Reviews (page 2 of 9)
A fine album! Nice to get some folk. Good percussion.
Well the problem is Gene Clark, Not me. Joking aside, it didn’t surprise to find that this guy was the vocalist for the byrds, because I always struggle with their music and that makes this album make all the more sense. Because, spoiler alert, I didn’t like it. I can appreciate that production and instrumentally this album is far from mediocre. But I just didn’t click with it at all. It was slow, country folksy, and worst of all it played through TWICE without me noticing cause it just naturally made my brain tune out. It’s just the definition of what I don’t like, which is simply country rock.
This album sounds like sunday
Better than Coldplay
Never heard of artist but not a fan of country music. He's former frontman of the Byrds. Interesting. A lot better than I thought it would sound.
it doesn't really sound all that special, but something about it that i can't quite put my finger on just makes it hit a lot better than other records like this.
It’s albums like this that give dad rock a bad rep
inoffensive country rock
This album was alright, one of the songs was banger tho, not much to say, just decent
I know who Gene Clark is and I did a review of one of his albums on this site already (White Light from 1971). I'll admit I was pretty underwhelmed with that album - and ended up only liking 3 songs on that for a 2 star rating. I had higher expectations for that one because I do like a bunch of Byrds songs. Let's see how this one goes. I like the arrangements of this much more - the previous album was too plodding and super folky. This spices things up with better instrumentation and background singers - almost gospel-ly and sometimes kinda funky like on the title track. This does have a similar melancholy-ness to it - but it comes across as more intense and less bummed out. I ended up liking 6 of the songs - all of them except "Life's Greatest Fool", and "The True One". Those aren't necessarily horrible songs - but felt they didn't add too much beyond the other songs. I bet this had some influence on groups like Uncle Tupelo and Wilco - but really just scratching the surface. Liked songs on Spotify: 6/8 Rating: 4/5
Oh this was a fun find
Dope
Nice country-ish slow moving songs. Was it influential? Probably. Did it deserve its spot on the list? Probably. Nothing terrible but also not great either. I can see why others would like it a lot but for me, it was just another weekday album.
Better than I was expecting, reminded me of Neil Young a bit.
3.5, feel like I would defo give this another listen
Big fan of this album, really enjoy the atmosphere of it and the vocals are great
I liked it. Something about 1970s rock and country just is the sound for me
Perfectly pleasant. Title track is my favourite.
Nice and chill
Crazy that the record company wiped this from its catalog. Not that it's brilliant, but it's so much better than some of the drivel on this list.
decent
Much better than expected, very listenable. Favourite track - Silver Raven.
All a bit mundane. Inoffensive but nothing to catch my attention. Almost broke into a little Country at times but ultimately felt a little middle of the road.
Very cozy and quaint
Highlights: Life's Greatest Fool, No Other, Strength of Strings, True One Beautiful sound, but kinda generic after 40 minutes of the same old. However, the title track did stand out as a unique one. I think this might be a case of a record that grows on you over time, so my two listens didn't make me fall head over heels.
enjoyed
Grandiose production and, sadly, underrated in its time, very good album and remarkable for what it is.
Perfectly pleasant.
Easy to listen to but nothing special
Loved it. Timeless record. These songs are so wise and philosophical yet so longing and poetic, and they are beautifully performed and produced. And so many interesting musical choices. Been meaning to check this out since reading about it’s influence (beach house and others making a tribute band to the album) and I was not disappointed for a second of it. I have no idea why this would be shelved for so long, labels are dumb. 9/10
Torn on this one. I just wasn’t in the mood for it. But I can appreciate the song writing and composition.
Läuft entspannt durch + Strength of Strings
Dette var ganske behagelig og fint. En sterk treer, mistenker at det kan trekke seg opp med noen lytt.
7/10
Pre-listening: never heard of him. Do not know what to expect. Normally don’t listen to country. So, we’ll see. Best: Silver Raven. Runner-up: No Other. Third: Strength of Strings. Post-listening: I felt like the front half of the album was strong and kept me around for more. The back half became too slow and disappointed me, but I understand how influential Clark was. There’s a lot of soil in his country and not a ton of twang which makes it very tolerable to me. The songs have a hint of Americana with their ability to weave a narrative and I appreciated that from Clark. After reading that this album was shelved by the record company due to a dispute, I felt justified that I was listening to an album that needs to be shared, even if it’s posthumously. Rating: 4/10… not my kind of music. Stars: 3/5
Really enjoyed. Some songs very moving.
*generic country playing in the background*
This is the kind of album I'd buy right off the turntable if I happened to hear playing in a record store--very enjoyable listen!
This is another gem from this project. There are some stunning moments on the record between Clark’s stellar vocals and some really interesting instrumental sections. One of the better discoveries from this project. It’s one I need to sit with more but may be a masterpiece.
Was really blah about it about halfway in. Then "Strength of Strings" hit, and was a real highlight. The second half of this album was much better than the first, but I still found most of the songs to be overlong. There were some really strong moments though.
Fine, liked some of the piano in the back half
I've had to listen to a lot of country recently. This does offer something more than that, but it was still just alright to me.
Okay. Am I supposed to be impressed? This music is fine but makes me feel nothing.
Decent album, especially the start before it got a bit boring after awhile. 6/10
This felt like an album that would grow on me with repeated listens. I thought it was good, but nothing stuck out to me too much. 3/5
I enjoyed this. Not sure what genre it was, but it was short and sweet. Fun!
Not so great
Nahhhh
It's country-tinged, but it's szrprisingly good for that. Won't get into ky heavy rotation, but I'm confident i will get back this occasionally.
Id say this is "epic" dad rock, but I liked it.
Nie gehört. Nach dem ersten Track dachte ich: wieder so ne Country-Scheibe. Aber weit gefehlt... Entdeckung!
Stunner
The album art led me to believe I was going to hear some kind of jazz or swing, rather than yet another White-Guy-With-A-Guitar album...it was okay, but such a letdown.
Drop the “Other,” it’s cleaner.
Wow. Another 70’s album that sounds like a 70’s album. The Wikipedia is more interesting and the original assessment by critics and audiences was correct.
Maybe the most appreciated underrated album ever, if Wikipedia's synopsis is correct about No Other's better appreciation once it went to CD after Gene Clark's death. Sort of a combination of psychedelic folk and psychedelic soul that was either a bit too late for its time, released just in time, but probably not before its time. Gene was always probably the underappreciated member of The Byrds, but was responsible for writing some of their best songs in "I'll Feel A Whole Lot Better" and "Eight Miles High". This is a probably a great album to listen to on LSD.
Was surprisingly good!
Neil Young's Harvest came out two years before this and you can tell it changed Gene's life. Gene's fascination is justified - Harvest is a fascinating album, but this album gives off vibes like if the subjects of American Movie had a substantial recording budget to recreate it. I feel like I was in the room when Gene was writing Strength of Strings and knew he had to do something weird with the third chord in the verse or else he would just be rewriting Harvest's epic Words Between The Lines Of Age. He made a fantastic choice that continues to reverberate within me, but the choices that surround it on this album suggest it was more luck than listening. The Byrds were a weird band I never fully wrapped my head around. Also not sure it's worth the effort. I don't mean to sound like an ahole but I don't want to lie either. He comes off like a bit of a fool. A lost soul lacking self-awareness. I admit that to know one is to be one, and I would give this more stars but his singing voice bothers me a little.
