John Sparow, the

John Sparrow, the
Arms Reach Recordings
General | May 2002

Reviews

Katie P.
Reviewed 2002-07-08
The John Sparrow "The John Sparrow" - Three kids from Houston Texas (I think) playing power pop. It's actually some of the better stuff that I've heard in this genre. They like to rock out and create some seriously catchy songs. The nice thing is that they even add some elements of psychedelia and some plain old weirdness. Nothing on here is going to floor you with its awesome power, but it's kind of fun and sort of grows on you.
My Picks: 2, 4, 6 (well, 6 is just weird)
Katie P. 7/2/02

1) Starts with short-wave radio sounds. Guitars fade in and it goes into an uptempo power pop tune. Catchy lyrics. Weird radio sounds end abruptly.
2) Bouncy uptempo with a bit of a psychedelic feel. Very catchy and fun.
3) Midtempo shuffle that turns a little bouncy. Again very catchy lyrics but not quite as fun and enjoyable. The song feels a little sad.
4) A bit more of a heavy rock feel, but still poppy. Guitars have a slight psychedelic feel again. Ooo, nice guitar solo with handclaps in the background!
5) Cute guitar line into power chords. Catchy and fun. Even has harmonica in this one. Not quite as happy, a bit more lamenting.
6) Starts slow on guitar and piano. About 1:30 into the song the guitars hit heavy and they come in yelling lyrics. Bizarro lyrics. I can't tell if they are serious or being silly about Freddie Mercury. Either way it's pretty funny. Fades out with short-wave radio sounds.

Recent airplay

Sgt. Pilcher
the discovery channelMay 28, 2003
Sgt. Pilcher
Mr. Sparkle ChallengeAug 27, 2002
Freddie Mercury Afterworld
Come When I WhistleAug 19, 2002
Chinook
Mr. Sparkle ChallengeAug 13, 2002
Chinook
Mr. Sparkle ChallengeAug 06, 2002

Charting

2002-08-05 — 2002-10-07

Track listing

1. Zeroing in
2. Sgt. Pilcher
3. Pressure Cooking
4. Chinook
5. Caffine, Sugar and Techno
6. Freddie Mercury Afterworld