No Other

I hate when the list gives me this genre. Sounds the same every time and it's not something I like. I usually play the album and endure. I hated everything from the Byrds, Neil Young, the like... ...and somehow this album clicked for me and I had no business liking it, but I fucking do. I'm giving it an extra star just for the unexpected and surprising factor of actually liking the thing, so if you're like me - give it a try, or a second try even. High praise from someone like me who loathes this genre.

нечего сказать, средний альбом

It had some real beauty in it. This mix of pastoral rural with a rock undertone. The lyrics had some beauty here and there and some of the sounds were unique enough to warrant a second listen. Its interesting this was such a flop when it came out, because its not bad, but i also don't see it as a chart topper.

This has an easy going feel to it. Has a laid back yesterdayness to it. It's okay but fails to really grab me.

I was trying to find a good way to describe the reflective and existential nature of this, and then read that a lot of his inspiration came from spending hours a day staring at the Pacific Ocean from his home. That's exactly what this sounds like. Big crashing waves of sounds and thoughts and feelings...of the unknown beyond and of the here and now. Ideas inspired by earth's majesty, and answers only the ocean knows. I really liked it!

Not my type

Not a fan. Nothing stood out at all and I was rather bored by this droll album.

It is totally a vibe album, I love the atmosphere created by it. It is so melancholic and chill at the same time Fav songs - No Other, Some Misunderstanding 4/5

Как-то тоже пролетел незаметно

Pretty good.

Could be a 5. Enjoyed this lots more than the other one of his generated earlier.

Good album, but requires a certain mood to get the most of it. Not gonna come back to it often, though I enjoyed lyrics and backing vocal. 4.9 | No Other

Not convinced. Surely some interesting ideas for the time, but have heard it more convincingly elsewhere.

God I love this album. Can't believe Geffen didn't want to release.

Well I was not expecting this to be so nice. Kinda liked almost every song. Mid-low 4

Honestly did not find many songs that interesting. 5/10

Très sympa j'ai beaucoup aimé 3.99

pretty good, kinda Neil Youngish

The album was OK, but not too memorable.

No. 168 Pleasant listen. Blown away by "Strength of Strings" in particular.

Good guitar instrumentals

Very strong album with an interesting yet sad backstory. Opens with a couple of strong Stills/Young-esque country-rock songs, but develops nicely into something much more interesting with the excellent, dark sounding 'No Other', which reminds me more of Pink Floyd. This follows into the standout track, 'Strength of Strings'. The next four songs revert back to the Country sound which is always less appealing for me, but they are well written and produced tracks with good lyrics. 7/10

I don’t have much to report here. Easy listening, great songwriting, fun songs, nothing earth shattering and nothing to write home about but it does make the albums i would passively listen to with my wife for background noise on a car trip list.

Interesting, though not amazing.

Сара 3 Марко 3

Interesting collection of country music with some psychedelic overtures. Deep layers of songwriting on here that make it a good listen.

This was good!

Overall an enjoyable experience. It's a shame that this album didn't get the recognition it deserves back in the day. Some Misunderstanding... 7/10

Critics say this album was ahead of its time, which may explain why a lot of 70s rock sounds like it, even if it was released in '74. The orchestration and production probably are, but that's what I really like about this album. I can hear its influence in Terry Reid and others, in either the melodies, song structures, orchestration, vocals, take your pick. Surprisingly good, even despite the gospel bits. Pity it was treated so poorly upon release, and not until after Clark's death did it begin being recognized.

This album is a beautiful mix of psychedelic rock and country rock that just flows so naturally. While listening I felt the weight of heavy, meaningful lyrics filled with troubles, heartaches, and real pain — but right alongside that there’s love and hope shining through, which keeps the whole thing from getting too dark. Gene Clark pours so much emotion into these songs. The lyrics dig deep into personal struggles, spirituality, addiction, and the search for meaning, yet they never feel preachy. The music itself is lush and ambitious, with rich arrangements, gospel-tinged backing vocals, pedal steel, and that cosmic, dreamy atmosphere that wraps around you. It’s not a strict concept album with one storyline, but the songs feel connected through Clark’s soul-searching vibe — like he was staring at the ocean and pulling out all these big feelings about life, loss, and redemption. I really enjoyed how it balances the heavy stuff with moments of beauty and optimism. It’s a special record. Not everyone clicked with it back in the day, but damn if it doesn’t hold up as something deep and rewarding. If you’re into thoughtful, emotional country-tinged rock with psychedelic edges, this one hits hard.

Album #74, Gene Clark, No Other, ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Gene Clark is the co author of one of my all time favourite songs, “Polly”, by Dillard & Clark. He’s got one of my favourite voices in music. Just beautifully mournful, but powerful and stern. Not necessarily the most versatile voice in the world, but just a great sounding voice. It kind of reminds me a little bit of Bill Callahan in a way, though it’s also totally different. Despite all that, I’ve never really done a deep dive into his music. I am very familiar with the first half of this album because I’ve tried to listen to it multiple times and for one reason or another never finished it. But it was not because I disliked the music. This is a very weird album. It’s feels like what Gram Parsons was talking about when he described cosmic American music. It’s a mix of all different types of country, roots, Americana, rock and soul. It pulls from so many places, and it feels quite messy and rough around the edges in places, not from a production standpoint, but more from an ideas standpoint. I don’t love it, and I’m really giving it four stars because I’m giving it the benefit of the doubt. I can tell this is the kind of album that will grow on me. Some of the songs are great. Some of the lyrics aren’t. I’m not the biggest fan of the more grand, worldly advice type songs. The weakest track is “Some Misunderstanding”, which is over eight minutes long, so that’s a fairly big dip. But the rest of the album is strong. Favourite track is “From a Silver Phial”. I was really interested to read about how poorly this was received at the time. I’m very surprised. It is a strange album, probably as strange as anything that was being made by the ex-Byrd’s at the time, but I think it’s also one of the better records to come out too. It doesn’t really have any big hits, which probably didn’t help, but I’m glad it’s been reappraised. Good album, very weird for what it is.

I liked it!

Takes a bit to get going, but when it does it's really good. Pretty much the stretch from No Other to the end of the album is filled with greatness. Cosmic country as a genre was made for this album. It's rooted in Country, but it feels very spacious and the guitars and layered vocals give the album an epic feel to it. There's really not an album like this.

super découverte

Pretty nice.

Three discs. Too much for something I listen to as background music. One and a half was enough

Got bored. Was never a fan of the Byrds, so I'm not shocked this isn't my thing.

3.5 Strength of Strings sounded like every Neil young song smashed into one. Silver Raven reminded me of Guy Clarke song (which to me is fine compliment). Went through an listened a second time, not an all time album or anything but a really good collection

Good brunch tunes, easy listening, better on the second run

Sympa mais plutôt à mettre en fond

L’histoire de l’album le rend encore plus agréable et le côté progressif permet d’écouter quelque chose de différent sans être dans le trop Malheureusement il n’est pas assez mémorable mais je réécouterai !

