Sparkler Vol. 1

Description

Sparkler Vol. 1 is a multi-artist compilation released on Spark Recordings in 1997.

Sparkle, sparkle. This is definitely one of the better compilations out there, with a generous 18 tracks by a good mix of known and unknown bands. It’s actually a re-release of the indie version from last year, with a couple of tracks changed. Most of the inclusions here are odd men out – either unreleased, from a demo, from vinyl, or live – although some album tracks are included also. It’s primarily common alternative stuff, with a tiny pinch of ska, punk/alternative, and obnoxious techno. It’s all interesting, but best bought in order to hear some of the new bands. The unreleased tracks and demos of established bands are rare for good reason – they’re somewhat dull in comparison to the more available material out there. Changes from the indie release: the Soulfood 76 track is unfortunately replaced by a track from August Moon, and the Chris Lizotte song is different.

Not everyone will be attracted to the same songs on Sparkler, Vol. 1, but some interesting ones are by Simple (Tim Taber w/Fold Zandura), Ester Drang (a Starflyer 59 derivative), Bloomsday («Blush», from their EP), the Israelites (more relaxed, old-school ska), and Champion Birdwatchers. The Birdwatchers’ track is the surprise gem on the album, sparkling greater than all the rest with some interesting tones and melodies, understated prog/indie rock(!) musicianship, and original alternative songwriting.

All in all, the fact that this is but Volume 1 should bring smiles to many faces. [Josh Spencer, The Phantom Tollbooth, 8/14/98]

CD tracklist:

01. Simple (Fold Zandura feat. Tim Taber) – Into You – 3:44
02. Fold Zandura – Samovar – 4:33
03. Elysian Skies – Digg – 2:55
04. Satellite Circle – Inside – 2:39
05. Chris Lizotte – It’s My Right – 5:13
06. Exeter Flud – Sleep – 4:16
07. Poor Old Lu – It’s Simple To Me – 3:49
08. Ester Drang – Adle Vice – 3:27
09. Bloomsday – Blush – 4:09
10. Champion Birdwatchers – Solid – 6:39
11. Prophecy – Sick & Tired – 4:01
12. Squad 5-0 – United We Stand – 2:35
13. The Isrelites – Walls – 4:10
14. Sometime Sunday – She (Live) – 2:31
15. Phillip’s Tutu – Humble – 5:11
16. Soulfood 76 – Find My Way – 5:24
17. Dimestore Prophets – Clayton, New Mexico – 4:25
18. Cloud2Ground – Draw Me Near – 2:01

Note: Sparkly foil sleeve. Packaged with a Spark Recordings logo sticker. The inner sleeve adds extra info about certain tracks: 1: “demo. ©NowHere Songs 1996 BMI”. 2: “vinyl version”. 5: “from the album “Big Heavy World” © 1997 Metro One Music”. 7, 8, 10, 12: “demo”. 15: “really rough demo”. 16: “previously unreleased”. 17: “demo. from original demo”. (100% of the profits from this album went to support the Judeo Christian Outreach Center, a homeless shelter in Virginia Beach.)

Later re-released on Eclectica Music as Sparkler Volume One with a revised track list. Track 18 is a completely different track than what appeared on the re-released version, though it is listed with the same name. This track appeared on cloud2ground’s independent self-titled CD as “Draw Nigh Unto Me”.

Available at Bandcamp: https://sparkrecordings.bandcamp.com/album/sparkler-vol-1