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.
WikipediaAnother one of *those* albums that's probably really good if you grew up with it, but now is just more of the same
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
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.
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
“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
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.
Excellent, and brand new to me as well. This is what this 1001 album experience is all about, what a gem!
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.
This files into the boring but good-sounding music category, which I guess is about a 7.
A sadly overlooked album in its time. Gene Clark was clearly very inspired while writing this album and it shines as a result.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This was actually quite a good listen! I can't believe it was a flop when it was released.
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...
Liked it way more than I expected I would. Kind of a "John Denver meets Pink Floyd" sound. Big fan.
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
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
Haha is it country or rock or folk? A welcome change to the usual anyhow. Really like this.
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.
First heard this in the early 2000s. Mostly buried since '76. I'd take this over the Eagles any day.
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
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.
Great, well produced country album. Standout Tracks: Silver Raven, From a Silver Phial, True One, Lady of the North
Tämähän oli mainio uusi tuttavuus. Country/folkia todella modernilla otteella ollakseen vuodelta 1974. Osassa biiseissä vähän liigan gospelfiilistä mutta ehdottomasti jatkoon ja lisäkuunteluun.
Honestly never really heard of this record. Outside of my typical listening but really enjoyed
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
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.
Actually much preferred this to his work with the Byrds, sound felt more fleshed out and realized. Very enjoyable.
Great psych-rock album with some super slick gospel/soul harmonies. Mixed slightly muddy/dark. 8/10
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
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
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
Kinda dragged but I liked the first few songs and it had some cool sounding moments. 7
Enjoyed it quite a lot, the strings song and the titular song were really great. Will listen to the album again I'm sure
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.
Excellent first album! The type of thing I would put on late at night while playing a game or reading a book.
Reminded me of the kind of songs my nan used to sing when I was a baby, I really enjoy this genre
ok im not a fan of the first song let's see the rest. In love with Silver Raven. I loved. I just didn't like the first song and only the first song. awesome
I’m an amateur when if comes to folk music. I have not listened too much to the Byrds, so I don’t know what to expect from this album. I’m enjoying the slide guitar and the tone on the rhythm guitar. I can definitely see myself returning to this. It had much more variety then I was expecting from a folk artist
Nice album. Some tracks a bit long. Reminded me of Crosby Stills Nash & Young but even more country style.
Gosh I didn’t like this at first but then it really sunk into me—melodic, varied, and loved the last track.
Somewhere between Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young and Blanche. Started out not feeling it, but by the end I was really feeling it.
When this album started, I didn't think I would enjoy it as much as I did. It's a little slow, but everything is put together well, and some of the music is really cool and unexpected. His voice is good, if unspectacular, but the overall effect of the album is pretty cool 4/5
I don't understand why this didn't catch on when it came out? It sounds to me like a perfect distillation of the mid-70s folk rock sound. Best track: Strength of Strings
A damn good album. Filked with excellent songs, deft playing and ahead of its time production, at least to these ears. Very happy to make the discovery 4 🌟
Una joia ben trobada. El coneixia a ell i coneixia el disc però no ha estat fins que m'ha tocat escoltar-lo per la llista (passejant per la platja de San Pedro a Belice) que l'he pogut assimilar en part de la seva essència. Recorda al Neil Young de l'època, també a Stephen Stills, i sobretot a ell mateix, en els seus temps a Byrds i també en solitari. Mai, però, va arribar a aquest punt de qualitat, ni abans ni després
I started listening to this LP after 1001 sent us an earlier Gene Clark release a few months back. I loved "Strength of Strings". Along with the title track and "Some Misunderstanding", it gives the album an epic, spiritual feel. Nice arrangements, especially the background vocalists. It's a shame that GC was long dead by the time the LP achieved recognition and sales.
This is intriguing! It sounds like the sort of indie folk rock that had its moment in the 90s, like the Lemonheads when they stopped going punk. And yet it's not quite possible to say this would have influenced those 90s groups because the legend of this album is that it lingered in obscurity until a 90s rerelease. The production is bright and the album has an enjoyable pace. Give me this slice of the mid 70s that sounds just as fresh 45 years on.
I didn't know what to expect with this - but it wasn't just a solo Byrds album. I can see why it died on arrival and also why it has been rediscovered.
Quite the discovery. I knew a bit about the Byrds, but nothing of Gene Clark, before listening to this. Elegiac, lucid, really lovely album
Great album! Such an interesting journey through some spacey sounds. His voice strikes a nice chord with me, and that trippy guitar work is top notch.
Liked this a lot. Reminds me of Stephen Stills of the same era. Would like some more time with this one.
It took me the second time through to appreciate this properly. It seems that’s been the history of this album. I enjoyed Gene Clark’s singing and songwriting.