An OK album overall, but a little disconcerting to discover that this is one of two Gene Clark solo offerings in this collection. While The Byrds definitely suffered from his absence, I kind of wonder if his solo career was all that he'd hoped for, at least based on this album; he kind of sounds like he'd like to be another Neil Young (especially on tracks like "From a silver phial" or "Some misunderstanding"), but couldn't quite corral his preferences for 70s light rock sounds and far too many backup chorus vocals that headed him more towards Fleetwood Mac/Eagles/Steve Miller Band territory. The best of the lot are the first three tracks, strangely: "Life's greatest fool", "Silver Raven", and the title track, and then it kinds of wanders around. OK but nothing special, and I'm not feeling all that enthusiastic about hearing his earlier "White Light", I'll admit, but it's pretty sad to read that this album (which Clark apparently felt was his masterpiece) was so poorly received and even subsequently canceled by the label a couple of years after it was released, consigning Gene Clark to bitterness not long before his untimely death in 1981.
Reminded me of how much I enjoy Neil Young, CSNY, Gram Parsons, etc.
This is not an album that I'd normally say is for me. But it's OK, interesting at times. In the Wikipedia description, it stated that it "was largely ignored or lambasted by critics" at the time. I think that's doing him dirty. This sounds like an album that would be released in the mid 70s by a primary song writer and founder of the Byrds. It fits the natural progression of what this dude would do. Do I think it's one of the 500 best albums ever? No. 1000? No. But seriously, all those critics back in 1974 can go get bent. Extra star for being done wrong
This was a pleasant listen although not one I would listen to again. All in all just a average album from the seventies. Nothing special.
Didn't pull me. Calm voice.
Inoffensive and nice, but kind of forgettable
I really liked this album!
Nice surprise - I think I am going to return to this album from time to time
7/10 Best songs: Strength of Strings Interesting album from the early 70s - sort of country/folk mixed with rock sensibilities. It's enjoyable and quite unique, particularly compared to its contemporaries.
It's like the country version of dark side of the moon! Really loved this and super happy to have discoovered something I never would have listened to before
Dull.
“Clark never recovered from the failure of the album”. How sad- I really enjoyed this album.
An inoffensive twee warbling album
5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background
Chill album that I listened to many times to get a feel for. It's good but forgettable. Top tracks: "No Other," "Life's Greatest Fool"
This history of this one is kinda wild. Everyone hated it! It was too expensive! It ended Gene's career! and then in the years that followed, everyone loved it. And you can see why. Kinda fusion on Byrds and The Band, incredible quality and great writing.
--Life's Greatest Fool...builds into something really cool; country but something more. always a sucker for well-used backup singers --Silver Raven...sinister folk. very nice --No Other...we change it up with some funk. I have been pleasantly surprised by everything so far. some organ to close it out. this may be the start of a beautiful friendship, Gene --Strength of Strings...Gene, you beautiful weirdo. sprawling and strange --From a Silver Phial...pretty straightforward pop but very well executed --Some Misunderstanding...pleasant. not sure why it's eight minutes long or why it's the longest track --The True One...reminds me of Big Star. that's good --Lady of the North...an interesting mix of sweet and spicy. ostensibly an epic piano ballad but we also get some background funk
Surprisingly fun! Can really feel the fringe proggy vibes I recognize in both Opeth and Gentle Giant. He has a somewhat whiny voice but alas
Listens: 3 or 4 Standout Tracks: Silver Raven, Strength of Strings, Some Misunderstanding Honestly, I went in blind and only read the album blurb after the album was a quarter of the way though. I did not like my first encounter (Sweetheart of the Rodeo) with the Byrds because I mostly hate Country music. My second experience with the Byrds was a bit better (Fifth Dimension), before their shift from psychedelic to Country. For this album - Gene Clark's solo work - I was pleasantly surprised. There's a slight twang and bendi-ness to some of the guitar, but otherwise this only rarely felt like a Country album. Everything about the music was just really nice. I am both surprised this was both a commercial failure and one that Gene never recovered from. Very weird. There's nothing wrong with this album. I doesn't feel bland or "safe" or risk-averse or anything like that. It's just really soothing and pleasant.
Gene Clark the day after The Eagles, fuck off
A nice americana album. Nothing mindblowing, but really solid. 4 stars
I've given this album many listens because I always hear how great it is, but for whatever reason, I don't really get what's so amazing about it. I like "From a Silver Phial" (maybe because it's the shortest?), but not really something I want to return to. It's not terrible, just kind of okay. 3 stars.
4.5
Got to give it credit for carving out a speciality in baroque country. On the other hand all the songs tend to be pretty boring. Far from there being ‘No Other’, there are actually loads of other (primarily Toto) albums that should have been on the list instead.
One of the best pleasant surprises in this project. I am shocked that this album was so widely panned when it was released - it has such a fresh quality for something over 50 years old. A great blend of country & gospel, and some of the best bass quality I've heard from an album of this era. Absoluts must-listen. Top tracks: Life's Greatest Fool, Silver Raven, No Other
Not familiar with this before today... but apparently Gene Clark is a former Byrd who went out on his own. I'm reading that this album was a commercial failure that was rediscovered 20 years later and achieved status as a lost gem. I really love this idea of an overlooked masterpiece that was ahead of its time. There are bands that I love that fit this bill quite well like XTC, Big Star, and Jellyfish who I recently discovered. Sadly this album isn't hitting me as the diamond in the rough. I appreciate the lush production and some of the fine piano and guitar playing. And there are some funky moments in the title track that I really enjoy. But most of the album tries to ride a razor's edge between country and other styles that veers too much into country for my taste.
Gene Clark, formerly of The Byrds, builds on some of the cool ideas we heard from their record with his own twists and refinements added in. I can appreciate the musicianship and how he blends this country rock sound, it leaves us with plenty of enjoyable moments. All in all this still isn’t entirely my thing but it’s closer than just about anything that is this country adjacent, I actually enjoyed a few tracks much more than I expected and this could move up someday. Clark was undoubtedly a great musician and visionary in his own right. I can see why this became so loved when it was rediscovered and that’s pretty cool. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: Strength of Strings, Title Track
One of my favorite musical discoveries of 2026. Don't know Gene Clark, this album, or any of this music. Next chance I get, I will be seeking enlightenment.
I enjoyed this album.
Låter jeg husker spesielt godt:
Unremarkable?
I've never heard of this artist nor heard any of these songs. I can understand why. Nothing special. Bland 1970's radio soft rock. Inoffensive. Unmemorable.
I enjoyed this more than expected. somewhere between standard 70's rock and my love of Crosby, Stills and Nash Lots if ambitious arrangements, some top tier playing and a decent voice. It lacks a killer hook that would break it into the top tier but a fun listen
If this got trashed on release it didn't deserve it. The songs were interesting, I don't think it fit the prevailing concept of what 'country rock' should sound like.
There is No Other like this album.
Sweet, messy Gene Clark, the crown jewel of the Byrds, the discarded son of the counterculture, is in full bloom here. This is like the Bryter Later of country rock, layering all manner of smart production over it. Gene was on a different plane of existence, and you can feel it here. But it's also rooted in solid country hooks and mesmerizing backup players. This one is a true hidden diamond, a record that ought to be hailed by all but instead is treasured by a select few. For all his trouble, Gene had so much soul, and it's a pleasure to finally hear this record.