Its like Pink Floyd Bangers all through out Silver Raven goes so hard

Mostly countryish soft rock music with spiritual lyrics and an occasional chorus of women singing in the background. There are some interesting arrangements on here, but the consistently mellow, yearning vibe made it unappealing to me, though not enough to send it to the 2-star basement. 3 stars

Not terrible but no idea why this makes the 1001 list.

Pretty interesting story on this one, not bad at all

Not too shabby, I really liked the flow and the familiar, yet different quality to it.

A gem of an album. Discovered this album a few years ago and played it often. As a fan of the Byrds this was a happy find. 5 stars. Fave track - silver raven.

Quite nice. Nothing stood out too much, but I quite enjoyed it.

Want to give 3.5 but 4 is also valid. Loved this

3.5 Probably one of the better country/Americana albums on here, but can't help but feel it wasn't very country. The most country-esque (eg True One) were the weaker points, whereas the least (Strength of Strings) were the stronger points. The better parts sounded like late stage Pink Floyd/David Gilmour about 20 years earlier, which impressed me. Probably won't have it on rotation, but I had a good time listening to it.

Cool

I enjoy country more now because I’m far from home. This was a good one

'The Strength of Strings' is outstanding. The rest is more interesting than I expected. A bit too countrified for me. Overall it seems ahead of its time and a gem from a tragic story.

I had no expectations going into this because I had no idea who he was. I was pleasantly surprised. I don't normally like this music, specifically from this era, but I found myself bopping along to it. Just the day before I had a Neil Young album from around the same time and absolutely hated it. Having a good voice goes a LONG way.

John sinatra

A few good tracks, but nothing that blew me away. Oh well

Having generally liked the Byrds' albums on this list (and loved some of them), and read some context around this album, I was a little underwhelmed by it overall. There are some nice moments and memorable songs but the majority of it felt quite pedestrian and ordinary to me. Can't see it becoming a regular in my rotation.

I really liked the songs that didn't sound as country-like.

I don't really know the first thing about Gene Clark or The Byrds so I went into this album pretty much completely blind. My first impression is that it reminds me a lot of Neil Young, only with a warmer voice and more of a spiritual bent. It almost feels a bit like a country rock/gospel fusion record in a way, though that might be overstating it a little. In any case, it's a very grandiose and ambitious record at times with some complex production and orchestration on songs like Strength of Strings and the title track, though a couple of the songs feel a little trite and uninpsired in places. True One in particular I thought was completely forgettable. I think what brings the album together is the rather unique texture of Clark's vocals. I'm not sure quite how to describe his voice; it's a little warbly, but not gratingly so, and it has a soothing quality that compliments the spiritual themes he sings about. Overall, I really liked this album, and if it had just a couple more tracks at the same level of quality as it's highest highs I could have maybe even given it a 5. Favourite tracks: Silver Raven, No Other, Lady Of The North

Plinky plonky honky tonky whitey shitey cack tracks. Inoffensive, uninteresting. Next!

I was pleasantly surprised by this one! 3/5 I'd listen again but probably not purchase.

Like The Byrds as a band but never been a fan of their solo stuff, too country for my liking, but this is not too bad. Nothing outstanding on it, but some nice guitar work on some of the songs.

Sonic

I was super sad to be so bored by this.

This is fine. I have nothing overwhelmingly pertinent to say here.

Quality stuff throughout. My primary gripe with the album is, at least to an initial listen in one sitting, most songs to me failed to have a unique identity. Most of the album settled into my head as one lengthy calming sludge. Rather than a body made up of distinct parts, this was an admittedly high-quality viscous sludge. Not a bad album by any means, but for a listener such as myself I am unlikely to go seeking any of these songs out on their own, and would struggle to tell two songs on the album apart. Your mileage may vary.

Not really my type of music but this surprised me. Great vibes here. Lovely singing with some good lyrics. The guitar solos that are sprinkled throughout the album are also fantastic. Getting some Pink Floyd vibes on certain songs. No other, Strengh of Strings, From a silver phial and Some misunderstanding are all bangers. Great run of song in the middle of the album

3- Stars (7/15)

simplemente epico

I really dig this. All new to me

It sounds like country Pink Floyd a little bit near the middle. I enjoyed this album, but it kind of put me to sleep.

Dig it

𝘕𝘰 𝘖𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 may come out of the Laurel Canyon scene, but it sounds far more ambitious than the usual singer-songwriter records associated with it. Gene Clark builds a dense, almost mystical atmosphere with rich production, layered vocals, and subtle psychedelic touches. The album was a commercial failure at the time, which is surprising given how fully realized it feels. Over time, its reputation has grown, and for good reason: the songwriting is strong, and the overall sound is immersive and distinctive. It’s one of those albums that clearly deserved more recognition from the start.

good arrangements and tone

01) Life's Greatest Fool - 5,5 02) Silver Raven - 6,5 03) No Other - 7,0 04) Strength of Strings - 6,0 05) From a Silver Phial - 5,5 06) Some Misunderstanding - 6,5 07) The True One - 6,0 08) Lady of the North - 6,0 TOTAL: 6,13 (61/100) Current ranking: 652/858

8/10 – Very Good

Someone coined the phrase cosmic American music and this is a prime example of that. Country, soul, pyschedelia all rolled into one- but Clark’s sweet but world weary voice and classic songwriting holds these influences together to create a cohesive and enjoyable whole

3.5/5

An unexpected joy, and exactly the reason I'm doing this list. Such a fascinating blend of Americana, covering gospel, country, blues, folk, funk, R&B, soul, among others. All transported by a magnificent voice and incredible session players.

Decent album.

Interesting, but I wouldn’t put it “lost classic” territory

Oh dear, just not very good.

This has a tiny bit of country feel to it and is reminiscent of Niel Young in the vocal delivery and style. It is a contemplative album and takes its time. A nice listen but not earth shattering. Definitively not, "one of the greatest albums ever made." but a good listen nonetheless.

Obviously derivative of Neil Young, but it is solidly delivered and sounds good to my ears.

Textbook mid-70s folk rock. It's definitely not bad, but I can't say it really sparked anything for me.

lifes greatest fool has got nice beetles vibes quite fun silver raven good song no other quite nice chill Some misunderstanding quite long but feels like a mix between pink floyd and the beetles, good song. true one, nice song quite country blues rock good song, not one I would add to a playlist but very nice good for a camping trip. Overall a good album that is very fun to listen to with some amazing vocals and classic instrumentals. It all feels quite same with not many songs standing out. It's not the type of album I would go out to listen to though, very relaxed and can imagine them as good songs around a campfire.

