The Flying Burrito Brothers The Gilded Palace Of Sin
The Flying Burrito Brothers' debut album, The Gilded Palace Of Sin, is one of the most influential albums in the history of country rock music. The album was released in 1969 and was produced by the legendary musician Gram Parsons. It not only marked a turning point for the Flying Burrito Brothers but also for the entire country rock genre. The album's unique blend of country, rock, and folk influences set a new standard for the genre and influenced countless musicians who followed in its wake. In this article, we'll take a closer look at The Flying Burrito Brothers and their seminal album The Gilded Palace Of Sin.
The Beginnings Of The Flying Burrito Brothers
The Flying Burrito Brothers were formed in 1968 by Gram Parsons and Chris Hillman, who had recently left The Byrds. Parsons and Hillman shared a love of country music and were determined to create a new sound that combined country with rock and roll. They recruited bassist Chris Ethridge and drummer Sneaky Pete Kleinow to complete the band's lineup.
After signing with A&M Records, the band began recording their debut album, The Gilded Palace Of Sin, in early 1969. The album was produced by Parsons and featured a number of guest musicians, including legendary pedal steel guitarist "Sneaky" Pete Kleinow, pianist Leon Russell, and guitarist James Burton.
The Gilded Palace Of Sin: The Songs
The Gilded Palace Of Sin opens with the song "Christine's Tune," a classic country rock tune that sets the tone for the rest of the album. The song features Parsons' distinctive vocals, Ethridge's driving bass line, and Kleinow's soaring pedal steel guitar. The song was later covered by The Lemonheads, among others.
The album also features the classic song "Sin City," which Parsons co-wrote with Hillman. The song is a scathing indictment of the music industry and the excesses of Hollywood. Parsons' vocals are particularly powerful on this track, and Kleinow's pedal steel guitar adds a haunting quality to the song.
Other standout tracks on the album include "Wheels," a beautiful ballad about the open road, "Hot Burrito #1," a soulful song about lost love, and "Do You Know How It Feels," a heartbreaking ballad that showcases Parsons' incredible vocal range.
The Legacy Of The Gilded Palace Of Sin
The Gilded Palace Of Sin was not a commercial success upon its release, but it has since become one of the most influential albums in the history of country rock music. The album's unique blend of country, rock, and folk influences paved the way for countless musicians, including The Eagles, Linda Ronstadt, and Emmylou Harris. The album's influence can also be felt in the modern Americana and alt-country movements.
Despite its lasting legacy, The Gilded Palace Of Sin was the only album the original Flying Burrito Brothers lineup released before Parsons left the band in 1970. The band continued to release albums throughout the 1970s, but they never achieved the same level of critical acclaim as their debut.
Conclusion
The Flying Burrito Brothers' debut album, The Gilded Palace Of Sin, is a seminal work that helped define the country rock genre. The album's unique blend of country, rock, and folk influences set a new standard for the genre and influenced countless musicians who followed in its wake. Despite its initial commercial failure, the album has since become a cult classic and a touchstone of the country rock canon.