Not much to say about this one. I guess this guy was a singer for the byrds but I dont know much more about that band other than the name. So im dont have much to go off of. Its kinda just whatever. Like its decent at least. Kinda old-school kinda psych stuff mixed with some folky country type stuff. Nothing too crazy. I think thats my biggest problem. Its just kinda standard. Maybe thats just me but I just didnt get too much out of this. Im doggin on it alot but its fine. Ive heard a whole lot worse. Just alot better as well. Eh I guess
I used to have this album on MiniDisc, of all formats! A beautiful record that is perfect for an August morning. A solid 4 stars.
Solid album
A wonderful and fun listen. The vibes are immaculate and there are plenty of tracks on here that I will be revisited often.
ist auf keinen fall schlecht. Ist halt aber (für mich zumindest) nichts besonderes, sondern viel mehr ein album von guten 70er Songs. Dennoch nichts dabei, was beim nebenbei hören heraussticht. 3 Sterne
Underrated in the genre and a massive inspiration for all singer-songwriters.
2.5 - ok
Yeah this awesome song writing and composition with a hideous album cover but there isn't much to set it self apart from the masses of this early to mid 70's easy listening. Just a good album in the lexicon of music, worthy of this list, but I'm hard pressed to find something I enjoyed more than just melodies and instrumentals.
What a pleasant surprise.
Old western like
In I did not know any better I would have thought this album was 5 years old not almost 55 years old. I had never heard of Gene Clark and enjoyed this album.
Rätt najs
Meh.
Groovy
Nice easy listening album with good lyrics and diverse musical presentation.
Underrated album and artist
The albums a little all over the place. Not a bad thing, but I think he excels a lot more with the folk sounding songs like the opening track. Sounds like if neil young played with the grateful dead, or something like that. Decent listen at the beginning, but got pretty boring for me. Fav tracks: Life’s greatest fool
No Other and Strength of Strings alone are enough for this album's inclusion.
Not my jam
Just felt like the songs that weren't good enough for the Byrds repackaged 10years too late.
Competent guitar playing but very uninspiring music overall.
Bit nothing to be honest, made me want to doze off more than anything.
I wanted to like this more than I actually did.
JL : 3, Strengh of Strings
will listen more closely to rerate since he founded The Byrds
Well the story behind this album stinks, poor Gene! Love the strings that peek through on track 2, and the guitars with the weird FX that come in and out. Really cool song, I like the lyrics too. The women singing who come in sound like they've been ripped straight out of the 20's? It almost sounds like a sample. No Other has sick guitar. This album is cool man. Everyone has been in my room today to yap to me and they've all been subjected to this smooth rock country medley. I fucking love it, everything that hasn't been interesting has been well done, and most things that have been interesting have also been well done. It's definitely very country folksy, but there's some quirks to it that really sell it. I'm gonna have to listen to The Byrds aren't I? True One is much more of a traditional country ballad... it fucks. It's more perfected country like that one Byrds album they gave me. This guy is a good singer (funny enough, he wasn't on the country one). There's only 8 songs so I think I can track by track this bad boy Life's Greatest Fool. Do you believe deep in your soul that too much loneliness makes you grow old? Great song, not too much special about it but it's extremely solid. I like the choir harmony but not the background vocals as much; sounds too soulful to fit a country tune like this. Stoned, numb and drifting, hard to be profound. I like the second half a lot more, sounds more epic. Silver Raven - this song is awesome. I love the way the guitars sound from the jump; very atmospheric, and the strings poke in during the verse but.. they sound weird? They almost sound like a synth patch with a crazy fast decay, it's really interesting. As I said above, the background vocals here are SUPER neat. They sound so far away... ugh and the hook and the way that weird sound starts to pick up in frequency. Is it about getting old? Kind of. I think it's about looking for the answer. I really need the generator to stop giving me existential music. The intro to No Other.... it's sooooo funky. God damn man. What was this guy going for?? Another song about isolation huh? Or maybe it's against isolation. I love this one too. The hook!!!!! That funky ass guitar man god damn it this guy. WHOA the way the song changes halfway through?? It's bordering on like.. 70's chase scene music for that little upbeat piece. The vocal melody is really entertaining. Strength of Strings immediately starts with such a catchy little riff. This song is very endearing. The choir in the back really fits the instrumentation, and adds a lot to Clark's singing. This guy keeps talking about silver. A phial is like a vial lol. Funky guitar again. Oh this song is about addiction and using drugs to escape. Damn dude, they're not supposed to sound that good. Ok I saw the kids now I can jump back into this bad boy. True One.... mmmhm. Lady of the North is epic, although it's a bit long and I've lost my focus. So what we've learned so far is that I have a soft spot for country music! But it has to be good country.
Not awful but very middle of the road.
This guy never got the respect he deserved. Bravo, Gene Clark of Tipton, MO!
Number: 193 Familiarity: Moderate (3) Rating: 4 Before: ======= I recognize the album cover and I'm pretty sure I've at least skimmed through it. I see that I don't have any songs from this or any of Mr. Clark's solo efforts on the list. My thinking is I probably tried but could not find anything to add to any years, though I do have several songs by The Byrds on those lists. During: ======= 4 Life's Greatest Fool 4 Silver Raven 4 No Other 4 Strength Of Strings 3 From A Silver Phial 4 Some Misunderstanding 3 The True One 3 Lady Of The North After : ======= Yeah, I guess I've listened to this at least once before as most all the songs sound familiar. And I did end up adding Silver Raven, Strength Of Strings, & Some Misunderstanding to my favorites of 1974 list. I'd give it a low 4.
У меня от кантри уже крыша поедет скоро
👍🏻
Really, really good – the Byrds' lineup was stacked, evidently – but this guy reminds me of Clapton, what an electric dude
This is what I’m talkin about!! Had never heard of Gene Clark or this album before. He/it rules, too bad the original critics didn’t think so.
best case scenario with this 1001 journey...i wish days like this occurred more regularly. had never heard of gene clark - love the byrds but my association with them is largely centered around david crosby. this album rules and i hope i can continue to discover new laid back mid-70's stoner rock for a long time to come.
Amamzing album. Cant belive I finally like a country folk rock album. Very fresh very creative
petit, no lo escchari ane el album
It's kind of nice when an artist evolves and from album to album has a changing sound. But it's kind of annoying when it's all on the same album. This one felt schizophrenic. Country, R&B, gospel... pick a lane dude.
When it was first released, it was underrated. Now, it's overrated. Can we shake hands, and agree on a middle ground? Favorite Track: "Strength Of Strings".
Starts out really week TBH; way too deep into country; by No Other it has completely flipped and is a great time. Fuses the ideas together by the end of side 2. Best part; funky riffs in the middle of Lady of the North
Never heard of Gene Clark, but it turns out he was the original singer for The Byrds. This album is just as banal as The Byrds albums on this list.
2.5. Not really my style but it was fine.
Quite listenable. Not sure why the reviews said it was initially panned. For being over 50 years old it felt like it hasn't aged at all, could have come out today.
3.25 - I've never heard of Gene, but I liked it!
