Reviews (page 2 of 8)
At 2:29 on Christine’s Tune you can hear a man clearing his throat. Very beautiful other than that. Gram Parsons has such a perfect voice. Hot Burritos #1 and #2 are really special. Some of the songs just feel like stock country music. If I liked slide guitar more this would probably be 5 stars but I have to acknowledge my yankee bias.
The first track here gave me some vague hope that there might be something different about this country music; there were a few unconventional sounds and some mild psychedelia... but then every subsequent track was country with the odd electric guitar. "Wheels" added in the odd blast of loud distorted guitar, but was otherwise a conventional, very dull, country song. Listenable, as far as country music goes, but literally no idea why it's on this list.
So this is quite an old album so I'm going to give it that benefit but it's just mumbled dreary vocals with twangy guitars. This is pretty much countrycore and I'm blaming it for spreading this style of music I hate.
Fly little burrito fly!
Rätt trist
Rätt skönt sound!
Trevligt!
Not into it.
Hey, The Flying Burrito Brothers. Last.fm recommended these guys to me once because this list has completely annihilated my music recommendations. These guys are 60s pop rock, if I'm not mistaken. I've nothing else to say about this band, so I might as well get into this one. Here goes. Another one of those albums which has really fucking annoying audio panning. No, I do not like hearing the lead vocals through my left ear while the backing vocals come through my right, thank you very much. It results in a skewed and empty sound, funnily enough. Honestly, I could do a better job than these numbskulled audio engineers, and I will. I've just booked a plane flight to California and will be marching my way into A&M Records so I can condescendingly wave my empty resume in their faces. I'm unsure of how to feel about this album, truth be told. Part of me wants to like this album and does, though there's a larger part which fails to connect with this music. It seems I'm unable to shake the deep indifference I feel towards country, though I can't deny that this is some quality stuff. The vocalists harmonise with one another and perform their music very well, the jangling sound of the guitars ascribe a warm, homely feel to this music, and the plodding bass which underscores the guitars is quite endearing. This album has one major highlight in the form of "Hot Burrito #2", which is real fucking good. That leading guitar riff is silky smooth and oh so pleasing. Most of the albums I come to like have one really good song which causes me to warm to the rest of the material, so I think this album has some pretty good prospects for the future. For the time being, however, I thought this was a middling, if adept listen. Book time. The Flying Burrito Brothers are comprised of two former members of The Byrds. "The songwriting partnership of the hugely experienced Hillman and the visionary Parsons produced a perfect blueprint for country-rock - a genre in which the Burritos were pioneers." The suits featured on this album cover were a play to attract rock listeners. That's amusing. "Wheels", "Christine's Tune", "Sin City" and both "Hot Burrito" tracks are considered country rock classics. The original lineup of this band dissolved shortly after the release of this album. The album bombed at the time, though it has since come to be recognised as a genre-defining classic. Wikipedia verifies that this is an important release in country rock music. The Eagles and Elvis Costello are among the acts that have been influenced by this album. It has also been greatly influential within neotraditional and alt country music. On a 1997 reissue of this album, Sid Griffin of The Long Ryders mentioned that infamous quote from Brian Eno about The Velvet Underground in relation to this album. Yeah, this album seems to be in here on good authority. I cosign this inclusion.
Ehh its alright, didnt do a heck of a lot for me sadly on this listen, probably should be a 3 but im feeling brutal today sorry, guess i just wasnt feeling country today.
I'm sure that this record was interesting/innovative at the time for wrapping up the different ingredients of country, folk, and rock in a container — just flying at your ears, meant to tickle your taste receptors. And yet, the music is a little too tame, kind of bland even. I can tell that this isn't for me, in part, by how I find myself thinking "I really appreciate that it sounds vintage, with a warm and mellow tone" — I'm definitely trying to be generous and coming up short for praise each time I put it on. Lyrically, it's a bit devil and sin obsessed (which should help it). Unfortunately, despite some critical edge, it's not spicy enough to warrant more stars.
Way too much weepy shit. 3
Looking at the album cover, I thought this band might be interesting. In the event, it was just country and western. Which is a genre I struggle with. In general, I don't like it. But there are some exceptions that prove the rule. Unfortunately, The Flying Burrito Brothers are not one of those exceptions.
I imagine that this album is on the list because of its blending of Country & Western traditions with the emerging rock sounds of the late 60s. I just wasn’t that impressed by it, though. Enjoyable enough to listen to, but nothing to write home about.
I love a steel guitar, otherwise this is sort of avg country music to me. 2.5
This seems like conventional protest folk. I didn’t hate it, and it’s certainly historically relevant, but I’m not sure it really justifies its inclusion here in this list.
A feel good country album. Some good songs here and there like Sin City but nothing special in particular.
I like the name of the band way more than the album. 2⭐️
Simply put, a really enjoyable country album. Really good
Excellent debut album by an experienced band. The opening Christine's Tune is a perfect example of the country/pop/psych blend the band was aiming for. Overall some great playing and hooky melodies. 4
Mhhh surprisingly enjoyable
Ive heard its influential. But overall, pretty pretty pretty....boring
Proto alt country from the 60s. I can dig it.
I was previously familiar with this album. It is a country rock album, cut from the same cloth as some Byrds albums such as Sweetheart of the Rodeo. In fact, it features some of the same personnel as that album. This album has some particularly strong tracks, namely Christine's Tune and Hot Burrito #1. Overall it's pretty good and I would listen again, but this isn't something I would listen to very often.
lurv :3
this shit is so lame that i wanna throw a whole bowl of burrito out my window. 2/5
On first listen I found this ok, but on second I was so bored I could barely stand it. This style of ballad country is not my cup of tea. 2/5
I thought it was pleasant enough but a bit boring at times. On some of the songs the singing grated on me a bit, I think mainly the first 2 songs, so I don't know if it changed after that or if I got used to it. Enjoyed the song about trying to dodge the draft. I wasn’t a big fan of the cover of Do Right Woman. Overall I thought it was nice to have on in the background but not something I'll listen to again. Fav song: My Uncle Least fav: Christine’s Tune
Vaguely enjoyable. Like the country vibe. Not sure what the whole dollar story at the end was meant to mean. Specific rating - 3.8 fav song - my uncle Least fav - hot burrito #2
Love their funky suits, I want one. Reading their Wikipedias there are so many familiar names that come up, as session musicians and Byrd's members these guys appeared all over the place (and all over this list- Joni Mitchells Blue, Willie Nelson's Stardust, Leonard Cohen's I'm Your Man, the Byrd's albums). Also David Crosby is on this album! I enjoyed this album although I do think it's definitely very of the time. I think I expected something a bit more interesting from it. Favourite song: Do You Know How It Feels Least: Hot Burrito #2
Man, I was not excited to get this once I realized it was country. But I'm actually enjoying it quite a bit. It's mix with folk and some slight psychedelic elements are great. I do tend to enjoy the folkier songs more than the country songs, but yeah. Good album.
Either this is forgettable or my memory is faulty.
Groovy
Middle of the road country rock with just a tiny whiff of psychedelic. If this is all the wild experimentation you can come up with on drugs, maybe your creativity isn't all you thought it was. And of this has been very influential in future American music, not in a good way in my book. Just compare it to what the Zombies out the Beatles were doing at the time.
Rate: 7/10.
Música country clásica, no está mal.
Ok it appears my review of Sweetheart of the Rodeo was supposed to belong to this one. This one’s not as good as that one tho. Or so is my present opinion. 3 and an almost half which isn’t quite enough to round upwards
Bit twangly but was still and interesting album with some fun song premises. Not for me but not awful.
With a name like that I was expecting this album to be more interesting.
Solid album. Several good tracks. Everything is listenable and enjoyable for the most part. I’d say 3.5 for me, borderline 4?
