The Flying Burrito Brothers Hot Burrito 1
The Flying Burrito Brothers Hot Burrito 1 is a classic album that blended country and rock music, and made an indelible impact on the music scene of the late 1960s. It featured the talents of Gram Parsons, Chris Ethridge, Sneaky Pete Kleinow and Chris Hillman, who fused their influences and created a sound that was unique and groundbreaking.
The Story Behind the Album
The Flying Burrito Brothers formed in 1968, when Gram Parsons teamed up with Chris Hillman, who had just left The Byrds. Parsons had a vision to create a new kind of country music that would be influenced by rock, folk and blues. The duo was later joined by Chris Ethridge on bass and Sneaky Pete Kleinow on pedal steel guitar.
The band's debut album, The Gilded Palace of Sin, was a critical success but a commercial failure. Parsons was reportedly disappointed by the lack of success and decided to take the band in a new direction. He wanted to create an album that would showcase the band's versatility and their ability to blend country and rock music seamlessly.
In the fall of 1969, the band began recording their second album in Los Angeles. Parsons was the driving force behind the project and his influence can be heard throughout the album. He wrote or co-wrote all but one of the songs and his vocals and guitar playing are featured prominently on the album.
The Music of Hot Burrito 1
The Flying Burrito Brothers Hot Burrito 1 was released in early 1970 and was a departure from the band's previous album. The music was more stripped-down and raw, with a greater emphasis on Parsons' vocals and guitar playing. The album featured a mix of original songs and covers, including a version of The Rolling Stones' "Wild Horses".
The standout track on the album is the title track, "Hot Burrito 1 (I'm Your Toy)". The song was co-written by Parsons and Ethridge and features Parsons' haunting vocals and the band's tight harmonies. The lyrics are a poignant exploration of love and loss, and the song is considered one of Parsons' greatest compositions.
The album also featured a number of other great songs, including "Christine's Tune (Devil in Disguise)", "Do You Know How It Feels" and "Sin City". The music on the album was a perfect blend of country and rock, and showcased the band's virtuosity.
The Legacy of Hot Burrito 1
The Flying Burrito Brothers Hot Burrito 1 was not a commercial success, but it has become a classic album that has influenced generations of musicians. The album has been cited as a major influence on the alt-country movement of the 1990s, and has been covered by numerous artists.
The album is also significant because it was the last album that Parsons recorded with the Flying Burrito Brothers. He left the band shortly after the release of the album and went on to record two seminal solo albums, G.P. and Grievous Angel, before his untimely death in 1973.
In conclusion, The Flying Burrito Brothers Hot Burrito 1 is a classic album that blended country and rock music and showcased the talents of Gram Parsons and his band. The album is a must-listen for fans of country rock, and is a testament to the enduring legacy of Parsons and his contribution to the music scene of the late 1960s and early 1970s.