A perfect example of why country music is boring as hell... I wanted to listen to this while driving the car back home - needed to put it on hold not to fall asleep. Without "Strength of Strings", this album would have trouble getting even one star from me.
Gene Clark — filed under rock, sounds more like country. Warm, unhurried, not unpleasant. The kind of album that sits in a room without demanding anything. 3/5 — okayish background, nothing more.
It's really good! That was a surprise, I didn't reckon to like anything labeled with "Country" that much. To be fair, this isn't the usual country stuff, but something more elaborate and even a little psychedelic (yay!). I loved the maximalist production of this album, layer upon layer upon layer, rich instrumentation and the almost gospel-like background choirs. "No Other" and "Strength of Strings" were phenomenally good songs, incidentally the ones that stray away from country the most. The rest of the album is good too, but I wish there were fewer moments where I get the "country cringe". Dear Gene, it's a pity you chose that genre as your main one, because I bet you would have had a superb cosmic psychedelic folk rock album in you! 3.5/5 - strong
With the placement of this album here today, I am officially halfway finished with the madness that is the staggering 8 The Byrds albums on the list, including solo albums by members of the band. This marks the second and final Gene Clark solo album, and I can’t believe I’m actually saying this, but it’s actually pretty great. I never thought I would see the day. 4 aggressively mediocre Byrds albums, and a multitude of terrible Country albums, and I feel like I’ve finally found something bearable. More than bearable, I’d actually return to this!! Now I just have to figure out what this specific style is, and maybe check out more of it to see if I’ve actually found Country I can truly say I enjoy. I’ve just spent the better part of 2 weeks dogging on Country music for sounding so bad, noting that not only is it my lowest rated genre on the site, but every album except for a sole Johnny Cash album has been a 3 or lower, with Cash getting a 4. Both of the solo Gene Clark albums on the site were monumental commercial failures, and apparently this one almost didn’t see the light of day at all. Let me seriously ask you something, because I’ve never been this confused in my life. Of all the shitty, terrible Country albums I have had to endure, the album that is UNQUESTIONABLY the best of all of them, was a failure???? How???? This one is incredible. I almost want to give it a 5. It’s trippy, has some unconventional guitar playing, a really cool singer (Unlike on his other solo album, imo), an immaculate group of backup singers, and is truly just something special. If you can actually call this album Country, then god damn. It took me a long time, but I really, really enjoyed this, practically from top to bottom. That being said, the top is quite a bit better than the ladder half of the album. I’d say you only really need to listen to the first half, the second half is nothing special. Mostly just filler, and closer to what I’d expect of a Country album, and yet still much better than I’m used to. The first 4 songs though, rather, songs 2-4 are maybe worthy of calling 5 star songs. This is the first Country album on the site in which I actually don’t know how to pick a favorite. “Silver Raven”, “No Other”, and “Strength of Strings” are all good enough to add to my regular rotation. I don’t know what Gene was smoking in the 3 years between his other album on the site White Light and this, but it helped make something truly special. Man, to hear a Country album this good after all the bad things I’ve said about the genre just truly and utterly has me baffled to near speechlessness. What baffles me the most though, is how the hell this album went unnoticed for so long. It might just be my favorite Country album I’ve ever listened to. That’s not saying a lot really, but I would return to this, and honestly probably will. Of all the albums to surprise me, this may be the one to surprise me the most. Another example of “Don’t judge a book by its cover”. The other Byrds albums have all largely been mediocre at best, and if I was a better man, I’m guessing that the next 4 I’ll have to listen to are all probably going to be fairly middling as well. This one though?? Shit. Good job Gene. I like it. I like it a lot actually. No Other by Gene Clark is going to get a 4/5 from me. Good Country does actually exist. Here it is. This is the proof. On an album that by all metrics was a complete failure. Make that make sense, because I’m unable to do so at all.
Bluegrassy country rock
Folk rock
Feeling like i’m lost in the California wilderness, listening to this songs. Being free but feeling small and lost in the vast space of desert. It has a psychedelic feel and sound, kinda a low-key vibe.
This album feels like a very natural extension of one of the formative voices in the Byrds coming into their creative own. My guess is that at the time of its release it was way too elaborately produced for most of his fans. It makes perfect sense to look back now and see that it should not be overlooked. It isn't profoundly great, but I would easily listen to this than some of the later Byrds albums.
It was fine! I like this melancholy country vibe
This is a new one for me and was easy listening - a bid reminiscent of other artists who i’ve heard of. Although it has a soothing factor for maybe a cocktail lounge, its overall kind of meh.
Sad groovy folk beats.
Genuinely loved this, and am shocked it initially flopped on release. The vibes are really really great
If I was in the mood, maybe, but wasn't today
3.5
In the N.F.L., they often talk about coaching trees like the many top head coaches who sprang from Bill Parcells or Mike Shanahan’s staffs. In music, The Byrds gave birth to a huge number of notable, usually high-quality, acts. The first two-three versions of the Byrds themselves, Crosby, Stills and Nash, Dillard and Clark, The Flying Burrito Brothers, Hillman-Souther Band and the legendary solo career of Gram Parsons. It becomes almost Biblical as those groups begat others, who begat… Somewhat hidden in my Byrds knowledge was Gene Clark. Aware of his vocal presence, I did not realize that he was involved in writing nearly all of the best originals on The Byrds early records. The name recognition of Roger McGuinn, David Crosby and even Chris Hillman, shoved Gene Clark into the background. His utter lack of chart success post-Byrds with the aforementioned Dillard-Clark Band, even more obscure bands and solo did not help matters. Quite a few albums on the 1,001 list have landed here due to revisionist review revivals, No Other is one of the most deserving of this group. Too bad for Clark that he could not find a way to write radio friendly material to cash in on the country-rock scene that he helped pioneer. The lack of instantly memorable songs and a few overproduced qualities are the only small complaints that I have about the record. The members of “The Byrds tree” capture country music’s essence with their ability to touch heart and soul in many songs. Clark’s vocals walk right up the point of high octave drama, but he manages to keep it in check to offer just a quaver to develop poignant moments. The arrangements and musicianship lend power to Clark’s songwriting. The strings and backing vocals, even synths of “No Other”, avoid drenching the songs in a countrypolitan manner. Instead they help build towards the more powerful moments on “Silver Raven” and “Life’s Greatest Fool.” Other tracks like “Silver Phial” and “The True One” keep it simple, and while less sweeping in their sound, they still deliver lumps in the throat and a tear to the eye. Who is the Gene Clark of 2026? Will they have to be dead for three decades to receive their just rewards?
Don't lie, this is one of those albums that you were hoping the website would include. Not because you knew and loved it beforehand, but for quite the opposite reason. Because giving it the time of day at this moment in your life was important and it is a really good album you otherwise never would have heard. There are some amazing things going on here. Psychadelic folk is probably the best descriptor of the soundscape. The lyrics and backing are wonderful. This is a 9/10 album
Pretty solid listening!
Surprised that this was a flop. I really liked this. Cool songs, and great bass playing.
The definition of 'background music' is "any music played at a low volume while another activity takes place, ensuring the primary focus remains on the main task or conversation." Id suggest that this album is further 'back' than that, as I needed to have a primary, secondary and tertiary activity occurring, just to make it through this shlock.
