Thursday, June 30, 2016

GENE CLARK Box Set Update from SIERRA RECORDS

Dear Friends:
Good news for all of those who placed an advance, pre-order for Gene Clark The Lost Studio Sessions 1964-1982! It is with great excitement that we may now announce the release and start of the shipping date for the Ultimate Limited Edition, CD/SACD (aka Hybrid SACD)  and 180-gram vinyl sets is September 8, 2016!
Although we freely acknowledge that this date comes later than any of us expected, I would like to take a moment to fill you in as to the main causes for the delay. After reading, I'm sure you will agree with us that these factors were necessary and/or unavoidable in order for us to bring you the best-sounding, most comprehensive, compilation of unreleased Gene Clark material ever released.
Reasons for delay
  • Discovery of additional tracks - After the first of this year, we struck upon a clutch of extra tracks, specifically those that constitute the '72-era songs in the set. It was felt that the extra time and considerable expense taken to restore and remaster this material would, in the end, offset any disappointment caused by the delay.
  • Though we had the original 16 track masters of the 1982 recordings of "Nyteflyte", we continued to have audio problems due to the fact the tracks employed a now obsolete noise reduction process (DBX Type 1) causing unwanted, unacceptable distortion.  At the eleventh hour, Jim Dickson's original 1982 mix of these tracks were discovered in an unmarked box. These were the final mixes Dickson and Eddie Tickner submitted to try to get them a record deal. These did not exhibit any of the audio problems that were encountered with the now 30+ year old 16 track tapes.
  • Vinyl pressing plant delay - We were completely blindsided by the news that a previously discussed pressing schedule would not be honored. It was this final blow that necessitated our adjustment of the release date.
We fully understand any disappointment that you might be feeling about the release date. Believe me, we are as anxious to get this music to you as you are to hear it. However, we must stress that it was out of an abundance of care and respect for Gene Clark's music that we could not lower our standards and rush-release this collection of bona fide treasures.
In a way, it's fitting that this material will see release in September. It was in September, 1967 that actor David Hemmings released his Happens LP, featuring his vocal on Gene's "Back Street Mirror".
Forty-nine years to the month later, you will be able to hear the original vocal for the song, as performed by its author.
The song has come 'full circle' back to Gene Clark.
And fifty years ago this September will mark Gene's brief return as a Byrd performing at their first ever appearance at the Whisky A Go Go in Hollywood and followed by their engagement at the Fillmore West, San Francisco. Gene would leave thereafter to complete his first solo album for Columbia Records.
To the remaining of you who have yet to order, but have been waiting for whatever reason, the only way to insure that you can receive your copy in September of the Ultimate Limited Edition (containing the DVD Gene Clark interview),  just the CD/SACD (aka Hybrid SACD) or the 2 LP vinyl set, you must place an advance, pre-release order now.  If you wait until September, the prices will be increased, and you order will be shipped after all the advance, pre-release orders have been shipped.
As an even further bonus, two more additional Gene Clark studio tracks have been located and they will be included on a separate compact disc that will be sent in September, free of charge, with your regular order to everyone who has placed an advance, pre-release order by July 1, 2016. If you already placed such an order since February, you will receive the "second bonus CD". To place your order, go to:

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