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THE REVIEW
Released in 1995, the debut album "Vivadixiesubmarinetransmissionplot" by Sparklehorse (the moniker under which Mark Linkous operates) was followed the next year by the EP "Chords I've Known", which many have unjustly overlooked.
The EP can be considered as an extension of the first album due to the presence of outtakes from "Vivadixie". "Heart Of Darkness (Wiggly)" is an alternative (more folk) version of the song released on the first album, but it also stands out for the use of electric guitar instead of pedal steel guitar. "Almost Lost My Mind" is the most rock-oriented track of the bunch. "Midget In A Junkyard" is structured around the harmonic interplay of banjo and mandolin and recalls Lullaby for the Working Class. "Dead Opera Star" is an interesting blend of spoken word and traditional singing (in the chorus). "Chords I've Known" closes with "The Hatchet Song", a peculiar song in Linkous's discography for its use of piano.
5 tracks for 10 minutes of excellent music, left as a legacy by one of the brightest minds of the last twenty years.
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Summary by Bot
The 'Chords I've Known' EP by Sparklehorse, released after their debut album, is a much-overlooked collection of outtakes and unique tracks. It showcases diverse styles from folk to rock with creative instrumentation and highlights Mark Linkous' talents. The EP serves as a valuable extension of 'Vivadixiesubmarinetransmissionplot,' offering five compelling tracks in just ten minutes.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
Sparklehorse
Sparklehorse was the primary musical project of American musician Mark Linkous, often described in the reviews as a one-person band rooted in lo‑fi craft, melancholy songwriting, and alternative country/indie rock textures.18 Reviews
Other reviews
By zigghio
I see songs as little planets, they don’t have to be in alignment, if they orbit they become boring.
It is one of the masterpieces of the ’90s because ... you can find country-punk outbursts, post rock approaches, and also gospel.
By Alternativo91
The album opens with 'Homecoming Queen' which has a beautiful arpeggio, and a whispered voice, dreamy, melancholic to avoid when feeling down.
The most catchy song, however, is undoubtedly Someday I Will Treat You Good played with feedback and dissonances which indicate that the artist was far from making a pop piece.
By zaireeka
The songs are islands of wrenching beauty.
Great sensitivity has its price.
By Angeldust82
"The album is fragile and unstable... born, grow, and die just as they were conceived."
"The closer you get to perfection the more you lose in spontaneity."