Urgh - I found this one tough to get through, I kept starting it, then having to go listen to some 'chaser' music just to get me through.
It was good, solid country folk
5/10
The title track is truly a masterpiece but the rest of the album isn’t as memorable. There’s just too many damn Byrds to keep track.
I've always enjoyed the title track but have never listened to the entire album. I did not enjoy the entire album. The country&western inspired/heavy slide guitar tracks were my favorite, but without his flock this Byrd leaves much to be desired. I'm sorry ghost of Gene Clark, through the project I learned that this poorly received album crushed your spirit. That being said, I will not buy it nor listen to it again.
W/ some works of art, you just know & you kinda can't believe what's going on. 'Words can be empty tho filled w/ sound / Stoned, numb & drifting / Hard to be profound.' Perfecting not only the American visions of Graham Parsons, but the Grateful Dead, CCR, Neil Young, Townes Van Zandt, & The Band, Gene Clark's No Other is out of this world like an ocean tethered to the cosmos - it has no choice but to expand & expand brilliantly. That's 'til you get to the title track, & suddenly funk's very much a part of the formula & you'd swear Stevie Wonder entered the chat. Ultimately, this is no more than a remarkable rock 'n' roll album, but I'd be damned if that means it can't transcend category. 'In my life the piano sings.' Art that lives & gives.
Дуже цікаво)
Eh
Thought this was gonna be another country album masquerading as something else that snuck past the sensors and instead it's legit half country and half funk R&B. I liked that half. Hated the cowboy stuff. Could listen to the Eagles level country stuff but didn't enjoy it.
I didn't recognize the name before having this album suggested. I was surprised to see that he was the lead singer of The Byrds. I found this interesting as I didn't necessarily feel any particular way to an album of theirs that I was recently suggested. In comparison, I actually really liked this album. Great instrumentals and a great complimentary voice to them, all within a great runtime. I wouldn't say it's perfect, but I think I'd give this a 4.5 if possible.
I dug the little bit of country influence. It was a bit more of a unique sound.
Really enjoyed it! Totally new album and artist
Never head of this guy but enjoyed the album front to back.
Bastante americano y atmosférico
Quite good, like Neil Young
Det var ret forfærdeligt og total intetsigende...
Det her er, hvad der sker, når country får storhedsvanvid og ingen tør slukke for rumklangen. En selvhøjtidelig sump af kosmisk jammer, falsk dybde og musikalsk oppustethed.
I didn't find the instrumentals all that compelling or memorable. The lyrics were quite poetic often and really contributed to setting the scenes of the tracks. I won't likely be hearing this album again but it was pleasant enough. 3/5
Rv
insane choice on this list
Was ehh about it but then I liked it 4/5 I was listening to some Fleetwood Mac this morning and I feel like its in a similar vein.
I'm a Gene Clark Enjoyer. This was great. I kinda get why he was on tambourine/harmonica duty for the Byrds tho, his voice is kinda mid. Also when I was looking at the Gene Clark wikipedia it talked about Jim/Roger McGuinn and I was like oh why does he have two names. I think it's actually so funny that he changed his name from James Joseph to James Roger bc someone told him that it vibrates better with the universe. And Ramjet was one of the names he was gonna use. Ramjet McGuinn.
I was expecting mediocre and boring after the first song or two but there were a few songs that I actually quite liked
Veramente bello. Per certi aspetti simile a Can't Buy a Thrill degli Steely Dan.
The bread to my buttery ear wax. This stuff is what the 60s gave way to. What I imagine inspired Danny O’Keefe to make The Road and likewise. Give Dillard & Clark a listen if you can.
Super catchy and a little wild
An album this mature and sobering demands multiple listens. Unfortunately, given the nature of the 1001 albums project and the unpredictability of life, I got only one. All I can say is that I enjoyed every aspect of this album save for the horrendous album cover.
Another day, another blessing in the list! I had never heard of Gene Clark, but No Other has everything I love. Off-kilter, spiritual lyrics. Sweet pop melodies. Harmonies that could end or heal worlds ("Strength of Strings"...holy poop). Slightly uncanny live instrumentation (what's up with those guitars on the title track?). Pedal steel! I'm always amped when gifted songwriters let their tunes breathe...there's a confidence and command of artistry required in knowing when to just let it ride...reminds me a bit of Neil and Crazy Horse (in all the best ways). "Some Misunderstanding" is an absolute showstopper. Below is why I can't wait to dig into the rest of his discography: "Although he did not enjoy commercial success as a solo artist, Clark 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."
I really enjoyed that. A blend of Cat Stevens-esque folk with some experimental rock. Interesting and weird but also holds a sense of melody and direction throughout. Ominous in parts. Really nice record. I will be listening again. High 4/5.
Well this was a surprise. An excellent surprise at that. Not a poor track among this country feeling album and the brilliance of it makes me question why Gene isn’t mentioned among some other top singer songwriters of his time. ‘Silver raven’ an exceptional track but the moving ‘strength of strings’ taking the album up some notches. Before the absolutely incredible track ‘true one’ kicks in. I can not name a worst track as I just don’t have one and picking a best was hard but for me ‘true one’ I played over and over. A masterpiece that I just can’t seem to fathom why I have never heard of it nor Gene which is a real shame and the reason this 1001 is a real eye opener. 9.5/10 just not quite to the standards of perfection but bloody close!
Gene Clark - No Other I've had a long winding half written review awaiting completion but that ain't gonna happen. So I'm just going to say this was like welcoming an old friend whom you've never actually met before. Weird, but although the songs were new to me, the feeling, the vibes and the emotions felt familiar, warm and embracing. One of the best musical surprises I have ever had. And an example of exactly why I set off on this journey. Best Track - No Other but could have been any. Worst Track - there are none. 10/10
liking the album cover! never heard of this guy i usually dont like folksy stuff like this but i find sometjing endearing and comforting about his voice. that being said im still not the biggest fan. id listen to this at gilroy gardens.
Country rock and cosmic Americana built from lush orchestration, layered guitars, rich harmonies, and soulful vocals feels like watching a magnificent sunset that simply refuses to end—beautiful, ambitious, and eventually a little too enamored with its own grandeur. While the album constantly reaches for transcendence through lavish arrangements and emotional sincerity I just want to sleep
langweilig
This seems to be a fairly ordinary country rock album, not something I'm keen on, but pretty inoffensive. Wikipedia says it wasn't critically well-received (supposedly due at least in part to the over-elaborate production) leading to its early deletion from the catalogue. Of course that opens it up to critical reappraisal by modern critics! Personally, I thought the production was fine.
Alright-ish country
Day891 - welcome to 1001 albums you must hear before you die where we have everything by the byrds and the byrds adjacent
It’s a quite nice country pop/rock-album. Easy to listen to, but also no really stand out songs.
The Gene Clark No Other Band's recreation is also worth a listen, if you liked this one. I agree with their sentiment that the beauty of this album - apart from its soulful guitar playing and songwriting - lies in the fact that a different song stands out during each subsequent listen.
I just said 2 days ago I was happy I was done with byrds and byrds adjacent music I am glad im done with them This is fine 3
Shockingly, given the genre, I kinda like this one. Very listenable. Good production, too. I can see why the Country purists at the time didn't like it; that's probably why I do, in part. A pleasant surprise, this one.
