Sparklehorse Dreamt For Light Years In The Belly Of A Mountain CD

More than five years after 2001's highly acclaimed IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE, Sparklehorse's Mark Linkous finally re-emerged from some rustic lair with DREAMT FOR LIGHT YEARS IN THE BELLY OF A MOUNTAIN, a title that seemingly doubles as a cryptic explanation for his absence. As always, this Sparklehorse outing is gilded with Linkous's warmly inviting, yet vaguely haunting arrangements, and his favorite narrative elements (sharp objects, spirits, etc.). While there are rocked-out Pixies-like moments (the searing "Ghost in the Sky" and the urgent "It's Not So Hard"), Linkous primarily leads his fellow travelers--including Tom Waits (on piano only), the Flaming Lips' Steven Drozd, and (oddly enough) Dangermouse--down scenic rural detours such as the dreamy "Don't Take My Sunshine Away" and the gorgeously melodic "Shade and Honey." Although Sparklehorse diehards will recognize a few tracks as previously released rarities, anyone who appreciates Linkous's fascinating vision will not be disappointed.

Sparklehorse: Mark Linkous (vocals, guitar, strings, pump organ, keyboards, synthesizer, bass guitar, drums).

Additional personnel: Rex White (pedal steel guitar); Tim Regan, Tom Waits (piano); Dave Fridmann (vibraphone, bass guitar); Scott Miner (drums, electronics); Steven Broad, Johnny Hott, Steven Drozd (drums); Danger Mouse (drum programming, sampler).

Rolling Stone (p.74) - 3 stars out of 5 -- "Danger Mouse can't help but brighten up his section of the album, but the rest of LIGHT YEARS is vintage dreamy 'Horse."
Spin (p.104) - 3.5 stars out of 5 -- "[S]wirling psychedelic pop, frenetic British Invasion bashers, and languid California country rock....The sound remains crisp, ensuring that its rough-hewn beauty shines through."
Spin (p.57) - Ranked #34 in Spin's "The 40 Best Albums of 2006" -- "[With] timeless melodies and delicate lyrics that toggle between effervescent and achingly sad."
Entertainment Weekly (p.83) - "Linkous' cracked, occasionally Gollum-like vocal delivery provides the comforting anchor to this simply dreamy album." -- Grade: A-
Q (p.118) - Ranked #59 in Q Magazine's "100 Greatest Albums of 2006."
Uncut (p.120) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "Linkous' imagery is febrile, with stars dying in his chest, fat spiders exploding in the sun, flocks of knives cutting the sky....It's unmistakable, unsettling, classic Linkous."
No Depression (p.101) - "The music of Sparklehorse is roots-rock, but the roots aren't buried in the earth. Instead, they've been upended, spreading outward like branches, drawing their sweetness and energy from the thin air."
Mojo (Publisher) (p.96) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "[T]hey fuse oddly enchanting sounds and mysterious images with engaging, hazy pop melodies."