Genre: country rock
Rating: **** (4 stars)
Title: Gene Clark with the Godsin Brothers
Company: Columbia
Catalog: CL-2618
Year: 1967
Country/State: Tiptin, Missouri
Grade (cover/record): VG/VG
Comments: mono pressing; some ringwear; cut out hole punched through top left corner
Available: 1
GEMM catalog ID: 4688
Price: $50.00
Cost: $6.00
I'll readily admit I didn't buy the line of reasoning that argued the late Gene Clark was the heart of The Byrds. Now that I've had the opportunity to hear this album, I'm starting to think there's quite a bit of credence to that claim.
Having just started recording sessions for what was to become The Byrds' "Younger Than Yesterday", legend has it that Clark quit after the third day of sessions. He was instantly signed to a solo recording contract by Columbia (which was coincidently The Byrds' label) and made his debut with 1967's "Gene Clark with the Godsin Brothers". Working separately with producers Larry Marks and Gary Usher, this album is simply a must own for anyone interested in country-rock. Musically the set easily rivals The Byrds' first three studio album. You thought Roger McGuinn held the keys to that magic sound? Bullsh*t. It's all here - gorgeous songs, sparkling group harmonies, sly humor; even jangle guitar. Just check out Clark originals such as the ornate and sophisticated Dylan-influenced title track, 'So You Say You Lost Your Baby' and 'Elevator Operator' (the latter giving The Beatles a run for their money). Backed by the Godsins and various past, current and future Byrds alumnist, this is simply Clark's creative zenith and a 'must own' LP. Columbia pulled two singles from the album, but left them to flounder with minimal promotion or support:
- 1966's 'Echoes' b/w 'I Found You' (Columbia catalog number ???)
- 1967's 'So You Say You Lost Your Baby' b/w 'Is Yours Is Mine' (Columbia catalog number ???)
In a case of poor timing and inept marketing, Columbia also largely ignored the parent album in favor of pushing The Byrds' "Younger Than Today". (Good luck finding another mono pressing !!!)
"Gene Clark with the Godsin Brothers" track listing:
(side
1)
1.) Echoes (Gene Clark) - 3:14
2.) Think I'm Gonna Feel Better (Gene Clark) - 1:32
3.) Tried So Hard (Gene Clark) - 2:20
4.) Is Yours Mine (Gene Clark) - 2:26
5.) Keep On Pushin' (Gene Clark - Bill Rinehart) - 1:44
6.) I Found You (Gene Clark) - 2:58
(side
2)
1.) So You Say You Lost Your Baby (Gene Clark) - 2:06
2.) Elevator Operator (Gene Clark - Bill Rinehart) - 2:28
3.) The Same One (Gene Clark) - 3:27
4.) Couldn't Believe Her (Gene Clark) - 1:52
5.) Needing Someone (Gene Clark) - 2:02
