Customer Reviews
Byrds breakaway group starts brilliantly - By: Peter Durward Harris, 25 Aug 2003 
The Byrds underwent many line-up changes but the line-up that recorded the classic Sweethearts of the rodeo album didn't last long even by Byrds' standards. Two of its key members, Gram Parsons & Chris Hillman, quit & formed the Flying Burrito Brothers. This twofer contains their first two albums.
The first album, Gilded Palace of Sin, is regarded as a landmark album in the evolution of country-rock, almost as important as Sweethearts of the rodeo. Despite the label country rock, this album actuallly contains a few soulful balllads. On this album, the group comprised Gram Parsons, Chris Hillman, Sneeky Pete Kleinow & Chris Ethridge. Most of the songs are originals, though the album also includes brilliant covers of Dark end of the street & Do right woman.
Even if you haven't heard the Flying Burrito Brothers before, you may be familiar with some of the songs, particularly because Emmylou Harris (a staunch fan of Gram's music) has covered some of these songs - her versions of Wheels & Sin city can be found on her Elite Hotel album. The album begins with the rocking Christine's tune (sometimes titled Devil in disguise, but that confuses it with the Elvis song of that title). Other great tracks here include Juanita & the two Hot Burrito songs.
Burrito Deluxe does not match the exceptional standard of Gilded palace of sin, but it is a far better album than some people would have you believe, & its style is very different. The soulful balllads are gone (apart from Image of me), replaced by rock'n'roll - but that's fine by me. The album was difficult to record, partly because Gram became a bit wayward & partly because of further line-up changes. Chris Ethridge had left, replaced by Bernie Leadon (who went on to greater fame as a member of the Eagles) & Michael Clarke. This album also featured a few guest musicians. Like its predecessor, many of the songs are originals but there are some covers - in this case, the traditional gospel song Farther along, the Rolling Stones' Wild horses & the Bob Dylan classic If you gotta go, which was a huge British hit for Manfred Mann.
Neither of these albums sold well upon original release but their influence has been profound. This collection will appeal to country fans who also enjoy rock music, but will also appeal to many who do not like (or think they do not like) country music, including fans of the Eagles' early work.
Probably a classic - By: , 14 Mar 2003 
Two contrasting albums on one cd. Great value & some great music. The Gilded Palace is a country rock album with the slant being down on a rather bitter bayou. Parsons & Hillman are at their best with predominantly slow, reflective numbers. Deluxe takes us to rockabilly country - not as memorable but a fine disc from the end of 1969.
The timeless debut and the mediocre follow up. - By: Jason Parkes, 09 Jan 2002 'The Gilded Palace of Sin' is THE album of the 20th century, in a rock'n'roll sense. It is THE album that blended psychedelic-rock with country-soul (though The Byrds were close with 'Sweetheart', as were Buffalo Spirngfield with 'Bluebird'). Every track, from 'Christine's Tune' to 'Hippie Boy' is awesome. Better than 'Let it Bleed'. Each track stands out & gets better with each listen- 'Wheels', 'The Dark End of the street' & the divine 'Hot Burritos' (1&2)- the first is an almost teenage look at love & melancholy, that reminds me of Big Star's 'Thirteen'. The latter is a pulsing piano-led number that reminds me of The Band's 'To Kingdom Come' (from another timeless debut LP).Big shouts to Chris Hillman, Michael Clarke, Sneeky Pete et al- to prove it wasn't alll Gram Parsons. Oh, & its got 'Sin City'- a sublime resigned country-lull with apocalyptic lyrics that capture the venal nature of the city of angels (Gene Clark's 'LA' would be a poor rip-off). Reminds me of 'I see a darkness' by Bonnie Prince Billy. This is probably the first song to listen to, if you've never heard any (it was my 1st Burritos song!)...'Burrito Deluxe', on the other hand is a ropey collection- Parsons hanging with Keef & hardly there as a songwriter- opener 'Lazy Days' says it alll. 'High Fashion Queen' & 'Farther Along' are probably the best of the bunch. The Stones cover is nowhere near the sublime original. It sounds like leftovers, bonus-cuts, b-sides- & that is how it should be considered. This album has a place in EVERYONE'S record collection- it's that vital (as is the 'GP'/'Return of the Grievous Angel' set). For further great Chris Hillman collaborations, see the Gene Clark double-set & the Stephen Stills double-set, 'Manassas'. Along with John Cale, Hillman seems to have been everywhere with everyone- love to read his autobiography?. At this price this is a great set of one of the greatest albums ever. And don't start saying you don't like country!- this is SOUL MUSIC!!!!!!
Best and essential country rock album - By: iain.caldwell@carrotmail.com, 03 Jan 2001 For those just discovering Gram Parsons due to tributes from artists such as Beck & Evan Dando, this is without doubt the essential buy from an unfortunately short catalogue. Past offerings from the International Submarine Band are probably easier for the more country orientated listener but Guilded Palace & Burrito Delux are the perfect country rock companion.
From the first track Christine's Tune through to Wild Horses the quality of this album is quite overwellming. Artists such as Teenage Fanclub, Beck, Evan Dando & the Maverics have covered songs like Older Guys, Hot Burrito & Lazy Days, & any stones fan will love the version of Wild Horses.
When you falll in love with songs such as Hot Burrito, Sin City & Do Right Woman do Risht Man & your hungry for more I'd suggest GP / Grevious Angel which is another brilliantly priced double LP.