This is perfectly alright as background music but feels generically 70s. Not unpleasant but nothing that stands out
I had no idea that Gene Clark was with the Byrds until after I listened to the album and getting ready to right this. So I gave it a benefit of a doubt and gave it 3 stars (was leaning to 2 stars). I found it very generic 70s folk rock/country - just doesn't do anything for me to love it.
Nothing stood out as amazing on this album, but it was not bad. It just was... I guess.
Not what I expected, but not bad. I'd give it another listen.
Would I listen again: no I just got irritated with this and idek why. His voice maybe? just go away
This is folk country music with some psychedelia mixed in. My favorite song was "Some Misunderstanding", which encapsulated the perfect folk-y mix for me. The country aspects I wasn't as much a fan of, but the album was a pretty decent one to listen to, regardless.
Some beautiful songwriting with very psychedelic 70s instrumentation, but it's a bit self indulgent at times. Faves: Silver Raven, No Other, Strength of Strings, Some Misunderstanding
country legal
this is a perfectly decent folk rock kind of album that doesn't sound wildly different from CSN, Neil Young, or other similar artists in the genre. Most interesting thing about it is the context surrounding it. Liked it ok, don't feel like I was missing out
Nothing too wrong with it. A little over the top for what amounted to a fairly standard album. Always interesting to read more about members of groups I know and see how things shook out. Music is enjoyable, saved a couple just cuz but didn't love any.
Quelle surprise!
I liked this album. Good thing, since there are 4 more on this site from this artist. 3 stars
This went way harder than I thought country could. I think their was a lot of pink Floyd inspiration on it with all of the syths and guitars and it works perfectly. I love how atmospheric this record was.
Thing this be my first previously undiscovered gem off of this list. Never even heard of this guy and I'd like this album if it came out today, amazed that it was an early 70s release.
This feels genuine. It's worth a listen. Probably hit harder when it came out. The mixing doesn't feel perfect but it works in a unique way. This feels like a really solo project.
Starting out like okay this will be fine but forgettable, but this title track is kind of face melting. What a composition! Strength of Strings is like a bigger more orchestral Neil Young song. I had never heard this, this is something special. There are a couple of tracks that would take more time to grow on me, but I could see given enough time this becoming a 5.
Gene Clark’s No Other is probably the most approachable 1970s country-folk-rock record I’ve encountered on this list so far. I can’t really comment on the album’s production—that’s where my knowledge starts to thin out—but the music itself is mellow and smooth, going down like a two-finger pour of well-aged bourbon on a cold, stormy night.
This was OK. Nothing particularly special about it.
Good god! Enough! Whining, plodding stuff... should have stayed with The Byrds...
As my wife said: it's gettin' harder
You know what Gene Clark, you just win me over.
Folk sympa mais un peu lent et mélancolique
Sympa Je vois bien ça en soundtrack de film, mais je pense que ça me fait penser à eddie vedder qu’on entend dans into the wild
Sympa mais sans plus
Pretty decent stuff, a lot better than the other Gene Clark album I got from this website
Just into a 4. Only vaguely knew of the Byrds and not of Gene Clark. Nice Neil Young-esque singer/songwriter type.
Psychedelic country-soul. No songs stand out. Pitchfork: 9.3 [Deluxe reissue 2019] Rolling Stone: n/a
*No other is a great song *Solid singer songwriter 70s album- many songs go too long though
Surprised with how much I enjoyed this. Very easy listening.
Enjoyed this very much. Strength Of Strings was the stand out.
Really surprised me this! What a great album! Was thinking it sounds like the grateful dead and the byrds. Didn't realise he was a key member in the byrds. Ever song is good especially strength of strings. Will go on my list of to play again! 👏
Very nice album. Really liked its Rocky, Choral vibe. Understated voice but dont need much more. Got a starry quality. Could easily put it on in the evening and sit and listen and look at rhe stars
Just another album I’d probably never listen to if it wasn’t for this list 1 listen isn’t enough to make an actual judgement because u forget by the time it comes to rate what it was like
Album is okay, but largely forgettable. Slight variation to country was a nice touch, but it still was lacking something. 2.5/5 Probably won't listen again
Not bad but too country for my taste. Although it got better, still not to my liking.
The album sets a mood—and sticks to it. Clark’s delivery is a a little too low-key, and his particular brand of folk-rock is pretty dated. But the songs are good. I especially like “Strength of Strings” and “Some Misunderstanding.”
Bon... C'est un délire. Faut rentrer dedans. C'est pas trop mon genre de musique, de chant ou de mélodies. Mais ça s'écoute c'est un bon album je pense. juste pas mon truc.
Thought the song No Other was OK, but the rest of this was just a slow and pretty boring. Not an album I'd revisit and nothing really memorable. 2
3 I thought the name “Gene Clark” seemed familiar, and as it turns out, the guy was one of the original members of The Byrds, a group we’ve seen multiple times on this list and that I’ve given pretty consistent middling reviews to. However, there was one album in particular that I rated far below all the others, that being Sweetheart of the Rodeo, the group’s true foray into country. I know it’s pretty acclaimed and considered largely influential in hindsight, but in my opinion, it came across as a pretty disingenuous offering from a bunch of hippies following Gram Parson’s lead. And wouldn’t you know it? Despite having *no* involvement with the making of that album, Clark went down a similar path himself. Now, truthfully, I didn’t think this was that bad, mostly middling (surprise, surprise), and I was pretty prepared to write it off simply as that pretty early on into my listening. But then, Clark goes down a surprisingly experimental pathway after two traditional-leaning country tunes, and the album grows much more interesting because of it. Not super interesting mind you, but certainly a step above middling. In particular, I will give my boy Gene credit for the title track, No Other, which is far and away the centerpiece. For an album that starts off sounding like the kind of thing you might hear at a honky-tonk, he seemingly decided to veer off into a funk direction, and it results in his most catchy, groovy offering because of it. Strength of Strings, From a Silver Phial, and Some Misunderstanding also aren’t bad in all honestly (though that last one is a bit overindulgently long), but then, without warning, the album shifts hard back into country again, almost as if to be like, “Whoa, that was weird. Anyway, back to your regularly scheduled program.” Lady of the North at least seems to attempt to blend the two sounds, which was probably an apt decision for the closing track, but it’s not overly interesting despite that, and once again, it’s too long. In summary, one really good song, a few decent ones, a few I could have done without, and a touch of disjointment for good measure - which really aren’t great comments to make if your album is only 8 tracks, 43 minutes. Still, you can tell Gene was going for something different here, and I respect that, so I’ll bestow a 3.
Neil Young vibes for sure. Folky rock. Start to finish a solid album.
Siis hyvälle country-musalle on oma paikkansa mut ei tää toisaalta ihan aina lähe. Näkisin vision et kiva kesäilta, teidän mökin palju, muutama huurteinen ja tää albumi soi taustalla
Ihan ok musiikkia, Oisko yks tai kaks mennyt omalle listalle. Ei miyään mieleenpainuvaa. Solid 3/5
Very enjoyable for me. I can see a lot of appeal if your a fan of the Eagles.
