Another Side of This Life

Gram Parsons | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 2, 2001)
• Original Release Date: 1965
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sundazed Music Inc.
• ASIN: B000056IAI
• In-Print Editions: Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #57,301 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Loaded with never-before-heard 1965-'66 demos of the legendary Gram Parsons -- country-rock pioneer and former member of the Byrds and Flying Burrito Brothers -- this stunning treasure trove includes earliest-known acoustic versions of signature Parsons anthems "Brass Buttons," "November Nights" and others. These 18 tracks combine the innocence of youth with the visionary singing and songwriting that were distinctively Parson's.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Previously Unreleased Early Reocrdings of Gram Parsons, December 21, 2000

By 

Ron Frankl (North Carolina) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Another Side of This Life (Audio CD)

Gram Parsons is best known as the founding figure of the country-rock movement. As a member of the Byrds and Flying Burrito Brothers and, later, as a solo artist, Parsons created the marriage of two musical styles that is still going strong today in the "Alt Country" or Americana movements. Although raised on rock & roll and country, Parsons was known to have spent a period of his teenage years performing in a folk trio known as the Shilos (Sierra Records released a recording of the group circa 1964 that is, sadly out of print). Now the folks at Sundazed Records, one of the finest reissue labels on the planet, have released a previously unknown set of private recordings made by Parsons in 1965 and 1966.

This is a significant release because of relatively limited number of recordings made by Gram Parsons, but fans eager to trace the origins of country rock will be somewhat disappointed. This is a folk album, pure and simple, featuring Gram and his guitar recorded at a friend's home. The songs are a mix of familiar folk revival tunes and a few originals. The most surprising aspect here is that Parsons sings in the very proper and stagy style favored by most folkies at the time, devoid of individuality and emotion. He had recently spent time in New York's Greenwich Village, and it appears that he was influenced by the then-thriving folk movement, in terms of both repertoire and performing style. Its interesting to hear him sing in such a formal manner, because it is the antithesis of the highly emotional if sometimes sloppy vocal style that was one of the most obvious characteristics of his later work.

Several of the originals on this CD would reappear later. "Reputation" was recorded by the Byrds for their landmark "Sweetheart of the Rodeo" album in 1968, although it wasn't released until the expanded CD reissue of the mid-'90's. More significantly, "Brass Buttons," which Parsons recorded for his final album, "Grievous Angel", in 1973, is included in a nice version that hints at Parsons' future musical direction, and it is clearly the highlight of "Another Side of This Life."

Fans of Gram Parsons will certainly want to hear this, and probably even own it. It is definitely not the place to start, though, it you want to discover what made his music so special.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Facts, September 5, 2002

By 

"hansinidaho" (LA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Another Side of This Life (Audio CD)

If you're a Gram fan, you'll probably disagree heartily with the preceding review when you hear these sounds. The recordings are in fact dramatically different--less mature--than later work, but that's what makes them so interesting. It's enchanting to hear that youthful, at-times-frail-at-times-powerful voice. You just might cherish this one.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars production note, December 1, 2009

By 

Shawn A. Stokes (birmingham, al) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Another Side of This Life (Audio CD)

this collection of recordings was recorded by mr. jim carleton, of carleton music in winter haven, florida (gram's home town). i grew up in winter haven and got most of my early music gear from carleton's store. jim actually has quite a few treasures from the 60's and 70's. if you are ever in the area, you should stop by.

also, i believe these recordings were made on gram's family's estate in central florida.