Return Of The Grievous Angel: A Tribute To Gram Parsons

Performer: Various Artists
Distributor: Universal Distribution

Notes: A portion of the album's proceeds will go toward the Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation's "Campaign For A Landmine-Free World." Includes liner notes by Bud Scoppa. Unlike many hastily thrown together tribute albums, GRIEVOUS ANGEL has the distinction of having the heavy involvement of someone who was personally involved with the artist. In this case, that would be Gram Parsons' musical soulmate, Emmylou Harris. Her participation goes beyond mere executive producer duties as she duets with the Pretenders (a shimmering "She"), Beck (straightforward strum and twang on "Sin City") and Sheryl Crow (an ethereal "Juanita"). Although the Cosmic Cowboy's love of country music could be reverential (as evidenced by Elvis Costello's gentle reading of "Sleepless Nights" and the emotive Evan Dando/Juliana Hatfield take on "$1,000 Wedding"), the native Floridian also had a more fun-loving side to his persona. Former Byrd and Burrito-mate Chris Hillman proves this by teaming up with Steve Earle on the country shuffle "High Fashion Queen" as do Wilco who turn the rollicking number "One Hundred Years From Now" into a stomper overflowing with gnarly guitar and Wurlitzer runs. Parson's death at such a young age lends a spiritual quality to this album. This feeling is mirrored in the gospel-soaked "In My Hour Of Darkness" by the Rolling Creekdippers, an ad hoc group consisting of Buddy & Julie Miller, Jim Lauderdale, Victoria Williams and Marc Olson.

Rolling Stone (7/8-7/22/99, p.154) - 4 stars (out of 5) - "...the artists on this collection...concoct the sonic stew that Parsons called 'cosmic American music'....There's not a bad track among the thirteen here....Parsons fans won't be disappointed..." Spin (8/99, p.152) - 8 (out of 10) - "...Because many of the acts on ANGEL share parson's love for country tragedy along with his remove from it...they take the same freedoms with his songs that he took with his source material..." Entertainment Weekly (7/23/99, p.67) - "...plays it straight, with most contributors confident enough to just play the songs, not reinvent them..." - Rating: B+ CMJ (6/14/99, p.26) - "...a beautifully orchestrated collection of some of [Gram Parsons'] most influential songs, covered by artists who owe much to his powerful yet subtle brilliance..." Dirty Linen (12/99-1/00, pp.70-1) - "...once the list of the top 10 tribute albums of the decade is tallied up this one has a good chance of making the list."

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