Loading home…
Featuring such notable musicians as Joey Burns, co-founder of Calexico, Dustin Boyer (John Cale) and Theo Welch (Barry White), Sweet Birds of Youth is the debut solo album of Richard James Simpson, formerly lead guitarist and vocalist for the band Teardrain (which included bass player and co-songwriter Jill Emery (of such bands as Hole, Mazzy Star and Super Heroines); and bassist for Invisible Chains (featuring musician Carla Bozulich). Sweet Birds of Youth has been described as a collection of songs that range from sexy and gritty to dreamy and reflective. A very rich and complex sonic palette unfolds in the 18 songs, with an experimental and soulful sound reminiscent of such artist as Bowie, Iggy Pop, The Pixies, P.J. Harvey, Radiohead, Roxy Music and many others. Simpson proves to be capable of re-metabolyzing such a wide range of influences into a consistent personal musical gestalt. Formerly credited as Richard James, Richard James Simpson is the brother of the late Rock Halsey from the infamous L.A. punk band Rock Bottom and The Spys (which included Ygarr Ygarrist of Zolar X); and son of actress Renate Huy. The album was mastered by punk icon Geza X (producer: Meredith Brooks, The Germs, Dead Kennedys, Black Flag, etc.). Boyer - who co-produced, played multiple instruments, and engineered several songs on the album - is a veteran of the L.A. music scene, He plays lead guitar for, John Cale. Boyer, and is a longtime collaborator of the Welsh musician. Welch has performed and recorded with a variety of musical acts, including Barry White and Evelyn "Champagne" King. Joey Burns, of Calexico fame, makes an appearance on the album. He plays hauntingly beautiful cello on the track "You" and contributes to the rich ensemble of vocal harmonies.