Burrito Deluxe
The Whole Enchilada

Review by Rikks Revues writer *Kyle Neumann*

This is an enhanced CD featuring bonus documentary footage.

Burrito Deluxe consists pf five members: Carlton Moody on vocals, acoustic guitar, and mandolin, Sneaky Pete Keinow on pedal-steel guitar, Garth Hudson on piano, Hammond organ, synthesizers and accordion, Jeff “Stick” Davis on electric and acoustic bass and vocals, and Rick Lonow on drums, percussion, and vocals. The band offers an old school style of country on this album entitled “The Whole Enchilada.” The album delivers a thirteen track listing one would often listen to on road trips.

The first song called “You Got Gold”, a John Prine cover, is slow paced with an old fashion country sound. The piano is very effective and stands out significantly offering a strong presence. I thought of the image of listening to this song driving on a long trip in my car. The lyrics are close to the heart and offer a personal side with “Is there enough space between us/ To keep us both honest and true/ Why is it so hard just to sit in the yard/ And stare at the sky so blue/ I’ve got a new way of walking and a new way of talking/ Honey when I’m around you.” This song is about the goodness inside of a loved one and how it comes through. Gold is used in a metaphorical sense in this song. Usually when gold is mention, one would think of jewelry not an asset someone has inside of them. The singer states “Honey you got gold/ Gold inside you/ You got gold/ Gold inside you/ Well I got some/ Gold inside me.”

“The Letter” is the second track of the album, a cover of the old Boxtops track. The song has a slow start, but ends up with a faster pace than the first song. The synthesizer offers a unique twist to the country sound. I usually thought of a synthesizer being used in modern rock music more. “The Letter” is about being reunited with the love of your life. This is revealed in the lyrics as the singer says “Gimme a ticket for an aeroplane/ Ain’t got time to take a fast train/ Lonely days are gone, I’m going home/ My baby just wrote me a letter.” Many hope for a second chance often at times in life. The singer here goes for that chance.

The third cut “Woman Like You” has strong percussions in the beginning. The music can send you images of a small town Saturday Night dance. Burrito Deluxe offer us an image of a small town, Gruene, Texas came to my mind. This is small town with a dance hall and antique shops. The pedal-steel guitar offers a solid sound with an even flow to the song. Lyrics here tell of a complete infatuation with the woman of your dreams. He lets her know his feelings as he says “Baby, can you tell me what’s going on/ You’re in my every dream and every song/ My hearts been broken a time or two/ But I’ve never been in love with a woman like you.”

“Sister” is the instrumental piece on the album. Burrito Deluxe's mandolin comes out strong offering a unique sound. This song made me think of getting off of a plane into Hawaii where the locals place the lei around your neck complete with Hawaiin Guitar and Hula Dancers.

The eighth track is entitled “All I Had Left (Left with You)” with a classic piano sound giving an old time western feel. The background music sounds like a horse trotting with the tempo used. This song is about heartache which is standard classic country. Carlton Moody exhibits this with his vocal styling.

Burrito Deluxe have an effective CD with "The Whole Enchilada". One seeking roots country, or Americana will be very satisfied with the new CD.

  (4.5 Stars out of 6 )

Play MP3 Sample of "You Got Gold"

Play MP3 Sample of "Ezekial's Wheel"