I liked their cover of Dark Side of the Street but not much else. Too much country not enough crossover into folk/rock
Another of those that is fine but doesn't grab my interest.
The band name sounds like something that would have been on The Muppet Show. I suppose the acid-tinged country music might have fit in there too.
definitely had a few weak points. otherwise brilliant. loved the lyrics of 'my uncle' and the opening track was just great, im a sucker for country when its done right. hot burrito #1 was great.
Gentle 60s folk/country. Not what I expected from the novelty name. Very forgettable musically
Nope
Ugh, I can’t stand country music
8/10 – Very Good
Folky, twangy, rockin, pretty solid overall.
3.5 rounded up because the blending of these genres needed to happen.
Country no.
Decent album, the type of country and sappy sweet music I’m not a huge fan. 2/5
Can't say I needed this. 2.3.
Fun!
Using my best Tucker Carlson Voice: Look, I love a good burrito as much as the next guy but come on - what is this? What are we doing here? Best Song: Hot Burrito #1 Rating: 4.5/10 Stars: 2
read online this is a country rock album. feels to me like a straight classic country record (in a good way). Impeccable production/writing.
I liked it, not partner
Good classic country and western album
A little too country for my liking
The strain of older country I tolerate/ enjoy is the one that leads to the eagles subgenre
Pleasant, hippie boy at end was great
Uninspired Jesus loving music; didn't stress me out enough to give 1*
I am interested in purchasing one of their suits.
Absolutely perfect background music, well-stitched and cohesive portrait of an album.
I have not heard this before. Gotta be honest here, I have avoided listening to this band because the name annoyed me so much, and also I thought they had something to do with Zappa or The Dead who also annoy me. Turns out they have more to do with the Byrds, who do not annoy me. I am not a huge country rock fan, but I do like classic country which they seem to lean more toward. There are some good melodies and harmonies here, and the instrumentation is good as well. Altogether solid and much better than their name suggests.
Hot Burrito #1
No los pillo.... Country 1969
eigentlich peak
cool as fuck name/logo, was a bit underwhelmed by the music because of that but it's still alright. some good ol' country yessir
just not reaching me, some special spice is missing, idk
I was really vibing out with this as I was hearing it - I gotta be realistic about the chance of playing this ever again but it hit me just as well as it could've. It does really feel like vacation car-trip music, or my associations with it. Very possible having it on the TV and not listening THAT intently was part of the sensations.
Kinda boring for a band called flying burrito brothers, kinda boring so an album called the gilded palace of sin
Too slow for me.
Thought there’d be more Taco Bell. Lame
I thought this was quite good, enjoyed the storytelling and it's got more to it than some of the country on this list. Much better music than band name that's for sure - The Flying Burrito Brothers??
Foundational. Where would alt-country—and, hell, so much of today’s country-rock scene—be without this album? And (aside, maybe, for “Hippie Boy”) still very listenable. I’m downright flabbergasted that one of the most popular reviews of this album here asks how such “an obscure and unsuccessful album” could be on the list? Wha?!
Pretty enjoyable stuff!
It was okk
Please stop, I dont like it.
Underwhelmed my underground expectations, the textbook definition of "hodge-podge."
Very alright
It was OK just a little too country for me. 2.5
Definitely one of the most important albums on the list, pretty much bore the genre of country rock. It does however fall just short of a 5 star, due to a few forgettable tracks. The album is very Louvin Brothers-esque. The two hot burrito songs were fucking fantastic
aight
Not the best, like an off-brand byrds
3/4 border, liked it more than I expected for the hippie country vibe. Dark End of the Street easily the highlight
Quite fine
interesting how a "Country rock" album that starts with 2 songs that can be resumed in "woman, am i right?" has a song of draft dodging it's like the worst parts of country and rock merged: monotone songs from the point of view of a conservative man with a twinge of rock sounds and distortion, and mentions to drugs or a little antiwar. it's this type of albums that makes me question the validity of this book. ¿Why was this album so important to include it in? The monotone sound? the sexist and typical lyrics? the name of the fucking band? Even Hippie Boy, that is somewhat of a narrative and more competitive song, feels bafflingly dull compared to something from Johnny Cash. Now, that's a good country artist that can sing songs from the point of view of a man an touch themes of drugs, rebellion, redemption, etc
I just can't stand country.
The first of two country albums in a row. Ughh. The fact that they are more like Grateful Dead or Janis Joplin type country only mildly makes it a better experience for me. At least this didn't start off terrible--the first track has a CCR type sound to it. "My Uncle" is a decent track. "Hippie Boy" is ok because not as country. Anyway, this isn't terrible but it also isn't really compelling or necessary. I guess Deadheads would like it. Country for hippies. 2/5
3.5, pushing to a 4 for the Vancouver shoutout. I love country rock and alt country! Sue me!
Fome.
casi me duermo y eso que estamos en clase ctm
Another one completely new to me. This one I found listenable even if the country rock genre is not top of my list.
Never heard of this album or band but, I know they’re country rock which could be cool! Their voices are pretty whiny but, the instrumentation is really great! I saw some of the reviews for this album and they aren’t great but, I actually really enjoyed some of this! Although some of it sounds pretty off for the time and not in a good way and the songs kind of sound the same. Some of the lyrics also just made no sense and were very out of pocket. I’d recommend Christine’s tune, Sin city, Do right woman, Dark end of the street, Wheels, Hot burrito #1, Hot burrito #2 and Do you know how it feels.
I like the harmonizing voices, but didn’t think this was very good. I didn’t think it withstood the test of time very well.
i love this!
Fun folk country type thingy
Gran nombre de banda. Del disco poco que decir. Para ser una mezcla de country está bastante bien
Very meh, twangy, bland folk country. Nothing bad, just absolutely nothing outstanding or even good. Like an amateur band in a bad bar trying to play music. It's surprising that two members of the EByrds started this band, because it is not great. The music is remieniscent of a bad B movie soundtrack where they didn't have enough money to get anyone decent.
Genuinely speechless learning this is country music. THAT band name??? THAT album title???? COUNTRY????
Best Track - "Wheels"
Hokey cornpone nonsense served up by a bunch of slumming rockers who should know better than to sling this dreck.
The handful of parts I liked involved the pedal steel guitar and no vocals. And sometimes the mandolin. This was getting 2 stars, until I got to Hot Burrito #1.
Sometimes exactly what you need is music that’s predictable, nostalgic, and makes you feel right at home. Sounded like fresh biscuits and gravy from cracker barrel. Thanks burrito bros
Unfuckinglistenable Garbage
I’d seen talk of some of the influence of this, and the scene and lineage it’s coming from, and thought “oh yeah, this could be really cool”. And then lo and behold, it sounds like a group of LA guys making a bad pastiche of country music, with the occasional drops of the psychedelic rock I assume they’re probably better at doing, and lyrics they think are really fresh and cutting but actually seem like they’re miles behind the outlaw country singers and songwriters on the come up. One upside is it gives me so much more respect for Eagles if this is the country rock base they were working off.
