Thank God Gram came up on my utube feed. Love his music. So much soul, feeling ,love and hurt all mixed up together. Wish I had heard about him as a youth.
One of my favorite too. Just saw alot of displays in the CMHOF! Just saw it last week. About time!! I was standing in front of his Nudie suit and "schooling" People on Gram
Great summary of Gram's career. Grievous Angel is in my top 20 records of all-time. By the way, Blue Eyes is on the deluxe version of Sweetheart (for those who want the song but not interested in the International Sub. album), as well as other ISB cuts.
No mention of "Another Side of This Life...the lost recordings" on Sundazed. It's an amazing record chronicling Gram's early days. Also, Bob Kealing's book 'Calling me Home' is a must. This is a nice overview but sadly incomplete.
Hey Mike... I’m a latecomer to embrace Gram Parsons as a real fine music artist & songwriter. Your ranking here is most candid & informative, doing much justice to his music & career. Glad to have discovered your YT channel which I now follow. Looking forward to further exploring your offerings. Surely you’ve had a listen to Gillian Welch/David Rawlings cover of “Hickory Wind.” My goodness! Slow simmered sentimentality at its’ best! What a fine rendition of a fine Gram Parsons tune. Some songs I never grow tired listening to & that is one of them. What I do find peculiar about this arrangement is how they’ve switched up the order in which the CHORUS lyrics were originally sang in recordings I’ve listen to of Gram performing this tune. For me, the order in which Gram sings the choruses is more naturally connected with the VERSE lyrics. But, either way, I love the song in every form & fashion I’ve listened to it being played. Also, I did check out “Blue Eyes” as you suggested & I agree it’s a great tune as well. Thanks for sharing! ☮️ Hank
Mike I think that the Fallen Angels Live album finds Gram in excellent form vocally. The band sound a but leaden, with the exception of Neil Flanz who is brilliant, and certainly are far below the TCB studio album crew of GP and Grievous Angel but the Fallen Angels Tour really helped Gram get together vocally. Singing with Emmy most nights really lifted his game.
@@mbodayle worth seeking out is 'breakfast in nudie suits' Dunlop's book which covers those early days. I don't recall him claiming to have named the ISB in that but quite happy to be wrong on that !
Nice post Mike but please don’t underestimate Burrito Deluxe! It’s not as earth shattering as Gilded Palace but is a fabulous up tempo record. Cody Cody, Man in the Fog, older Guys, Gods Own Singer….! Gram was checking out at this stage but the album is chock full of great songs!
Small correction - the Lee Hazelwood legal issues were resolved before the Byrds went to Nashville. Gram Parson's vocals were replaced because Roger McGuinn and producer Gary Usher felt that Byrds fans would be confused with a new guy singing the majority of the records. They wanted a good balance between McGuinn, Chris Hillman and Parsons.
Nice. I've been a big Parsons fan since I picked up the two album CD around 30 years ago. I agree totally with your assessment of his career. I've heard those early recordings with The Shilohs (Not to be confused with the band, Shiloh, a group which featured Don Henley, Gram Parson's future pedal steel player Al Perkins and Richard and Mike Bowden who later played with Linda Ronstadt), and while they're okay, I've never really liked that preppy take on folk music and can do without them. The problem with Gram Parsons is the cult that has built up around him. While he was certainly an important figure in the development of country rock, in no way was he alone. I do feel for Chris Hillman, he has seen his influence on Sweetheart of the Rodeo and The Flying Burrito Brothers almost forgotten by the Grampires who find the morbid romanticism of Gram's rock and roll death a major draw. Having read many of the books you showed, my opinion of Gram has dropped somewhat. His entitled life and a trust fund which allowed him to explore all of his musical projects and many vices, made him a very selfish person. He didn't seem to care about anyone other than Gram Parsons. It comes to something when the booze and drug addled Keith Richards tells you to shape up and take some responsibility. So, a flawed genius? Maybe, but I'll always find it hard to reconcile my feelings towards the man while listening to some of the great music he made with many of his less well remembered collaborators. Sorry, I went on a bit.
