Quite a few members of the indie community woke up to start their week to find a press release that broke their heart. Mark Linkous, the creative force behind Indie darlings, Sparklehorse, had passed away Unfortunately for fans of the work, they were aware of Mark's health problems. The alt-folk musicians troubles were well known because Linkous has a way of using the negativity to power his creativity.
Linkous had moved California in the 80s with his first band, The Dancing Hoods. While they had some moderate success, including being featured on MTV's 120 Minutes, they never broke into the mainstream. Down on his luck, and disappointed, Linkous moved back home to Virginia, and continued working his dream job - making music.
Linkous recorded his first solo material under many names before deciding on the moniker he would become most known by, Sparklehorse. He recorded the first two albums more or less alone in a small room by himself. Good Morning Spider, the second album, references a dark spot in Linkous life: an overdose while on tour opening for Radiohead in 1996. Mark overdosed in a London hotel room, and after sitting awkwardly for a long period, he was rushed to a hospital. The damage to his body left his legs permanently weakened, and kept him in a wheelchair for the next 6 months.
Linkous, feeling he would stifle his own creativity and longevity decided to change his approach to recording his third album. For It's a Wonderful Life, he tried expanding to include a full band and a studio recording. His creativity and style brought the music world to life; appearing on his third album was Tom Waits, PJ Harvey, and Dave Friddmann. Also featured on the record was Vic Chesnutt, who sadly passed away on Christmas of last year.
In 2004, between his third and fourth records, he took some time to work on another passion of his - producing. He organized and produce Gammon Records special two disc compilation in tribute to American singer, Daniel Johnston. The Late Great Daniel Johnston: Discovered Covered was a collection of covers by a list of bands that represents every facet of the independent community. From the Eels and TV on the Radio, to Bright Eyes and Death Cab for cutie, the record is a solid presentation. Linkous himselt appears on the album, on a track where he works with the Flaming Lips.
The followup to well received third record wasn't as well received by critics, but fans still loved it. Half of the material on Dreamt for Light Years in the Belly of a Mountain was previously released material re-recorded and remastered. Pitchfork loved it, and a whole new era of fans fell in line with Sparklehorse.
The most influential thing Dreamt for Light Years in the Belly of a Mountain did for Linkous can be found in the liner notes. Linkous co-produced the album with Dave Fridmann and Danger Mouse. Working with Danger Mouse, Linkous worked on an piece of art across multiple senses, with experimental film maker David Lynch working hand in hand on the visuals. This 13 track collection is pure audio beauty, from open to close. Just look at the featured artists! The Flaming Lips, Julian Casablancas of the Stroke, Black Francis of the Pixies, James Mercer, Vic Chesnutt, and even Iggy Pop! Unfortunately, this album did not see the light of day during Linkous life, as a dispute with EMI kept the album from being released. The art booklet David Lynch created is sold, however, with a blank cd and a large notice: "For Legal Reasons, enclosed CD-R contains no music. Use it as you will."
According to his agent, Linkous was hard at work on a fifth Sparklehorse record at the time of his passing. Shelby Meade, his manager, made it clear that he had moved to a new studio to finish another album. But for now, that's where the music ends. And that would still amass an amazing collection, between his four studio albums and the two compilations, there's a lot of Sparklehorse to be heard. And if you haven't already fallen in love, I highly suggest it; tracks like Some Sweet Day, Ghost in the Sky, It's a Wonderful Life, Box of Stars, and Daughters are highly likely to change your life - or at least your day.
"From the Linkous Family: "It is with great sadness that we share the news that our dear friend and family member, Mark Linkous, took his own life today. We are thankful for his time with us and will hold him forever in our hearts. May his journey be peaceful, happy and free. There’s a heaven and there’s a star for you." - March 6, 2010"
Fans have been left with just the above message since his passing. Well, that, and a lifetime worth of beautiful, life celebrating, and breathtaking music to cherish.
Thanks for Everything, Mark Linkous.
-Mark Roe
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