Under the Silvery Moon

Gene Clark

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 22, 2003)
• Original Release Date: December 23, 2003
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Delta Deluxe
• ASIN: B0000C662L
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #186,652 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Collection of 14 previously unreleased recording. Guest artists include Nicky Hopkins & Rick Danko. Delta Deluxe. 2003.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Interesting sidetrack, November 23, 2003

By	Randall E. Adams (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

According to the liner notes, the material on this disc dates from the mid 1980s. The songwriting credits are shared by a person named Pat Robinson whose project studio was used for many of the recordings. Apparently Mr. Robinson and Gene collaborated on some film music and it is possible that a few of the tracks on here were made with that intention.

For Gene Clark completists, this set is essential. "Mary Sue," "Sleep Will Return" and "Dangerous Games" in particular add to the classic Gene Clark ouvre. Two tracks, John York's enjoyable "You Just Love Cocaine" and the less distinctive "Can't Say No" are sung respectively by York and Pat Robinson,possibly with Gene in the background. There are two covers: a tedious (and for me unlistenable) "Don't You Know" on which Gene is doing a bit of an Elvis Presley impression and "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" with an unfortunately out-of-pitch guitar prominently placed in the mix. There is another (I believe earlier) version of "Fair and Tender Ladies."

Stylistically, this is actually a very pop-oriented collection. The arrangements, which often rely heavily on synthesizer, occasionally remind me of the ornate backing to "Only Colombe." This is not a bad thing, but just be aware that this collection does not exhibit the country side of Gene. The one obvious country song "Rest of Your Life" is denied a country instrumental backing. It might be fair to regard this collection as a more primitive "Firebyrd." The playing credits include Nicky Hopkins, who is probably the keyboardist responsible for the more ornate keyboard work that pops up from time to time on here. I am guessing that John York is the same person who played bass in the Byrds in 1968 and 1969.

I rate this disc at about three and one-half stars. The project studio recordings obviously cannot match the sound of fully-produced commercial recordings, but they are not at all bad considering that this material pre-dates the era of easy digital recording. There are a few tracks from a regular studio including the aforementioned "Mary Sue."

I am very much in favor of the late issuance of Gene's various aborted projects and am therefore very grateful for this collection. My comments here are not intended to discourage the Gene Clark fan from purchasing this disc, but just to make it clear that this is not a collection of major-label financed recordings that sat in the can. It is not "Roadmaster" by any means. It is more like "Gypsy Angel" with other people involved.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars COULD HAVE BEEN GREAT, March 27, 2004

By	S. F Gulvezan (Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

It is rumored that these songs are a selection of 80 - 90 songs that were recorded by a band that included Rick Danko and Nicky Hopkins in the period 1985-87. My complaint with this album is that, for reasons unknown to me, that they left off some of the best Gene Clark penned tunes, such as "Lionna," "Washington Square," and "The Panther," in preference of lesser songs. If they (the producers, the compilers, whoever) had chosen to put the BEST of these sessions on to one disc, it would, in my opinion, be one of Gene's best albums. They did not. However, I still give it five stars, because, if I had done the choosing, maybe seven or eight of these songs would have made it on the album, and Gene's incredible song-writing and singing ability, even on some of his lesser songs, makes it better than 99% of the stuff that's out there. Gene was one of the 20th century's greatest song writers and singers, certainly ranking with Richard Thompson, Shane MacGowan, Van Morrison, and a few others, and sooner or later, he will be granted his rightful place. Until then, we can only wait for the release of his many so far un-released recordings, and enjoy the music.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Under The Silvery Moon - Gene Clark & others, January 7, 2004

By	Donald J Wydeven (Menasha, Wisconsin) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

For the most part, I agree with Randall Adams' review. At first listen I was disappointed with "Under The Silvery Moon" because it wasn't what I expected. It doesn't have the sound you expect from a Gene Clark CD. But after a few more listen's, I did learn to like it - like Randall, I give 3 & half stars. The CD includes a large booklet full of information and pictures. If you are a big Gene Clark fan, buy it.

If you are a Gene Clark fan, his live "Silhouetted In Light" with Carla Olson is a must - a great CD that I listen to over and over again. Also not bad is his studio album with Carla Olson, "So Rebellious A Lover". Both deliver what you expect from Gene Clark, and Carla Olson's vocals match up well with Gene's.

"Under A Silvery Moon" is a good, but not great Gene Clark CD.