Beachwood Sparks

Any fans of this group? While looking for recommendations on alt. country, I read a review that described them as spacy country-rock along the lines of the Byrds circa Notorious Byrd Brothers and the first Flying Burrito Brothers LP. That turned out to be a pretty good description. There's a lot of pedal steel here that reminds me of Sneaky Pete's work. Bu the music isn't as dark as the Burritos... much sunnier and poppier.

How are their other releases? I think there's one other album and an EP.

 

I had the CD for awhile, then lost interest. The poor recording quality didn't help. I saw one in a bargain bin last week.

 

Oops, forgot to mention that the one I got was their s/t album. I don't think the recording quality is poor at all.

 

I really loved Beachwood Sparks.

I'd recommend that you get to hear everything they released. Their two albums are both excellent, though they have different strengths. The second LP was the first one I heard, and was good enough to get me hooked. Their cover of Sade's By Your Side on that record just about knocked me sideways. The final EP, 'Make The Cowboy Robots Cry" is more experimental, and not 100% convincing.

In short, although it sounds like they are simply rehashing the Byrds/Burrito sound, their songs are strange creatures with their own peculiar beauty that are prone to make a grown man wistful.

I hear that there is a brief reunion of most of the members at the moment, to tie in with Sub Pop's 20th anniversary, so you may even get the chance to see them live.

 

Check out "Sweet Julie Ann" from the compilation Mystique: A Benefit for the AIDS Action Committee. Extremely psychedelic, before the alt. country leanings took over. The Sub Pop single ("Midsummer Daydream") is great as well. I wish there was a CD that collected their early recordings.

 

I like them. Kind of that old Byrds/Buffalo Springfield sound with an ocassional psycedelic thrown in for good measure. See, Oh Three is one of those songs that I can't listen to just once.

 

Anyone here pick up The Tarnished Gold yet? Forgot about this one being released.

 

I am enjoying it.

 

What took so long to sit down with this and listen I really can't say but this has turned into my favorite release by them. Late 60's Byrds & Burrito lovers rejoice and pick this gem up. You won't be let down.

 

I agree. Once We Were Trees has long been my favorite and is probably still the album with my favorite songs - but Tarnished Gold is so accomplished and beautiful on every level that it is an absolute triumph - what a return to form.

The new-ish release of their unissued first record, Desert Skies, is an excellent addition to their catalog as well and includes the above-mentioned songs. I have always thought their debut s/t album had nice songs, but the arrangements seemed a little too light and airy for me, or maybe too monotonous over the course of a CD? Anyway, these early versions shed some light onto that - having alternate versions makes me appreciate that eponymous record even more.

Man, I really love this band - it's been great to be able to revisit them now that they've gotten a little notoriety . . . TG was my #5 pick for 2012 (it showed up on AMG's list at #22 which shocked me as The 'Sparks tend to fly under the critical radar).

 

Another vote for the Tarnished Gold over here. I saw Beachwood Sparks open for My Bloody Valentine last year at Bill Graham and they were sublime.

Here's a live in-the-studio performance of many of the songs, plus a pretty funny interview mid-set.

 

What's with the flying V guy wearing a blanket?

 

The only Beachwood disc i have is the Japan import of their 2000 release.

https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/beachwood_sparks/beachwood_sparks_f3/



I don't have any other releases by them - but i did like this 2000 release alright.

Did Tarnished Gold come out in Japan with bonus tracks?

 

I pulled this out yesterday to put in my "play" pile. I think it is a fine record. I know people that said to me at the time " if I want to hear this sort of thing I'll listen to the originals". I said I will try any thing at least two times and I am glad I did.

 

Saw Beachwood Sparks, Once We Were Trees, and Make The Cowboy Robots Cry at the last remaining music store.

Based upon my recollection of this threads' raves, I picked them up.

 

Nice finds. These records are getting hard to find.

 

Great records. "Once We Were Trees" is my favorite of the three, but all have received heavy rotation over the years.

 

There is also the All Night Radio album Spirit Stereo Frequency to consider. When I listen to this band I generally listen to the whole catalog all the way through.

 

they are OK bit dull, over rated.

 

they opened for mbv!!!!!!!

 

where in bucks?