Sons of the Golden West

The Flying Burrito Brothers

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 18, 1999)
• Original Release Date: May 18, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Arista
• ASIN: B00000IPY7
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #70,644 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Let's get this out of the way right off the bat: this band should not be called the Flying Burrito Brothers. On one hand, the familiar moniker might attract more attention, but in doing so they are holding themselves up to an awfully high standard set by founders Gram Parsons and Chris Hillman. And clearly, leader John Beland and crew are self-conscious about it themselves, with endless rationalizations about Beland's 17-year tenure (which began long after either of the founders were around) and about carrying on a 30-year tradition and so on. This uneasiness even creeps into the songwriting, most notably on the closing "Ode to Gram," which attacks head on the notion of Gram-worshippers calling them out on all of this. The unfortunate part of all of this is that Sons is an excellently played and very often engaging country-rock collection with room for reflective ballads, charged-up boot-scooters, and loping instrumental shuffles. And esteemed guests like singers Merle Haggard (who duets marvelously on his own "Mama's Hungry Eyes"), Alison Krauss, Oak Ridge Boys, and Delbert McClinton and pickers Ricky Skaggs and Sam Bush certainly don't hurt. Yet, where they are lacking the most--the songwriting--was of course Gram Parsons's ultimate strength. Therefore, Sons is a pretty good John Beland Band record, but only a mediocre FBB album. --Marc Greilsamer

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Burritos Fly Again, January 13, 2001

By A Customer

Most of the previous reviewers seem to agree that this is an excellent album; it seems that the bone of contention here is whether or not John Beland and the current lineup should rightfully use the Burrito name. I have to disagree with Mr. Greilsamer, and express my support for John Beland. Although the current lineup contains no "original" members, this album (and several of its predecessors) have confirmed that the Flying Burrito Brothers tradition is being carried on in an admirable manner. Gram Parsons left the group before his death, but did not disband it; Chris Hillman, who has been critical of the later Burritos lineups, toured extensively with a lineup of non-original bandmates before he also left the band. In the ensuing years, original member Sneaky Pete revived the band with various other members (whose ranks sometimes included original member Chris Ethridge), and produced some superb music. In collaboration with such notable figures as Gene Parsons and Gib Guilbeau, the Burritos thrived. John Beland's entry into the band marked another major turning point, and the best thing to happen to the Burritos in many years. With superb credentials as guitarist, vocalist, and composer, John provided the band with some of their best material ever, and continues to do so. In my opinion, John long ago earned the right to use the name, and I am grateful to him for keeping the tradition going.

As for the album itself, it is a major work in its genre. Both material and performances are outstanding, and the caliber of the guest artists gives a clue to the quality of the contents, as well as an affirmation of the esteem in which the Flying Burrito Brothers are held in the artistic community. It is not an easy task to select a favorite cut, as the quality is consistent throughout. For a thouroughly enjoyable listening experience, give this album a try - you'll like it. Many thanks to John and the band for giving us another excellent album. Long live the Flying Burrito Brothers!

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars CARRYING ON THE TRADITION, May 25, 1999

By	Alan Rockman (Upland, California) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Let's get this out of the way first - Sure, this isn't the late Gram Parsons or the legendary Chris Hillman. And yes, Sneeky decided to call it quits last year, as did Gib Guilbeau. But what John Beland and Larry Patton have done on "Sons of the Golden West" is put together a Flying Burrito Brothers album. And boy what an album! Beland, Patton, drummer Gary Kubal and steel guitarist Wayne Bridge not only demonstrated their respect and affection for the grand past of LA Country Rock - but have brought it into the present.

Witness Patton's duet with Merle Haggard on THE poignant "Mama's Hungry Eyes" (I'd still like to hear Beland have go at "White Line Fever") or his rough and ready vocals on "Honky Tonk Blues". Patton's roadhouse vocal style blends in well with Beland's own fine country rock voice.

And Beland? His songs, from the title track, up through his tribute to old partner Rick Nelson on "Anybody Else But You", "Up On Sycamore" - and the nostalgic "Down At The Palomino" (listen to the "Sin City" opener!) with his twelve-string jangling are superb - and very much in the tradition of the instrumental prowess of the late Clarence White and the songwriting of Gram. About the only tune that seems to fail is the reggaeish "Locked Away" a Keith Richards song(try that on "Down In The Churchyard", guys).

I wasn't sure what to expect after Gib and Sneeky called it quits after the excellent "California Jukebox" - but Beland, Patton, steel guitarist Wayne Bridge (who, while not Sneeky, is definitely up there!), and drummer Gary Kubal have definitely soared high on "Sons of the Golden West".

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a good cd that gets better the more you listen to it, May 20, 1999

By A Customer

While I agree that the band does not include its original members, fifteen years on the road should be enough to accept these "new" guys. More importantly, this is quite a good cd, and unlike the current bubble gum country productions this cd gets better with each play. The range of styles is a little diverse and some of the numbers could be shortened for air play, but all in all this is some good music.