
5
Another ringer for me, love this album. The absolute classic indulgent '70s coke rock album (meant as a huge compliment). All songs are great, and the 4 song sequence starting with the title track beats anything on Rumours or Tusk and shoves the Eagles into a pit of shit
Sun Sep 18 2022
5
Really great music and lyrics. Some pretty interesting production as well. While not necessarily the most exciting songs in the world the length isn't really noticeable because the lyricism and musical talent are very engrossing. A really cool and innovative folk/country album.
Mon Sep 26 2022
5
Loved that
Thu Oct 27 2022
5
Never heard this before but was really impressed. There was a beautiful and sweeping fusion of rock, country, and folk. The guitars on "Strength of Strings" was really phenomenal. It really says a lot about the Byrds that Gene Clark the 3rd best-known member. Reminded me of the Stephen Stills album we heard.
Tue Nov 08 2022
5
Before today, I've never heard any of Gene Clark's solo stuff. I was only familiar with his work with the Byrds, so I am looking forward to listening to today's album. This was a fantastic folk rock/country rock album with hints of psychadelic rock mixed in. The story behind this album is a sad one. Apparently, Gene and the record label had differences of opinion. Gene wanted to release a double album, but the record label didn't want to. Upon its release, the label didn't promote the album at all, and as a result it flopped. It wasn't discovered until a re-release in the 90's, however the initial failure of the record was a financial blow that Gene wouldn't recover from. I really enjoyed this record. The use of steel guitar, especially on Life's Greatest Fool and True One was amazing, and added an almost melancholic feel to the songs. Overall, a fantastic record, and one I definately will listen to again! Favourite songs: True One, Life's Greatest Fool, From a Silver Phial, No Other, Silver Raven, Strength of Strings Least favourite song: Lady of the North (this song just didn't resonate with me like the others) 5/5
Mon Nov 14 2022
5
Surprisingly good album overall. Lots of different styles and good songs.
Thu Dec 08 2022
5
Life's Greatest Fool — очень скучно а потом я забыла оставлять впечатления о песнях... к концу мне альбом стал нравится но как будто бы чего-то не хватает? 4? 5? а может, лучше по лицу? бесит ставить оценки
Mon Dec 12 2022
5
I love the early 70s psychedelic country albums. This is my favorite so far.
Sun Jan 08 2023
5
Never heard of Gene Clark (apparently from The Byrds), tagged as country. Low expectations. First track, country’ish but those lyrics, man, from there on just amazing. 5 stars. Not country in my eyes, something unique. The reason I’m listening to the 1001 albums.
Tue Jan 10 2023
5
If you don't like this album, you don't like music.
Thu Jan 19 2023
5
J’aime braiment ce genre ces temps ci et mes notes somt bien reflete lucinda williams a eu aussi droit au traitement.
Fri Feb 03 2023
5
Excelente! Grata surpresa, nunca tinha ouvido falar e gostei demais. Ouvi numa fartlek, mas quero sentar e ouvir nas B&W.
Fri Feb 17 2023
5
I loved it
Sat Feb 18 2023
5
Lovely mix of country Baroque and so much else an unexpected gem
Sat Mar 04 2023
5
I enjoyed this a lot. Incredible album! I cannot believe it flopped to begin with. People are strange.
Tue Mar 07 2023
5
amazing album, its like folk and simple and at the same time innovative like ive not heard much before had to listen to this multiple times over
Wed Mar 15 2023
5
Exactly the reason I wanted to do the 1001 Project.
Tue Mar 21 2023
5
Surprise of the set for me so far. I really liked this one.
Wed Apr 12 2023
5
Outstanding album. You can really hear were Crosby learned his songwriting chops and even where bands like Fleetwood Mac got their inspiration.
Sat Apr 22 2023
5
fajne
Wed Apr 26 2023
5
For me, this album was another victory for share-houses. I think a dude named Tony owned the vinyl & I fell in love with it. It was the title track that I fell in love with first - the strange sound he gets with his voice. It’s an eerie song. From the man who wrote one of the 60’s greatest - Eight Miles High - & then left The Byrds because of a fear of flying. Go figure. Anyway, I’ve been listening to it for nearly 50 years & it still does it for me. Strength Of Strings stands out for me these days. Clark’s slide guitar is straight out of early 70’s Stones albums. And the song itself is very reminiscent of Neil Young’s Words(Between the Lines Of Age) from the Harvest album. But it is so beautiful. In fact, the whole of Side 1 is outstanding. Side 2 might not have standout tracks but it does the job. I got to see Clark when he toured here in 1979 with McGuinn, Hillman & Clark (basically a Byrds’ greatest hits tour). They played at The Regent in Sydney & were great. But I was hoping he might play No Other or some track from this album, but, alas, no.
