In the early 1970s, the original lineup of the Byrds reconvened, and though the reunion was short-lived, a self-titled LP was produced for David Geffen’s Asylum Records. Based on founding member Gene Clark’s contributions to the record, Clark was signed to a solo deal by Asylum, and his debut for the label, No Other, was put out in 1974. Though the album bombed in the marketplace, the LP’s always had its share of fans, which has only grown over the years. And for good reason—No Other is incredible. After 45 years, the record has been given the deluxe box set treatment, and its release is approaching. As a preview, Dangerous Minds has not one, but two tracks to premiere from the set.

No Other was recorded at the Hollywood studio, Village Recorder, with a variety of session musicians and back-up singers. Though recording costs bloomed to an astonishing $100,000, it was all seemingly worth it, as Clark produced a stunning work. Incorporating country rock, folk, psych, funk, soul, and gospel into the mix, No Other is a sublime album that sounds like, well, no other.
 

 
The LP opens with “Life’s Greatest Fool,” a solid blend of country rock and soul. As with much of the record, a lovely sort of sadness permeates the mid-tempo track. Clark’s lyrics are cryptic but still revealing, and on this song and others on No Other, he seems to be addressing the fickle nature of the music business and his own lack of solo success. “Silver Raven” is the first of the hazy tracks on the album, in which the listener feels like they’re under the spell of something illicit. “No Other” is a favorite of mine. Possessing a wicked keyboard part, this funky, woozy number has a percussion-driven middle section that’s one of the most transcendent moments on the entire record. The dramatic “Strength of Strings” is the centerpiece of the album, and here Clark’s voice is especially strong, but still drenched in melancholy. “Some Misunderstanding” is most obviously about the music business and his career, and is epic, at eight-plus minutes. “From a Silver Phial” is heavenly, and another gospel-tinged song, “Lady of the North,” closes the record. While redemptive, there are still shades of darkness in the final track. 
 

 
Unfortunately, one key individual didn’t think No Other was all that—and that was David Geffen. Shocked and annoyed that a $100,000 investment didn’t produce more than eight songs (though long rumored, Clark didn’t record a double album’s worth of material), Geffen couldn’t see the album’s brilliance…

More after the jump…

 
Gene Clark’s No Other is an album that I’ve loved with a passion only rivaled by my love of Love’s Forever Changes. Ignored or misunderstood by both critics and audiences, Clark’s cocaine cowboy masterpiece has finally been receiving its due in recent years. A tribute tour including Beach House, Fleet Foxes and Grizzly Bears playing all the songs from No Other toured the East Coast late last year. Four Men With Beards has released a remastered version of the album on 180 gram vinyl that sounds good, though it is most likely pressed from digital sources rather than the original analogue masters. Not perfect, but I’m glad it’s out there. No Other will be a revelation for those of you who haven’t heard it. I promise.

A new BBC documentary, The Byrd Who Flew Alone The Triumphs and Tragedy of Gene Clark , is viewable right now on YouTube and I heartily recommend it. I suggest you watch it as soon as possible. It may not last long and you’ll kick yourself for missing it. It does a terrific job of covering the life and times of one of the greatest and most underrated artists of the past five decades. Gene Clark was like no other.