Another Fat Bearded Man Talking About Records I’ve spoken personally with 3 former ISB-ers (John Nuese has since deceased RIP) and based on the stories they’ve told me, I have to say, I agree with you...and that’s coming from someone who into him enough to perform annually at a Gram Parsons tribute Festival. Love his music and think it should be heard. However, I’m honest enough with myself to admit everything he touched wasn’t a home run and as a person, he most certainly had flaws...including a good dose of selfishness.
A man on a mission, I think, which made him a little selfish with his bandmates. However, the people who played with him in the Fallen Angels and on GP and Grievous Angel have nothing but good to say about him. Solo was probably the best route for him, so he could follow his vision. Sneaky Pete said Gram was a genius, and although Gram caused him some consternation Pete called him a true and generous friend. I've heard of some real acts of kindness by Gram. As for the so-called Grampires, most are just fascinated by his music, not his death. They're fans, impressed by his emotive singing, his intriguing lyrics, and his extensive knowledge of music and musicians. He loved good musicians and grieved for those who died. As for Chris Hillman, he's a fantastic musician but not nearly as flamboyant. Gram wanted Chris to sing more lead vocals, but he refused. Chris is appreciated, and I wish he could understand that. It's just that Gram was totally out there as a performer, while Chris was reserved. I admit that Gram's substance use was way out of control and made him difficult at times. Why this happened is hard to say, but his extensive family history of addiction and horrible childhood tragedies and emotional neglect may have left him vulnerable. Great to see that he's appreciated and talked about. All the best!
Nice post Mike but please don’t underestimate Burrito Deluxe! It’s not as earth shattering as Gilded Palace but is a fabulous up tempo record. Cody Cody, Man in the Fog, older Guys, Gods Own Singer….! Gram was checking out at this stage but the album is chock full of great songs!
Thank God Gram came up on my utube feed. Love his music. So much soul, feeling ,love and hurt all mixed up together. Wish I had heard about him as a youth.
One of my favorite too. Just saw alot of displays in the CMHOF! Just saw it last week. About time!! I was standing in front of his Nudie suit and "schooling" People on Gram
Great summary of Gram's career. Grievous Angel is in my top 20 records of all-time. By the way, Blue Eyes is on the deluxe version of Sweetheart (for those who want the song but not interested in the International Sub. album), as well as other ISB cuts.
No mention of "Another Side of This Life...the lost recordings" on Sundazed. It's an amazing record chronicling Gram's early days. Also, Bob Kealing's book 'Calling me Home' is a must. This is a nice overview but sadly incomplete.
I am a huge fan of GP, have all those albums. Great video, thank you👍
Saw him in 68 in San Francisco with the Burrito Brothers........classic! The hippies hated him.
Terrific video. I agree completely with your rankings. I do have to say that I’ve read them all and 20,000 Roads is the definitive Gram bio for me.
Hey Mike... I’m a latecomer to embrace Gram Parsons as a real fine music artist & songwriter. Your ranking here is most candid & informative, doing much justice to his music & career. Glad to have discovered your YT channel which I now follow. Looking forward to further exploring your offerings. Surely you’ve had a listen to Gillian Welch/David Rawlings cover of “Hickory Wind.” My goodness! Slow simmered sentimentality at its’ best! What a fine rendition of a fine Gram Parsons tune. Some songs I never grow tired listening to & that is one of them. What I do find peculiar about this arrangement is how they’ve switched up the order in which the CHORUS lyrics were originally sang in recordings I’ve listen to of Gram performing this tune. For me, the order in which Gram sings the choruses is more naturally connected with the VERSE lyrics. But, either way, I love the song in every form & fashion I’ve listened to it being played. Also, I did check out “Blue Eyes” as you suggested & I agree it’s a great tune as well. Thanks for sharing! ☮️ Hank
One of my favorite artists and so underrated by rock fans.Great video!
Huge the Byrds fan here. Gene Clark and Gram Parsons, my shit.
Mike I think that the Fallen Angels Live album finds Gram in excellent form vocally. The band sound a but leaden, with the exception of Neil Flanz who is brilliant, and certainly are far below the TCB studio album crew of GP and Grievous Angel but the Fallen Angels Tour really helped Gram get together vocally. Singing with Emmy most nights really lifted his game.
International Submarine Band was (I believe) named by bassist Ian Dunlop who had departed the band prior to the “Safe At Home”.release.
