I didn’t think I recognised the name Gene Clark, but it turns out he was a former Byrds member, the man responsible for Eight Miles High among others.
And this would explain why the album is inoffensive acoustic country/folk-rock for the main part. Comparisons to other artists are inevitable; Clarks has a pleasantly melodic voice and at times sounds like (variously) James Taylor or John Denver. He likes to put in a bit of Bob Dylan harmonica as well, and then proceeds to cover Dylan’s Tears of Rage, previously heard here performed by The Band. I think Clark’s version is better, albeit less evident of rage in Clark’s smooth vocal compared to Richard Manuel’s “tortured Kermit” sound.
It also explains why it’s on this list because, despite being entirely pleasant to listen to (a nice antidote after Can’s avant-garde soundscapes), it’s not especially remarkable or innovative. Instead perhaps it appears thanks to Dimery’s seeming obsession with all things Byrds.
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