>
>I just got a copy of the second album from the Austin,
>TX band Sparkwood.  I really dug their first album (a
>2001 release).  So far, this sounds wonderful.  They
>come from the lighter side of the pop spectrum --
>Fountains Of Wayne, Ben Folds, The Davenports and
>Steve Ward/Cherry Twister are names that come to mind
>-- they don't sound like any of them, but cover
>similar turf.  There are a few tunes here with
>dazzling arrangements and right now I'm playing "Ready
>for the Day", which has an instrumental break that is
>chill bump inducing.
>
>Anyway, I think this is prime Audities material and a
>lot of folks here would like it.  They have a website,
>sparkwood.com, so, if you feel compelled, check it
>out.
>
>Mike Bennett
>
>=====
>
>
>Hi Mike,
>
>I couldn't agree more.  I just got the CD last night and am now playing it
>for the second time.  It's absolutely wonderful!  Cherry Twister is
>definitely a good call, and I think Jellyfish fans would like the chord
>structures as well.
>
>They have also accepted my invitation to play IPO Chicago, and I'm very 
>much
>looking forward to seeing them there!


It seemed like this CD was never going to be released but it has finally 
seen the light of day. Bart Padar (lead vocals/keyboards) gave me a copy at 
a gig a couple of weeks ago. I'm familiar with many of the songs that have 
been featured during their live shows over the past couple of years. It's 
great to be able to listen to these songs at home. There have been a couple 
of lineup changes in the band in the last year but the current lineup feels 
pretty solid and they play really well together. A few of the songs on 
Jalopy Pop have mp3 on the website and don't forget to watch the video for 
"Miles Away" (also on JP).
There will be also be new CDs from other popsters being released soon 
including "Cooler Jets Will Prevail" from The Golden Apples and a yet to be 
titled release from Household Names.

Austin Pop Rules :-)

Jennifer