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Recording:
  Jalopy Pop  
 
Artist:
  Sparkwood  
 
Label:
  self-released  
 
Release Date:
  23.February.2006  
 
Reviewed by:
  K-tron  
         
 
Rating:
   
         
 
Review:
 

I can't help but notice that the singer bears an uncanny resemblance to Weird Al Yankovic. Weather or not the band takes this as a compliment or not is completely up in the air. Sparkwood's Jalopy Pop is a whirlwind of silly pop songs in the vein of Partridge Family meets Queen. I can see paisley, rainbows, and the Yellow Submarine.

So, with that said, if you're in the mood for this, then by all means dive right in! If you're not, then kill yourself. Because this record is very happy. I could stand to listen to this in very certain, particular situations: like eye surgery, going to the bathroom, and dancing (which I don't do).

I would imagine, however, that the band is another story live. The album is so saccharine that it's annoying, but the songwriting is good. The songs are short and sweet, and the subjects aren't too complicated or confusing. It is what it is. Songs about relationships, having a good day, and summer breezes.

For bands like this, I think a lot of the appeal is the actual sound of the band. Perhaps triggering memories for band, as well as audience; memories that are therapeutic and soothing. I personally didn't grow up with this stuff, so it means nothing to me. If I did see any of it, it was purely retro at the time, not to mention shoved down our throats on Nick at Night reruns. It seems very passé for me. But if I was older, this might speak to me. For people younger than me, they see this as the That 70's Show era throwback, complete with bad jokes and FOX branded humor. Not very appealing.

Sparkwood is for a particular crowd. I don't see them changing sounds anytime soon, and I don't see them really succeeding as a huge band. I do see them performing alongside other like acts, as somewhat of a novelty. It's not all bad, and there is an audience for such a thing. They've produced a tightly focused, fairly well recorded record that is fun and sometimes enjoyable.

 
         
 
Related Links:
 

Band Site: http://www.sparkwood.com/

 
         

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