# The Flying Burrito Brothers - *The Gilded Palace of Sin* (1969): An In-Depth Review ## Introduction and Historical Context Released in February 1969, *The Gilded Palace of Sin* was the debut album by The Flying Burrito Brothers, formed by Gram Parsons and Chris Hillman after both had left The Byrds . The album emerged at a fascinating cultural crossroads—the Summer of Love had faded, psychedelia was waning, and American roots music was experiencing a renaissance . Recorded at A&M Studios in Hollywood over November and December 1968, the album was produced by Henry Lewy and Larry Marks . Parsons had already laid the groundwork for country-rock with the Byrds' *Sweetheart of the Rodeo* (1968), but *The Gilded Palace of Sin* represented the full flowering of his vision for what he called "Cosmic American Music"—a fusion of country, R&B, gospel, soul, and rock . While commercially unsuccessful at the time (peaking at #164 on the Billboard 200), the album has since become recognized as one of the most influential records in American music history, ranked #192 on *Rolling Stone*'s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time . The classic lineup featured: - **Gram Parsons** – vocals, guitar - **Chris Hillman** – vocals, guitar - **"Sneaky" Pete Kleinow** – pedal steel guitar (also an animator for *Gumby*) - **Chris Ethridge** – bass - Various session drummers (the band struggled to maintain a permanent drummer) --- ## Track-by-Track Lyrical and Musical Analysis ### "Christine's Tune" (Devil in Disguise) The album opens with a rollicking, corrosive track that establishes the band's signature sound . Lyrically, the song is a vicious put-down of a groupie who refused to sleep with the narrator—"She's a devil in disguise" . This sets up an immediate tension that runs throughout the album: the beautiful, aching harmonies juxtaposed with lyrics that can be bitter, petty, and morally questionable. The song features Parsons and Hillman's pinched, Everly Brothers-inspired harmonies hard-panned to separate stereo channels—Parsons on the left, Hillman on the right . Kleinow's fuzzed-out pedal steel provides a psychedelic edge that bridges country tradition with rock experimentalism . ### "Sin City" The album's thematic centerpiece, "Sin City" is a "loping lament" and "cautionary dirge" about Los Angeles as a modern Babylon . Co-written by Hillman and Parsons in about thirty minutes after Hillman woke Parsons from a nap with the opening idea, the song contains specific references to the Byrds' manager Larry Spector ("a gold-plated door") and Robert F. Kennedy ("tried to clean up this town") . The lyrics capture a profound disillusionment: > "This old earthquake's gonna leave me in the poor house / It seems like this whole town's insane / On the thirty-first floor, a gold-plated door / Won't keep out the Lord's burning rain." As one review notes, the song can be interpreted as either "a parody or a sincere meditation on a city gone mad, and it hits home in both contexts" . ### "My Uncle" A crisp, poppy number about draft evasion during the Vietnam War, "My Uncle" captures the era's countercultural anxiety without drawing pity or guilt—"they've just made the whole affair into something to shuffle your boots to" . The song reflects Parsons' privileged background: he could afford to dodge the draft in ways that less wealthy young men could not . ### "Wheels" A meditative, honest search for salvation, "Wheels" features Kleinow's distorted pedal steel "revving like an engine" . The acerbic shard of fuzz guitar that appears about 45 seconds into this otherwise simple ditty demonstrates the band's commitment to "fashion expressive sonic architecture that juts out from the folk tunes to which they're attached" . ### "Juanita" A sublime country waltz about a woman who "brought back the life / That I once threw away" . The song offers one of the album's rare glimpses of redemption and light, though it's soon swallowed by darker material. ### "Hot Burrito #1" and "Hot Burrito #2" These two songs, written by Parsons with bassist Chris Ethridge, form the emotional core of the album . "Hot Burrito #1" is a devastating slow ballad showcasing Parsons' most vulnerable vocal performance: > "You may be sweet and nice / But that won't keep you warm at night / Cause I'm the one who showed you how / To do the things you're doing now." As one critic observes, the song blends "the hurt of classic country weepers with a contemporary sense of anger, jealousy, and confusion" . The lyrics are possessive, wounded, and achingly beautiful—a combination that forces listeners to confront uncomfortable questions about separating art from the artist. "Hot Burrito #2" takes a different approach, riding a Motown-influenced groove with Parsons desperate enough to sing "You better love me, Jesus Christ!" in the chorus . The two songs together represent the glinting fool's gold of human desire—the first pleading and vulnerable, the second aggressive and demanding . ### Soul Covers: "Do Right Woman" and "Dark End of the Street" Parsons' R&B influences come to the fore on these two covers. "Do Right Woman" (originally by Aretha Franklin) becomes a "refreshingly wholesome country waltz" with Kleinow's steel guitar providing comforting warmth . The song is notable as a feminist anthem sung by men, with "a protective side to women" that appears elsewhere on the album . "Dark End of the Street" (a classic by James Carr) describes an adulterous relationship that must remain hidden. Parsons' phrasing on this track shows the influence of George Jones, the country singer he idolized . Both covers demonstrate how Parsons sought to "marry country music with the soul sound associated with Otis Redding's Stax-Volt label" . ### "Hippie Boy" The album closer, featuring lead vocals from Chris Hillman, addresses the 1968 Democratic National Convention riots in Chicago. Parsons called it "the toughest challenge on the album" . The song serves as a kind of spoken-word gospel moral, featuring "a hippie rejected by society" and ending with imagery of a "fireworks finale" suggesting divine judgment on a city consumed by human vices . --- ## Analysis by Category ### Lyrics (8/10) **Strengths:** The songwriting is remarkably sophisticated for a country-rock record in 1969. Parsons and Hillman craft lyrics that operate on multiple levels simultaneously—personal and political, sincere and ironic. "Sin City" works as both a specific portrait of late-60s Los Angeles and a timeless meditation on moral corruption. The "Hot Burrito" songs capture the messy contradictions of romantic need with uncomfortable honesty. **Weaknesses:** The misogyny is undeniable and, for some listeners, disqualifying. "Christine's Tune" is essentially a revenge fantasy against a woman who wouldn't have sex with the narrator . "Hot Burrito #1" contains possessive, controlling language that hasn't aged well. As one reviewer bluntly states, "Gram Parsons was a huge piece of shit" —and the lyrics sometimes reflect that. Whether one can separate the art from the artist remains an open question. ### Music (9/10) **Strengths:** The instrumental performances are extraordinary, particularly "Sneaky" Pete Kleinow's revolutionary pedal steel work. Rather than playing in conventional Nashville style, Kleinow used unique tunings (B6 instead of the common C6), ran his instrument through a fuzzbox, and sometimes played through a rotating Leslie amplifier originally designed for Hammond organs . The result is a sound that's simultaneously traditional and psychedelic, country and space-age. The harmonies between Parsons and Hillman are gorgeous throughout, drawing on the Everly Brothers and Louvin Brothers tradition . Chris Ethridge's bass lines provide buoyant, melodic counterpoint, particularly on upbeat numbers like "My Uncle" . The band's ability to shift between tender country waltzes ("Juanita," "Do Right Woman") and raucous rockers ("Christine's Tune," "Hot Burrito #2") demonstrates remarkable range. **Weaknesses:** The production is genuinely odd and, by modern standards, flawed. Larry Marks, the assigned producer, later described himself as more of a "hall monitor" than a creative collaborator . The decision to hard-pan Parsons and Hillman's harmonies to opposite stereo channels creates a disorienting effect on headphones—"a little devil on one shoulder and an angel on the other" —though some listeners find this charming rather than problematic. As one biographer notes, "it's hard to find one more shoddily produced or sloppily performed" among great albums . ### Production (6/10) The production is the album's most controversial element. The sessions were reportedly chaotic, with the band showing up unprepared and wasting studio time . The drum tracks were played by multiple session musicians because original drummer Eddie Hoh was fired for excessive drug use after recording only two songs . Yet there's a strange vitality to the record's rough edges. The ramshackle quality suits the material, and the unconventional mixing choices give the album a distinctive identity. Still, one can only imagine what these songs might sound like with the production quality of, say, *Exile on Main St.