It's okay. Nothing too exciting, nothing that sounds bad. I could play this in the background. I wouldn't seek it out, wouldn't turn it off. Okay, Mid, So-So, Mediocre, pick your word. 2.5, bump to 3.

I liked no-other but the rest was a bit too country

At first, this album didn’t really grab me, But the more I listened the more I enjoyed it.

Never heard of Gene Clark before today but I am always excited to listen to a new artist. The album started out fine. Nothing ground breaking, but it kept my interest. My mood began to sour about halfway or so through the record when I realized I was getting bored with what I was hearing. Unfortunately, it never got back to that beginning feeling. 2/5

This album plays with a bunch of different styles, which is cool, but I can see why it was overlooked back when it was released. It’s good music, but there aren’t any real bangers.

Loved, could possibly be a member of my regular rotation. Title track is soul inspired and somewhat psychedelic in an otherwise country rock album.

6/10… baroque pop / country rock / *1974

Good

I'm sorry, this was just boring. I don't understand how this is important.

Man is a genius. He can play folk rock, country, classic rock ballads, blues. All equally bad.

Pleasantly surprised by this. A comforting country rockish album with great composition. At times it felt like a 'classic' album that everyone forgot about. Really considering giving this a second listen because I'm kind of stumped how this Eaglesesque album that came out prior to them is never discussed

2.5, revisit for mellow CSNY vibe, mix w some pink Floyd

This is about as mediocre an album as I have heard in this project. Nothing about it stands it to me in a “you’ve gotta hear this!” way. Average mellow 70s rock music with a vaguely country twinge. Mostly plodding tempo. There is a track called “True One” near the end that has some nice guitar work. But overall I am not impressed.

Ugliest album cover ever but this is exactly what i am talking about. Beautiful forgotten americana.

Pleasant enough for a casual listen. Not particularly memorable for me, though there is definitely something there that I think I missed. A little country-style rock clearly influenced by Gram Parsons and the other members of the Byrds. I just didn’t get it the first time around. 2 stars (will probably go back to reevaluate)

Unremarkable. I am sure there is so.ething i am missing here. I usually love a good singer-songwriter but I just didn't get into it.

Easy to listen to, good vibes album, liked the title song the most.

I enjoyed it.

a new favorite!

Album #1,064 I didn't know who Gene Clark was before this. I guess he was in The Byrds. Yeah, this country/folky rock album sounds kinda like Sweetheart of the Rodeo. There are a couple of good tracks at the beginning, and the last track was OK, but the whole thing is lacking the "oomph" that would make me want to listen again. Average 3/5, just like I rated all The Byrds' albums. Oh, and Gene has a boring voice.

Znaci da mi je i danas dao neki sranje album zapalio bih ceo magacin sa knjigama po kojoj je rađen ovaj sajt. U realnom svetu bez ovoliko uzastopno poređanih loših albuma dao bih ocenu 3,75 ali mi je lepo legao ovaj album tkd dajem....... PEEEETTTY

I firmly believe that "Gene" is one of the greatest names of all time. It invokes all the down-home folksiness of a small-town shopkeep, while still delivering the phonic humour with that HARD G. That's not even getting into the root name of Eugene. I am primed to like this record as shimmering recollections of Gene Snitsky punting a baby into row 4 dance across my neural synapses. I am once again like 20 records behind as I made a pilgrimage to the Maritimes with a grumpy baby and I aged myself about 10 years in the process. Mix that in with borderline dangerous amounts of donair sauce consumed and my IQ might've dropped a few dozen points. Maybe that will help with enjoying most of the tripe on this list. I once clicked a guy's profile on this site, and he had completed it and had an AVERAGE rating of 4.35. Truly the world's biggest music fan. I, however, sit at a steely 2.40 and am clearly talking about anything but this record... "No Other" is fine, but I find myself continually asking, is this really one of the 1001 most towering achievements in the history of recorded music? I feel like I'd find out my great-uncle recorded this in the 60's and would be mildly impressed. This isn't bringing anybody to their knees in reverence. Maybe it is. Whatever. Gene? You drive a hard bargain. I'll grab a couple of those little satchels of peanuts and a lottery ticket. Here's 2.5. Keep the change 2-2.5 HIGHLIGHTS: The eyes, the eyes, the eyes of fruit flies

sleeping

70's pop country hits this weird spot, really introspective lyrics with that familiar folk twang and lap guitar behind it. I got Neil Young vibes from this big time. It kinda struck me as interesting in my own musical taste, if I listened to tgis 10-15 years ago I wouldve passed over pretty quick, time does some interesting things.

Gene Clark does his best CSNY impression and honestly it’s not too bad. Pretty chill country folk with some nice harmonies to boot

Pleasantly surprised, the album has a touch of country, rock, blues... Liked it a lot. Some songs are really great, very good ending.

pretty solid album

Brilliant in spots. What presents as a straightforward country record is a multi-genre masterpiece.

I wasn’t aware of this one and am glad I’ve been introduced. this album has so many great ideas and cool impulses followed in each song. sometimes soft and lilting, other times dark and spacey/groovy. the title track is incredible. so this dude was in The Byrds and then this is the album that ultimately tanked his career? that’s a shame, this album is a treat. 4.5 for me.

Forgettable. I'm sure if I were able to give it the proper attention there were some good nuggets in there, but nothing stood out. Sounded a little like Robert Plant at times.

There’s a phenomenon specific to the NFL where a player can play themselves out of the Hall of Fame. A previously great quarterback will overstay their time in the league by a few too many years, and the lasting image is of a washed guy, down three possessions, taking too many sacks trying to throw their team back into the game. Russell Wilson is currently doing this. That’s how I felt listening to these songs. I liked them, then I waited for them to go somewhere, and they all just kinda stalled. That’s fine for “Ambulance Blues” or “Desolation Row,” when they’re outliers on the album in terms of length. But all these were a few minutes too long. Highlights were the opener and “True One.” 2.5/5

Very easy to listen to but by no means uninteresting. Didn't much like the album cover though.

Relajante

Very soulful album. A really pleasant listen (with moments of country I don't care for). All in all, the playing and singin is top notch and the songs themselves are mostly strong. Not a "blow your mind" album, but a good album nontheless. 4/5

Starting very country, I was ready to give it a lower grade. But it really picks up.

This was really good. A really great edition to the classic albums of that era.

Gene Clark is such a fantastic songwriter. This album has its ups and downs, but overall, it is a keeper. I love the variety of music genres, but doesn't ever stray too far from the early singer/songwriter genre. 4/5

I do not understand why many of these albums are on here. I'm going to be stricter with my ratings going forward.

It was good as a background music, but I literally cannot remember any song a day later even though I listened to this album 3 times,

Enjoyed!

