Due to my listening to his music a hell of a lot lately, I thought it was high time I started a review thread about him. In short, Gram Parsons here is another one of my personal favourite singer-songwriters and, with his groundbreaking concept of 'cosmic American music', had an impact on music during his tragically short, 26-year life which is still being felt today in country circles. This led to the recording of some of the most influential and important albums of the 60s and quite possibly the cream of the alternate country crop in at the very least the early 70s.
In case anyone's curious enough, there's already a Gram Parsons thread in the country forum right about
here.
With regards to this one though, I'll be reviewing the official studio albums he was involved in up 'til his death at 26, most of which I'd say serve as good an introduction as you could ask for to country in their own rights. These were;
1968 - Safe at Home
(International Submarine Band) 7/10
- Sweetheart of the Rodeo
(The Byrds) 10/10
1969 - The Gilded Palace of Sin
(Flying Burrito Brothers) 10/10
1970 - Burrito Deluxe
(Flying Burrito Brothers) 6/10
1973 - GP
8/10
1974 - Grievous Angel
9/10
Best Of Mixtape
*Glossary of ratings*
1-3/10 = Don't waste your time.
4-5/10 = Strictly for completists only.
6-7/10 = Solid album, nothing truly special though.
8/10 = Very good stuff.
9/10 = Very very good stuff.
10/10 = Absolutely and unquestionably essential.