Beachwood Sparks

Beachwood Sparks | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 21, 2000)
• Original Release Date: March 21, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sub Pop
• ASIN: B00004R638
• Also Available in: Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #61,912 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Cosmick Cowboy Music, April 26, 2000

By 

Jason P. Gubbels - See all my reviews

This review is from: Beachwood Sparks (Audio CD)

I was a bit skeptical when I first stumbled across this cd - despite amazon's recommendation and the reviews posted below, I assumed Beachwood Sparks was just another retro outfit. You know, refried nostalgia for those who missed the 60's the first time around. But I caved in and ordered it, basically because I'm a sucker for independent artists. And what a relief, because this album is one of the most pleasant surprises I've had all year. Sure, it's squarely in the late-60's Byrds and Flying Burrito Brothers vein, but it's also something unique. It's soulful and laid-back, experimental and traditional, fun yet melancholy all at once. And it's not all country-rock either. Songs like 'Something I Don't Recognize' and 'Old Sea Miner' could easily be mistaken for 1965-era Beatles. The songs are strong, the musicianship is excellent yet restrained, and the melodies and riffs remain in my head like half-remembered thoughts. Oh, and the cd design is truly a hoot - looks exactly like 1969! But what's most to like about these guys is that they're playing it straight....they play 60's music because they love it, not because it's some kind of in-joke. I strongly recommend this album, and not just for 60's completists. Pretending punk never happened is risky for a new millenium rock band, but the Sparks get away with it through sheer charm.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Byrds are back!, March 24, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Beachwood Sparks (Audio CD)

Hailing from San Francisco, The Beachwood Sparks' debut album is an astonishingly assured amalgam of early 70's country-rock and calming psychedelia. With its lovely harmonies and sunshine hooks, this album should not only appeal to folks with The Byrds & Buffalo Springfield in their collection but also to the No Depression crowd (for the country strain) and the Elephant Six Recording Company crowd (for the psychedelic strain). Opening track "Desert Skies" is drop-dead gorgeous & the album just gets better from there! You will honestly not be able to stop humming these heavenly tunes. The Sparks feature ex-members of the Lilys, Further & Strictly Ballroom in their line-up. They were originally on the legendary Bomp! label but are now on Sub Pop. This is officially the best album Sub Pop have ever released. I'd give it 10 stars if I could! Buy it now ya' crazy kids!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Out of nowhere., April 22, 2000

By 

D. Bencuya - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Beachwood Sparks (Audio CD)

For a debut album this is brilliant. These guys obvisouly have great record collections and use them for a great effect here, imagine a cross between the grateful dead, the beach boys, the byrds and apples in stereo and you'll have an idea how this band sound.(The use of steel guitar is especially brilliant!). Fans of quality music will adore this. Do not hesitate.