The Flying Burrito Brothers

The Flying Burrito Brothers have had at least a dozen incarnations over the years, but the only one that truly matters is the original lineup with Gram Parsons, who was only aboard for the first two albums. Not that later versions of the band weren't solid, but it was Parsons who championed the then-unique concept of a band that rolled country, rock, folk and R&B into one American package, and if his vision for the Burritos wasn't always met, at least the measuring stick was there. This collection has a couple of the early essentials like "Sin City" and "Dark End of the Street," but it lacks important others (like "Do Right Woman, Do Right Man" and "Hot Burrito No. 1"), and makes for a rather hit or miss introduction to this influential band. Stick with A&M's Hot Burritos anthology, which gets it right. ~ Steve Leggett, All Music Guide