Review of The Flying Burrito Brothers - Burrito Deluxe 

To tell the story of The Flying Burrito Bros is to tell the story of founder member and guiding light Gram Parsons. Born Ingram Cecil Conner III into a wealthy southern family driven apart by money, sex, and jealousy, Parsons went north and attended Harvard before joining the American pop group The Byrds. Parsons then jumped ship, taking with him two Byrds Chris Hillman and Michael Clarke to form the now legendary Flying Burrito Bros. 

After a brilliant debut, the Burritos found themselves at a crossroads. Having now paved the way for the new country movement, what direction should the band take? The addition of future Eagles' guitarist Bernie Leadon ensured that the Burrito's sophomore effort would take on a more rocking edge. This is not to say that the Burritos lost their southern country roots, but tracks like "Lazy Days" and "If You Gotta Go" move with a sound that is distinctly more the Rolling Stones than Hank Williams. The Stones, especially Keith Richards, were a major influence on this album. Richards, who had quickly become close friends with Parsons, contributed the track "Wild Horses" for which the Stones' now famous rendering would not be released for almost two years.

After this record and a brief but fruitful solo career, Parsons died of a drug overdose. His musical innovations were hijacked in the later 70's by lesser purveyors of his musical vision. Even so, Parsons was the original cosmic cowboy. Accept no substitutes.

Released Date: 1990
Edsel Records
Europe

Tracks:
Lazy Days
Image Of Me
High Fashion Queen
If You Gotta Go
Man In The Fog
Farther Along
Older Guys
Cody, Cody
God's Own Singer
Down In The Churchyard
Wild Horses

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