Search - Byrds :: Set You Free: Gene Clark in the Byrds 1964-1973

Set You Free: Gene Clark in the Byrds 1964-1973
Byrds
Set You Free: Gene Clark in the Byrds 1964-1973
Genres: Country, Pop, Rock, Classic Rock
 
  •  Track Listings (22) - Disc #1


     
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CD Details

All Artists: Byrds
Title: Set You Free: Gene Clark in the Byrds 1964-1973
Members Wishing: 5
Total Copies: 0
Label: Raven [Australia]
Release Date: 12/20/2004
Album Type: Original recording remastered
Genres: Country, Pop, Rock, Classic Rock
Styles: Oldies, Folk Rock, Country Rock, Psychedelic Rock
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 612657020227
 

CD Reviews

Gene Clark Gets His Due
Steve Vrana | Aurora, NE | 01/08/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Like all truly great bands, The Byrds were greater than the sum of their parts. While Roger McGuinn was the focal point of the band and both Chris Hillman and David Crosby went on to even greater post-Byrds commercial success, Gene Clark was the heart of the band (until his early departure after their first two albums).



While Clark had a sporadic solo career, the 22 tracks on this disc are all Byrds recordings beginning with early pre-fame demos through the band's 1973 reunion album. In addition, Clark wrote or co-wrote all but one of these tracks. [The lone exception is Neil Young's "Cowgirl in the Sand" which Clark sang on THE BYRDS reunion album.]



Of special interest is the inclusion of "She's the Kind of Girl" and "One in a Hundred." While these two songs were originally released on Clark's 1972 solo album ROADMASTER, they were actually recorded in early 1970 with all five original Byrds participating.



In January of 1991, Clark was on hand to perform with the rest of the Byrds following their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The following May, he was dead at the age of 46. This album is a fitting tribute to a gifted singer-songwriter. For further listening, check out Raven's 1997 equally excellent compilation AMERICAN DREAMER, which also covers Clarks solo career. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED"
Gene What Might Have Been
S. F Gulvezan | Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan USA | 01/06/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)

"As McGuinn said in a recent interview, most groups had one or two people who were really first-rate at what they were doing. He went on to say that The Byrds had four people who were first-rate (and by first-rate, Roger means the best): Gene Clark, who was a first-rate song writer, Crosby, Hillman, and McGuinnn, who were, acccording to McGuinn, first-rate at harmony, bass, and lead guitar. After they lost Gene, they lost their best songwriter. This CD shows that McGuinn was right. When they lost Gene, they lost the center of their group."
Gene Clark In The Byrds - 'Set You Free: 1964 - 73' (Raven)
Mike Reed | USA | 04/09/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)

"I give it 4 1/2 stars. Top of the line compilation of some of the Bryd's earliest material, for until now, I had no idea that Gene Clark (R.I.P.) had exited the group after their first two albums. Also features some cuts from their 1973 reunion lp. Some, many in fact would tell you that Clark was the 'heart' of the Byrds. He's been credited for being a highly talented songwriter as well as vocalist. This disc SHOULD prove that because all except one of the 22 tracks were either written or co-written by Clark. Some of the tunes I thought made this CD a keeper were their Turtles cover "You Showed Me" (actually, it's the other way around, Clark penned this tune for the Turtles), "Tomorrow Is A Long Way", "You Won't Have To Cry", the memorable counter-culture anthem (maybe?) "Eight Miles High", "If You're Gone" and "Changing Heart". Some of the best folk rock ever to be released. Comes with a 12-page full color booklet packed with liner notes and exclusive photos. Would make a nice gift for any old time Byrds fan. Would go great right next to your CD's by Buffalo Springfield, Roger McGuinn, Bob Dylan, The Youngbloods and the Flying Burrito Brothers."