Berkley – “Gram Theft Parsons”
Americana Highways brings you this premiere of Portland band Berkley’s song “Gram Theft Parsons” from their forthcoming EP Preludio. Preludio was produced by Gus Berry and Andy Jones; engineered and mixed by Gus Berry; recorded at Dead Aunt Thelma’s; and mastered at Sky Onion by Gus Elg. All songs were written by Andy Jones with original photography by Natalia Qubti.
“Gram Theft Parsons” is Andy Jones on vocals and guitar; Sam Weber on guitar; Tejas Leier Heyden on bass; Micah Hummel on drums and percussion; and Madison Berry-Sellers on vocal harmonies.
This opens with a bit of studio band banter, which is always captivating. Then it starts in earnest with Andy’s clear strong vocals as the song opens into a homage to Gram Parsons’ final days, while also voicing self-reflection, asking the tough soul-searching questions: why make music, what does it take, what dues are required? It’s haunting, motivating, and sorrowful all at once; the vocals are timeless and the guitar playing is excellent.
The true story of Gram Parsons’s final days contains so much spectacle it reminded me of a performance, of being an artist to your core. It made me question my motivators in why I make music. This lifestyle can consume you like a fire, and desperation can be confused for passion, and you can look past what is doing you good in your pursuit of whatever chalice you think will finally satisfy your thirst. It’s very easy to become confused in and by all this music, among all these musicians. I saw a lesson in Parsons’s life that I could only articulate in song. – Berkley
Find the music here: https://bigsecretrecords.com/product/1083449-pre-order-preludio-7-vinyl
Great music by Berkley