Fitting to get this the same week as The Byrds. I've mostly only listened to that great compilation of his work, Flying High, so I was very happy to listen to this album. And it's great throughout, fantastic songwriting without a single weak track. Such a strong album, and I'm glad it found its way back out into the world. Some Misunderstanding is an incredible song - a shout out too for the Soulsavers (Mark Lanegan) cover, which is right up there in the greatest covers of all times stakes.

A true obscure treasure. How David Geffen could hate this album so much is beyond me. Gene Clark thought it was his magnum opus and died of self destruction when the label squashed it and hid it away for almost two decades. Turns out he was right all along. Stick that in your pipe and smoke it, Geffen.

70s country, folk rock. Psych elements I don't particularly enjoy.

If nothing else this list has given me an appreciation for cosmic country. This is intricate, complexly produced, well mixed, delicate, and delightful.

I thought I was going to be hit with some 40s rag time by the looks of that cover. Pleasantly surprised by some funkier, country-er, CNSY-esque tracks. Enjoyed my time with this record. I could imagine giving No Other full marks if I’d grown up listening to it. 4/5

1. fool - 1.5 2. raven - 2 3. other - 1 4. ztringz- 1 5. zilver - 1 6. zome - 1.5 7. true - 1.5 8. north - 1

fun!

A wonderful surprise! Really enjoyed Gene Clark. I've heard him before but not these tunes.

okay

Gotta say, started out thinking this would be bland, but turned out it was quite enjoyable. Great vibe, loved the sound and texture. One of the pleasant surprises of this journey.

3.5 rounded down, enjoyed more than expected

It's fine. I found it kind of boring over all, but that might be because I've heard so many albums like this in my life and nothing about it really sets it apart from the rest.

One of the best albums I’ve discovered on this list.

A special collection of songs strange and familiar. Townes van Zant feeling

ja it's fine en zo. zou hier niet zo snel naar luisteren maar best lekker voor n zonnige zaterdagochtend

ja een stuk beter dan ik dacht toen ik de wikipedia las. ik kende zn naam niet maar de byrds wel en tja de band was toch beter. maar wel een lekkere plaat!

Country rock - Jackson Brown, Byrds friend, produced heavily Strength of strings

7.5/10

Not my style.

I agree more with the contemporary critics I think. Didn't quite get this one.

The ever so famous Tambourine Man from The Byrds was no slouch when it came to his solo projects, arguably putting together a more cohesive and consistent album than the group could in their illustrious career. On the surface, No Other may just seem like a pretty run-of-the-mill Psychedelic Country album in line with what fans of the Byrds had come to expect of him. Dig a little deeper and you'll discover a poignant and emotionally challenging record that experiments much further than the Byrds ever did. The album has a sombreness to it that wasn't quite achievable with the commercial appeal that the band had accrued. No Other feels like an insight into Clark's mind, a little frantic from splitting from a band that had brought him great success, free from the responsibility but burdened by the possibilities. Taking a page out of Neil Young's book, Clark grounds himself just long enough for you to get a good grip before launching into orbit. Maybe I'm just a sucker for Laurel Canyon, but No Other is such a unique and emotional experience that is truly like no other.

hate to say i saved some misunderstanding to my liked songs years ago but ended up being one of those that get skipped everytime, so i wasn’t sure how i was gonna go with this album but i actually really enjoyed it! 4.5

I have a hard time imagining anyone in 1971 excitedly asking their friends to come over and listen to the new Gene Clark album. And, outside of this group, I’ll probably forget to mention to anyone that I listened to it. Not that it’s bad. It just isn’t the type of music that puts air in my tires.

Easy to listen to (and forget I’m listening to something) for the most part. Sounds like Neil Young at times.

A great listen from a voice that left us far too early.

Album No. 0159 on my list. The name Gene Clark struck a bell, but I had no idea what music the guy had been making. As far as I understood, "No Other" was not at all well received at the time of its release. And I honestly wonder why, because this is a solid album. The songs were not really that catchy (no bangers on this one), but they do have a certain quality, and the songwriting is really solid. Interesting lyrics, great composition, good sense for timing. Reminded me of Neil Young multiple times. Good singer-songwriter music, and I fully understand why the album made the 1001 album list. Nice overall vibe, one really has to wonder why it was so ill received when it was released in 1974. I like the album. I'll add "Life's Greatest Fool", "Silver Raven", and "Some Misunderstanding" to my playlist. Solid stuff indeed. 3/5 stars.

I like the southern rock vibes. Very Eagles.

Lekker amerikaans

When it startend I thought just another country album, but then it surprised me

Pleasant enough listen

No matter how much I try, Country music just does not sit right in my ears

This was OK

An album like this not making it to the UK isn't surprising (we tend to balk at the more egregious elements of country music, such that only the canonical works make it into our experience), but when the album is this good, it's definitely a shame!

Fantastic album. Shocked by how much I liked it. I didn't particularly enjoy the album "Mr. Tambourine Man" by The Byrds (gave it a 3) and so I went into this one expecting it to have a similar sound and feel. However, that is not the case. This was a much more musically interesting album and had a cohesive feel to it despite the songs touching on multiple genres. Will definitely revisit this one more often in the future. My first 5 that I was truly surprised by.

Niet zo bijzonder

pretty good album, not too shabby

2/11/26. Enjoyable country rock. Really liked the guitar work on this, but otherwise was pretty neutral on it overall.

Gene Clark’s records of the early 1970’s were a treasure, mostly discovered after the fact, and his career never crystallized post Byrds. No Other was his most ambitious and most rock-oriented effort, well worth a listen, and its commercial failure crushed him. I enjoy the record but find it a bit boasted versus the extraordinary one two punch of Roadmaster or White Light.

good tunes

- Est-ce qu'on peut acheter un Neil Young? - On a déjà un Neil Young à la maison. Le Neil Young qu'on a à la maison...

Having listened to two folky albums back to back I realized how much I appreciate Gene Clark, despite having never heard from him. This album felt very much in the vein of CSNY. Where it differed is this album pulled in a little more country feel to it. Key song was Strength of Strings, which felt like a slow story over a camp fire. Some Misunderstanding had a similar feel, but clocked in at a much longer story (over 8mins). But I liked how the very country ballad True One cranked up the tempo, which was weird to say for a ballad. I could come back here.

Random thoughts: * Cool to learn this was one of the guys from the Byrds. * I actually turned this one off after the first few seconds on my first try to listen because I thought it was going to be a country album. It has some country tinges but is more folk rock than country. * I found myself in a better place today and listened with an open mind. * I guess this album kind of ended his solo career but has become kind of a cult classic now. Even his grave headstone says "No Other" on it. * "No Other" track is pretty cool. Went back and listened to it again. Solid track. * Again, glad to be exposed to more music but this did not leave a huge impression on me and I probably wouldn't revisit it again. It's definitely in the bottom half of 1001.

