Heaven Sent with Gorgeous Harmonies, Roots Folk Foundations, and Country Sounds: Grievous Angel Features Emmylou Harris and Gram Parsons' Matched Voices

Mastered from the Original Master Tapes: Mobile Fidelity’s Numbered-Edition Hybrid SACD Presents 1974 Effort with Warm, Open, Intimate, Organic Sonics

Grievous Angel has been called the best harmony records of its era. Actually, it’’s one of the best of all-time. Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris' voices match in a wedding of deep emotion, graceful beauty, and soulful communion. Behind it all, Parsons and an all-star band achieve their collective desire to unite roots country with the rejuvenated social consciousness present in late '60s rock. That it constitutes Parsons' swan song adds another layer of depth to its importance.

Mastered from the original master tapes, Mobile Fidelity’s numbered-edition hybrid SACD brings to the surface previously concealed fireplace-hearth warmth, airy instrumental accents, and distinctive vocal timbres. Audiophiles will revel in the distinctive channel separation and extra-wide soundstage in which Parsons' voice is on the left and Harris’ on the right. Despite having used different microphones, the pair recorded close enough together that they stared into one another's eyes while singing. In addition, a majority of the sessions were captured live in the studio, with scant overdubs smoothing out ragged edges. The performance and sound are heaven-sent.

Most famously known for featuring the definitive version of “Love Hurts," the record is widely considered Parsons' most cohesive and consistent work. While it only contains two new Parsons compositions, it works as a synthesis of time, place, spirit, and kindred togetherness. Akin to the musician's famous Nudie suit, adorned with a Christian cross on one side and cannabis leaves on the other, the album bridges seemingly opposed styles and concepts, channeling a laidback spirituality that owes to songs gleaned from the past and present, memories lamented and cherished.

Whether expressing tenderness ("Brass Buttons," an homage to Parsons's mother, who died from alcoholism when he was 18), making confessions ("Return of the Grievous Angel," steeped in unrequited love), reliving failed romances ("$1000 Wedding"), or remembering deceased friends (the hymnal "In My Hour of Darkness"), Parsons and Co. don't strike a false note. In pianist Glen Hardin, guitarist James Burton, drummer Ronnie Tutt, and bassist Emory Gordy, Parsons couldn't have assembled a more sympathetic band. Add Bernie Leadon on dobro and Al Perkins on pedal steel guitar, and you have one of the finest country ensembles to ever gather in the same room. 

Achingly gorgeous, sincerely heartfelt, and extraordinarily melodic, this harmony-rich classic is a landmark of what's now recognized as Americana.