Return Of The Grievous Angel: A Tribute To Gram Parsons
The gentle hand ofEmmylou Harrisguides this tribute to ill-fated country-rock avatarGram Parsons, which goes a long way toward explaining why this star-studded salute avoids the pitfalls that befall many such projects. Harris got her start harmonizing with the patron saint of alt country, contributing mightily to Parsons's two early 1970s solo albums and reviving selections from his small, but indispensable, oeuvre throughout her career. She has a vested interest in finding a true connection between her former benefactor and this cast of Parsons partisans. Here she bands together a flock of followers who range from obvious offspring (Wilco,Gillian Welch,Whiskeytown) to not-so-evident disciples (Beck, thePretenders,Sheryl Crow). Parsons's partner in theFlying Burrito Brothers,Chris Hillman, teams withSteve Earleon "High Fashion Queen," andDavid Crosby(like Parsons and Hillman, an ex-Byrd) joinsLucinda Williamson "Return of the Grievous Angel." Harris harmonizes with Beck on "Sin City" and shares the mic with Crow on "Juanita," one of the collection's highlights. Ultimately, Harris has assembled a homage that would've pleased her old mentor.--Steven Stolder