Listenable and competent mixture of country and rock. Think Eagles with a bit of Tom Petty mashed in for good measure. 3.5/5
Liked this album a lot- the folk/country vibes mesh well with what I typically listen to, and the instrumentation is great throughout. Kind of reminiscent of Neil Young in places. I'd give it 4.5/5 if I had the option- nothing groundbreaking enough to get a five, but I'll revisit it soon.
I really like this album has a cool folksy feel to it and the pacing is nice. Especially like the song "true one" but overall a good album - listened to it twice today.
I had never heard of this album before, but this is the kind of singer-songwriting stuff I latch onto really well. Feels like there is ambition here in the arrangements, and the vocal lines are dripping with emotion. Songs like Silver Raven, Strength of Strings, and Some Misunderstanding are the highlights. Sounds like it was a flop on release, which is a shame.
I only vaguely know who Gene Clark is, so color me surprised by how I dug it! It's a pretty eclectic album, even if it isn't especially outstanding. Still, the production is solid and his voice is strong, and I can see this be a grower when I get more time. C+, possibly higher
Was all ready to give this a 1 as it sounded too country, then thought "ah the opening song is all right", then "Silver Raven" was a great tune, then continued to enjoy every song that came up. Is a proper headphones album with layers on layers of music.
This was a lovely one I'd never heard of, like finding a piece of the 60s-70s I was supposed to know about but had missed.
My kind of thing, whatever that says about me, and I thought a very fine example of its type and era. It’s rejection in its own time kind of mystifies me.
Gorgeously produced country rock (with some psychedelic rock too). Totally the kind of thing I like playing in the backyard in the summer. “Strength of Strings” drags a little but other than that this is a really strong album. The electric guitar on “Some Misunderstanding” is so expressive, especially right at the end! And I love the backing vocals throughout.
Interesting..listened twice, liked most.not sure if I would have liked it back in 74 but found it relevant today
I was largely unimpressed until the title track came on. What an incredible take on psych rock. As nice as the country parts were, I much preferred when Clark experimented with other sounds. Those memorable moments made for a great album though, so I can't fault it much. Much preferred this to White Light (which is listened to earlier on the list).
Thoroughly enjoyed this album and especially liked the title track. Good mix of blues and 70s rock
I already knew a bit of Gene Clark, I've been listening to Strength of Strings for a few years, but it was great to hear a wider repetoir. Definitely talented song writer, really melodic, I overall I think I prefer his style to Byrds stuff. Loved the piano sections and his voice
I had never heard this album before. I was familiar with his work in the Byrds but this was a great folk rock album and I am surprised it wasn't more popular. Maybe it just missed its time in history.
Американец, основатель фолк-рок-группы The Byrds. 1974, четвертый сольник. Приятные баллады.
This was a nice and relaxing album to listen to! Very much easy listening and I really enjoy the guitar on this album. Standouts include No Other, Life’s Greatest Fool, and Lady of The North
A very lovely album. Beautifully arranged in the country rock tradition. Lovely melodies and just some lovely music. 4 🌟
At first the idea might be that this is a Country album, and a really good one with sweet melodies, great vocals, and more than six or seven words per song. Progressing through, the Country vibe turns into something a bit different as electronic elements start to incorporate in particular on "No Other". The disco-minded 70s start to seep in with the groovy keyboards, the funky bass licks, as well as an electric guitar solo. When "Strength of Strings" is reached, we have a bit of a "Knights in White Satin" moment where a strange emotional gravity pulls at the listener. Overall, what this album does really well, what Gene Clark does really well, is provide a listening experience with a good resolve. Sure, the genre of this album is difficult to pin because of a few songs, namely the first two tracks, where country, folk, or Americana seem to be the path forward, but the evolution from those to the softer rock melodies, the album begins to make a case for standing on its own even perhaps as a 70s rock album. This album earned a few listen throughs, and each time the album just seemed better, making this album have zero regrettable factors. The enjoyability seems slept on, as Gene Clark was an unknown for this reviewer till this listen. Sure we can hear contemporary styles (Neil Young, The Moody Blues, etc.) but where Gene Clark's album is surprising is that it did not stand out as much as some of the other well-known acts of the 70s, and this album makes that a bit of a crying shame.
It would seem that the people behind the 1001 challenge are Byrds fans. And that's to our delight. I didn't know this album and now I would like to find it on vinyl... Wow! A very nice mix between folk, country, psychedelic. An engaging album that I want to hear again.