* (another famously "sloppy" masterpiece that Parsons influenced). ### Themes (9/10) The album weaves together several rich thematic threads: **Sin and Redemption:** The title itself announces the central theme. The album cover shows the band in elaborate Nudie suits—Parsons' suit featuring marijuana leaves and pills on the front and a Christian cross on the back, hidden from view . This perfectly captures the tension between indulgence and salvation that runs through every track. **Los Angeles as Babylon:** "Sin City" portrays LA as a place that will "swallow you in / if you've got some money to burn" . The song references specific local figures and events while reaching for biblical imagery of judgment. **Heartbreak and Possession:** The "Hot Burrito" songs examine romantic relationships from the perspective of someone who has both been wronged and done wrong—they're not simple victim narratives but complex explorations of guilt, need, and control. **Class and Privilege:** "My Uncle" acknowledges, however obliquely, that Parsons could avoid the Vietnam War draft because of his family wealth. The album's Nudie suits—custom-made, expensive, flamboyant—also speak to class anxieties within country music culture . ### Influence (10/10) This is where the album truly shines. While it sold only about 50,000 copies upon release, "like the first album by the Velvet Underground, it would seem everyone of those 50,000 went out and formed a band inspired by what they'd heard" . **Direct musical descendants include:** - The Eagles (the most commercially successful country-rock band) - Emmylou Harris (Parsons' duet partner after the Burritos) - Wilco, Son Volt, and Uncle Tupelo (alt-country pioneers) - Whiskeytown and The Jayhawks - Dwight Yoakam, Lucinda Williams, and Steve Earle **Non-country artists influenced include:** - Elvis Costello (who has covered multiple tracks from the album) - Dinosaur Jr. (covered "Hot Burrito #2" on *Green Mind*) - The Meat Puppets and Silver Jews Bob Dylan, when asked by *Rolling Stone* to name his favorite country-rock album, answered simply: "The Flying Burrito Brothers. Boy, I love them. Their record instantly knocked me out" . --- ## Pros and Cons ### Pros 1. **Groundbreaking fusion:** Successfully blends country, rock, soul, and psychedelia into a cohesive sound that had never been heard before. 2. "Sneaky" Pete Kleinow's pedal steel: Revolutionary playing that redefined what a country instrument could sound like in a rock context. 3. Exceptional songwriting: "Sin City" and the "Hot Burrito" songs are genuine classics, with lyrics that reward repeated listening. 4. Gorgeous harmonies: Parsons and Hillman's vocal blend is among the best in popular music. 5. Immense historical influence: Laid the groundwork for multiple genres (country-rock, alt-country, Americana). 6. Thematic complexity: Addresses sin, redemption, class, and heartbreak with nuance and ambiguity. 7. Culturally significant imagery: The Nudie suit cover photo has become iconic . ### Cons 1. **Problematic lyrics:** The misogyny in "Christine's Tune" and the possessiveness in "Hot Burrito #1" are difficult for many modern listeners. 2. **Sloppy production:** The album sounds genuinely weird in places, with questionable mixing choices and uneven sound quality. 3. **Inconsistent performances:** The drumming, handled by multiple session musicians, lacks cohesion. 4. **Gram Parsons' privilege shows:** "My Uncle" has aged poorly as a draft-dodging anthem from a wealthy Florida citrus heir . 5. **The covers are good but not essential:** The soul covers, while well-performed, don't add as much as the original material. 6. **Short runtime:** At under 38 minutes, the album leaves you wanting more—though given Parsons' trajectory, perhaps that's appropriate. --- ## Final Verdict **Rating: 9/10** *The Gilded Palace of Sin* is a deeply flawed masterpiece—which might be the only kind of masterpiece that could have emerged from Gram Parsons' tortured genius. The album's imperfections—the awkward production, the misogynist lyrics, the sloppy performances—are inseparable from what makes it great. Parsons was not a good person, and this album does not hide that fact. It lays his ugliness and vulnerability bare, sometimes in the same breath. For listeners who can engage with the music critically—acknowledging its problems while appreciating its innovations—this remains an essential document. It's the sound of someone trying to bridge the gap between hippies and rednecks, between sacred and profane, between tradition and experimentation. That he ultimately failed, dying of a drug overdose in 1973 at age 26, only adds to the album's tragic power. As one reviewer eloquently puts it, the album gives off "a jaunty strut that never gets lost" in either country self-pity or rock excess . Instead, the Flying Burrito Brothers "accepted the absurdity of the world in their outlandish outfits, but broadcast it with brilliantly understated disillusionment" . That tension—between flamboyance and authenticity, between sin and salvation—has never been captured better than on this strange, beautiful, infuriating record. **Essential tracks:** "Sin City," "Hot Burrito #1," "Hot Burrito #2," "Christine's Tune," "Dark End of the Street" **Skip if:** Misogynist lyrics are a dealbreaker, or you prefer highly polished production **Listen if:** You want to understand where Americana, alt-country, and half of 1970s California rock came from
Another of those "No-one bought it, but it influenced everyone" albums. Your appreciation may vary depending on your view of country rock. This is pretty solid. I'm giving it a 3, but a 1 or a 5 would also be possible depending on how I felt about it on the day.
Omg! I love this album! I forgot! I had a friend in Seattle in the mid/ late 90’s who introduced me to bootlegs of this, Spiderland by Slint, and Aphex Twin. His sister introduced me to Brown Sugar by D’Angelo. Eclectic music lovers after my own heart!❤️ I remember the first time I heard this. I thought it was “modern” 90’s parody. When I was told, no, it came out in 69 I lost it! Their cover of Do right woman is iconic. 4 Boolean: true
I really enjoyed this!! The most ridiculous name I've ever heard for a band singing country ballads but I have to admit, they won me over by the end.
I wanted to like this more than I actually did. I had always been familiar with the influence of FBB but had never really listened. I love a lot of the artists they influenced, and I love The Byrds. But I felt something lacking here. Especially side 1. Things picked up for me with side 2. Glad I listened!
This is very much not my thing. Great name though.
Interesante, no estuvo mal
Kept waiting for something more, okay listen, wasn't mind blowing
This was a fun surprise! I’ve never heard of these guys before and this was really good! Totally sounds like stuff that’d be out today. Great, enjoyable listen.
Yo de 5 puntos le doy 3.
The longer it went on the more country it got. I enjoyed the earlier tracks more. I didn't listen to this album in the order I was sent as was on holiday at the time so this is my second country album for today and prefer it over the other rubbish I had to listen to earlier but will never listen to it again.
A very intriguing album. There were a couple of covers that sounded nothing like the originals which, when nicely done like these were, is very refreshing. The rest of the album was decent enough. Like a lot of my recent reviews, my overall feeling was one of "ok, nothing great, nothing awful" - but maybe that is me becoming stale after nearly 700 albums.
Not for me
Gram Parsons is sort of underappreciated in the hyper-specific category of "60s musical icons that died tragically young". Many artists on that list are big names you can picture in your head, unless you're a die hard The Byrds fan or were active in the country/freak rock scenes of Los Angeles in the 60s. The Flying Burrito Bros are more country than the folk of The Byrds, though Parsons always believed in combining rock and country together and his best example of that is The Gilded Palace of Sin. For the most part, The Gilded Palace of Sin is good. A clear staple of alt-country at some of its earliest beginnings. Kind of the spark of the genre like MC5 was to punk. I want to talk more about how The Flying Burrito Brothers are still around today, without any of the original band members and dropped the "flying" part out of the name. It's not like Lynyrd Skynyrd where most of the band died in a plane crash then were replaced by people who then died and then the original band members that survived died and they're still around today, somehow. I have no idea how The Flying Burrito Brothers are still here when they're best known for this album. Unfortunately that's all I have to say about that.
Точно, ровно, плавно. Кантри, рок, немного психоделии, а мне хотелось бы побольше.
Oh, we're back to country rock - with a heavy country feel. Not my thing, but it seems pretty smoothly played. And at least it's short!
Bonito mas terrivelmente sem graça. Nome horrível pra uma banda também. Têm alguns momentos que o salvaram do completo tédio mortal, mas são poucos. 2.5
Not really my thing but not bad
No pasó mucho Nota: 2.7
One of many country albums on this list
Little bit toooo much of the wrong kinda country for me, this all sort of blended into one 2.5
Appreciated the sound, nice to have something diffferent. Liked the Dark End of the Street.
