Grievous Angel

I didn’t hate this. But it didn’t really keep my attention for the most part.

‘I can’t dance / I guess, I’m just one of the unfortunate few,’ sings Parsons. I guess we’re some of the fortunate many who have discovered this artist. I’m not so sure I care that it’s a fusion of rock and country - big deal - that’s not his (or hers, Emmylou's) genius. It’s that it’s got soul, humor, voice, pluck. And he can sing, just enough, intimately, consistently, quietly. These songs story so much really - for that, it gets my appreciation.

Second country album in a row. I don't like country.

A back loaded album. The first part is good but from the live medley on it is just fantastic. He gets to retain a sort of cool factor because he played in the Byrds and hung out with the Rolling Stones but I wonder if he would have had more success in his lifetime if he had aligned himself with country musicians more. It's not like his sound is that different.

Seriously, man, I can't stand country music! I hear the first few notes and I already know my ears are in for a rough time! Bloody hell, do I really have to go through that much suffering before I die?

Gram Parsons was one of the godfathers of mixing country and rock music. Reminds me a lot of The Eagles. Dude was responsible for changing the trajectory of The Byrds from rock to more country oriented during his time with the band. He was also in The Flying Burrito Brothers (amazing band name), and The International Submarine Band. Emmylou Harris got her start with Gram. She went on to become a star after Gram died of an overdose. This album, to me, is fantastic. Dude had a hell of a career in his short 27 years.

Favourite songs: I Can't Dance, Ooh Las Vegas, Love Hurts, Return of the Grievous Angel, In My Hour of Darkness, Hearts on Fire, Medley Live from Northern Quebec

Least favourite songs: Brass Buttons

5/5

I’m at a 4.5 that I’m gonna bump up to a 5 with incredibly naked bias.

I’ve said it a million times; I’m a sucker for the soundscape of 50s/60s country because it’s partially what I grew up on. This album takes those soundscapes and blends them really well with 70s rock sensibilities, and it does it in a way where I truly think the best of both shine throughout here.

Vocally, Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris play off of each other so fucking well that it’s kind of mesmerizing to listen to. Lyrically, I thought a lot of these songs, while a little corny or cheesy at times, did a great job of storytelling and capturing moods. Brass Buttons in particular got me damn good.

I just thought this was a damn good album from start to finish – Return of the Grievous Angel is one hell of an opener, and the only track where I kind of shrugged was Love Hurts. Other than that, I just deeply enjoyed it. I’m really glad this is here, and it feels like it should be on the list. No problems with going up to a 5.

Not country again.... Why is this here? My ears didn't bleed, so 2*. But I honestly don't see what this pile of unseasoned mashed potatoes has to offer.

Demasiado country y demasiada steel guitar hasta para mí. Se deja escuchar.

This seems indredibly uninspired and honestly designed to be middle of the road and not offending to anyone. The faster tracks are passable, but the slower entries are everything i dislike about country.

Not really my thing, but interesting to listen to whilst reading the background of the recording, Gram Parsons' death and Emmylou Harris having her credit removed. Love Hurts.

Country. It's fine I guess.

Wer „Love Hurts“ als Kuschelrock Song hört, hat den Song und das Album nicht verstanden. Es geht nicht um eine Beziehung die zu Ende gegangen ist sondern um den Schmerz und die Einsamkeit des Interpreten in einer tieftraurigen Phase. Diesen Schmerz zeigt das Album das 4 Monate nach seinem Drogentod veröffentlicht wurde mit Elementen aus Country und Rock. Leider war niemand da, der ihn retten konnte, so dass dieses Album sein spannendes und tiefgründiges Vermächtnis bleibt. Hörenswert!

A young Emmylou! Love Hurts! In general, its a little too saccharine for me but the vocal work is excellent.

Can see why country music fans would appreciate this, but I’m not one of them.

Easy listening country.

I really just don't care for country.

I started this project to expand my horizons, knowing full well there would be many albums I didn’t like, but committing to listen anyway.

With one exception: I will NOT listen to any fucking country music.

Wonderful songs, sung beautifully, with a lovely cameo from Emmylou Harris. Flawless alt-country / Americana / folk-rock. Right up my street, and a huge influence on many artists I love.

Keskimääräistä parempaa kantria! 3.5/5