Sparklehorse

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Richmond, United States (1995 – 2010)

Sparklehorse was an American band formed in 1995 and led by Mark Linkous (September 9, 1962 - March 6, 2010), a Richmond, Virginia native and last of a long line of southern coalminers. Linkous recorded much of Sparklehorse’s material in his home studio, and his Southern Gothic vision guided Sparklehorse. Drummer and multi-instrumentalist Scott Minor was a frequent collaborator.

Before his suicide in March 2010, Linkous created many albums of beauty and discord and much of Sparklehorse’s music has an introspective, melancholy feel, which Linkous credited to a chemical imbalance. His lyrics are full of odd imagery: Joe Tangari describes Linkous’ songs as “defiantly … with all manner of references to smiling babies, organ music, birds, and celestial bodies… In fact, some of the lyrics are so surreal that it’s hard to imagine they’re even metaphors for anything.”

Musically, Sparklehorse were not far removed from , though there are as many differences as similarities between that genre and Sparklehorse: Linkous was fond of incorporating obsolete musical instruments or technologies (such as woozy mellotrons, scratchy, distorted wire recordings of his own voice, or cheap, tinny drum machines), in ways reminiscent of some of Tom Waits’ music. Sparklehorse offered a few full-throttle numbers, as well, such as “Some Day I Will Treat You Good” or “Happy Man”.
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  • HeroGothamNeeds

    There's no joy here. Just stale sadness from a pitiful life of habitual pain. I was depressed and suicidal for two years. Jesus brought me out. Seek Him and you will find what life is meant to be, joyful [234256867568995678]

    Sunday morning
  • SanszajnDynamit

    Coś jest w tym sparklaku! kiedy kładę się spać i włączam sobie go na słuchawki, zasypiam pomału jak dziecko:) gra całą noc, a na drugi dzień gdy słucham wszystkie piosenki są mi znane:D uwielbiam jego muzykę!

    Saturday evening
  • dartotheren

    There's no joy here. Just stale sadness from a pitiful life of habitual pain. I was depressed and suicidal for two years. Jesus brought me out. Seek Him and you will find what life is meant to be, joyful.

    Wednesday evening
  • Nakkinak

    not if you die. when you die. It's inevitable. fuck life.

    last week
  • C_Gallagher

    If I die and there is smth afterwards I'm going to hell to listen to you playing Eyepennies, Mark. Thank you

    9 days ago
  • papermoon13

    may all your days be gold, my child [2] One of the best songs I've ever heard.

    10 days ago
  • Nakkinak

    may all your days be gold, my child

    12 days ago
  • syphon989

    Mark:Gold Day ♥

    17 days ago
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Dark Night Of The Soul

27 May 2009 | from blog.myspace.com/sparklehorse

Sparklehorse & Dangermouse team up to bring you Dark Night Of The Soul. James Mercer of The Shins, The Flaming Lips, Gruff Rhys of Super Furry Animals, Jason Lytle of Grandaddy, Julian …

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