Sweet Birds of Youth

Sweet Birds of Youth is the first solo studio album by American rock musician Richard James Simpson, released in January 2017 by Rehlein Music. It contains 18 tracks, all written by Simpson. It combines traditional songs with several short experimental pieces. The majority of the songs were produced by Simpson, with eight tracks co-produced by Dustin Boyer from the John Cale band, and some other tracks co-produced by Joe and Fitch. Boyer plays several instruments on the album, other contributors include Joey Burns from Calexico on cello, and Theodore Welch on drums. It also features Simpson's sister Jennifer singing harmony vocals.
The album was recorded in Los Angeles and San Francisco. It was mastered by Geza X.

Track listing

All tracks written by Richard James Simpson. "Bulls" contains a sample of "Ring of Fire" written by June Carter and Merle Kilgore.

"Birds" – 0:15
"Bulls" – 3:37
"Taking Sides" – 4:02
"Moonbeams Arms" – 2:55
"I Love You" – 1:10
"Roller" – 5:02
"Roll 3" – 0:40
"You" – 1:19
"Moon 1" – 0:27
"Never Is Forever" – 4:56
"10" – 1:35
"Sorrow" – 3:25
"Bloodsick" – 4:19
"I Can, But I Can't" – 5:12
"Roll 4" – 0:23
"Sometimes" – 3:31
"Spirit Plus" – 3:37
"10 Estrellas" – 1:43

Personnel

Credits are adapted from the Sweet Birds of Youth liner notes.
Musicians

Richard James Simpson – vocals, guitar, bass, keyboards, organ, soundscapes, voice
Dustin Boyer – bass, drums, keyboards, soundscapes
Theodore Welch – drums, percussions
Joe – drums
Joey Burns – cello, backing vocals
Maclovia Martel – backing vocals
Patricia Maertens – backing vocals
Jennifer Louise Simpson – vocals, voice
Michelle Marino – voice
Miguel Infanzon – voice
Renate Huy – voice
Tracy Halsey – voice
Mike Koenig – sound samples

Production

Richard James Simpson – producer
Dustin Boyer – producer
Joe – producer
Fitch – producer
Geza X – mastering
Jessee Vidaurre – design