Gene Clark, a founding member of the Byrds and a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, cemented his legacy as a prolific and influential singer-songwriter of the rock era. For years after his passing in 1991, dedicated fans have eagerly anticipated the release of his vast trove of studio recordings, many of which remained unreleased for decades. Their wishes were finally granted with the arrival of The Lost Studio Sessions: 1964-1982 in 2016, a treasure trove of rarities drawn from the archives of the Byrds’ first manager, Jim Dickson.
Building upon this rich collection, the six-song EP Back Street Mirror emerged in 2018 for Record Store Day, offering another glimpse into Clark’s remarkable output. Now, Liberation Hall is expanding access to this captivating material once again. The Lost Studio Sessions: 1964-1982 was reissued in April, and now, Back Street Mirror is revisited and reimagined as Back Street Mirror: Revisited.
Back Street Mirror: Revisited: An Expanded Digital Experience
Originally a limited vinyl release, Back Street Mirror: Revisited significantly expands upon the initial six-song EP. Five additional tracks have been incorporated into this digital-only release, enriching the listening experience and providing a more comprehensive view of Gene Clark’s artistry during key periods of his career. Among these additions is a track dating back to 1964, offering an early glimpse into his developing talent, alongside four tracks from the pre-White Light era in 1970, a period of significant creative exploration for Clark. These five bonus tracks were previously available on CD as part of the limited-edition The Lost Studio Sessions campaign in 2016, making this Revisited edition a valuable and accessible collection for both longtime fans and new listeners.
A Journey Through Gene Clark’s Musical Landscape
Back Street Mirror: Revisited showcases the breadth of Gene Clark’s songwriting prowess. All tracks are penned by Clark himself, and the download will be accompanied by detailed discographic notes compiled by Gene Clark archivist Tom Sandford, adding further depth and context to the listening experience.
One standout track, “Yesterday, Am I Right,” originally recorded in August 1967 and produced by the renowned South African horn player Hugh Masekela, exemplifies Clark’s musical innovation. This baroque-pop gem resonates with the sounds of the era, drawing parallels with the contemporary work of the Byrds and the Doors, both of whom were also exploring the integration of horns and strings into their music.
Tracklist:
- Back Street Mirror (January 1967 session)
- Don’t Let It Fall Through (January 1967 session)
- Yesterday, Am I Right (August 1967 session)
- She Told Me (1966 demo)
- If I Hang Around (1966 demo)
- That’s What You Want (1965 demo)
- Why Can’t I Have Her Back Again (1964 session)
- One In A Hundred (1970 session)
- 1975 (1970 session)
- She’s The Kind Of Girl (1970 session)
- The Virgin (1970 session)
Back Street Mirror: Revisited is available for digital download now, offering a deeper dive into the artistry of Gene Clark and providing fans with a chance to explore these previously hard-to-find treasures. This expanded collection is a must-have for anyone seeking to understand the full scope of Gene Clark’s contribution to music history and his enduring influence on generations of songwriters.