Awfully good and strong throughout. Some haunting moments in the playing -- the solos on “Some Misunderstanding” and some richly dark overtones. Title cut, “Strength of Strings” and “The True One” are all winners. The synthy outro on the closer is another strong moment. One hears – and surmises – the future influence, though one will have take others’ word for the full extent of it. As for the argument that it’s some lost gem or classic, one remains less than fully persuaded, partially because GC is not a great singer.; it’s more like a nice find, which one is glad to have heard and likely to hear again (of one’s own volition). 3.7/4 (And yes rounding up because underratedness.)
An essential example of an overlooked gem that people are finally coming around to. Suffused with a gorgeous melancholy and intricate harmonies.
not too used to the genre, but liked the sound and really liked the songwriting favorite songs: life's greatest fool no other true one
Look no further to learn why Gene Clark was the true genius behind the Byrds early success. It sure feels like others who died too young like Gram Parsons and Townes Van Zant continue to get hosanas thrown at them from beyond the grave. But you rarely hear such praise heaped on Gene Clark. Maybe he didn't die young enough. Or maybe alcoholism wasn't a sexy enough cause of an early demise. Legend has it that this album's initial lackluster response was a major reason Clark hit the bottle so hard. At least he lived long enough to see his induction in the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame with the Byrds.
A good balance of genres here. I enjoyed listening, but nothing really stood out to me. I'll give it a 3.5, leaning towards a 3.
The tragic backstory of this album is more interesting than the album itself, in my opinion. Not bad by any means but not my thing. Solid 3 on the Blood and Chocolate Scale ™
I really liked it, got grateful dead vibes, I appreciate that the songs were distinct (sometimes albums can sound like one song). will probably listen again
Had no idea what to expect. Nice, easy listening. The best song on the album is Silver Raven
Not bad, gave me sort of a country vibe. If I'm looking for cruising tunes, this is a great album.
Eric Clapton with a banjo. Loved the big bass lines throughout, especially on No Other and Silver Phial.
Very calm and good background music to relax to. Sounded like the Eagles with a bit more country influence.
first couple of tracks seemed like it was from an earlier period instead of the 70's. chill music.
War ich gestern nicht richtig in Stimmung für. Aber das bestimmte Gefühl dass wenn die vorhanden ist, ich das ziemlich gut finde. Soft Spot Alt-Country! Und dann rausschauen auf den Pazifik und die Welt in ihrer Sinnlosigkeit an sich vorbeiziehen lassen, dabei flüchtig bis tief berührt. Gestern: 3 Punkte, beim nächsten Mal wahrscheinlich auch 4.
This was nice. I literally don't remember much about the album other than it sounded decent in the background. Great voice.
3.5 - Sounds like sipping ice tea on the porch on a summer day listening to grandpa in his rocker reminiscing and pontificating. Some understated guitar work. “No other” is definitely a standout - I love the bottom-heavy sound.
I feel like I recognize a lot of these songs but they're all kinda similar so maybe it was just every one after the 1st one haha. Sick album art, and no other was my fave off this
Enjoyed this album; melted into the background for me throughout in a good way and was just a pleasant listen. Would be a nice record to have on in the background but not actually pay attention to. 3.5 but rounding down bc no standouts
Als ik dit nog wat vaker zou luisteren dan denk ik dat het best nog iets zou kunnen worden tussen mij en Gene. Maarja, er is nog zoveel andere muziek om te ontdekken. Sorry, Gene.
I think if I listened to this more it would grow on me. Silver Raven was an awesome song.
Classic song writing from the Byrd. Lush warming production with some nice guitar licks. Seven on Ten
Más country americano del líder de la banda The Byrds. Nada del otro mundo para mis oídos.
in terms of 70's rock there are others that i think are better, but this wasn't bad. i was also stressed the entire time i was listening, probably because i was trying to knit simultaneously life's greatest fool, true one
Sasvim solidan i dobar album. Sviđa mi se, ne toliko da bih dao četiri, ali sigurno dobar album.
I think the thing I enjoyed most about this album was the tension you can hear between Gene Clark wanting to dive full force into the lush, opulent folk rock of the mid 70s but still stay true to his country roots. Creates a pretty fascinating dichotomy to listen to even if the songs never really captured me.
Some songs were good but maybe the others just need a second listen. Pretty good overall
A fascinating album from an interesting artist. Lots of backstory on its making and initial critical failure. Listening to it now, it’s a good album that stands on its own.
Vällllddddiiggttt nära en 4. Blir tyvärr bitvis för mycket countrysound. Men när folk, country och rock balanserar och samsas perfekt, som i Silver Raven, blir det himmelskt magiskt maffigt! Bästa låt: Some Misunderstanding. Eller Strength of Strings. Båda stora, melankoliska, sorgliga, mäktiga.
Better than I was expecting, made for unoffensive background listening but I probably won't give it another listen
I don't know, at times it was very pleasant to listen to, and at times it was just boring. A conflicted 3