Wed Apr 26 2023
5
Surprised by this album and it's history.( But first, a Note: previous review text=duplicate, but for me it's still a "1" . Felt like Johnny Mathis hour. Didn't finish... ) Ok. So. I am new to Gene Clarke. Fellas, I Gotta admit, yet another unfamiliar cover and name...I was dreading (yet another) obscure "back shelf" 1970s music that essential" by old music afficionados. That band called Rush ...was not a rush. I knocked off my grumpiness and listened to this on the big speakers instead of headphones (to appreciate it better, and also so I can run away if I need to!) ...so I read that this "Gene Clarke" was in the Byrds. And hung with/collaborated with the influential music and culture types in 60s California and wrote this album after full days meditating and staring out to seea. So it's going to be soothing and contemplative. And maybe a touch floaty... Also, The 'Pedia says he "was in the vanguard of popular music during much of his career, prefiguring developments in such disparate subgenres as psychedelic rock, baroque pop, newgrass, country rock, and alternative country. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991 as a member of the Byrds" And that's what's this sounds like. Sure there's big tape hiss. An interesting discovery album, and pity it didn't get recognised until recently. As "education" for 70s music this works for me... maybe this is just the right album. It's musical, well arranged and recorded, and quite pleasing to the ear with plenty of warm resonances, mood creating, and playful. I needed this as antidote to some of the painful garbage on this list. I can hear the sound and rhythms pre-saging / reminiscent of "the horse with no name". This could be a soundtrack to a movie of the 60's. And by the time "No Other" comes up, you're enveloped in its rich shaggy pile and the guitar does something wonderful, I think this would be in my "mellow/grand chill" music pile to bliss out to. As it starts to soar. I want to read the lyrics. Apparently he wrote sober but very psychedelic/floaty/other dimensions are there. Like burning gens cooling in the sun... This album is especially nice through some big old speakers in a living room. Bookshelf speakers without a sub-woofer won't do it justice, sorry. In conclusion, this is the kind of album that makes it worth persisting with the "flat spots" of this list. A nice discovery. In summary: warm trippy early 70s California freedom in the sunshine soft psychedelic rock... the perfect album to play on a summer road trip in a big station wagon on the west coast, or in a big old holiday house overlooking the sea.
Sat Apr 29 2023
5
A stone-cold masterpiece. Much has been said about how Gene Clark never got the recognition he deserved for this stellar work, how his label thought the money and ressources spent on it were wasted, and how the album was a commercial failure. The thing is, now that Ivo Watts-Russel, Beach House and other important figures from the music business did what they had to do to give this gem the credit it deserved, we can all go to the next step and herald it as the seventies classic that it is. In a somewhat close genre, this record should have been as big as Neil Young's *Harvest*. Well, now we can all consider it *is* actually as big as Neil Young's most famous album. It's the best way to celebrate Clark's memory, after all. Each track shines in this LP, but I am particularly fond of the four that follow. First, there's the title track, whose sounds and overall mood are incredibly ahead of their time, with its slick synth bassline, its sly groove, and its soulful vocals. This song slaps, even decades after it was released. Equally soulful is the more subtle and yet terrific "Strength Of Strings"--gosh, aren't those backing vocals gorgeous. A little while later, "Some Misunderstanding" provides the emotional climax of the album--a country tune that has properly *cosmic* effects on me. The end of the song just feels like flying over the clouds. I'm shuddering just listening to it now. Closer "Lady Of The North" is my last favorite, with another entranced chorus, nicely supported by the lush instrumentation behind it. Its final wah wah guitar riff is an earworm I could play all day, and I don't think I would ever get bored doing so. 5 stars, of course. Good luck for the album that comes next. Number of albums left to review: 575 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 205 (including this one) Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 98 Albums from the list I will certainly *not* include in mine (many others are more essential to me): 126
Mon May 01 2023
5
A hidden gem in the early development of country rock. Ambitious and sprawling.
Wed May 17 2023
5
Very good. Just very solid all around. Some taste of the Beatles in there, some Dylan (with a better voice). A nice variety of songs.
Thu May 18 2023
5
Such a good blend of genres. Blends seamlessly between folk, rock, country, gospel and never feels out of place. The lyrics really hit home too. Need to take some more listens to really absorb it but overall great album
Thu Jun 29 2023
5
Well this is relentlessly pleasant
Thu Aug 24 2023
5
What a beautiful listening experience!! I am usually very hesitant to give out 10/10’s to anything, but I believe this album has earned a 10/10 from me! I found every single track to be incredible, and the lead singer’s voice is one of the best I’ve ever heard in country. This album combines that with an equally interesting set of instrumentals on each track as well, leading to one of the best country albums that I’ve ever heard in my life. 10/10
Sun Sep 10 2023
5
Phil spectors wet dream, wall of sound done well with slight country feelings
Thu Sep 21 2023
5
So here it finally is. Proof that doing this list is worth it. After all the albums that didn't move me, and many that even annoyed me, and most of my 5 star ratings being ones I already knew... here it is. I guess I shouldn't complain as this is only album no 42 for me. But this is my favourite discovery I've made through this list so far. I hadn't even heard of Gene Clark before today. Now I know that my whole entire life, I've been missing out. Could someone please tell me how an album could possibly be so perfect? I honestly can't believe an album as good as this one is even possible. The whole time I was holding my breath, waiting for that one filler track that let this album down, but it didn't come. It was just masterpiece after masterpiece. Impact moment after impact moment for the whole entire track list. The lyrics are out of this world. The music is beautiful, dreamlike and ambitious, all with Gene's beautiful, emotive voice at the forefront. Favourite tracks: I said on my review of Sgt. Pepper that choosing favourite tracks does a disservice to every other track. I already feel the same way about this—and after only first listen, that's quite the accomplishment. I'd be hard pressed to find another album that didn't have a single track that had to grow on me at least a little. Having said that, I think my favourites were probably No Other, Strength of Strings, Some Misunderstanding and True One. I'm aware I just listed half the album, but it still feels inconclusive, as the other half is also sublime! To call it the "lesser" half would be ridiculous.
