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: When it was announced that Florida Gator, now Minnesota Vikings wide receiver, Percy Harvin was sidelined from more than a few NFL games due to chronic migraine headaches, I really took notice. All my life I have been plagued with debilitating headaches that have affected my personal and professional life, but this guy had millions of dollars on the line and they still can’t help him. I have gone through everything: CT scans (negative), numerous diet changes so much to where I am afraid to go out and enjoy an evening at a nice restaurant with my wife and family. It’s frustrating because some of the treatments and things you would think help actually cause them, like yoga and exercises. I have ravaged my liver with over-the-counter pain relievers until I become immune to their effects. Preventative meds like Topamax, Amitriptyline and Depakote don’t work and have hard-core side effects. The latest migraine meds like Immitrex Inhalers had some effect for the first few months but have become in affective. What next? Acupuncture and a total overhaul of my diet. I am two weeks into a “tyramine- restricted diet” all with the help up my bandmate Dr. Jen Gunst, to whom I am very grateful. A tip to those who suffer: Stay away from over-ripe bananas and other fruit. In Percy Harvin’s case, treatment for sleep apnea and diet have all but cured him, but for me it’s a long road ahead. If you suffer from these then you know the effect they have; it’s like a handicap that you don’t get any special treatment for. You just have to miss out on life, many days of your precious life, and you only get one. What I try to do is really make the most of the days that I feel good. That’s a start! Is this too personal?
Video after the jump.
