Byrds’ 1968 Country-Rock Gem ‘Sweetheart of the Rodeo’ Celebrated with New Live Album
Legendary musicians Roger McGuinn and Chris Hillman, co-founders of the iconic rock band The Byrds, have released a new 24-song live album commemorating the 50th anniversary of their pioneering 1968 country-rock album, Sweetheart of the Rodeo. The album, Roger McGuinn, Chris Hillman with Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Sweetheart of the Rodeo, is now available via Friday Music.
Background
Recorded during a 27-show 50th anniversary tour in 2018, the album was previously only available as a limited-edition Record Store Day vinyl release. The tour, which featured McGuinn, Hillman, and Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives, was a unique opportunity for fans to experience the music of Sweetheart of the Rodeo live.
The Album
The new live album features the complete reading of Sweetheart of the Rodeo, as well as related songs like Hillman’s seminal "Time Between," Bob Dylan’s "My Back Pages," and the Hillman-McGuinn collaboration "Old John Robertson." Instruments from the original sessions were also featured. The shows typically ended with encore performances of two Byrds classics, "So You Want to Be a Rock ‘n’ Roll Star" and "Turn! Turn! Turn!" The album also includes a final-night rendition of "Eight Miles High," performed for the first and only time during this tour.
Track Listing
- "My Back Pages"
- "A Satisfied Mind"
- "Mr. Spaceman"
- "Time Between"
- "Old John Robertson"
- "Wasn’t Born to Follow"
- "Sing Me Back Home"
- "Drug Store Truck Drivin’ Man"
- "Mr. Tambourine Man"
- "You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere"
- "Pretty Boy Floyd"
- "Hickory Wind"
- "Life In Prison"
- "One Hundred Years From Now"
- "Nothing Was Delivered"
- "Blue Canadian Rockies"
- "The Christian Life"
- "You’re Still on My Mind"
- "You Don’t Miss Your Water"
- "I Am a Pilgrim"
- "So You Want to Be a Rock ‘n’ Roll Star"
- "I Feel a Whole Lot Better"
- "Eight Miles High"
- "Turn! Turn! Turn!"
Conclusion
Sweetheart of the Rodeo is a landmark album in the history of rock music, and this new live album is a testament to the enduring power of its songs. With its unique blend of country, rock, and folk, the album continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans. This new release is a must-have for any fan of The Byrds or country-rock music.
FAQs
Q: Who are the co-founders of The Byrds?
A: Roger McGuinn and Chris Hillman are the co-founders of The Byrds.
Q: What is the name of the new live album?
A: Roger McGuinn, Chris Hillman with Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Sweetheart of the Rodeo
Q: What is the track listing of the new live album?
A: The track listing includes the complete reading of Sweetheart of the Rodeo, as well as related songs and encore performances.
Q: Is the album available for purchase?
A: Yes, the album is available via Friday Music.
Q: What is the significance of Sweetheart of the Rodeo?
A: Sweetheart of the Rodeo is a pioneering country-rock album that has had a lasting impact on rock music.