Silverado '75-Live & Unreleased

Gene Clark | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 10, 2008)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Collector's Choice
• ASIN: B0016MJ3EU
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #20,329 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #72 in Music > Pop > Oldies > Baroque Pop

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

42 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Way To Remember Gene, June 11, 2008

By 

PHILIP S WOLF (SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CA. USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Silverado '75-Live & Unreleased (Audio CD)

Thirty three years after the fact, I am writing about a show from a small club in Colorado. Now after all the time that has passed, we now are lucky enough to visit with Gene, and {via our CD Players} hear the wonder and the magic that he possessed.

"Silverado '75 ~ Live & Unreleased" is an honest testament to one of the finest American singer/songwriter and performers of American popular music, well...ever. This is Gene, {on a good night} standing before a happy bunch playing some Byrd chestnuts: {"Here Without You","Set You Free This Time"} some good ol' traditional gems: {"Long Black Veil", "In The Pines'} and stipped-down versions of a few of his greatest compositions: {"Train Leaves Here This Morning", "She Darked The Sun"}.

With only two other players as support: Roger White -Guitars & Harmony Vocals and Duke Bardwell -Bass & Acoustic Guitars and Harmonies}. This is Gene's music performed without all the over-production that marred some of his studio recordings. Gene was a GREAT performer,and now we get to listen in and hear him at his very best: {listen for his great 'hillbilly' vocal tricks} and having heaps of fun. {Using a 'Dylan' voice between songs}.

To say that Gene Clark is about the most underrated of American music greats is in it's self an understatement. Here are twelve fantasic songs, and they are sung and played like no others can. Gene Clark, is presented here in all his wonder and glory...This is timeless music that shines like a mountian stream at dawn. Just give this one a listen, you won't be Sorry.

This is the Gene Clark that I remember from a stage in Norfolk, Va way back in 1985. He was amazing to watch and hear on that night, and on: "Silverado 75" all of the magic that I remember is presented all over again. This one is essential. Don't think of this as rock, folk of even country music. This is American storytelling by one of the finest we have ever had. Gene, didn't gain the notice that deserved him while he was alive. Here is another chance to enjoy nim, don't pass him by.
FIVE STARS!!!

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not Clark's best, but ..., July 3, 2008

By 

Statman (Little Rock, AR USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Silverado '75-Live & Unreleased (Audio CD)

Although Gene Clark has had a number of superior live performances, and this album is not among his better releases, it is still folksey and enjoyable. A nice blend of rock, folk, and country delivered in a laidback, intimate fashion. For those unfamiliar with Clark's music outside the Byrds, I would recommend starting with No Other, Flying High, or the Fantastic Expedition of Dillard and Clark, all fantastic albums. Roadmaster, White Light, So Rebellious a Lover, and In Concert are also excellent. But for Clark/Byrds fans this release is special indeed.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A Byrd Flies Alone, July 14, 2008

By 

Cordo (USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Silverado '75-Live & Unreleased (Audio CD)

After Gene Clark quit The Byrds in 1966 (he came back temporarily a couple of times in the ensuing years), he really struggled. He had a crippling fear of flying (he grew up next to an airport and had witnessed a plane crash, which stuck with him), so he couldn't tour effectively to promote his albums.

This concert was part of a tour to promote his latest album, "No Other" (1974). After a rift with record company present David Geffen, "No Other" had received critical acclaim but little promotion and died on the vine. Clark took matters into his own hands. He rented a van, got a couple of guys to play back-up (the "Silverado" of the title), and hit the road. Unfortunately, his situation wasn't helped by his alcohol and drug abuse, which made him unreliable and ultimately killed first his career and then him.

Like Brian Wilson in the '70's, if you caught Gene Clark when he was on, you were in for a treat. Gene's romantic quaver is intact and his Kansas twang is more to the fore. Most of the songs are from his solo albums. Gene plays harmonic and guitar. He uses the harp almost like a sax.

"No Other" and "Silver Raven" are from "No Other." "Kansas City Southern" here is a country lope. Check out the "Three Byrds in London" CD (also sold by Amazon) for a tough bluesy rocker version. Gene includes only two Byrds numbers. "Here without You" from the first album is very much re-worked and comes out as a song of plaintive longing and is much more effective. "Set You Free This Time" from the second album is full of romantic resignation.

Gene Clark was a fine singer and great songwriter. The vocals here are a little more nasal than we are used to, possibly the effect of too much cocaine. We are used to hearing him in a band context. Here, the songs are stripped down to their essence. This show is not only an opportunity to hear him sing without studio trickery, but the commentary between songs also shows a lot about his personality. You can also catch him live in a couple of McGuinn and Clark shows from 1977 on wolfang'svault.com. Gene and his merry band generate evergy when needed and vocal beauty also. If you want to hear a rock legend out there with just his songs, you'll really enjoy this show.