Post by sacrilegend on May 27, 2007 10:57:27 GMT -5
The Handsome Family is an American alternative country duo, the couple Brett and Rennie Sparks. Currently they live in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Their songs are written in a strict separation of roles: Brett Sparks, who previously played in several independent bands, writes the music while Rennie, who also is an author, writes the lyrics. Typical for the lyrics is a close connection to the literary genre American Gothic, and Gothic elements you can find in early country and folk songs. The often very odd and drastic lyrics are sung by Brett Sparks in his smooth, calm and warm baritone voice.
The duo are known for their playful bickering and loose, disorganised feel that characterises their live shows. The "Live at the Schuba's Tavern" release contains many short stage dialogues between the pair and the song "Winnebago Skeletons" is performed in a chaotic and imprecise manner. However many fans feel this is part of the charm of their live performances.
Discography
Odessa (1995)
Milk and Scissors (1996)
Down in the Valley (Irish Compilation of the first two CDs)
Invisible Hands (Vinyl EP-1997)
Through the Trees (1998)
In the Air (2000)
Twilight (2001)
Live at the Schuba's Tavern (2001)
Smothered and Covered (2002)
Singing Bones (2003)
Last Days Of Wonder (2006)
Books
Evil (Short stories by Rennie Sparks), Black Hole Press 2000
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Handsome_Family
www.youtube.com/watch?v=6y9wQGkkVgo
www.youtube.com/watch?v=IW5e_1jxw2U
www.youtube.com/watch?v=99gdFUDleEU
www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPr67tFmyFo
I know none (if any, few) of you know this, and I also know it isn't you guys' style, but give it a listen anyway, you may be surprised.
Their songs are written in a strict separation of roles: Brett Sparks, who previously played in several independent bands, writes the music while Rennie, who also is an author, writes the lyrics. Typical for the lyrics is a close connection to the literary genre American Gothic, and Gothic elements you can find in early country and folk songs. The often very odd and drastic lyrics are sung by Brett Sparks in his smooth, calm and warm baritone voice.
The duo are known for their playful bickering and loose, disorganised feel that characterises their live shows. The "Live at the Schuba's Tavern" release contains many short stage dialogues between the pair and the song "Winnebago Skeletons" is performed in a chaotic and imprecise manner. However many fans feel this is part of the charm of their live performances.
Discography
Odessa (1995)
Milk and Scissors (1996)
Down in the Valley (Irish Compilation of the first two CDs)
Invisible Hands (Vinyl EP-1997)
Through the Trees (1998)
In the Air (2000)
Twilight (2001)
Live at the Schuba's Tavern (2001)
Smothered and Covered (2002)
Singing Bones (2003)
Last Days Of Wonder (2006)
Books
Evil (Short stories by Rennie Sparks), Black Hole Press 2000
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Handsome_Family
www.youtube.com/watch?v=6y9wQGkkVgo
www.youtube.com/watch?v=IW5e_1jxw2U
www.youtube.com/watch?v=99gdFUDleEU
www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPr67tFmyFo
I know none (if any, few) of you know this, and I also know it isn't you guys' style, but give it a listen anyway, you may be surprised.