The Guilded Palace Of Sin & Burritos

Gilded Palace Of Sin brought out the best in Parsons, both as a writer ("Hot Burrito #1", better known as "I'm Your Toy", is now a standard) and a singer (his mournful version of "Dark End Of The Street" is worth the price on its own). His collaborations here with Chris Hillman ("Wheels" and "Juanita") would not have disgraced any Hank Williams record (like Williams, Parsons was never accepted by the Nashville country establishment). Burrito Deluxe, though somewhat erratic by comparison, contains at least one more Hillman/Parsons classic ("Cody Cody") and several typically impassioned covers, not the least of which is Parsons' tilt at the Rolling Stones' "Wild Horses"--a song variously rumoured to have been written for or about Parsons. --Andrew Mueller

The first album, Gilded Palace of Sin, is regarded as a landmark album in the evolution of country-rock, almost as important as Sweethearts of the rodeo. Despite the label country rock, this album actually contains a few soulful ballads. On this album, the group comprised Gram Parsons, Chris Hillman, Sneeky Pete Kleinow and Chris Ethridge. Most of the songs are originals, though the album also includes brilliant covers of Dark end of the street and Do right woman.

Even if you haven't heard the Flying Burrito Brothers before, you may be familiar with some of the songs, particularly because Emmylou Harris (a staunch fan of Gram's music) has covered some of these songs - her versions of Wheels and Sin city can be found on her Elite Hotel album. The album begins with the rocking Christine's tune (sometimes titled Devil in disguise, but that confuses it with the Elvis song of that title). Other great tracks here include Juanita and the two Hot Burrito songs.

Burrito Deluxe does not match the exceptional standard of Gilded palace of sin, but it is a far better album than some people would have you believe, and its style is very different. The soulful ballads are gone (apart from Image of me), replaced by rock'n'roll - but that's fine by me. The album was difficult to record, partly because Gram became a bit wayward and partly because of further line-up changes. Chris Ethridge had left, replaced by Bernie Leadon (who went on to greater fame as a member of the Eagles) and Michael Clarke. This album also featured a few guest musicians. Like its predecessor, many of the songs are originals but there are some covers - in this case, the traditional gospel song Farther along, the Rolling Stones' Wild horses and the Bob Dylan classic If you gotta go, which was a huge British hit for Manfred Mann.

Neither of these albums sold well upon original release but their influence has been profound. This collection will appeal to country fans who also enjoy rock music, but will also appeal to many who do not like (or think they do not like) country music, including fans of the Eagles' early work.


Probably a classic   March 14, 2003
 4 out of 4 found this review helpful

Two contrasting albums on one cd. Great value and some great music. The Gilded Palace is a country rock album with the slant being down on a rather bitter bayou. Parsons and Hillman are at their best with predominantly slow, reflective numbers. Deluxe takes us to rockabilly country - not as memorable but a fine disc from the end of 1969.


The timeless debut and the mediocre follow up.   January 9, 2002
 17 out of 18 found this review helpful

'The Gilded Palace of Sin' is THE album of the 20th century, in a rock'n'roll sense. It is THE album that blended psychedelic-rock with country-soul (though The Byrds were close with 'Sweetheart', as were Buffalo Spirngfield with 'Bluebird'). Every track, from 'Christine's Tune' to 'Hippie Boy' is awesome. Better than 'Let it Bleed'. Each track stands out and gets better with each listen- 'Wheels', 'The Dark End of the street' and the divine 'Hot Burritos' (1&2)- the first is an almost teenage look at love & melancholy, that reminds me of Big Star's 'Thirteen'. The latter is a pulsing piano-led number that reminds me of The Band's 'To Kingdom Come' (from another timeless debut LP).Big shouts to Chris Hillman, Michael Clarke, Sneeky Pete et al- to prove it wasn't all Gram Parsons. Oh, and its got 'Sin City'- a sublime resigned country-lull with apocalyptic lyrics that capture the venal nature of the city of angels (Gene Clark's 'LA' would be a poor rip-off). Reminds me of 'I see a darkness' by Bonnie Prince Billy. This is probably the first song to listen to, if you've never heard any (it was my 1st Burritos song!)...'Burrito Deluxe', on the other hand is a ropey collection- Parsons hanging with Keef and hardly there as a songwriter- opener 'Lazy Days' says it all. 'High Fashion Queen' and 'Farther Along' are probably the best of the bunch. The Stones cover is nowhere near the sublime original. It sounds like leftovers, bonus-cuts, b-sides- and that is how it should be considered. This album has a place in EVERYONE'S record collection- it's that vital (as is the 'GP'/'Return of the Grievous Angel' set). For further great Chris Hillman collaborations, see the Gene Clark double-set and the Stephen Stills double-set, 'Manassas'. Along with John Cale, Hillman seems to have been everywhere with everyone- love to read his autobiography?. At this price this is a great set of one of the greatest albums ever. And don't start saying you don't like country!- this is SOUL MUSIC!!!!!!


Best and essential country rock album   January 3, 2001
 9 out of 10 found this review helpful

For those just discovering Gram Parsons due to tributes from artists such as Beck and Evan Dando, this is without doubt the essential buy from an unfortunately short catalogue. Past offerings from the International Submarine Band are probably easier for the more country orientated listener but Guilded Palace and Burrito Delux are the perfect country rock companion.

From the first track Christine's Tune through to Wild Horses the quality of this album is quite overwellming. Artists such as Teenage Fanclub, Beck, Evan Dando and the Maverics have covered songs like Older Guys, Hot Burrito and Lazy Days, and any stones fan will love the version of Wild Horses.

When you fall in love with songs such as Hot Burrito, Sin City and Do Right Woman do Risht Man and your hungry for more I'd suggest GP / Grevious Angel which is another brilliantly priced double LP.