Where to start with Gram Parsons albums?

Hey everyone! I am starting to get interested in the music of the late Gram Parsons. My question is: where should a guy start as far as exploring what you would consider his essential or “best” albums? I have been listening to “the sweetheart of the rodeo” album, and just started listening to random flying burrito brothers and Gram solo tunes on Amazon music. So if you could…..point me in the direction of a couple “essential” albums to start digging into his material it would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

Easy 'Greivous Angel' is the place to start, get the VMP issue that's really good, IMO his best solo but GP is not far behind

 

There are not many Gram Parsons albums. The two-fer ”GP/Grievous Angel” will give you most of the material you need.

 

This twofer will take you there along with picking up The Flying Burrito Brothers stuff as well.

Another good place to start then perhaps if you like get the proper albums.

 

Grab this 2-fer of his two solo records for cheap to start, then move on to The Gilded Palace Of Sin. Those are the most essential records.

https://www.discogs.com/release/10118833-Gram-Parsons-GP-Grievous-Angel

 

Sleepless Nights Gram Parsons The Flying Burrito Brothers ....some incredible stuff here....best "Sing Me Back Home" I have ever heard....also "The Angels Rejoiced" and "Your Angel Steps Out Of Heaven"......great place to start!

 

Damn!! I need this!

 

The first Burrito Bros album “The Gilded Palace of Sin” is essential

 

I really like Grievous Angel myself. I think it's the most concise depiction of what Gram was all about and has some smokin' playing from James Burton on it, as well as phenomenal harmonizing by guest vocalist Emmylou Harris.

 

You do.....its fantastic....beautiful record!!!!

 

Yes, it’s definitely his best album, but everything by Gram is worth having.

 

Three other pieces you must have to understand and love his music deeply are these:

Gram Parsons With The Flying Burrito Brothers Gram Parsons Archives Vol. I Live at The Avalon Ballroom 1969
Gram Parsons & The Fallen Angels Live 1973- Get the vinyl but if you do, get the the EP of the Rock and Roll Medley as well...the last pic...if not, get the 1997 CD release which has the medley
Gram Parsons & The Fallen Angels The Last Roundup (Bijou Cafe Philly 3.16.73)

 

This one and his two proper solo albums and the live 73 album on Sierra Records along with selected early Burritos tracks is all you need

 

Indeed, especially on the IR SACD - https://www.discogs.com/release/11113224-The-Flying-Burrito-Bros-The-Gilded-Palace-Of-Sin

 

If you are going the CD route, I'd recommend Hot Burritos! The Flying Burrito Brothers Anthology 1969-1972... It has their first three albums (Gram is on the first two) plus several additional tracks with Gram released on compilations. You can find it for incredibly cheap for a two disc set.

Next would be the reprise albums... available as a twofer as many have recommended...or you can splurge for The Complete Reprise Sessions...expands the two albums to three discs with all the bonus material.

Then I would go with the Live 1973 album.

I don't know which version of Sweetheart of the Rodeo you listened, but there are versions that have bonus tracks that leave more of Gram's vocals intact compared to the original album versions.

After that you may be hooked and will be hunting down everything else... The live Avalon show, international submarine band, collections of mid-60s demos, etc

Then go buy pieces of the sky and elite hotel because you'll also be in love with Emmylou's voice...

 

And if you come across this one....hard to find it but its incredible....I found it when it came out.....Flying Burrito Brothers Seattle Pop 7.27.69......awesome original FBB!!!!!

 

So what we are all saying is....he should get everything?

Well, can't say I disagree...

 

Lol.

I vote for starting with Grievous Angel. It’s the best one.

 

Yes he should do that...just get em all......your wife might kick your tail, but you wont regret it!!!!!! and while you listen to it...it will take you to other music Gram influenced and was influenced by.....sure the old classics on the records...but also Mike Nesmith The Byrds Clarence White/The White Family Dillard and Clark John Hartford....and his good buddy Keith!!!!!.......this music will open your mind to new adventures!!!!! Enjoy friend!!!!!!

 

GP
Grievous Angel

Both are great, Grievous Angel is one of my favorite records of all-time. After that, wherever your ears take you.

I know people are recommending the two-fer CD, but if you can somehow track down this box, the sound quality is so much better for the first two albums and it contains many bonus tracks.




Amazon.com

 

To the OP, if you like Sweetheart, you'll want to check this out, which has all the Gram vocals restored. The 2-disc 1996 reissue of Sweetheart does as well.

 

This overview of his career is really great:

 

I got this and the other ones Sundazed put out.....all 4 are critical for Byrd/FBB fans....great post and thought!!!!!

 

~"The Gilded Palace Of Sin"- The Flying Burrito Brothers
~"Grievous Angel"- Gram Parsons
The first Flying Burrito Brothers album & his second & last solo album

I love & know pretty much everything he ever did, but if I had to pick his two highest soaring albums, these are the two I'd start anyone with.

His catalog isn't that large, so it's easy to hear and/or get pretty much all of it.

After those two there's a log jam of great stuff too... Next up would be:

"Sweet Heart Of The Rodeo"- The Byrds
The Deluxe re-issue has all the "lost" Gram material & it's fantastic - sooooo much better & far beyond the original album.

"Burrito Deluxe"- The Flying Burrito Brothers
The other Gram album, their second & his last with them.

"GP"- Gram Parsons
The solo debut

"Sleepless Nights"- Gram Parsons
All covers- Flying Burritos (9) & solo (3* outtakes.

That covers the best & better main studio material...

Pick a live Flying Burritos album & a solo live one to start with...

If you wanna keep going there's his terrific pre-Byrds album
"Safe At Home"- International Submarine Band
And the other live Flying Burrito Brothers & solo era albums & some other material (stray tracks & even earlier stuff mainly), it's all worth it, to varying degrees. Enjoy!

 

Great post you covered it nicely!!!!