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Handsome Family Values: Ivor Cutler

handsomelogo120eFor the Handsome Family, upcoming album Honey Moon—a collection of love songs due April 14—is a startling left turn. The husband/wife duo of Brett and Rennie Sparks still deals in spectral bluegrass and noirish folk forms on its ninth album, but gone are the ghosts and murder ballads that had painted them into a gothic-Americana corner. (Trust us, the album is still plenty weird. Love is weird.) The Handsome Family is guest editing magnetmagazine.com this week. Read our Q&A with Brett and Rennie about Honey Moon and a host of other topics.

ivorcutler320Brett Sparks: A Scottish poet, songwriter and weirdo, Ivor Cutler (1923-2006) became known for his regular performances on BBC radio, in particular his numerous sessions recorded for John Peel’s radio show. The Glasgow-born Cutler appeared in the Beatles’ Magical Mystery Tour movie; he also recorded sophomore album Ludo with Fab Four producer George Martin the same year. For live performances, he would often accompany himself on a harmonium. Cutler’s work is filled with a childlike surrealism. (He spent a good portion of his life as a teacher in both English boarding and public schools.) He recites his poems in a gentle Scottish burr, and this, combined with the absurdity of his subject matter, makes for unforgettable, head-spinning moments.

Photograph (c) The Estate of Ivor Cutler