I am not a fan of The Byrds. However, they do have one album I enjoy. It is unique in their catalog and the artistic direction was abandoned, never to be touched upon again in their body of work

Sweetheart of the Rodeo

It is largely informed by the artistic leanings of new member Gram Parsons. Stylistically, it is the nascent version of alt country-rock. During the recording there was a lot of infighting within the band and a jockeying for control which is in contrast to the overall sweetness to the music.

Listening to it now, whether you like it or not, it does not come across as something which would be controversial. In 1968 though, it was. The brief tour was disastrous, made worse by some of the personalities in the band. This version of the band imploded and the countrified direction jettisoned.

Gram Parson would form The Flying Burrito Brothers with Byrd bassists Chris Hillman. The ‘Burritos would be influential, echoes of what they did rippling out to later groups such as the Eagles, Wilco and many others.

I have always followed the maxim of Duke Ellington, there are only two kinds of music, good & bad. I have big ears and although jazz & classical are my main things I have many things I enjoy which would surprise people. ‘Burritos being one of those things.

The latest birthday cake from the Cakettes is a masterpiece. I would like to point out, nothing was molded. Every little piece was done by hand. The cowgirl & figures were constructed of individual pieces.

More info on cake:

Almond joconde

Grand Mariner Italian meringue buttercream

Dark chocolate ganache

Cowboys made from grand Marnier royal icing

Sweetheart and band label are thyme shortbread cookie

Flowers are meringue and homemade marzipan

Written tablets are homemade marzipan 

Album title is meringue

Addendum: I know having my name on image sort wrecks effect. Generation Instagram has no problem taking images they like for content w/out attribution. To take something someone worked hard on for your site and write “I don’t know who did this” is not a get out of jail free card. I would say to anyone, if you see an image you like and dont have info on who created it, if it is not public domain then it is stealing.