I’ve mentioned that J.D. Crowe and The New South, in all its various configurations, are wonderful interpreters of Flying Burrito Brothers/Gram Parsons.

This song, written by ex-Eagle, Bernie Leadon, is no exception. It rambles all over the place – melodically, harmonically, structurally – but the band stays on top of it, paying luminous tribute to “God’s Own Singer”.

This song has never been considered a gospel song. It certainly isn’t a hymn. But it’s as reflective of Jesus’s preaching and teaching as anything you’d hear on Sunday – more so, in many cases. The second verse is about Bobby Kennedy and talks about his assassination. It’s as sad to contemplate today as it was when it was written. The futility is palpable, both in the lyrics and in this performance.

J.D. Crowe and the New South gave us some stunning interpretations of the songs of Gram Parsons and The Flying Burrito Brothers. This is one. It’s called “Sin City”. And yes, that’s Ricky Skaggs and Tony Rice up there with J.D.