Music to Explore: The Handsome Family

The Handsome Family have been called everything from Alternative to Gothic Country. These definitions do little justice to The Handsome Family as they are a unique entity in the world recorded music. The Handsome Family are one of those musical acts that seem to come from an alternate reality and are only half in our universe. Their music draws from many aspects of North American popular music of the past 150 years, even that music that written was prior to audio recordings. Their lyrics are oddly beautiful and the listener must listen closely to understand what each song is truly about. Songs can be from the point of view of a male insect who is about to be eaten by his mate, as is the case with the song Darling, My Darling, or they can be from the point of view of a deranged jilted suitor as in the song Arlene.

Cover of Singing Bones

Arlene

[youtube= http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7zyDaQrSZ0?fs=1 ]

Image via Wikipedia

The Handsome Family was formed in 1993 by Brett and Rennie Sparks, who are husband and wife. The lyrics are written by Rennie who weaves complex stories that at times are very frightening and made even more so by Brett’s mournful voice. The lyrics seem to draw much from Gothic Horror and have been given a decidedly Mid-Western spin, even though Rennie hails from Long Island originally, that makes them all the more creeper at times. In addition to writing the lyrics Rennie also plays bass, banjo, and adds backing vocals. Brett handles the bulk of the vocals, as well as guitar and keyboards. Also in the band is drummer Mike Werner.

Cover of Honey Moon

Darling, My Darling

Image via Wikipedia

The Handsome Family have released 9 albums to date. Their latest, Honey Moon, was released in 2009 on Carrot Top Records. All of The Handsome Family releases since their debut Odessa in 1994 have been on Carrot Top Records, with the exception of the German only EP Invisible Hands which was released in 1997 on Scout Records. Other Albums include, Milk and Scissors in 1997, Through The Trees in 1998, In The Air in 2000, Twilight in 2001, Singing Bones in 2003, and Last Days of Wonder in 2006.

Cover of Last Days of Wonder

Weightless Again

Your personal exploration of music is not complete until you have heard The Handsome Family, nor is your music collection complete until you have at least one release by The Handsome Family in it.

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 The Handsome Family Official Website

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