Beachwood Sparks
Beachwood Sparks have set their time machine for sunny Southern California circa 1969 and landed with an homage to the country rock that led music fans out of theBeatlesera. Although it contains echoes of theByrds, theFlying Burrito Brothers, andBuffalo Springfield, their self-titled album ultimately charts its own course with crisp songwriting, distinctive four-part harmonies, and tiptop instrumentation that features lap-steel and 12-string guitars, piano, and harmonica. At a time when many bands likeNeutral Milk HotelandOlivia Tremor Controltreat pastiche as if it were a novelty, Beachwood Sparks retain the sparkle of late-'60s mellow rock yet are anchored by a clear-headed originality.  The slow-waltzing "New County" and transcendent "Silver Morning After" are far more than a nostalgic look back at the Laurel Canyon crowd with their white jeans, stringy-haired girlfriends, and Humboldt weed.  They are the classic rock songs of the future.--Lois Maffeo