'Farther Along, The Best of The Flying Burrito Brothers' is a good selection from this group's first two albums. To counter another reviewer's remarks, a 'best of' album is not done to replace earlier classic albums. I agree heartily that the Burrito's first album, 'The Gilded Palace of Sin' is a truly great album, but if you have that on vinyl and you want something for your walkman without buying new copies of all their albums, this issue does the job.

The Flying Burrito Brothers were a spin-off from the Byrds, after they did their classic 'Sweetheart of the Rodeo', after bringing in Gram Parsons to replace the errant David Crosby, who flew off to create 'Crosby, Stills, and Nash'.

The Burritos were primarily Gram Parsons, Chris Hillman, Chris Etheredge, and Sneaky Pete, of whom I never bothered to track down his real name.

The only thing I miss from their original releases is the 'little hippy girl' talker done by Parsons.

Recommended as a sampler or very portable version of a classic 60's group.

As exponents of country-rock, Gram Parsons and Chris Hillman have no match, and why not, considering the genre was their creation. 'Farther Along' starts off being practically the entireity of their best work - Gilded Palace of Sin (9 of the 11 songs are here)and then proceeds to uncover many other gems, including brilliant studio outtakes and snatches of pure magic like Sing Me Back Home and cover versions like Wild Horses, To Love Somebody and I Shall Be Released. Largely ingnored (I'm still trying to figure out why), 'Farther Along' is the best 'Best Of..' album of all time. FBB did not make too many albums, but then with something like 'Farther Along' does it really matter. Its a treasure to be relished forever. You'll never get tired of this one.

Few can claim to have created a new genre of music, but Parsons, along with the rest of the Burritos, are allowed this right. This is inspiring, timeless music that is still heard in the sounds of such disciples as Wilco, Dwight Yoakam, and Son Volt. "Juanita" tackles the theme of rampant drug use and redemption, while "Sin City" speaks of anarchy in the City of Angels - all done to steel guitars and rhythms that were commonly reserved for Haggard and George Jones. This was revolutionary for it's time, and still is when you listen to country radio today. The way the music surrounds Gram's vocals is nothing short of genius. Unfortunately, the Burrito Bros. disbanded after a short run and Parsons lated died of an overdose at 26, but the influence that this band, and it's leader, left stretches way past their catalog of music. An essential collection of American music that should not be missed.

"Farther Along" may be out of print now, but if you come across it, it's a great single disc collection of these guys. Sure it doesn't have everything, but what's here is all excellent pioneering country-rock. You can't complain too much with 21 tracks of some of their best. Everything here from "Christine's Tune (a.k.a. devil in disguise)", to the partial cover of "I Shall Be Released" is wonderful. If you don't pick this up, check out "Sin City: The Best Of", it's about the same. "Gram Parsons" solo stuff is sweet too.

This is a strong CD full of great music. But I prefer Out of the Blue. With the exception of Dim Lights everything of FA is on OOTB. Costs 3 times as much though.