I love this band, and I need to post more by them. Today, I have a theme going: alt-country, with one of the pioneers and one that picked up the mantle a little longer down the line. Like Little Feat, this band was more popular with other musicians than with the public. So the public missed something special here.
This was the opening song on the album The Gilded Palace of Sin. They didn’t ease you in… they hit you hard with this country song with rock attitude. It’s built around a cool rhythm and sharp harmonies. I like how it had a Bakersfield sound mixed with rock’s drive. It was written by Gram Parsons and Chris Hillman.
This song showed how country music could carry an edge without losing its roots. What makes it work is how natural it sounds, blending those two styles. Pedal steel in the background while the rhythm section drives like a rock band. It set the tone for the whole Burritos sound.
This song, like the album, barely made a dent in the music world of 1969. They developed a cult following upon its release that included Bob Dylan and The Rolling Stones. Over time, it turned into a blueprint for country-rock.
Christine’s Tune (Devil in Disguise)
She’s a devil in disguiseYou can see it in her eyesShe’s telling dirty liesShe’s a devil in disguiseIn disguiseNow a woman like that all she does is hate youShe doesn’t know what makes a man a manShe’ll talk about the times that she’s been with youShe’ll speak your name to everyone she canShe’s a devil in disguiseYou can see it in her eyesShe’s telling dirty liesShe’s a devil in disguiseIn disguise
Unhappiness has been her close companionHer world is full of jealousy and doubtIt gets her off to see a person cryingShe’s just the kind that you can’t do withoutShe’s a devil in disguiseYou can see it in her eyesShe’s telling dirty liesShe’s a devil in disguiseIn disguise
Her number always turns up in your pocketWhenever you are looking for a dimeIt’s all right to call her but I’ll bet youThe moon is full and your just wasting time
She’s a devil in disguiseYou can see it in her eyesShe’s telling dirty liesShe’s a devil in disguiseIn disguise (in disguise)In disguise (in disguise)In disguise (in disguise)In disguise
