Gram Parsons died (in 1973) at age 26, a year before the death plateau of 27, established by Hendrix, Joplin, Morrison, Brian Jones, etc. His claim to fame is basically five records, none of them much of a commercial success: the Byrds' Sweetheart of the Rodeo, the Flying Burrito Brothers' The Gilded Palace of Sin, a second Burritos effort, and two solo albums. Not exactly overwhelming as oeuvres go, but these days Parsons commands a degree of respect and influence that's far greater than when he was alive (thus making him just one of many for whom death was a brilliant career move). Recorded in Los Angeles, this 21-song 2004 tribute concert's nominal highlight is an appearance by Keith Richards--Parsons' old drug buddy while the Stones were recording Exile on Main Street--who croaks his way through “Love Hurts,” a duet with Norah Jones, and “Hickory Wind” (from Sweetheart). But if you want real emotion, check out Lucinda Williams' raw, somewhat ragged, and unabashedly vulnerable “Sleepless Nights,” with Steve Earle's “Luxury Liner” and John Doe's “Hot Burrito No. 2” close behind. Dwight Yoakam, the Mavericks' Raul Malo, and a whole bunch of other, lesser lights are also on hand to perform the “cosmic American music” (as opposed to the bland country-rock played by the slew of imitators who followed in his wake) that Parsons wrote and/or recorded before his career was cut short by drugs and alcohol. The great guitarist James Burton comes onstage to join everybody for “Wild Horses” and “Ooh Las Vegas” at the end, and apparently a fine time was had by all at this so-so, occasionally inspiring affair. Executive produced by Parsons' daughter Polly (who also appears on an audio commentary), the DVD--presented in DTS, Dolby Digital 5.1 and stereo--will help raise funds to battle substance abuse. A strong optional purchase. Aud: P. (S. Graham)
Return to Sin City: A Tribute to Gram Parsons
(2004) 106 min. DVD: $19.99. Image Entertainment (avail. from most distributors). Color cover. Volume 20, Issue 3
Return to Sin City: A Tribute to Gram Parsons
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