Gram Parsons

With any icon that died young, the drive to keep the flame burning often results in releases intended merely to make every last note they played available to insatiable fans. Thankfully, the legacy of Gram Parsons hasn't been mishandled as some others have, mostly because his work was relatively obscure up until the alt-country movement proclaimed him its savior about a decade ago. Since then, it's been easy to properly re-release his small, yet varied catalogue. On the surface, this album shows the well might almost be dry, but any hardcore fan will find Another Side Of This Life essential. The album compiles home solo recordings 1965 and '66, when Gram was still in folk revival mode, making his earnest interpretations of songs like "Codine," "Pride Of Man" and a couple Fred Neil tunes entirely fitting. But it's the moments that foreshadow his imminent future that endlessly fascinate: "November Nights," the song that brought him to L.A. after Peter Fonda recorded it; "Reputation," later attempted by the Byrds and "Brass Buttons," which wouldn't reappear until his final sessions for The Return Of The Grievous Angel. Material aside, ultimately it is remarkable to hear Gram's voice fully formed at this early stage of his career. There's obviously no country twang yet, but the clarity and range is stunning, as evidenced on the jazzy "Zah's Blues." Another Side Of This Life is already one of the great alt-country discoveries of the year.