Thanks for the info George. I couldn't recall the fact. Appeciate your support.
@@mbodayle worth seeking out is 'breakfast in nudie suits' Dunlop's book which covers those early days. I don't recall him claiming to have named the ISB in that but quite happy to be wrong on that !
@@MrPhilfridge Thanks - just ordered a copy!
Nice post Mike but please don’t underestimate Burrito Deluxe! It’s not as earth shattering as Gilded Palace but is a fabulous up tempo record. Cody Cody, Man in the Fog, older Guys, Gods Own Singer….! Gram was checking out at this stage but the album is chock full of great songs!
Small correction - the Lee Hazelwood legal issues were resolved before the Byrds went to Nashville. Gram Parson's vocals were replaced because Roger McGuinn and producer Gary Usher felt that Byrds fans would be confused with a new guy singing the majority of the records. They wanted a good balance between McGuinn, Chris Hillman and Parsons.
Sin City...classic...LA
Nice. I've been a big Parsons fan since I picked up the two album CD around 30 years ago. I agree totally with your assessment of his career. I've heard those early recordings with The Shilohs (Not to be confused with the band, Shiloh, a group which featured Don Henley, Gram Parson's future pedal steel player Al Perkins and Richard and Mike Bowden who later played with Linda Ronstadt), and while they're okay, I've never really liked that preppy take on folk music and can do without them.
The problem with Gram Parsons is the cult that has built up around him. While he was certainly an important figure in the development of country rock, in no way was he alone. I do feel for Chris Hillman, he has seen his influence on Sweetheart of the Rodeo and The Flying Burrito Brothers almost forgotten by the Grampires who find the morbid romanticism of Gram's rock and roll death a major draw.
Having read many of the books you showed, my opinion of Gram has dropped somewhat. His entitled life and a trust fund which allowed him to explore all of his musical projects and many vices, made him a very selfish person. He didn't seem to care about anyone other than Gram Parsons. It comes to something when the booze and drug addled Keith Richards tells you to shape up and take some responsibility.
So, a flawed genius? Maybe, but I'll always find it hard to reconcile my feelings towards the man while listening to some of the great music he made with many of his less well remembered collaborators.
Sorry, I went on a bit.
Another Fat Bearded Man Talking About Records I’ve spoken personally with 3 former ISB-ers (John Nuese has since deceased RIP) and based on the stories they’ve told me, I have to say, I agree with you...and that’s coming from someone who into him enough to perform annually at a Gram Parsons tribute Festival. Love his music and think it should be heard. However, I’m honest enough with myself to admit everything he touched wasn’t a home run and as a person, he most certainly had flaws...including a good dose of selfishness.
A man on a mission, I think, which made him a little selfish with his bandmates. However, the people who played with him in the Fallen Angels and on GP and Grievous Angel have nothing but good to say about him. Solo was probably the best route for him, so he could follow his vision. Sneaky Pete said Gram was a genius, and although Gram caused him some consternation Pete called him a true and generous friend. I've heard of some real acts of kindness by Gram. As for the so-called Grampires, most are just fascinated by his music, not his death. They're fans, impressed by his emotive singing, his intriguing lyrics, and his extensive knowledge of music and musicians. He loved good musicians and grieved for those who died. As for Chris Hillman, he's a fantastic musician but not nearly as flamboyant. Gram wanted Chris to sing more lead vocals, but he refused. Chris is appreciated, and I wish he could understand that. It's just that Gram was totally out there as a performer, while Chris was reserved. I admit that Gram's substance use was way out of control and made him difficult at times. Why this happened is hard to say, but his extensive family history of addiction and horrible childhood tragedies and emotional neglect may have left him vulnerable. Great to see that he's appreciated and talked about. All the best!
Ingram Cecil Connor the 3rd changed my life
You have to stop using the term country rock. He hated it lol. Great video man
Thanks and I hate it too!
I wouldn't recommend the movie - The guy who played him wasn't that good looking(sorry) & Gram was gordeous - read stories
Nice post Mike but please don’t underestimate Burrito Deluxe! It’s not as earth shattering as Gilded Palace but is a fabulous up tempo record. Cody Cody, Man in the Fog, older Guys, Gods Own Singer….! Gram was checking out at this stage but the album is chock full of great songs!