Mid-Week Sweetheart Music

On August 30, 50 years ago, The Byrds released the landmark "Sweetheart of the Rodeo" album to decidedly mixed reviews. Now considered to be the genesis of the country rock movement (think Eagles, Poco, Flying Burrito Brothers, Allman Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, etc.), "Sweetheart" is ranked 117 on Rolling Stone's best albums of all time.  Giving up the jangly 12- string Rickenbacker guitar sound for a pedal steel guitar was a major departure for the band, heavily influenced by short- time band member Gram Parsons (they kept the gorgeous harmonies The Byrds are known for, though). These days, original members Roger McGuinn and Chris Hillman are teaming up with Marty Stuart on a limited tour to celebrate the album's anniversary. Here are two cuts from "Sweetheart," Bob Dylan's "You Ain't Goin' Nowhere," and Parsons' "Hickory Wind," with session man Lloyd Green on pedal steel guitar. Hope you enjoy. (P.S. - the album title and cover are all- time greats, too, IMO.)