With that name I was expecting some sort of drugged up, far out, psychedelic rock. So a boring country album of same paced songs felt like more of a disappointment than ever.
Never heard of the Brothers, but this is great early 70s country rock
Very good. The relevance and influence of this album is not easy to grasp while listening in 2026. If put in context, I guess this may deserve up to 5 stars. However, based only on my personal taste, this is more in the range of 3,5 stars (still pretty good). Songs I enjoyed: "Christine's Tune (Devil in Disguise)", "Sin City" (probably my favourite), "Dark End of the Street" (very nice guitars), "My Uncle" (because if the lyrics), "Wheels", or "Hot Burrito #1".
Wanted this to be more than it was, but in the end I did enjoy it even if it wasn’t what I expected.
5/10
There's something I like about this. Not sure why, but I've enjoyed a lot of these older country/western album recommendations. This one has a bit more of a rock/psychedelic sound to it, helping it stand out more than some of the other 60s country albums on the list. It reminded of some modern artists with a similar vibe who I like, which I wasn't expecting on a 50+ year old album. Still, I wouldn't call this one great. There were some good songs on here, then some others that were just kinda fine. I liked the music compositions, but they got a little repetitive and boring for stretches of time on an album that isn't super long. They changed course from those each time with a strong song, at least. None of it was bad to me, but the parts that were good made the dips more noticeable. In sum, I liked what I heard for the most part. The dips just bring it down into a 3 range for me, even if the better parts make me want to put it higher. I'd definitely revisit some of the good tracks I liked from this, though I'm not sure I'd relisten to the whole thing again. Overall: 3.4/5
This album is a classic but it's not my favorite. The Flying Burrito Brothers are nothing special in my mind and we're a product of their time which helped them succeed.
good stuff
Kind of quirky, probably a high two pointer, but for some reason I'm going to go all generous and give it three stars. I get that this wasn't the norm at the time, and I can see how this ended up with The Eagles and all, but it sounds like plain country/ rock to my ears now. Nothing stood out as awful, and it was short.
Baustelle, Gerstetten, Deutschland. Öde.
I don’t know something about listening to this album while you’re walking to work in 105° heat definitely speaks to you go to Album and I love the name of the band flying burrito Brothers. You get five stars. I enjoyed a lot of of the songs.
it was ass
There are little bits I like but it's too country for me to really get into it Fav tracks: Dark End of the Street, Hot Burrito #2
Weer een oké, album een lage 3
Een soort mix van de Eagles en elke doorsnee country act uit de vorige eeuw. Ontzettend saai.
5 Jon corneal, a Lakeland Florida original! I even went to church with. Plays a lean mean drum kit!
287 Actually really enjoyed this, I’d always assumed they were a comedy band like Monty Python or something. Highlights Christine’s Tune Dark End of the Street Hippie Boy
6/10
Pretty good country music.
Na een band met de minst originele naam ooit(The Band) nu een band met een behoorlijk originele naam! Vond wel de muziek van The Band een stuk origineler dan de naam deed vermoeden, dus dan ben ik benieuwd of dat hier ook gaat gelden. Eeeeeen het is country... Ja sorry, ik vind dit dus echt belachelijk saai. Voelt gewoon alsof ik een heel album naar hetzelfde nummer heb zitten luisteren. Het duurt ook nog eens echt lang, ik ben er nu al echt klaar mee en ben nog niet eens halverwege... God, stokoude country albums dat is gewoon echt niet mijn genre. Denk dat ik dan nog liever een punkrock album luister, die duren gemiddeld 20 minuten. Het eerste nummer vond ik denk ik het beste, maar dat kan er eerlijk gezegd ook door komen omdat ik toen nog niet helemaal klaar was met het 'standaard' country geluid. FAVO:
The Nudie suits alone catapult this into the stratosphere. Then add the creative genius of Parsons and Hillman. The pedal steel accompaniment is psychedelic enough to guide you wide-eyed from your rock sensibilities into the country neighborhood lurking next door. Thanks, guys!
Jingle jangle silly but fun.
I wanted to like this more than I did.
One of the greats. That pedal steel playing alone is worth the price of admission. Man, I love Gram's Nudie Suit on the cover.
Not for me
Nice harmonies. That was mighty purty.
That was entertaining
So when I’m not opposed to a bit of silliness in my music, see my love of Alestorm and countless Power Metal bands, so when I saw their name I was expecting some sort of novelty act. Instead I got a really good bit of Country Rock. The only track I didn’t care for was Do Right Woman. Even without that I don’t think it ever would’ve been in five star territory but that song definitely sealed it. Top Track - Dark End Of The Street
Sometimes the 'keywords from reviews' section takes the words right out of my mouth: 'decent, fine, guitar, harmonies'. Also: 'guys'
This album sounds like so many of the albums I love today. It's Americana/Country as heard by modern folky singer-songwriters, but also fits with other bands like The Band or even some Grateful Dead mixed with a little John Denver. No one track is great but its all good.
At first listen I just scoffed at the band's name and apparent boring country on the surface, but on more attentive re-listen it does seem for it's time like it was quite revolutionary and one of the first successful attempts to blend country and rock sounds. SO yeah, this is alright, probably deserving 3 stars. A few songs to revisit from this one as well I reckon
Never was a big Burrito Bros guy, but this record hit me just right today.
I know this wasn’t Gram Parsons’ band alone, but his influence is impossible to miss if you hear Sweetheart of the Rodeo before this. You can really hear the line from that Byrds album into what’s happening here. He was an incredible songwriter to be that young, and this album makes that pretty obvious. It also doesn’t hurt that they had one of the GOATs of steel guitar in Sneaky Pete Kleinow. That adds a lot to the whole sound right away. “Christine’s Tune” reminded me a little of early Allman Brothers, which I liked, and “My Uncle” was a good protest song too. The whole album has that country rock sound that feels loose, rough around the edges, and completely in its element. Favorite song: Christine’s Tune
Yeah I've heard it before. Not really but it feels like it. Not interesting for me but not on the negative side too
Al pasar nomás. Rescaté un solo tema. Pero bueno, nada negativo para decir.
Magic from start to finish!!!
Pretty good country sounds.
An enjoyable bit of country - finding (worryingly) that I tend to find quite a pleasant listen
Some of the more straightforward numbers on this one hold it back for me, but the more adventurous numbers and soundscapes are very much up my alley. 4/5
For such a wacky name they really made super generic country music. 4/10
For someone who discovered Hank Williams’ music as a young man, this is amazing. Gram Parsons mirrored Hank’s life too closely: getting addicted to drugs and alcohol at a young age, producing a great body of work in a short time frame, then tragically losing the battle with the addiction at too young an age. The music he left behind was revolutionary and influential, even if many others on this project failed to understand it. 4.5 stars
Some nice country bordering on the rock, enjoyable listen. Last song is awkward but though
A solid 4 stars, deserves to be in rotation for anyone who likes old rock.
This was off to a bad start before I listened when I saw comparisons of the group to the Louvin' Brothers, who have tormented me previously. This isn't quite that bad but still 60's country that I didn't enjoy. Just passable.
Uma banda com esse nome não pode ser ruim, e não é.
Ok country rock. High 3. 3.3/5
Highlights: Christine's Tune, Do Right Woman, Dark End of the Street, Wheels, Hot Burrito #1, Hippie Boy
This was pretty middle of the road.
Hippies pretending to be cowboys and fucking around and establishing the country rock americana style that's been a recurring staple, re-iterating itself every decade or so, re-articulating with new sounds in rock. This is a great synthesis of classic country styles (the close harmonies, twangy outlaw guitars, gentle schmaltz, heavenly slides) with the jangly dreamy pop and fuzzy psych of the 60s. It's warm, nostalgic, easy going stuff.
the Joni Mitchell’s Blue of selling your lover’s clothes
It was okay. Fun band name.