3.5
3.5
Muy bueno, lo disfruté mucho. Al principio pensé que sería un disco de country, pero poco a poco fue metiéndole más generos y haciendo una experimentación genial con lo que le puede dar a la música un artista que conoce, sabe moverse y, sobre todo, hacer que generos a veces disímiles, se escuchen geniales al mesclarze. Muy buen álbum.
This slaps. "Some Misunderstanding" steals the show
I hadn't heard of Gene Clark before listening to this, but he was apparently an original member of the Byrds. This album was an interesting listen, there is a definite Neil Young sound to it. You can also hear how this influenced the Eagles early work and the Americana genre as a whole. Not every song is great, but its a pretty unique mix of genres for the time mixing rock, folk, country, psychedelic, and blues.
Wasn't sure what to expect here. Thought some parts were a little too twangy for my tastes. But overall, I ended up loving it.
Thoughts before listening: I believe this is country of some sort. I thought it was early country, but I just saw a release date showing the 70s. Was Gene Clark more of a singer-songwriter type ala John Prine? Or was he 70s outlaw country? Guess I'll find out. Review: Ah, so Gene was in the Byrds and was more a country-rock guy than I was thinking. This is really good. The story on it seems to be that Gene threw everything he had at this attempt at an over-produced country rock masterpiece, and it was rejected be his label and the fans. It now seems to live as a largely forgotten cult classic that saw a resurgence in the 00s/10s from the indie rock/alt-country contingent. I'll give this 4-stars as a new to me album that checks a lot of the boxes for what I like in music....all done by one of the originators of that sound.
Great album, felt like I was listening to frank Sinatra if he went country. Something like that anyway had fun listening to it
I was ready to be like "ugh more folk-y stuff, after Johnny Cash?" And it is, but damn this is good. Bridges the gap between folk and classic rock in a way that makes total sense for a record from 1974.
8/10 Going into this, I was kind of expecting it to be a fairly middle of the road 70s rock effort. Gene Clark was a founding member and principal songwriter in the Byrds before going solo, but to be honest, I wasn’t familiar with him or the fact that he even had a solo career. What I wasn’t expecting was a record that was quite so well put together. This is an incredibly well produced album. It has great dynamic range, the instrumental separation is superb, and it manages to present what is a fairly varied and interesting collection of influences into a brilliantly coherent package. There are touches of country, rhythm and blues, psychedelic rock and more, but it’s all blended together beautifully into a tonally consistent but subtly adventurous sound. On my first couple of spins in the background, there wasn’t a vast amount that jumped out to me, but I feel like subtlety is part of the charm of this record. It does some really fantastic stuff, but it doesn’t shout about it, it just gets on with its thing and leaves its quality there for you to discover and explore on your own terms. Across the album there were various moments when my ears would perk up at some subtle piece of songwriting excellence, such as the rhythmic development and control on Silver Raven, or the interwoven counterpoint of the guitar and piano on Some Misunderstanding, and I got a real kick out of discovering those moments. I think this does perhaps suffer a tiny bit due to being a 50 year old record, released during a period when there were a huge number of bands creating music that was somewhat adjacent to what this does. That fact does make some of the moments where things become a bit more straight seem a touch generic, but those moments are typically fleeting and there was usually something going on to maintain interest regardless. It’s kind of sad to know that Gene died before the rediscovery of this record, so he would never know how well regarded it became, but it’s a real testament to his songwriting, the playing ability of the musicians and the production talents of Thomas Jefferson Kaye. Life's Greatest Fool - There’s a nice, easy swagger to this. It’s got a touch of country to it, but it’s more folk-rock really. The bland of lead and backing vocals is really nice and the guitar solo is fairly straightforward but beautifully delivered. His melodies are enjoyable without being too obvious and the general flow and groove of the song is really well constructed. Silver Raven - Ooof, there’s a beautifully subtle switch to a half-time beat just after the minute mark that completely changes the flow of this track while the rest of the instruments continue along on the same path. In fact, there are multiple changes of pace and emphasis from the drums that completely reshape the momentum of the track in such a delicate but effective way. What a masterful use of timing to control the whole feel of a song. The rest of it is really, really lovely too, for what it’s worth, but I can’t get over how well the rhythm drives the track. No Other - This has a really 70s psychedelic rock flavour that almost leans towards funk. It’s a touch repetitive in places through the vocal sections, but the vibe and tone of it is great. When we get to the instrumental section though, it’s really cool, despite the fact that those sections are a touch short. Again, it’s rhythmically impressive, the layering of instruments and vocal stacks are really good. Another solid track. Strength Of Strings - We’re on to something a bit more straight and flat now. It still has its charms and the orchestration and construction of the harmonies are really nice, but it perhaps loses its flow a little during the middle breakdown. There are still some great moments in there and when the beat starts flowing more consistently, it’s very good. There are some lovely bits of piano in there and some great vocal work. A solid, if slightly inconsistent effort. From A Silver Phial - I feel like we’ve settled into a little bit of inertia in the middle of the record now. This is still a good track, particularly the guitar solos, and it still maintains a really good vibe and a really comfortable and easy to listen to tone, but there aren’t as many elements that elevate it beyond that. It does sound fantastic though and I still enjoyed it. Some Misunderstanding - Gene gives us a slow burn of a track now that slowly builds in weight and depth as it progresses. The instrumental section is really excellent, not only the guitar, but the counterpoint of the piano weaving in and out of it are of great quality. It’s a very emotive delivery of the vocal too. For an 8 minute song that doesn’t vary the pacing or emphasis of the rhythm much over its duration, it really doesn’t feel vastly long. There are great melodies and a richness and depth to the instrumental layering and, again, the production is excellent. This is some top notch 70s rock and feels a lot like what The Eagles should be but aren’t. The True One - And now we’re back to something more country inflected. It’s superbly executed and there are some beautifully subtle bits of work from each of the instrument players at various points, with little licks or flourishes popping out from piano, guitar and bass in particular. It’s a super chill and easy to enjoy piece of work while still maintaining a decent pace and dtive to keep it moving. There are some excellent pieces of melody and counterpoint across the different parts too and the way they weave around each other is lovely. Lady Of The North - This feels like we’re going full circle, vibe wise. It’s got more of that easy swagger and a subtle lilt to the vocal and instrumental delivery that makes it feel laid back yet engaging. There are some incredibly tasty chord changes in there and some superb piano work to deliver them. As with much of the album to this point, there is an awful lot going on across the different instruments that aren’t immediately apparent to a casual listener, but as you peel back the layers, things become clearer and far more impressive. And the production, dynamic range, instrumental separation and clarity is first rate.
Rating:★★★★ I liked this album. Nice classic rock.
I really enjoyed this album. I only know Gene Clark through the Byrds and the Flying Burrito Brothers. When I needed more of that, I used to go to Graham Parsons, but now I see that Gene Clark has really carried that banner forward. This album hits all my sweet spots.
7.5
Høres litt ut som Pink Floyd. Men en slags billig US-versjon. Kjedelige greier
Reading the notes behind this album, it seems this was critically mauled on its release and seen as an expensive failure, which seems unfair as this is not a million miles away from a lot of mid-70s sounds. Listening to it now though, its similarity to a lot of other 70s albums ironically means that for me it doesn’t really stand out from a lot of those artists.
