Search - The Flying Burrito Brothers :: The Collection

Decent Compilation!

Morten Vindberg | Denmark | 03/09/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This "cheapo" collection of the Flying Burrito Brothers is covering their first period, 1968-1973, when Chris Hillman was leading the group. Hillman and Gram Parsons formed the band in 1968 shortly after having left the Byrds.



Parsons, who tragically died in 1973, was their lead singer and together with Hillman their most prolific songwriter. Though he left the band before the second album was released he is present on most of these tracks which cover most of the albums released in the band's name during 1969-76.



Their oustanding first album "Guilded Palace of Sin" is represented by "Sin City" and "Dark End of the Street". The former is fine Hilmann/Parsons original with great harmonies in best Everly Brothers style. "Dark End of the Street" is almost as strong - both highlights.



From "Burrito Deluxe" Bernie Leadon's "God's Own Singer" and Harlan Howard's "Image of Me" are included. My favourite track ( "Cody Cody" ) from the album is unfortunately missing. But the two chosen tracks are both great too.



From their overlooked third album you'll hear "Break My Mind" and "White Line Fever". Both recordings document that the band was not at all finished with Parson's departure. Both catchy tunes with Byrds-like harmonies.



The rest of the collection are tracks hauled from various collections of outtakes and rehearsals ( mostly from the Parsons time ).



Most of these songs are traditional country and some were not originally meant for release. For fans of Gram Parsons these tracks are obviously important, but personally I prefer the group when they sound less dated and more like the Byrds.



Among these tracks there are a few songs which deserve to be brought out. Their version of Gene Clark's "Here Tonight" is great - sounding very much like the Byrds, with fine Hilmann harmony vocals. "Dim Lights" is also pretty good, though it sounds a little unfinished.



All in all the CD gives a good overview of the band's early years - and the sound on the recordings is also good.



The 8 page booklet has a short biography and only little information about the origins of the songs.



Three and a half star!"