For how good this is I’m surprised I’ve never heard of it? Was Gene Clark just lost amongst his peers at the time? I really enjoyed this.

Sophisticated country-adjacent singer songwriter music is usially my jam but I find this just ok. Trying to pin down why this album isn't gelling with me when on paper I should love itband I think it's that overly 'aw shucks' West Coast 70s pop sheen on the production and vocals. Needs just a little more grit and it'd be a classic.

I want a 70s country man.

Kinda strangely into this, country Neil Young/ jam band Neil Young? Would normally find this kind bland but it's speaking to me, 3.5 but going 4 on the record.

1001 Albums Vol. 0023: No Other ============================================================ Introduction: I can't believe that this album is actually on here. Well, I can. It's an influential album no doubt and is pretty damn great as well...but the way Gene Clark was treated over it. Yeah...I wish he had been alive to see the day that this album became acclaimed as a masterpiece. Anyway, everything I just said should give off the impression that I've heard this album before...and yeah...I have heard it before. Yeah, out of the many, many albums on this site, this is one that I've heard before? I know, it sounds ridiculous. That being said, this is just one of those masterpiece albums that my dad played for me when I was young. In fact, he played it so much to the point where I thought that the first song, Life's Greatest Fool, was actually a really popular song that a lot of people knew about. I mean, I could have sworn that I heard that song in a commercial at some point in my life...or maybe that's just Mandela Effect, who knows? Anyway, the point is, I heard this album a lot when I was younger. Recently, I was simply browsing my recommended section on Spotify when I came across...Life's Greatest Fool. The first few seconds sounded interesting enough so I continued to listen. That's when I reached the chorus and it all came back to me. I had heard this song before. I couldn't remember when, but I had. I checked out the rest of the album and heard some genuinely great and sometimes genius compositions across each of the tracks. I remember thinking that I had just uncovered some lost gold, so I went to check out the Spotify page of the artist and it's this guy I've never heard of before by the name of Gene Clark. I scroll a bit further down to see his most popular songs and...wow...this guy is very, very, very underrated. The album I just listened to was a masterpiece, how can nobody know about this guy. I get that the album is kind of old but still. I do a bit of research into the album and Gene Clark as a whole and uncover an actually tragic story. This album was a complete failure both commercially and critically at the time of its release...that's not the tragic part. It sounded so great though...I mean, there has to be a good reason this was a complete failure, right? Well, the commercial failure of this album all boils down to the pure stupidity of his record label, Asylum Records, at the time of the album's release. They felt that the album was too artistic, too expensive, and didn't have any potential for singles that would resonate with the public. This essentially led Asylum Records to not say anything about the album and its release. They just left it to rot with its already poor sales numbers. On top of all that, critics absolutely hated the album as well. Why? Well...uh...their complaints basically boil down to "this album is just too good". Seriously, the high production cost of the album was criticised, the experimental nature of it was criticised, everything that makes an album objectively good was hated. It was apparently "too different" from Gene Clark's previous work as a solo artist and with the Byrds to be considered good. Look, I will agree that sometimes experimentation with music can be bad, but how anyone saw this as bad is just baffling. Purely baffling. Now, we get to the tragic part. This album's poor sales and bad reputation from the public and critics put Gene Clark in a very bad state both financially and mentally. He had spent so much time and money creating a genuine masterpiece that he couldn't help but feel devastated. This led him to alcohol and drugs as a coping mechanism. These two factors almost undoubtedly contributed to his early death in 1991 due to a bleeding ulcer....It's tragic. I truly mean that. The completely unjustified "bullying" of a man contributed to his death. I get that critics and Asylum Records were only saying/doing what they believed was right, but these actions/words undoubtedly contributed to Gene Clark's depression and early death nonetheless. It's a tale that we unfortunately find more often than we should throughout the music industry. Pete Ham and Tom Evans of Badfinger killed themselves because of relations with their record company, Nick Drake killed himself partially because of his lack of mainstream success, and so on. That being said, despite Gene Clark suffering an early death partially because of this album, this album would later go on to achieve the exact thing Gene Clark wanted: for it to be known as a masterpiece. Sometime in the early 2000's, nearly ten years after Clark's death, the album would be reissued and reevaluated by critics with nearly 30 years of hindsight. This time around, critics loved the album. It was hailed as a masterpiece, it was seen as a precursor to what bands like Fleetwood Mac would accomplish, and was all around showered with praise. Again, it's unfortunate that Gene Clark couldn't be around to experience this appraisal of his work, but it is touching to see the work that contributed to his death accomplish what he wanted it to. Unfortunately, commercial appraisal was still very limited during the reissue. It's an album that has only managed to attain a cult following. That being said, commercial appeal means absolutely nothing in relation to an album's quality. Like I said, I've already listened to this thing from start to finish, and I'm about to yet again. I know it's a masterpiece. I know it's exactly what Clark wanted it to be known as. I'll listen with a bit more of a keen ear this time around, but I'm already almost certain of the score I'm going to give this album. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Track 1: Life's Greatest Fool Score: 9/10 Track 2: Silver Raven Score: 10/10 Track 3: No Other Score: 11/10 Track 4: Strength of Strings Score: 11/10 Track 5: From a Silver Phial Score: 9/10 Track 6: Some Misunderstanding Score: 10/10 Track 7: True One Score: 8/10 Track 8: Lady of the North Score: 11/10 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Conclusion: Well, I will go ahead and admit that...this album was about as good as I remember it being. In fact, I predicted half of the scores given to the songs on the album just by my memory of them. That being said...listening to this album with a bit more of a keen ear did actually bring a few additional negatives and positives to my attention that I hadn't really noticed before. First of all, I will admit that I can...kinda see what critics in 1974 meant by the album feeling a bit too overproduced. I hate to admit that since that very point was such a huge critique of the album when it first released, but it's something that I can't ignore. I will say though, this feeling of overproduction is actually kinda good in terms of this album. The entire album presents a pleasant mix between genres such as Gospel, Country, Psychedelic Rock, and just Rock in general. Though if I had to choose just two genres, I'd say that Country Rock and Psychedelic Rock are the most present genres across this entire album. Now, this ties back into the overproduction critique due to the presence of Psychedelic Rock across the entire album. The overproduction here...kinda just fits the Psychedelic nature of this album. Take the first song for instance: Life's Greatest Fool. There are multiple pianos being played on this song at once, and one of them sounds very, very overproduced. It's so overproduced in fact that it's genuinely somewhat hard to tell that it's even a piano being played. It just sounds like echoes throughout most of the song...but that factor of overproduction works in favor with the Psychedelic tone of the song. I mean, it's a really, really, really rare case of overproduction being a genuinely good thing. Most of the other songs aren't anywhere near as egregious with the overproduction of this song's piano either, so I really don't know where the whole critique of overproduction came in at first place but....Anyway, like I was saying, the whole critique of overproduction doesn't really even matter all that much either because holy crap the song's on this album are so, so, well-written. Like I said before, when I first rediscovered this album, my immediate thought was that these songs are extremely competent, well-written, and sound unique even to this day. That factor or praise has not gone away at all. I still think that each of these songs are incredible, distinct, and explore every avenue of this unique blend of genres without getting boring. There's a very progressive sense to each song which is something that I'm a huge fan of. In general, everything with this album's music and production just works. It admittedly shouldn't at times, but it just does. Now, like I said earlier, listening to this album with a bit keener of an ear did reveal a few negatives and positives I didn't hear before. I'll briefly go over the four tracks that received either a higher or lower score than I anticipated here. Firstly, I remember Life's Greatest Fool being a ten when I originally listened to the album. I changed it to a nine due to...well, it just doesn't sound like a ten....That and the fact that it is admittedly the most typical country song on the entire album. Secondly, Silver Raven changed from a nine to a ten due to me noticing the littler aspects of the song that I didn't notice before on my casual listens. I also just like the guitar solo sections a lot more now. Third: Some Misunderstanding was bumped from an eleven to a ten simply due to it feeling as if the song meandered on for a bit too long. The guitar in the outro would have bumped down the song anyway due to the way it sounds. Finally, Lady of the North got bumped from a ten to an eleven due to me learning of the song's much more personal message and simply getting a grasp of how truly well-written the song is. Alright. That section is done. I don't ever want to do track-by-track ratings again...that took WAY too long the brief time I did....Seriously, I meandered around my words for soooo long when I did that....Anyway, the lyrics on this album are pretty good. They're very vague and metaphorical, but many of the song's speak of addiction, the want to become known as an artist, the general complexities of life, and so on. Lady of the North is excellent in the lyrical department in my opinion. The lyrics have a very personal meaning to Gene Clark, them being about the peaceful and blissful love he shared with his ex-wife before unspecified troubles tore them apart. The lyrics have a very personal and relatable meaning to the listener as well, however...well they do to me at least. I guess I could see this song not having much of an affect on someone but that's besides the point. The way he describes such a carefree and undisturbed relationship before describing the changes that must come is very nostalgic and somewhat depressing as a perfect, untroubled relationship described in the song is something that either doesn't feel achievable or only feels achievable during one's youth, arguably one's most carefree and immature time of their life. It's great and hits me pretty hard. The last thing I'll briefly touch on is Gene Clark's vocals....I don't mind them. I know people who despise Country might not like them, but they're fine. They're not super typical for a Country singer but they're not super distinct either. Now, with that all said, I still hold the firm belief that this album is an absolute masterpiece, I still hold the belief that it was unjustly criticized during its initial release, and I still hold the belief that the critics had no real reason to criticize it. If someone were to ask me what I think was one of the most underrated albums of all time, I would probably tell them this....and Clube Da Esquina...I still love that album too. Anyway, I don't really have that much else to say besides what I already have. I mean, I guess you could call me weird for knowing this album and not...Blood Sugar Sex Magik, but I guess I just have a very weird knack in music in general. What else can I say? (Edit: I've decided to reevaluate some albums I've reviewed after completing twenty-five in total. I've changed this album's score from a 10/10 to a 9/10 and bumped it down from a 5 to a 4.) ============================================================ No Other Score: 9/10 Song Average: 9.9/10

