New Riders of the Purple Sage-Close Encounters of the West Coast

Close Encounters of the West coast

I feel that this is a VERY strong release of post-GP burrito material. There are a few studio records not yet released on CD from this line-up of the Burritos, but this live set is the best from this era.
Very energetic versions of mostly standard honky-tonk and bluegrass numbers, played in front of a very enthusiast Japanese audience (which I find humorous that they are so into this music!)
Maybe I am slightly impartial to this release because it was my accidental discovery into the world of "country-rock" and "bluegrass" music, an interest which has grown immeasurably over the last 10 years.


Trust me folks, a very solid release. Take this one on a road trip, this is great highway music.
Sadly, the man who acted as a catalyst in creating the best Burrito albums - the underrated Chris Ethridge - left the Burritos after 'Flying Again' to be replaced by Skip Battin. Battin is the only musician to have been a member of The Byrds, The Burritos and The New Riders of the Purple Sage. Despite this pedigree and his skill as a bassist, all three of these bands suffered when Skip joined, largely due to his dreaful songwriting contributions (normally collaborations with Kim Fowley). Although Skip contributed no songs to 'Airborne', the fifth and final Burritos album, much of the material by hands outside the band was ill-chosen and despite some fine moments, the record was almost as big a disappointment to me as 'Burrito Deluxe'.

'Close Encounters to the West Coast' features the post-'Airborne' lineup of Gilbeau, Battin, Kleinow, new boy Greg harris (who replaced the wonderful Joel Scott Hill) and Ed Ponder (whom I believe took over from Gene Parsons on drums for the tour this album originates from due to the latter injuring his hand).

The album opens with the definitive version of 'Big Bayou' (from 'Aiborne' -there is a third version Gib recorded in his time with the Dillards) which is full of Sneaky Pete's amazing treated pedal steel. For me this sound has always been the essence of the FBB, more important even than Gram Parson's originating presence. On this cut Kleinow is simply astonishing, conjouring psychedlic sounds of out his instrument that could only be duplicated otherwise by using about three analogue synthesizers simultaneously. This is real country ROCK, with emphasis on the latter oin the music and the former in the lyrics.

A superb version (and hit single) of 'White Line Fever' follows - this is the finest trucking song i;ve ever heard, penned by the superb Merle Haggard and surpassing the Chris Hillman vocal on the version from the third album. Other highlights include a craking 'Dim lights, Thick Smoke', a live version of 'Hot Burrito #2' that surpasses the one on 'Last of the Red Hot Burritos' and a gorgeous take on 'Colorado' which again outclasses the one from that eponymous third album. 'Six days on the Road' is much better here than the version with Gram singing, as it has a lot more balls. and 'Truck Drivin Man' is great fun.

Less interesting (hence the four stars) but still worth hearing are the bluegrassy numbers 'Rocky Top' and 'Rollin in my sweet baby's arms'.

So overall, I'm claiming that some of the songs here are the best versions recorded and released - remember that when I bought this album, I'd only heard 'Gilded Palace' and not been influenced by other fans and critics. For me, this is the third best Burrito album, preceded only by 'Gilded' and 'Flying Again'. Ignore the critics, put the CD on and turn up the volume. Do the same with 'Burrito Deluxe' and be honest with yourself - Gram and the boys screwed that one up.

Finally, I'll add that after this album, there are no essential Burrito CDs, so don't get carried away buying other live albums by later, inferior lineups.