COULD HAVE BEEN GREAT
S. F Gulvezan | Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan USA | 03/27/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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."