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Bringing this thread up to date with a recommendation.
I'm one of those old schmeezers that still still buys CD's. And still buys them in a (gasp) record store! I embraced country rock when the Byrds "Sweethearts Of The Rodeo" was released around August of 1968. And steering the band in a different direction is Gram Parsons.
It's been a while since I've listened to "The Complete Reprise Sessions", released several years ago. Recently one of my sisters had a birthday. Always wanting to try something she didn't know about, she requested some country rock. And she said emphatically--"NO EAGLES!"
Heh, I knew just what to get her. She knew Poco. And New Riders Of The Purple Sage. And (surprisingly) Mason Profit! I asked her about Gram Parsons. She yelled "WHO?"
This is an amazing compilation of an individual who died way too young, but kick started an entire genre of music IMO. I usually rate Rhino, Sundazed, Collectors Choice, and a number of overseas labels as at the top of the list regarding the CD master copy itself, its packaging, its liner notes, and most of all, the music. Reprise did their homework here. It's an excellent cross section of his career which includes several interesting outakes and interviews.
Amazon has it new for about $40. What actually is pretty interesting when you read the reviews from the customers. I actually know three people here and one person very well. That one would be Doug Hanners out of Austin, Texas. Since 1983 Doug has promoted and organized the largest music sale you'll find in the USA, the Austin Record Convention. Held twice a year, he brings in thousands of customers around the country. He knows music frontwards and backwards and gives a great review of this compilation.
Anyhoo, if you're interested in the early years of the genre of country rock, this CD set will not disappoint.