6 Days On The Road Flying Burrito Brothers
When it comes to the legendary bands of the 1960s and 70s, The Flying Burrito Brothers are a name that is often forgotten. But for those who remember the band, their influence on country-rock and the music industry as a whole cannot be overstated. This article will take a deep dive into the history of The Flying Burrito Brothers, focusing on the six-day recording session that produced their self-titled second album.
The Origins of The Flying Burrito Brothers
The Flying Burrito Brothers formed in 1968, led by former Byrds member Gram Parsons and bassist Chris Ethridge. The band's sound blended traditional country and western music with elements of rock and roll, creating a new genre known as country-rock. The band also featured guitarist Sneaky Pete Kleinow and drummer Chris Hillman.
The band's first album, "The Gilded Palace of Sin," was released in 1969 and is considered a classic of the genre. The album features songs like "Hot Burrito #1," "Christine's Tune," and "Sin City." Despite being critically acclaimed, the album failed to chart.
The Self-Titled Second Album
Despite the lack of commercial success, The Flying Burrito Brothers continued to tour and record music. In 1971, the band began working on their second album, which would be self-titled. The album was recorded in just six days at A&M Studios in Los Angeles.
The recording sessions for the self-titled album were intense and grueling. The band members were under a lot of pressure to follow up their critically acclaimed debut album, and tensions were high. They recorded for twelve hours a day for six days straight, with little sleep and even less downtime.
The self-titled album was produced by Jim Dickson, who had worked with the band on their debut album. Dickson was known for his work with The Byrds and had a reputation for bringing out the best in country-rock bands.
The Songs
The self-titled album features ten tracks, all of which were written by Gram Parsons and Chris Hillman. The album opens with "White Line Fever," a fast-paced rocker that sets the tone for the rest of the album. Other standout tracks include "Colorado," "To Love Somebody," and "Tried So Hard."
The album also features a cover of The Rolling Stones' "Wild Horses," which Parsons recorded with The Stones while he was still in The Byrds. Parsons' version of the song is haunting and emotional, and it has become one of the most beloved versions of the song.
The Legacy
The self-titled album by The Flying Burrito Brothers was released in 1971 and, like their debut album, failed to chart. However, the album has since become a cult classic and is considered one of the band's best works. The recording session for the album has become the stuff of legend, with stories of late-night jam sessions and drug-fueled antics.
The album has also had a lasting impact on music. The Flying Burrito Brothers helped to popularize country-rock and influenced countless musicians in the genre. Today, the band is remembered as an important part of the music scene of the 1960s and 70s.
Conclusion
The six-day recording session that produced The Flying Burrito Brothers' self-titled album was intense and grueling, but it produced a classic album that has stood the test of time. The band's unique blend of country and rock music has had a lasting impact on the music industry, and their influence can still be heard in the music of today. Despite their lack of commercial success, The Flying Burrito Brothers remain an important part of music history.