Return Of The Grievous Angel: A Tribute To Gram Parsons

Isn't it a little outragious that we now have not only this wonderful tribute Album but three others to choose from after spending untold years combing through Import Bins to find yet another elusive Gram Parsons or Burrito Bros Track? All the sudden there is a Gram-Glut, but.. you don't hear me complaining! If you are new to your Gram-Fandom, this here is the first Tribute Album you should buy for several reasons: First, this one gathers together a unique blend of the most memorable Gram tunes performed by a group of artists who inherited the mantle he passed on. Other Tribute recordings have a more varied mix of performers and the renditions of the songs do not always sound "Gram-like" or even true to the origins of the material. The second reason to start with this one is that it is the only one Produced by Emmylou Harris, Gram's singing Partner in life and star in her own right. She brings an honesty to the production and hearing her familiar harmonies...Read more

I eagerly awaited the release of this album and now that I have been kicking it around for a couple of months, I feel that the time is right for a few comments. Ahem, here goes...

Unlike the other Gram tribute on the market (Conmemorativo - A Tribute to Gram Parsons, Rhino Records 1993, go have a browse, it's sure to be here somewhere), the versions of Parson's songs are mostly faithful readings of the originals. Sometimes that works, (Sheryl Crow's and Emmylou's Juanita is spine-tingling); sometimes it is just karaoke. (Mr Dando, please stand up). Wilco's version of 100 Years From Now is fabulous. It shows the quality of the song; if in doubt, slip on Sweetheart of the Rodeo and listen to the original alongside it. (Incidentally, if you have not heard Conmemorativo, it is worth getting just for Something Happens' version of Brass Buttons)

One of Gram's strengths was his delivery, the way he sang his own songs or inpterpreted others. I have heard many different versions...Read more

It was midnight and I stumbled upon a show called West 57th Sessions, from New York and unbeknown to me, what I was watching was a live performance of this tribute CD, "Return of the Grievious Angel." I managed to record the remaining 5 or 6 songs and hope to see it on video one day.

With little familiarity to Gram Parsons, I was so taken by this tribute that was so well done, with fine musicians. Emmylou Harris, who sang with him before he died in the 70s so young, has kept his music alive and introduced him to new generations of music lovers.

On the show, I was introduced to Beck, I thought to myself..."who is this guy who sounds like Parsons?"

A favorite of mine, is Steve Earle and Chris Hillman on "High Fashion Queen. " The group consisted of Lucinda Williams, Gillian Welch, Cowboy Junkies, Elvis Costello, Wilco, David Crosby, Whiskeytown, etc. How wonderfuls the tribute of "In My Hour of Darkness" by the Rolling Creekdrippers.

Emmylou Harris and Sheryl Crow...Read more