The Byrds are back!
Jason P. Gubbels | 03/24/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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!"
Out of nowhere.
D. Bencuya | 04/22/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"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."
Music Is Warm and Sincere...
legmuffin | Kansas City, MO USA | 06/08/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"...without a trace of the irony evident in so much of today's music. Beachwood Sparks don't sound like they're ripping off a sound (re:Lenny Kravitz), as much as paying homage to a time and a place they feel affection for. The time is the late 1960's; the place is sunny California. Mellow, melodious music that puts one in the mind of a lazy afternoon lounging on the beach or taking a drive with all the windows rolled down: time becomes only an afterthought. This is escapist, folk-rock music, that makes you want to dance and sing or hum along. Some days I play this album on my turn table, and almost go back in time."