The fabulous Beachwood Sparks, who've been idle since 2002, when they release the EP, Make the Cowboy Robots Cry, have reasembled for two shows, starting with a show this weekend, July 13th, at Seattle's Marymoore Park for the 20th Anniversary of Sub Pop Records, the band's label.
The alt-country heroes are also scheduled to play the "Folk Yeah" Festival in Big Sur, California at the Henry Miller Library on July 19th.
For the uninitiated, the Beachwood Sparks formed in 1997, forming from the ashes of alternative bands, Further and Strickly Ballroom.
Their sound could be described as similar to the Jayhawks' take on the Gram Parsons' band, The Flying Burrito Brothers, but took it much deeper into Parsons' idea of "Cosmic American Music".
They've toured with The Jayhawks, Black Crowes, and Red House Painters.
Since they went idle (not officially broken up), Brent Radamacher, Christopher Gunst , and keyboardis Dave Scher formed the psychedelic pop/surf band, The Tyde. Scher left the Tyde and went on tour with Interpol, while pedal steel guitarist, Farmer Dave, was featured on Gary Louris' latest solo record, Vagabonds.
Here's a fantastic version of "Canyon Ride" by Beachwood Sparks
Here's a video for the Burrito Brothers' sounding "Sister Rose"
Do yourself a favor, and pick up the two full-length records, Beachwood Sparks, and Once We Were Trees....must have's for any lover of alt-country.
Beachwood Sparks' fansite
http://www.thecalmingseas.com/
Beachwood Sparks Myspace
http://www.myspace.com/beachwoodsparks