Some classics on here - the title track and Strength of Strings are especially brilliant
Started strongly, faded a little
Listened to disc one - was fine but again, largely unessential
Another Byrds adjacent offering, do try and mix it up RGP. I mean I like GC, I like The Byrds but this is towards the top of the one stars at best, although “From A Silver Phial” almost put it into the two stars. Tom.
Darn good vibes. Good enough for 4 stars? I guess. I can’t hum any of the songs after one listen, but I have a hunch this album would grow on me after repeated listens.
Another five, a favorite of mine
It was enjoyable. I don’t get why it was panned originally, but I don’t get why, later on, people flipped about how good it is.
I think I accidentally listened to this twice which tells me it was easy to listen to but also very forgettable.
Never heard this before but I thought it was pretty solid. 3.5
This was fine. I enjoyed the country feel to it.
I can appreciate this as a good album but I wasn't really feeling it, just a folk rock release that I'm not going to think about and isn't for me.
good
It was fine
Hmm I don't mind 'Silver Raven' so far and No Other. Not too shabby!
Interesting album. Not bad and I’m glad I heard it. Not sure I’d say it’s amazing though.
Vibes were … interesting? A somewhat light trippiness. Wasn’t really my jam / didn’t do too much for me. Wasn’t super jazzed about the country-ish songs. 2.5
Maybe a little long, but as someone not familiar with the birds this a fun first album. Really want to give it a 3.5 as I don't know how often I would relisten to it. But a great first spin through.
Never liked the Byrds but I loved this album. Great songwriting, the production was amazing, and just enough country twang
Probably would call it alternative country today? Folk rock ish. Good album. Has a waver in his voice kind of like Gary Stewart a bit - not exact but still.
Never heard before today, but a must listen!!
Jamais écouté avant. C'est amusant de tomber sur cet album quelques jours seulement après The Gilded Palace of Sin, des Flying Burrito Brothers. Les points communs sont nombreux, en dehors des cinq années d'écart entre les deux : un ancien "Byrd" à la manœuvre, un album qui n'a pas rencontré son public en son temps (à un point tragique pour No Other...) mais qui a depuis bénéficié d'un retour en grâce critique, et surtout une ambition commune, faire se percuter le rock psychédélique de Los Angeles et les racines country de la musique américaine. Avec une différence majeure toutefois : No Other réussit à peu près partout où The Gilded Palace of Sin avait, à mes yeux, échoué. Le talent des musiciens, la production luxuriante, les sublimes compositions, intenses et spirituelles, de Gene Clark... Et si c'était le meilleur album country rock de l'histoire ? Top : Silver Raven Flop : True One
Pretty nice world to drop into, hippie country. A few moments stood out, some felt a bit derivative, but overall pleasant experience.
Feel like I now understand pretty clearly what it must feel like to be depressed in LA. This album sounds great and feels like a pretty cohesive artistic statement, but on the other hand it felt like a bit of downer and I can understand why it didn't sell.
Man, I wished I liked this more because the story of Clark and this album are fascinating and depressing. The album: I can understand why people didn’t love it in ‘74. It sounds like songs from the mid/late 70s. Some of it made me think of the Eagles or Fleetwood Mac. The layering of the tracks make for really interesting tunes, but not a lot of catchiness. Life's Greatest Fool is a 5 star song though… Do not ignore that track! To Gene Clark: Im sorry this was so misunderstood and a brutal failure. Sounds like the recording took a toll on you in LA and life was tumultuous thereafter. If it means anything, it really seems like a lot of legendary bands love your later material and you made your mark beyond just your Byrds years
Saw a review that said this is the Sgt. Pepper of Americana music. Never quite sure what Americana music is, but have always thought it's a genre I like - country rock for guys who live in the city and drive RAV4s? That's me. Anyway, this definitely has the bones of Uncle Tupelo, Wilco, etc. Interesting song writer - enjoyed everything, but also never felt like we got a hook.
Interesting sound but lapses into sameness a little at the mid point
mid ass classic folkslop. Nothing really stuck out to me.
No Other is one of those albums that rewards patience. It opens with a distinctly country-leaning feel that can be a bit off-putting if that’s not your lane, but stick with it and Gene Clark starts to blur the edges of that sound into something richer and more atmospheric. There are definite shades of Neil Young in the mix — especially in the slightly ragged, introspective vocal delivery and the way the songs expand beyond straightforward structures. The production is lush, sometimes almost to the point of excess, but it suits the material more than you might expect. When it clicks, it feels expansive and immersive rather than indulgent. A couple of tracks do drift a bit too far back into conventional country territory, breaking the spell slightly, but they’re the exception rather than the rule. Overall, it’s an enjoyable, occasionally surprising listen — one that grows on you as it goes on, revealing more depth than that early twang might suggest.
No es mis estilo, repetitivo.
True One is great. Rest is okay.
Its only taken me a year and 275 albums to get to an album on my personal top 13 albums of all time and here it is! This album is so phenomenal to me I cannot believe it was panned on its release. It starts with a very Byrd’s type song-Life’s Greatest Fool-almost as if to say, remember me? I was that guy. It swiftly moves onto an ephemeral song about a raven, a wonderfully heavy bass-based No Other to the epic Strength of Strings. I love the alliteration in From a Silver Phail. I mean “said she saw the sword of sorrow sunken in the sand of searching souls” who can do better than that? We are left with the last three wonderful tracks, one by Dillard. If I could give this album a million stars I would.
Hippie dippie, Classic 70s. It was fine
Surprised by this is a great way
Surprisingly really liked this
Aj country aj iné... Aj ma to baví aj nie... Skôr som za to menej country...
surprisingly nice. might revisit rating later
I actually enjoyed this one a lot more than I anticipated. Never heard of Gene Clark before, so I had no idea even what type of music to expect. I didn't care for opener on this album, but after that it got a lot better. It reminded me a bit of the Eagles, even if it didn't have the same harmonies. It just felt like a very similar style. Highlights included Silver Raven, Strength of Strings, and Some Misunderstanding, all of which I thought were excellent songs. Beyond this, I enjoyed Gene's voice and his guitar playing on this. A very good album. 4 stars.
Maybe if I take a break for another 60 years I'll rate this even higher
Dear Ralph-c5r on youtube, I do not agree with your statement, and I quote, "[t]he best album by the best musicians from the best of times[.]" This album was shite. The artists are shite (see my reviews for the albums he produced while in The Byrds) and the 70s should never have happened.
Angenehme Singer/Songwriter Musik aus den 70ern. Ich habe das Album direkt zweimal gehört. Es ist nicht aufregend, keine großen Hits, aber einfach schöne Musik. 3/5
Lindo disco! No lo había escuchado.
Love love love this 70s rock country vibe. I've never heard of Gene Clark before this, and now I'm a huge fan.
What a nice surprise
Tää oli aika huttua. Ei jäänyt mikään biisi mieleen.
Gene Clark – No Other (1974) On Day 129, I explored a record that was once rebuked by critics, which is absolutely nuts because the lyrics and the atmosphere are outstanding. The production is amusing and ahead of its time. It’s an ambitious project that definitely deserves more recognition. I played the fuck tones out of "Lady of the North" the hook on that tune is great and "Strength of Strings" was another levitating highlight. While other tracks like "True One" and "Some Misunderstanding" were slick and decent enough to earn a spot on my playlist, the album as a whole sits at a very strong 4/5.