Not sure how this album managed to slip through the 70s and into the 2000s before it gained more acclaim. A beautiful blend of country and soul. This album is what this project is all about

Good! Not amazing, but good!

Some really cool songs but the other half was kinda generic country/blues/rock.

Another album in this list that was a flop when it was originally released. Slightly reminiscent of Neil Young, especially the track "Strength of Strings". Not too bad, although I'm not a fan of the Country track "The True One".

Very chill, reminds me of the music the boys and I would smoke reefer to while we discussed how groovy the Vietnam War is.

I really enjoyed this album, very folky but a nice chill album to listen to overall. Great drivin music.

You know I really loved this one. Such a hidden gem, no other is an amazing song. It's such a shame this album and Gene Clark don't have more notoriety. Big fan actually.

Decent folk rock, though rather grandiose at times. Probably not "one of the greatest albums ever made". Those who hear this album thinking they've discovered a "lost masterpiece" are giant hipster doofuses for thinking this album is anything greater than another 70's folk rock album with too many instruments trying to cling to an already overdone trend of the folk music from this time. Cope harder, losers.

Surprised about how much I loved this album

nice

Very chill

I really like the song No Other, the rest of the album didn't do it for me as much tho.

This album just kind of existed in the background, which isn't necessarily bad.

Been a while since we were fed a country meal on this journey. Although this seemed more akin to Eagles or other early 70's bands edging the lines between country, folk and jam band. I'll need to read up the history to understand why this belongs in the list. It's fine, but forgettable. Reading the history, I'm going to side with those original 70s critics that yawned, and overrule the more recent folks claiming this as a "best album ever".

I didn’t mind this, I don’t think at any point I thought it was great but you can tell it was made with care and it’s interesting in terms of sound and arrangement which makes it worth a listen but maybe not going back to.

Not bad. Pretty listenable and almost Neil Young-ish actually. Probably because I had no idea who he was and feared it might be jazz, but still a pleasant surprise.

Not bad, just pretty fucking boring. Not a COMPLETE dud but for most of it i was waiting for it to end. Back half was better than the front

Perfecto para coger el coche y hacer ruta. La línea de bajo del tema que da nombre al disco está adelantado a si tiempo 🤩

Like a better Neil Young

A true genre-bending album. Maybe it’s more accurate to call it genre-blending? Gene has made an interesting mix here of folk-rock, psychedelia, and country. The vibe I keep feeling here is Tim Buckley. I wish he had sung on this album- Gene’s voice has a nice vulnerable quality to it but this music is ambitious and wide- ranging, and could’ve used someone with stronger pipes. Somehow, Gene manages to combine the production and arrangement complexity of Pet Sounds with folk rock and I enjoy it. A strong album. THREE STARS

Cover art is cool as hell Music is mediocre though, not terrible though feel indifferent about it

Really pleasant listen, didn’t expect that

*HIDDEN GEM ALERT* The amount of substance and heart this record holds feels like rain after a drought. I’ve been on such a relative bad streak of albums lately - before today. Excellent blend of country and rock (which rarely feels unique like this song does) in the opening “Life’s Greatest Fool”. Insane groove pocket the drummer and bassist create, all for Gene Clark to earnestly croon over. The following “Silver Raven” sounds like an Eagles song they just didn’t bother to sing harmonies on - which is to say it’s a great little country outlaw ballad. These first two songs were just getting things started. The title track offers a little funky yacht rock flare. The moments of near silence on “Strength Of Strings” was well-placed. The melancholy chord progression on “From A Silver Phial”, while a little prototypical for its time, added a nice dynamic to the track sequencing. I’ll admit that “Some Misunderstanding” was a bit needless, and just a more dull version of its preceding song. Speaking earlier of songs that sound like Eagles tunes without the vocal harmonies, “True One” is VERY similar to “Lying Eyes”. Not that either are even that different from a lot of popular country rock songs of their time, but still. Soooo similar. “Lady Of The North” closes out a second half of the album that isn’t as impactful as the first. But that from half is so good that it carries this thing right up to a 4/5. I heard a lot of this stuff on the radio stations my parents would listen to when I was young, I think I have a decent ear for what makes this a solid record.

