Timeless Flight

One thing that hasn't changed is the band's steadfast adherence to a retro recording aesthetic. Along with the gorgeous time-warp efforts of Detroit's Outrageous Cherry, Beachwood Sparks is the underground band that seems most adept at making genuine sonic connections to its antecedents. Gram-o-philes will note the Sparks' country dirge "Hearts Mend" -- which rips its plip-plop drums (and title, for that matter) from Parsons' playbook. Or the piano 'n' steel swayer "By Your Side," a surprisingly earnest cover of a Sade tune, which the band turns into "Hot Burrito No. 3."

Lyrically, the Sparks' songs (mostly penned by Gunst) are typical of Parsons' oeuvre. Themes run the gamut, from the "Sin City" escapism of the aforementioned "Hearts Mend," the big-mouth blues of "Yer Selfish Ways," to the pale morning reverie of "The Hustler."

Autumn DeWilde

Beachwood Sparks: Making music that sounds younger than yesterday.

Autumn DeWilde

Beachwood Sparks moves past the stylish California canyon cool of its debut with Once We Were Trees.

Details

Scheduled to open for the Black Crowes on Sunday, September 9. Showtime is 7 p.m.

ASU Sundome in Sun City West

Related Content

• The Earps: Get a Room
  July 16, 2010
• The Man Wore Black: Five Awesome Johnny Cash Covers
  September 12, 2011
• Decemberists Bassist Nate Query Talks Influences, The Smiths, and a Love of Americana
  August 9, 2011
• Sebadoh @ Rhythm Room
  February 17, 2011
• 15 Good Songs You Might've Missed in 2010
  December 31, 2010

More About

• Gram Parsons
• Chris Gunst
• Beachwood Sparks
• David Scher
• J Mascis

Like this Story?

Sign up for the Music Newsletter: Keep your thumb on the local music scene with music features, additional online music listings and show picks. We'll also send special ticket offers and music promotions available only to our Music Newsletter subscribers.

Privacy Policy Cancel Continue

With its multiple layers, litany of rock references and expansive scope, Once We Were Trees is a kitchen sink record to be sure, yet it doesn't come off as sonic indulgence, but rather a heartfelt expression and thorough digestion of several generations of musicmaking.

"Hopefully it won't just be considered a retro thing," says Gunst. "We like old music, but we like all music, you know what I mean? All that gets filtered down into what we're doing and, hopefully, it turns out to be something original in the end."