Thread by @wydna00

Here’s the story of Gene Clark’s departure from the Byrds, the circumstances of which remain contentious. It occurred following recording of Eight Miles High, a Gene written song inspired by Coltrane's Africa Brass and India, whose writing credit was hijacked by the other members

By contrast, interestingly, here’s the way Gene would later preform the song in his own solo live shows:

Another interesting case, after David Crosby (who’s absolutely terrible btw) left the Byrds, Chris Hillman and Roger McGuinn wrote almost all of the Notorious Byrd Brothers by themselves. Except for the best track, which Gene co-wrote without credit:

After leaving the Byrds, Gene recorded his first solo album, …with the Gosdin Brothers, after demo sessions (which were thrown away accidentally) for a more brooding solo debut of folk ballads were scrapped for something ostensibly more commercial

Gary Usher supervised recording and ex-bandmates Chris Hillman and Michael Clarke, along with the likes of Glen Campbell, Van Dyke Parks, Leon Russel, Clarence White, and Earl Palmer all contributed to the album, and though a solid effort, it feels artistically uncertain

Echoes is usually considered the standout of the album, but for my money I’ve always liked this track the best. Particularly for the drum tone. This was, not coincidentally, the only track on the album Byrds producer Gary Usher was very involved with

Not until the followup, 1971’s White Light, did Clark have the confidence and maturity to make something really special. Gene moved out of LA and began identifying more with his own Indian heritage, and adopted a more straightforward country roots style

The standout is the title track, whose genesis reflects Gene’s break with the mainstream recording industry culture. Going beyond his peers’ “country rock” posturing, the track deserves recognition as one of the crown jewels of American music

And the closing track is yet another standout, which bears the mark of some the anthemic classic rock he had done on Dillard and Clark’s Through the Morning, Through the Night. Love this one, the gentle upswelling, forward momentum of the chord progression

The title and cover of Gene’s third solo album, Roadmaster, plays on his reputed fear of flying, and reflects the good natured vibe of the material. Gene unfortunately abandoned the sessions though for to participate in disappointing Byrds reunion that produced their final album

Roadmaster has always been maybe my own personal favorite of Gene’s solo albums, despite technically being unfinished. It was cobbled together for a European release by the label, but the playfulness and self-assured coolness always do it for me

The highlight is Full Circle Song, which achieves an unexpectedly powerful effect with its laidback, even upbeat country rock setting of lyrics that, on their own, would suggest a much moodier production. This one has always meant a lot to me personally

Gene took this one with him for the Byrds reunion, and it’s the opening track on that album. Interesting to compare the two recordings, though to me the Roadmaster version is superior

Objectively speaking No Other is Gene’s greatest work, and it’s the only one of his albums to receive broader recognition. Sadly the music press and uninformed listeners have promoted many legends about the album, the reality of which however sounds like a @Logo_Daedalus post

The title track is the one most people hone in on, but I sometimes feel like many of those who praise the album without any appreciation of his other work neglect the other tracks. Big mistake. The whole album is just devastatingly beautiful

If you’re impatient you can easily miss just how glorious this music is. It’s an album you can really get inside and live. The vocal on Strength of Strings for example… blasts like angelic horns, thundering through eternity with otherworldly power.

Silver Raven though… brings me down on my knees and manages to overwhelm me every time I listen with its beauty. It achieves this truly desolate atmosphere, with Gene’s vocal soaring over the track with a dignified majesty. Absolutely profoundly beautiful

Gene Clark struggled his whole life to create beautiful music, despite a predatory recording industry that never truly appreciated him, despite a self-destructive culture of drugs and false consciousness, despite himself even. He never gave up.

I really just hope that even a few people will listen to this stuff, it’s important music, deserving of your attention.