Fri Sep 29 2023
5
Un oeu genre country, calme et top
Tue Oct 31 2023
5
Amazing work. Loved it.
Tue Jan 05 2021
4
Progressive country... really good. One to explore further!
Mon Jul 12 2021
4
Great, well produced country album. Standout Tracks: Silver Raven, From a Silver Phial, True One, Lady of the North
Fri Jan 15 2021
4
Pretty
Wed Jan 13 2021
4
great album. some country songs, but overall great listening.
Wed Jan 13 2021
4
Very enjoyable album
Mon Mar 08 2021
4
Pretty good listen. Smooth but I enjoyed it.
Fri Mar 26 2021
4
Not too bad
Sat Apr 24 2021
4
Tämähän oli mainio uusi tuttavuus. Country/folkia todella modernilla otteella ollakseen vuodelta 1974. Osassa biiseissä vähän liigan gospelfiilistä mutta ehdottomasti jatkoon ja lisäkuunteluun.
Tue Feb 02 2021
4
Pretty good folk/prog rock mix, I like it a lot.
Tue Jan 19 2021
4
Honestly never really heard of this record. Outside of my typical listening but really enjoyed
Thu Jan 21 2021
4
Listened at work, not properly since volume was low enough but enough to know it was a solid album
Sun Jan 17 2021
4
An above average album, the story of it being a “lost” and ultimately discovered and reevaluated years later is the most interesting aspect of it. Solid from top to bottom, I think calls for it being a “overlooked masterpiece” are a little much. Great production that fits with its era, hits of a Neil Young influence, and should have never been any kind of failure. 3.75/4
Thu Mar 04 2021
4
I really got a kick out of this - fun old folk rock imo! Guitar sounds were great. Would love to hear a band at a rural dive bar cover these tunes. First half was especially good, second half faded into the background, but was delightful musically. It would get a 3 or 3.5 if I'm being objective, but it is a 4 because I'm not.
Fri Feb 12 2021
4
Good stuff
Mon Mar 08 2021
4
reminds me of neil young :)
Tue Feb 16 2021
4
Actually much preferred this to his work with the Byrds, sound felt more fleshed out and realized. Very enjoyable.
Wed Jan 20 2021
4
Great psych-rock album with some super slick gospel/soul harmonies. Mixed slightly muddy/dark. 8/10
Tue Mar 02 2021
4
Ich kann fast nichts besseres dazu sagen, als dass guter Country seit (again) Neil Young bei mir immer eine Heimat hat und haben wird. Der Sound ist unverkennbar amerikanisch und ich würde einen Besen fressen, wenn sich John Frusciante in orientierungslosen Zeiten nicht dran orientiert hat (gerade beim Titelsong „No Other“ übelst deutlich). Dieser Trostspender hat seine Kreise gezogen und dann 2019 4AD zur re-issue bewogen. Bravo! 3.7
Thu Feb 04 2021
4
really chill! Laid back and can kinda get lost in it but also focus on what you're doing, great background music which might be disrespectful
Sun Apr 04 2021
4
I quite liked this one. I think it scraped an 8, but we'll see how I'm feeling when I enter it into the spreadsheet. The singing was kinda annoying for bits
Mon Mar 08 2021
4
4/5
Sun Apr 04 2021
4
Really cool moments but the songs were so l o n g. Good vibes, got a bit old. solid 7
Sun Apr 04 2021
4
Kinda dragged but I liked the first few songs and it had some cool sounding moments. 7
Wed Jan 20 2021
4
Enjoyed it quite a lot, the strings song and the titular song were really great. Will listen to the album again I'm sure
Fri Apr 30 2021
4
Nice folk rock
Mon Feb 22 2021
4
Lovely stuff
Fri Jun 11 2021
4
It sounds pretty good and the guy has a great voice. But it's hard to see this as anything else than background music. A 3.5 for me, generously rounding it up because Silver Raven and Lady Of The North were really good.
Thu May 27 2021
4
Most enjoyable!
Mon Mar 15 2021
4
5 saves sur 8, album de grande qualité
Fri Apr 02 2021
4
Excellent first album! The type of thing I would put on late at night while playing a game or reading a book.
Sat Apr 24 2021
4
Really enjoyed it