My introduction to country rock that eased my tase into a full-blown bluegrass obsession. Its border line of all the genres but I crashed through the rock-only 60s to really push pop rock into the country hues. I just read Pamela De Barres “I’m With The Band.” She was a complete Burrito devotee. Mostly for Chris Hillman, but Gram too. It shed a little more light on the complicated Parsons. We gave these people more leeway to be kids longer and got great art as a result. Sometimes creative trust fund kids can do it. The southern soul roots are there with some great cover picks and instruments take it further than the Byrds were willing to fly. I’m a sucker, but give me some hot burrito any day.
This album is my nightmare. Give me more Kraftwerk, anything but this, I promise to be kinder about those German men this time.
#120/1001 🇺🇸🌯 A strong country sound which seems to be influenced by the Louvin Brothers - who i reviewed here about 100 albums ago - fusing this with a more soulful feel. There are 2 soul classics on side 1. You can really hear the influence of the band in many of the later alt-country bands and i became aware of them through a cover of Hot Burrito #1 by Belly back in the 90s. Best Tracks: Sin City, Hot Burrito #1,
Meh. Country. Not for me.
Jamais écouté avant. Beaucoup de country, un peu de rock psychédélique, une pincée de soul... La recette, révolutionnaire sans doute en 1969, a perdu de sa superbe et n'a plus beaucoup d'intérêt aujourd'hui. Sauf peut-être pour la pedal steel guitar de Sneaky Pete, qui pour le coup, impose une vraie identité au son du groupe. Facile et même agréable à écouter, mais tout à fait oubliable, au bout du compte. Top : Dark End of the Street Flop : Juanita
How to ruin multiple genres at the same time by making them all sound like generic Country garbage. With a name like The Flying Burrito Brothers, I was hoping for something more than what we got with this one, especially with an album name like "The Gilded Palace Of Sin". How do you have an album name that cool and then spend a majority of time just sounding like your average, run of the mill Country drivel?? I really have to say, it's impressive how they can almost make some of the songs work, but still put a Country spin on it to make it still sound bad anyway. The 2 notable exceptions are both Hot Burrito songs, "Hot Burrito #1", and my favorite song on the album, although they pretty much come neck and neck as a pair, "Hot Burrito #2". Those songs have a psychedelic lick to them, and even with the singing, sound good enough to bump this album up from a high 1, to at the bare minimum a 2. I'd love to give it a 3, but 2/11 songs being bearable isn't great. I don't hate the guitar playing in the intro, "Christine's Tune", but it's overshadowed by my intense dislike of the singer. Every song sounds the same besides the aforementioned burrito songs, which is a shame, because "Psychedelic Country" actually sounds like a somewhat interesting combo I'd be down to hear. It's a shame it's only used so sparingly, and now I have to have the sub-genre take an unnecessary hit on my profile by giving this album a 2. Been a while since I had a 5, would be nice. Instead, I'm left with a concept that while unique, falls flat on it's face right from the beginning, and never recovers sans a duo of outliers buried deep into the album, which despite being a great length of 37 minutes, feels like it lasts an hour. It's always a struggle getting through Country albums, but at least this one had the gall to be different in a few places, and when it is different, it actually works. Unfortunately, it's not nearly enough. This is a very comfortable 2 stars out of 5, and I can also comfortably say I won't be returning to The Flying Burrito Brothers. Such a good name, wasted on whatever the hell this was. Whatever, there can only be so many bad Country albums on the list. Better to just get them out of the way as fast as possible to make more room for the good stuff.
This album would go crazy if I was eating at Cracker Barrel
Jättebra! Christines tune och Dark end of the street gillade jag mest, men gillade egentligen hela albumet. Gram Parsons är ju något av en legend numera?! Coolt oavsett.
It's nice to finally get a taste of what Gram Parsons tried (largely unsuccessfully) to get The Byrds to achieve on their lackluster "Sweetheart of the Rodeo". I can totally see why this album bombed in early 1969, and also why it's become a touchstone for many (many many) artists, and might have even single-handedly spawned the alt-country/country-rock genre years before anyone else. There are a lot of great songs--from the eviscerating "Christine's tune" (apparently written about David Crosby's girlfriend, Christine Hinton, not long before she died in a car accident), the impressively political "Sin City", the very-country "My uncle", and "Wheels"--and an equally strong cover of "Dark end of the street". And I'm glad I read the Wikipedia entry as I listened to the album, so I could better appreciate the amazing steel guitar virtuosity of "Sneaky" Pete Kleinow. In some ways, though, the most impressive aspect of this album is how it doesn't sound nearly as dated as so much stuff from the late 60s does.
The steel guitar is the best part of the album, and though I enjoyed the vocals, I was reminded me how great Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris sounded together.
I enjoyed this - like a more country-fied CSNY. 4/5
============================================== ============================================== ============================================== ============================================== ---------THE FLYING BURRITO BROTHERS---------- ---------------------------------------------- ----------THE GILDED PALACE OF SIN------------ ---------------------------------------------- --------------------(1969)-------------------- ============================================== ============================================== -----------------CALIFICACIÓN----------------- ---------------------★★⯨☆☆------------------- --------------------(2,2272)------------------ ============================================== ============================================== ============================================== ============================================== 1. Christine's Tune (★★★★☆) -No me gusta del todo el sonido de una de las guitarras, la principal, tampoco el ritmo tipo "country"... pero no está mal del todo. 2. Sin City (★★☆☆☆) -Demasiado "country", campechano, me siento un redneck o lo que sea en un pueblo rural yankee... suenan, y eso les da dos estrellas. 3. Do Right Woman (★★☆☆☆) -Demasiado "country meloso"... Pasé a la siguiente. 4. Dark End Of The Street (★★★☆☆) -Otra vez una guitarra desencajada, pareciera que tuviera que estar sí o sí o cambiarían de género, un intento incómodo de fusión a mí gusto que no termina de sonar bien... el mejor camino es el rock, saquen el "country" 5. My Uncle (★⯨☆☆☆) -Horrible... siento que están arriando vacas enfrente mío mientras bailan patéticamente su estilo... 6. Wheels (★★★☆☆) -Mejor que la anterior, pero el ritmo lo mantienen... el problema ya es de base, el estilo de la banda arruina todo lo que toca, intentan fusionar algo equivocado... Me gusta cómo suena la guitarra eléctrica distorsionada. 7. Juanita (★☆☆☆☆) -Con ese nombre esperaba que cantaran en español. Demasiado "country", paso a la siguiente... 8. Hot Burrito #1 (★★⯨☆☆) -Parece otra banda acá, nada que ver a lo anterior, una balada, pero menos campirana que el resto del álbum... igual no me gusta. 9. Hot Burrito # 2 (★★★☆☆) -Qué guitarra de porquería, ese sonido es horrible, solo a alguien fanático del "country" podría creer que no suena mal, que deberían sacarla y dedicarse a otro género... Me gustó la parte instrumental psicodélica... 10. Do You Know How It Feels (★⯨☆☆☆) -Asco de género... paso a la siguiente. 11. Hippie Boy (★☆☆☆☆) -Innecesario... el vaquero entro en crisis y cayó en una iglesia negra donde cantan ghospel... NOOO, tampoco es por ahí. ============================================== ============================================== ============================================== PUNTAJE TOTAL 4+2+2+3+1,5+3+1+2,5+3+1,5+1 = 24,5 ============================================== ============================================== PUNTAJE PROMEDIO 24,5 / 11 = 2,2272 ============================================== ============================================== CALIFICACIÓN FINAL ★★⯨☆☆ (2,2272) ============================================== ============================================== ==============================================
"Hey guys! I've got this great idea! Just imagine - country music, right ... but played by guys that take drugs!" Hank Williams - "Say what?" Good tunes though.