Man, I love the Byrds but Gene Clark’s solo album just didn’t do it for me.

It was okay 7/10

63/1089 3.3319* This was quite the calm and relaxing album. Nice guitar playing and a wonderful voice. Maybe a nice soundtrack for the early afternoon in a backyard pool and bar.

Loved the cover

Despite my lack of enthusiasm about yet another Byrds or Byrds-adjace album, especially after the boredom Clark's own White Light album brought me earlier in this list, but this is actually a stunning, lush tapestry that blends folk, gospel, and psychedelic rock (always a favourite for me). Tracks like "Silver Raven" and "Strength Of Strings" are absolute standouts, offering a haunting, spiritual experience, but with a unique, baroque depth that is entirely Clark's own. It is genuinely tragic to learn that this record was a commercial failure that effectively ended Clark's career, as the production is impeccable and the songwriting is top-tier. The album feels like a journey, moving from the bouncy, country-inflected opener "Life's Greatest Fool" into deep, raga-like trances and epic, eight-minute explorations like "Some Misunderstanding." It’s the kind of record that demands your full attention. It’s soulful, melancholy, and incredibly beautiful.

I read up about Gene, Byrds etc. Album was good without any stand out track though

I was not familiar with Gene Clark but this was a good album. I have grown tired of this genre but this was nice. A solid 3.5

Serviceable album, kind of like The Doors at points and nice melodies. Didn't blow me away.

This was good. What I like this list for.

Country

gorgeous vibes. loved it

horrible birthday album tho

Idk man… this one feels special

This "lost masterpiece" is a true treat to the ears. Gene's voice shines brightly on this offering of folky/psychedelic/gospel songs, as do the voices of his backing choir.

No big hits like a Byrds album but all the same vibe.

p332. 1974. 4 stars. Quality 70s US West Coast country/folk rock. Point docked for a lack of standout tunes, but otherwise this is excellent.

3/7, 43%

So, I recognized Gene's name from the Byrds. I'm not sure if I'd forgotten he'd gone out on a solo career, or maybe I didn't know. This was an enjoyable listen for me.

Maso

really kinda boring country... got nothing outta listening to this. i love the direction of the album cover tho!!!

This album was so dull that at times I forgot I was even listening to music. As I am listening back to the songs, No Other is a fine song by itself with interesting guitar work, but in the context of the album doesn't stand out enough. Just another boring folky album on this list.

Uninteresting country music.

Sounds like hippies alright.

Never heard of Gene Clark but I liked it!

This is pretty great all around. Nothing stood out as a top hit, but it was easy to listen to.

This was entirely not on my radar, and it was pretty good! I wonder why it didn't get picked up by critics as much as The Byrds? At any rate, some great psych rock here. Not entirely my jam, but helped start my Friday.

Remarkably dull. Not a fan of country overall, and the same with most gospel. This was not an irritant, so I won't throw it a 1. But it really could be a 1 for me.

Thought it was great.

It was a simple smooth style of music. At least it was not offensive.

I will forget about this album in a couple weeks

This was kinda cool, if the A side had sounded more like the B side it would be getting a 4. Really liked the B side, liked the longer more melancholy sounding songs.

meh. fine, just forgettable

Pretty decent - I liked the song 'no other'. Felt like some of these songs would be suited to a Guardians of the Galaxy film, but also kinda country?

Little hidden gem, in my opinion. Reminds me a lot of Neil Young too. If you're into that kind of music, highly recommend you check this out. 8 / 10

****a good, easy listening album

Listened to it and couldn't remember a damn thing that stood out about it other than its classic rock with some harmonies added to it.

Very solid album. Don’t get why this was panned when released. Listened to it again Immediately after finishing.

"Oh hey finally a good song on this album." *Checks phone* "Oh it's just playing similar music now."

The stuff that sounds like Gram Parsons is not great, but the psychedelic rock stuff like the title track is a lot cooler, but the entire thing is a little overdramatic for me and very forgettable.

😳, love the byrds, this just aight

enjoyed strength of strings a lot

'Life's Greatest Fool' was strong. I started losing interest after that and don't remember anything else I liked about it.

Wasn’t sure what to expect from this at first glance, but No Other (the track) really sold me. Strength of Strings is such a jam. I wanna go driving and listen to this.

strong 4

nice and smooth

I don't know what to think about his album. Not bad, but not particularly inspiring. Worth a second look at some point though ⭐⭐.75

First time this has come across my airwaves. Excellent expose of 70s soft rock with blues and folk influences. Easy listening. Reminds me of Seals and Crofts Crosby Stills Nash & Young, or The Band.

Not really my thing but I can see something in there.

Mehhhh

Interesting. Was not familiar with Gene Clark or this album. Album opener made me wince a little, but even then the lyrics made me intrigued. As the album played on the whole thing grew on me. It won't go into my regular rotation, but I could certainly see listening again. And it has a fascinating back-story on its initial reception and later resurgence. Glad to be introduced to it.

70s twangy/mellow rock - very enjoyable to listen to!

It's like someone took the hard leather cowboy boot that is Neil Young and turned it into a soft suede slipper. That's Gene Clark.

Pretty good album. He’s playing in the same sandbox as Neil Young but not doing it quite as well. Silver Raven and Some Misunderstanding were standouts though

Makes me feel like I’m in a western

Enjoyed it but not my thing

It's fine, I don't think its that bad but it also doesn’t do much noteworthy. Mastering is fine, the music is fine.

Not bad might play it again Cali 70s rock/country

'Mom can we get Neil Young?' 'We have Neil Young at home' The Neil Young at home: Except the 'at home' version is actually better on this occasion.

feels like a good roadtrip/background album, with the exception of some songs that feel like pink floyd “dark side of the moon” quality. as in, you have to sit in the dark by yourself and listen to the song in its entirety, preferably on the beach. the pedal steel hit every time

It was okay. It's just kind of forgettable and I didn't really find myself hooked at any particular moment.

