Greg Mitchell is the author of a dozen books and now writer/director of award-winning films, including this one coming to PBS stations in May. He was also a longtime editor of the legendary Crawdaddy.
As a major and longtime Gene Clark fan—see my tribute with a dozen songs here—you knew I’d be interested in new vinyl of his late duo album with Carla Olson, So Rebellious a Lover. Adding to the appeal was a small bonus disc including their version of Carla’s great “Number One Is to Survive.” I knew the song from their live album, Gene’s last, before his death at 46. They were planning a second album together and it might have been great.
That bonus cut (live-in-Gene’s-living-room) is not up on YouTube but below you’ll find the even better version from the aforementioned, obscure, live set. Then her Textones original.
Also on the bonus single is an alt-version of one of Gene’s best later tunes, “Gypsy Rider.” So here he does it with Carla on live Nashville TV, plus much more. Down below the usual political cartoons and a reminder to please subscribe if you have not, it’s still free.
Gene Clark and Carla, “Number One is to Survive,” live.
Carla with her original via Textones, a chunkier version for sure.
“Gypsy Rider” live. Gene’s last shot for new stardom.
More Gene and Carla on “The Drifter.”
Carla, of course, also known for other collaborations, notably with Mick Taylor, a nice little sample here:
Recent title cut from her album with the Long Ryders’ Stephen McCarthy
One of Gene’s final (and best) songs, here live with Carla.
Olde Buffalo Springfield fans will enjoy her version (with Timothy B. Schmit and Rusty Young) of Richie’s Furay’s “A Child’s Claim to Fame.”
CARTOONING
Great spelunking! An embarrassment of Clarkian riches.