I can handle the Byrds, but this is just not for me. Kinda cool that it blends the country and rock/pop genres, but I just have no love for the sound or musicality of it. Feels like a poorly done rip off of both instead of a marriage. 2.
A fun ‘60s country-rock album.
The slide-guitar and jangle luxury of the music is drinkable; the callow vocals are at odds with the material, a 16-year old trying to tell you life truths in a Nashville bar as the locals bury their heads in their mugs.
They got the country rock recipe just right on this, an enticing mix of tongue-in-cheek (?) social commentary, contemporary R&B covers and delicious Mexican food in plaintive close harmony. Gram Parsons was a bit of a visionary on this evidence.
A very good album, but feels a bit lost to me in terms of importance considering the flood of country-inflected rock and folk that was all over in the 70s. Hard to rate too highly in that regard, even if it is a beautiful sounding record full of incredible players.
This was good. Not fussy. Standard country folksy rock tunes. I’d buy it and add to the collection but wouldn’t go out of my way.
I can't explain it but I loved it
Buenisimo, pero no tanto.
2.5
Definitely a different time… but I do love a draft dodging song. This album took me through a whole range of emotions in a nice, short package. There were some songs I liked the sound of and some that I liked the lyrics of. My Uncle is also joining regular rotation. Season: Late Summer Favorite Song: My Uncle Runner Up: Dark End Of The Street
Little slow, but I liked the guitar and piano
A great album. I can see why they’re your favourite band’s favourite band.
Very enjoyable cool country vibes. Doesn't really fit the name.
Enjoyed it
So I am glad that I listened to the right album because I got confused there for a bit. Still didn't think it was all that great lol.
Second album in a row is just mediocre. Don’t really understand how something like this gets on the countdown. It really doesn’t have a whole lot to offer, songs are slow and sleepy, and the lyrics just aren’t that great. Yeah, Gram Parsons is a cool artist but there’s just not much here. Amazingly bland.
Not so bad
too dull and inoffensive to justify a 3
This was... fine? It was pleasant enough county but It don't understand why it's on this list—there's nothing to come back for except the final track.
Meh. I appreciate the contribution to future country and folk bands, but this album didn't work for me. I enjoyed the piano whenever it popped up, but it was otherwise too heavy on western and twang for my tastes. 2.3
5/10
Like it 3/5
5 - mediocre
Better than I thought it would be. The more psych rock sound they had on Hot Burrito 1 was great, wish they’d explored it more. Fuck the draft
can imagine enjoying it on a long roadtrip through az
I legitimately think I’d enjoy this album less if the group’s name wasn’t The Flying Burrito Brothers.
5/10 Not my cup of tea, but it was OK I guess
Better than most country because it tells you to draft dodge
Why is this ok this list? If I want to listen to good Country Rock I will always choose CCR.
Franchement, plutôt bon album. Ça n'est clairement pas un hit intemporel, mais il a à mon sens un certain mérite dont il peut se vanter, surtout dans son approche de la musique Country qui est assez novatrice pour l'époque et qui inspirera plusieurs artistes plus tard comme Fleetwood Mac. Pour le coup, l'album est plutôt dynamique, vraiment efficace avec une recette basé sur la guitare classique et une voix posée qui donne un côté très stable au projet, tout en aillant certaines part d'originalité, comme l'outro qui est contée plutôt que chantée, rappellant des projets extrêmement créatifs comme Ogden's Nut Gone Flake. Néanmoins, passé cet aspect, l'album est à mon sens très plat, ne tentant jamais vraiment de sortir de sa zone de confort sur le plan instrumental, avec des élements très classiques.
4 de 5 Un disco que abrió camino para varios géneros nuevos para ese tiempo, tales como el country alternativo y el folk rock, algo demasiado adelantado a su época, pero sobre todo, un disco que experimenta en un grado de casi convertirse el algo sensorial y cósmico A destacar: Track 1 - Christine's Tune Track 3 - Do Right Woman Track 4 - Dark End of the Street Track 6 - Wheels Track 8 - Hot Burrito #1 Track 9 - Hot Burrito #2 Track 11 - Hippie Boy
Inoffensive is about the best thing I can say about this album.
A tough listen, not an enjoyable listen.
Very relaxing. I love the steel guitar on this record
Oh I tried, but once again I find that country music and me don’t get on. Last couple of tracks were semi-bearable, but most of it was Room 101 stuff
What if the Louvin Brothers dropped acid?
Musically, the album was great. I wasn't paying strong attention to lyrical content and something in there seemed sketchy?
I expected something so much better from a band called The Flying Burrito Brothers. I wasn’t hoping to hear a sappy country record. There was some good guitar work here and there but for the most part this was really flat and unmemorable. Wouldn’t listen again 2/5
I own this album and rarely play it in full, but Hot Burritos #1 and #2, and their cover of Dark End of Street have been in regular rotation for the past 25 years. Basically, The Gilded Palace of Sin is patchy, but when it’s good, it’s incredible.
Quite interesting. That classic old school C&W sound.
hard pass
2,7
Did not know Gram Parsons was part of this one, but didn't really like this
Just has a weird sheen to it that gives it an extra spark
I’m confused by this one, sounds all religious and culty but then it’s by a band called the flying burrito brothers. I’ll give a 3 for its uniqueness on this list.
cool. countryish
Did not finish it to be honest. Too slow too old too much country & dobro
3.9/5 beautiful twang of cosmic country folk graham parsons
4.5/5 https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/the-flying-burrito-bros/the-gilded-palace-of-sin/ Each time one of these ol’ country rock albums pops up, I let out a little groan. See, I long believed I hated all these things. Country, americana, you name it. And sure, the real hardcore country is still a bit crap, but shit like this is amazing. It helps that it reminds me a lot of Cut Worms’ first album, which I liked a lot. Just wasn’t aware it really leans heavily on these brothers!
I wanted to call this music for bros, but I realized bro country is already a thing. It’s a compelling listen Gram Parsons is an annoying figure. There’s something about a man child writing and singing songs about women that have hurt him that bothers me. I’m not always consistent on these things, but he annoys me.
I'm soooooooooooooooo fucking bored
I would fly with these Burrito Bros any time. I love Gram Parsons just like everyone who’s not wrong, but hadn’t had my frequency turned right to catch this one before and am glad I did!
The Band name promised me something fun. I got meaningless 60s western cosplay. I'm going to go listen to the Viagra Boys to make up for this slight.
Не чув про таких) Кантрі, бляха-муха)
What a band name. Country-ish album, not very interesting or worthy of this list.
I'm starting to have a feeling that country is way overrepresented on this list. It might be my
Barely able to make it through this. ★
A nice enough album but was a bit bland. Couldn't quite pin point what exactly was wrong here 3 ⭐️
I would die for the flying burrito brothers
What an incredible band name. What a letdown of an album. Aside from the Hot Burrito tracks, everything sounds very generic country. What a letdown.
That ste guitar literally ripping through and tearing the 4th wall is my jam There's a tongue frankly planted in a cheek and something dangerous lurking in the shadows
I’ve always been turned off by their name. Sounds less unpleasant (and a little more country) than I thought it would, but I didn’t miss much. So far my track record of judging bands by their names has worked out pretty well for me. Why stop now?
Yeah yeah yeah country folk whatever
Ok. I get it but
Inoffensive Tex mex fodder
Felt very similarly to this as I did about Dennis Wilson. The country flourishes were nice. Listenable in the sun.
