It used to be easier to pretend that an album was its own perfectly self-contained artifact. The great records certainly feel that way. But albums are more permeable than solid, their motivations, executions and inspirations informed by, and often stolen from, their peers and forbearers. It all sounds awfully formal, but it's not. It's the very nature of music — of art, even. The Six Degrees features examine the relationships between classic records and five… more »
This two-fer from country-rock legends the Flying Burrito Brothers includes 1969′s Gilded Palace of Sin and 1970′s Burrito Deluxe on a single disc. Both albums dutifully represent the band at its peak, making it a great entry point for newbies and a hassle-free treat for longtime fans. – James Christopher Monger