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Gram Parsons - Fallen Angel
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Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Binding: DVD
Brand: WEA DVD
EAN: 0603497042227
Format: Color, DVD-Video, NTSC
Item Dimensions: 100
Label: Rhino / Wea
Languages: English (Original Language),
Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea
MPN: 970422-2
Number Of Discs: 1
Number Of Items: 1
Publisher: Rhino / Wea
Region Code: 1
Release Date: June 20, 2006
Running Time: 103 minutes
Studio: Rhino / Wea
Theatrical Release Date: February 28, 2006
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Editorial Review:
Cynics have suggested that death is a shrewd career move for some artists, and when it comes to singer-songwriter Gram Parsons, whose life, work, and demise are chronicled in Fallen Angel, they may be right. Although undeniably talented, Parsons never had a hit and made just six albums, and only one of them (the Flying Burrito Brothers' The Gilded Palace of Sin) is a bona fide classic. That's one reviewer's opinion, anyway. Yet three decades after he died (in 1975, at age 26), Parsons is revered as a country rock pioneer, a significant influence on Keith Richards and the Rolling Stones, and a colossal talent who never got his due. While that may all be true, what's beyond dispute (and it's confirmed by the great majority of those interviewed in director Gandulf Henning's documentary) is that Parsons was a screw-up, a drunk and drug abuser who squandered his opportunities and dug himself an early grave, even by rock star standards. It wasn't all his fault. Any kid with a family background like his (his father committed suicide and his mother died from the ravages of alcoholism… possibly with the assistance of her second husband, Parsons' stepfather, who was a big drinker himself) is bound to have, shall we say, issues; Parsons was also well off financially, a fact that many interviewees (most notably Chris Hillman, who played with him in the Byrds and the Burritos) suggest might have attributed to his lack of driving ambition. Richards, duet partner Emmylou Harris, and other former bandmates are on hand to tell the tale, along with his widow, various surviving relatives, and close friends and associates. There's lots of Parsons' music on the soundtrack, as well as excerpts from a couple of Burritos promo films and some interesting footage of him singing with Harris. In the end, the film's most haunting moments concern the events that followed Parsons' death, when road manager Phil Kaufman commandeered (stole, actually) his casket and drove it to California's Joshua Tree National Monument, where he set it on fire, apparently according to the singer's wishes. Now that is the stuff of legend. --Sam Graham
This definitive biography chronicles a Southern Gothic saga and is a fascinating look at "The Grievous Angel" and the heartbreakingly beautiful music he created. Dispelling myths that have grown to surround Gram Fallen Angel shows us the essence of his artistry; it is a truly revealing account of his life and ongoing influence.On September 19 1973 the musician and heir to a million-dollar fortune died under the influence of drugs and alcohol near his favorite place--the Joshua Tree National Monument in the California desert. As the founder of the Flying Burrito Brothers; a member of the hit-making legendary Byrds; an important influence on the Rolling Stones; and the man who catapulted Emmylou Harris to fame Gram Parsons made music histor in only a few years.Fallen Angel features music from Gram Parsons' groundbreaking career with The International Submarine Band The Byrds The Flying Burrito Brothers as well as his highly acclaimed solo albums.The film was made on location by director and musician Gandulf Hennig and American music journalist musician and biographer Sid Griffin. Friends contemporaries and devotees of Gram Parsons talk about the importance of his work and the bizarre circumstances of his early death. Rare footage of his performances shows why Parsons has become a legend.Featured interviews include Peter Buck James Burton Emmylou Harris Chris Hillman Phil Kaufman Bernie Leadon Avis Bartkus Parsons III Gretchen Parsons Carpenter Diane Parsons Polly Parsons Keith Richards Dwight Yoakam and more.Format: DVD AUDIO Genre: MUSIC DVD/CONCERTS UPC: 603497042227 Manufacturer No: 970422-2
Customer Reviews
Average Rating: 
Rating:  - Tale of tragic excess overtaking talent
This absorbing documentary on Gram Parsons tells his story with remarkable ease, considering the often tragic details rendered by members of his family, friends and fellow musicians. Original Byrd Chris Hillman tells an amazingly clear-eyed story of his lengthy and turbulent friendship with Parsons, and it is heartening to find that Hillman is fair in his appraisal of Parsons's personality as well as his musical gifts. Many touching remeniscences are given by Parsons's half-sister Diane, in fact ... Read More
Rating: - Sam Graham, Bogus Editorialist
I take serious umbrage with Sam Graham's drive-by shooting, disguised as an Amazon editorial, of Gram Parsons - Fallen Angel Sam, before you write this review off as a typical fan rant, maybe you should think about what you are actually contributing to the art of valuable criticism.
Alright, maybe you never knew about the strange facts surrounding Parson's death and ensuing funeral pyre. But to aggrandize that over the great contributions Parsons made to the genre is something I would ... Read More
Rating: - Great history of Gram.
I loved this DVD. A lot of footage I had never seen. Gives you a real feel for who he was. It is tragic that his life ended so soon. One is left to wonder what other genius work he would have produced. If you love Gram Parsons, you will love this!
Rating: - Watch this after you already know about Gram Parsons
If you are already familiar with Gram and his music, this DVD is a must for you. I have spent much of my adult life a GP fan, and this movie kept me spellbound and sent me on an emotional ride, just like Gram's songs. If you're not already a GP fan, you won't really 'get' this movie. I recommend that before watching this movie, you read a Gram Parsons biography as well as listen to The Best of the Flying Burrito Brothers and GP's self-titled album. Then, the context of the movie and its characters ... Read More
Rating: - A great account of HIS story!
Although there are biographies about Gram Parsons, and if you need a quick fix on exactly who Gram Parsons is, get this DVD. Back in his days, I never heard of Gram Parsons, nor the Flying Burrito Brothers, because his music never did hit smalltown mainstream rock and roll radio. But, several years ago, hearing him on an anthology of Emmy Lou Harris, I kept asking... who is this guy??? They dueted beautifully and she pays a lot of respect toward him.
You will hear more details from close ... Read More
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