"The Gilded Palace of Sin" is the debut studio album by American country rock band the Flying Burrito Brothers. Country rock is the sole Wiki-listed genre. The album continued Gram Parsons' (vocals, rhythm guitar, keyboards) and Chris Hilman's (rhythm guitar, mandolin, vocals) work, which they began on the Byrd's "Sweetheart of the Rodeo," in modern country music fusing country and folk with other forms of popular music including gospel, soul and pyschedelic rock. Other core bandmembers included "Sneaky" Pete Kleinow (pedal steel guitar) and Chris Ethridge (bass, piano, backing vocals). Commercially, the album did not meet expectations reaching #164 on the US Billboard 200 but had critical acclaim regarded as an important album in the development of 1970's rock. The album opens with "Christine's Tune." Acoustic guitar, electric guitar not out of place on a Grateful Dead album and a pedal steel guitar with a very unique tone. Great harmony vocals in a song about 1960's groupie and member of GTO Christine Anna Furka. They bring a waltz beat to "Sin City." Strong lead vocals by Parsons and lively backing vocals by Hillman. A cautionary tale on the toxicity of LA. A trippy and psychedelic guitar intro begins "Hot Burrito #1." Piano and melancholic guitar. Parsons with heartfelt vocals as he expresses the pain of a break-up. The next song "Hot Burrito #2" is a counterpoint to #1. More aggressive vocals as Parsons demands the relationship despite the dysfunction. Harder edge guitar with a piano and soulful organ. A fuzztone guitar solo also sets the edge. The closer "Hippie Boy" fuses the country and gospel. Slow with a piano and organ. Parsons talking trying to settle down down the 1968 DNC Chicago riot mentality with peace and love. The songs goes full tilt gospel with a gospel-choir outro. At its base the music is country but adds soul, rock, gospel and psychedelia. All the guitar playing is excellent especially the pedal steel guitar with an Allman Brothers' tone. They're also not afraid to add a piano, organ, fuzztone guitar and mandolin. Great lead vocals and vocal harmonies. Heartfelt lyrics mostly dealing with country-type themes of break-up and infidelity but also the toxicity of LA, the Vietnam War and the 1868 Chicago DNC. There's no doubt as to the album's influence on the 1970's country rock and bands like the Eagles but in the whole alt country movement and bands like Uncle Tupelo, early Wilco, the Jayhawks and Whiskeytown. This is a solid album which sounded great today and I would recommend it to any fans of country, 1970's country rock or bands like Wilco.
First time listening to these forefathers of country rock and I wasn't disappointed. I love the songwriting combo of Parsons and Hillman and, though it definitely leans more country than rock, it's a fun listen all the way through. Starts off great with "Christine's Tune" and there's a nice mix of originals and covers throughout. I love the plaintive vocals and slide guitar on these songs. It closes in great style with the gospel-tinged story sing "Hippie Boy." A nice easy listen for a Sunday night.
The grandaddy of alt country. It definitely skews way more country than rock, but I love pure country music so not complaining. A nice antidote to the kind of toxic conservative country that was rampant at the time with stuff like Haggard's Okie from Muskogie and Wynette's Stand By Your Man on the airwaves. Love the nods to the counterculture on My Uncle and Hippy Boy. The Hot Burrito suite is the highlight here for me though, fantastic.
I didn't mind this one but didn't quite get it either.
Old 70s rock with a country tinge, specifically on the vocals. Some stuff is lowkey ahead of its time but also half the songs I didn't care about
Probably the best country/rock album ive heard next to 12 Golden Country Greats by Ween. Not a big fan of country and this album is very good. couple songs are a little too slow for my liking but still a good album.
That was awful
ok yodelei
cap n jazz?
All i can really say about The Gilded Palace Of Sin is that it's alright. It does have a cool name though which is something i can say with a strong opinion unlike the music on this album. This album, more or less is your standard country rock affair with pretty much all the strengths and weaknesses you would expect in this genre. The album certainly is pleasant to listen to being very slow moving and easy-listening which makes it a good album to be played on a road trip or something. However, it just really doesn't do anything that special and just makes this album blend in with all the other country rock albums that came out at the time. This album is fine, just nothing special Best Song: Christine's Tune Worst Song: Do You Know How It Feels
157/1001 First listen. Sounds like a whole lotta country to me. Next. 4/10
Most disappointing genre record by a band with a misleadingly fun name since The Zombies
If you've ever wondered "What if John Denver thought he was Conway Twitty," wonder no more.
Harmonies to rival the Everly Brothers, heartfelt but not hokey
I know every band is somebody’s favorite band ever, but I don’t know how I would respond if someone told me the flying burrito brothers was their favorite band. I don’t love this type of country music (or most country music for that matter)
I'm coming around more to this gospel/classic country sound the older I get.
Well, they aren’t a mariachi band and they don’t appear to be Mexican. That’s a shocker. Who put the stamp of approval on that band name? I bet they would have sold more records if they had a normal band name. These guys are like Dr.Hook. You see the band and the name and you think one thing. Then they surprise you with more intelligent and catchy songs than you ever expected. Dr.Hook is better and catchier by the way. Write that down. I always thought it was called Do Right Hard Luck Woman. Am I thinking of the same song because it sure sounds like it. I’m actually surprised at the quality of this album. The band name is terrible. I’ll have to look up why they went with that. But ya, this is a decent album. It lacks an absolute breakthrough song for me but that’s it. Do Right Woman is good but if I’m thinking of the right song, the black singer version is much better. Choice cut: Do Right Woman
I’ve heard of this band but hadn’t heard any songs. Pretty fun record though! The harmonies are beautiful and the arrangements are well constructed. Nothing about this stands out as an all time great album, but nothing makes it disappointing by any stretch, either. Favorite track: My Uncle
I think I like this?
Country-rock style music, liked it ok
This album is amazing. Simple folk accompanied by great layering of instruments like piano and organs, telling great stories. Very nice listen.
This country album sparked some interest right at the parts where is was distracted from its main style at most. "Hot Burrito #1" and "Hippie Boy" are the highlights that use some blues inspirations, and the latter also has the chatter-instead-of-singing thing. The most of the album is quite dull and did not appear any special, though.
Boring
I quite liked this
Ganske kjedelig. Hørt denne stilen bli gjort bedre før.
Var jo heilt OK minus, men forandrar ikkje livet mitt på noko vis. Går vidare på lista.
Ikke helt min sjanger, oppleves derfor ganske generisk og likt som andre ting.
A charming and enjoyable listen. I love how it was pretty much ignored on its release but its influence still resonates all these years later. Personally I preferred the more, floaty, psychy, aspects of the record and found some of the more twangy tracks a bit grating, but ultimately, the melodies and harmonies are standing the test of time pretty nicely.
I have no doubt this is one of those albums which was groundbreaking or some such, it's a name I know and I have certainly heard great covers of some of these songs. It has that country thing going on but rather than make me cringe as that often does I could happily nod along and recognise some great songwriting, even if it doesn't quite grab me.
I expected this album to have more character with such a unique name for an album and band - something more bold and refreshing. But the lyrics for every song lacked depth. It’s a country and rock fusion, with lyrics like a pop song. No song stood out to me.
An absolute struggle to sit through. Despite its historical status as the birth of country-rock, the record fails to escape the tropes of traditional country: nasal vocals, predictable I-IV-V structures, and a lackluster rhythmic section. The rock influence is too thin to save it from being a tedious and uninspiring experience for anyone who isn't a fan of the genre
Maybe as background music. Not something I'll pull out deliberately to listen to.
Maybe special for their time but now really boring.
I hate it and hope that I don't hear anything like this ever again in my life.
One of the best country albums i've heard. Also maybe the only one. Really not my kind of music, so i'm going diplomatic on this with 3 stars.
I don't give a flying burrito about this record
its really slow and unimpressive. gives me no joy at all
Pretty uneventful. I enjoyed the first and last track, weirdly, though.
The Gilded Palace of Sin AKA your mother’s house AYYYYY For real though, this was pretty good! Almost great even! It did lose me a little toward the end though.
Has a slight Johnny Cash sound. I like it
1.5 - I’ve heard a lot worse, but I didn’t really care for this.