They burned brightly, but briefly. Now, they have rekindled the flame. For Beachwood Sparks, the metaphor is all too easy and all too apt. The band’s discography is succinct: two albums, plus an EP and a few singles. There wasn’t much, but there was something indelible about those records. They took the cosmic American music of the Flying Burrito Brothers and Byrds, added the bittersweet sounds of middle-period Beach Boys and Sister Lovers Big Star, then turned them into a sun-dappled, dreamy, psychedelic brand of alt-country. But by 2002, Beachwood had run its course, and the group disbanded amicably, five years after it formed. Now a decade later, Beachwood Sparks—guitarists Farmer Dave Scher and Chris Gunst, bassist Brent Rademaker and drummer Aaron Sperske—is back with The Tarnished Gold (Sub Pop). The quartet will also be guest editing magnet magazine.com all week. Read our new feature on the band.
Rademaker: Gerard Love is best known as the bassist/singer/songwriter of the Scottish band Teenage Fanclub. Lightships is the name of his first solo project outside of the Fanclub. Electric Cables is the name of the album. Gerry’s songs in the Fanclub have always been very dear to me. His melodic sense of writing and bass playing are crucial to what makes Teenage Fanclub such a special group, going way beyond the alterna-era accolades they received for their second LP, Bandwagonesque. I can relate heavily to the power of having three founding members and songwriters in one group. As a fan you always wonder what a solo record from your favorite member would sound like? Tranquility abounds, melody surrounds is the answer. The record is simply beautifully done: full of love, nature and self-awareness. I really don’t want to review it for you or ruin it by trying to put into words something you can get simply by buying this LP (get the vinyl; the pressing is superb). This record proves the Mayans were right and shifts us right into the fifth dimension where open hearts and compassion are as common as ants at a picnic. Lightships’ Electric Cables: the sound of Jung Scotland!
Video after the jump.
