Showing posts with label Grievous Angel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Grievous Angel. Show all posts

Monday, April 12, 2010

Gram Parsons - Grievous Angel (1974)


The term alt-country didn't exist back in the '70s, but Gram Parsons existed so far outside of the contemporary country music scene he was definitely the "alternative" to Nashville, not just for his associations with The Byrds, The Flying Burrito Brothers and The Rolling Stones; more for his desire to blend country and rock so that the two were blended seamlessly into a more accessible brand of country rock.

This is my favorite of his two solo albums, it really should be labeled "Gram Parson featuring Emmylou Harris" because she absolutely shines on every song; between Gram's heartbreaking pitch and shaky phrasing, Harris' steady and confident vocals sit high up in the mix on top of everything- it's really a beautiful record.