Back To The Sweethearts Of The Rodeo Vol.1

This 28-song double-CD set, intended as a farewell album to the Burrito Brothers' legions of European fans, consists of songs recorded in Sheffield, AL, in 1986 and 1987 by the final incarnation of the Burritos: John Beland and Gib Gilbeau (vocals, guitars), James Hooker (piano), Alan Jones (bass), Roger Clark (drums), Wayne Bridge (steel guitar), Steve Nathan (synthesizer), and Butch Johnson (harmonies). Most of the tunes are originals by Beland and Gilbeau, which are above average midtempo country-rock with some pleasant hooks and catchy choruses and harmonies -- most are fairly romantic and some of it is very beautiful, especially tracks like "Shoot for the Moon" and "Baby Won't You Let Me Be the One." Interspersed are a few more ambitious story-songs, such as "Moonlight Rider," a few rockers like "Gold Guitar," and covers of stuff by Buck Owens and Felice and Boudleaux Bryant ("Take a Message to Mary"). Ironically, to most listeners the group here will sound very similar to the Eagles, one of the bands formed in the wake of the original Flying Burrito Brothers -- but there is also a strong resemblance to circa 1970 Swampwater (Beland and Gilbeau's first band), a near contemporary of the original Burritos. Whatever one's reference point, they're worth checking out. ~ Bruce Eder|