This one has some flashes of really cool stuff, and some flashes of really forgettable stuff. Wears it's influences on its sleeve, but never quite lives up to them.

Tidligere sangskriver fra the byrds, det er cosmic American Music som blander rock, psykedelisk, folk, country og gospel. Virkelig sjov kombination af genre må man sige, som jeg aldrig har hørt før. Det kan man også sagtens høre på albummet. Ved ikke om det er en sang som har det hele, men der er meget country og folk inspireret og noget som er meget psykedelisk som nærmest lyder helt Floyd agtig. Det er åbenbart en genre han har taget fra en anden kunstner og “perfektioneret”. Har angiveligt inspireret spiritualized også, som jeg synes er meget passende. Der er også noter af spiritualitet og gospel. Jeg synes albummet er super godt, har lyttet rimelig meget til det i dag. Jeg tror jeg giver det 4 bare så det ikke går under radaren

Really good, exactly what I want first thing in the morning. Really relaxed and intertesting. Highlights were "No Other", "Strength of Strings" and "Some Misunderstanding".

This is incredible. I didn’t really know a lot about Gene Clark except that he was in The Byrds; I have confused him with Guy Clark in the past… I did try to listen to this before but I didn’t want get it. This time I gave it my full attention and I can’t believe I’ve slept on it for so long. No Other is a psychedelic country rock album which reminds me a lot of Gram Parsons’ less country stuff. The songs are excellent, Clark’s voice superb and he is supported by an array of talent both vocally and instrumentally - Timothy B Schmitt, Russ Kunkel, Leland Sklar, Chris Hillman, Jesse Ed Davis, who, I assume, plays the wonderfully melodic guitar solo on “From a Silver Phial”.

Didn't have me at the start but had some really nice moments Will I listen to again: 50%

It’s hard to believe this album was overlooked and a commercial failure when it came out. I think it’s one of the best country rock and folk rock albums out there. It also has a nice layer of psychedelic and baroque pop woven into the sound. The production adds an expansive feel, giving the music more depth. Gene Clark delivers the emotional weight beautifully, adding a personal touch that makes the album more deeply heartfelt.

Very good. It was country but without the twang. A slice of western Americana.

I mean it’s all right

6.5/10

I was Kinda enjoying and I thought of rating it a 4 but them I had to stop when the last song started and didnt feel like coming back. So it’s a 3

Really good. Creative blending of slide guitar country, R&B, and Gospel. I don’t love this guy’s voice but it’s not *that* bad. The music is great! I can’t believe stupid critics ruined this guy’s career and got this album removed from his label’s catalog. It’s interesting & I can hear that it had an influence on other artists. A 4.

Alright, easy listening rock. Vocals were a bit twangy

3.5

Not bad but kind of forgettable, would rather listen to the Byrds

Really enjoyed this

Nice

fine nothing much either way

3.5

Good album. Former Byrds member solo LP, country influenced with strong songs and arrangement. Will listen again.

Not memorable

I liked much of this.

Quite enjoyable. It was good.

Some decent melodies here. Nothing groundbreaking or exciting, but not unpleasant to listen to and not boring. It’s fine.

A good album, I liked Life's Greatest Fool and Strength of Strings the most.

This album is why I am doing this project, would likely never have stumbeled upon this otherwise.

Liked this a good deal, more than I was expecting even.

Bienvenido miércoles con un artista que desconocía por completo. Álbum folk, levemente rockero, viene muy bien para una mañana de trabajo o para relajar a la noche después de un día convulso. Gracias por el azar de hoy y nos vemos mañana.

Hit after hit after hit!

I truly tried to give this one a chance. I liked the jangle of the Byrds, and when that sound was popular in the mid-80s, I loved the bands that incorporated that particular guitar tone and sound from The Replacements, The 3’Oclock, the Bangles and Red Kross, the DBs and Chris Stamey, Don Dixon and R.E.M. Gene is a solid songwriter and a very good vocalist. But as for this record, the songs never shift out of low gear. There is no variety and although the songs are pleasant, they don’t captivate and that certainly don’t have the spark- that certain je ne sais quo- that connects with the listener. Instead of enveloping your mind and transporting you to another place on the planet, you are left, for the entirety of the record, waiting at the station. A shame really. 3/5

Pleasant but not sure if it needs to be on the list

Silver Raven, Strength of String, Some Misunderstanding, True One are my too songs. In the bottom are From a Silver Phial and Lady of the North. The first doesn’t particularly have an “it” factor for me. nice western/country/rock/ body of work. Great songwriting with hope and full of soul. Even the songs I didn’t care for were still great songs.

It's almost criminal that it took 28 years for No Other to get to my years. Banger of a song, so groovy.

Life's Greatest Fool - 4/5 Silver Raven - 4/5 No Other - 5/5 Strength of Strings - 4/5 From a Silver Phial - 5/5 Some Misunderstanding - 5/5 The True One - 3/5 Lady of the North - 3/5 Average score: 4.1/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Not what I expected. I guess I’d call it a country album, but it dips into rock and roll and even some psych rock. Clark has a classic warble in his voice that imparts vulnerability and earnestness. I like this solo record as a whole more than the Byrds albums I’ve gotten. Production is of-its-time but not outright dated; it’s pretty forward-thinking and creative. Clark had the sauce, apparently. I’m surprised to read that this album was met with outright hostility and rejection by the music buying public when it first came out.

#787. I don't know why i liked this so much. On the face of it, it's fairly generic, but there's something about it that made it stand out to me while listening to it. 4/5: great

Was a good listen

Just did not have an impact on me

I thought it was going to be some old-fashioned country, which I do enjoy, but it turned out to be some of the most beautiful, haunting and ephemeral music I've listened to. I kept repeating songs because of how incredible they are. It's definitely inspired me.

'No Other' has been a revelation. Truly some of the finest Americana I have heard. And so peculiar. Listen hard and you realise just how over produced this album is. Astonishing detail, clear Phil Spector influence, yet it still comes out feeling understated and cool. Also, Gene Clark wrote all the Byrds famous originals, but was a new name to me and seems completely left out of his generation. But this album is easily as good as much of the Band or Neil Young's discography. Those two points make a very unusual combination. And props to the project. It's hard to imagine coming across this album otherwise and it's been a true pleasure.

low 4

Not heard of Gene Clark before and never actually listened to much of the Byrds but maybe I will now

This was an unexpected charm for me. I was assuming a hardcore county folk type of album, and in a way it is, but it is more folk and more contemporary than hardcore country, and it has a very good drum-line often absent in country. I liked the lyrical qualities and was quite happy listening to this album. A few songs are not in my favorites pile and yes, ultimately I was pleasantly surprised and happy with this recommendation. Cool!

Big fan

Started off okay but I wasn't sure about it, but ended up really enjoying it by the end. Probably something I wouldn't listen to again. 3.5