Before his suicide in March 2010, Linkous created many albums of beauty and discord and much of Sparklehorse's music has an introspective, melancholy feel, which Linkous credited to a chemical imbalance. His lyrics are full of odd imagery: Joe Tangari describes Linkous' songs as "defiantly surrealist... with all manner of references to smiling babies, organ music, birds, and celestial bodies... In fact, some of the lyrics are so surreal that it's hard to imagine they're even metaphors for anything."
Musically, Sparklehorse were not far removed from alt country, though there are as many differences as similarities between that genre and Sparklehorse: Linkous was fond of incorporating obsolete musical instruments or technologies (such as woozy mellotrons, scratchy, distorted wire recordings of his own voice, or cheap, tinny drum machines), in ways reminiscent of some of Tom Waits' music. As an extension of this style, Sparklehorse was a pioneering voice in dream country. Sparklehorse offered a few full-throttle hard rock numbers, as well, such as "Some Day I Will Treat You Good" or "Happy Man".
Sparklehorse's first album was the confoundingly-titled Vivadixiesubmarinetransmissionplot (1995). The record was a modest success, mainly on college radio. The supporting tour, however, found Linkous overdosing on valium and antidepressants. As a result, Linkous passed out in his London hotel room and remained unconscious with his legs pinned beneath him for almost fourteen hours.
This caused a buildup of potassium which was released when he was moved, causing his heart to stop for two to three minutes. He was hospitalized for weeks afterwards (nearly losing both legs), enduring numerous painful surgeries.
Good Morning Spider (1999) was recorded following this incident, and with mournful songs such as "Painbirds", many critics have mistakenly conjectured that Linkous's near death experience inspired the somber, yet hopeful tone of the album. However, Linkous has stated that much of the material on GMS was written prior to 'the incident'. One song which did result from it is "St. Mary", which is dedicated to the nurses at the hospital of the same name where Linkous recuperated.
2001 saw the release of It's A Wonderful Life and features appearances by Tom Waits, PJ Harvey, Nina Persson and Dave Fridmann, the pre-eminent producer of indie music at the time. Whereas much of "Vivadixie..." and "Spider" were recorded solely by Linkous in his "Static King" studio on his farm in rural Virginia, "Wonderful Life" was more of a formal effort, largely recorded by Fridmann after Linkous was asked by his label to retain an outside producer for the project.
Aside from his own music, Linkous has also become a sought-after record producer, and has helmed works such as Nina Persson's solo record, "A Camp", and Daniel Johnston's "Fear Yourself". Linkous has been one of the most ardent supporters of Johnston, an outsider artist who has had a long battle with mental illness. In 2004, Linkous curated and produced "Discovered Covered: The Late Great Daniel Johnston", a tribute album to the still-living Johnston featuring acts such as Beck, Death Cab for Cutie, Vic Chesnutt, Tom Waits and Bright Eyes. It also includes a collaboration between Sparklehorse and The Flaming Lips on the track "Go".
In 2003, Sparklehorse opened some concerts for R.E.M.
Linkous relocated his "Static King" studio to a remote mountaintop in North Carolina. Several years ago, he purchased a vintage recording console built by the near-mythical Daniel Flickinger. His fourth album has been delayed due to his own health problems as well as the necessity of overhauling the temperamental recording desk. Recently, Linkous has been carrying out promotional work for a new album Dreamt for Light Years in the Belly of a Mountain - collaborating with Danger Mouse and other notables including Christian Fennesz and Steven Drozd, and a release date of 25th September 2006 accompanied by US and UK tours was officially announced. Some of the newly released songs appeared at the time of It's A Wonderful Life as b-sides or demos, but there is a different feel to the album, thanks to stripped down production that has only been hinted at in previous albums. The ten minute long finale, with same title as the album, suggests a contemplative movie soundtrack rather than a song. Linkous has since realised his own ultimate song, remaining only now in music.
On March 6, 2010, Linkous committed suicide with a shotgun blast to his heart in the backyard of a friend's house in Knoxville, Tennessee. He was 47 years old. A retail version of his delayed collaboration with Danger Mouse, "The Dark Night of the Soul", was released in July 2010.
http://www.sparklehorse.com
Hammering The Cramps
Sparklehorse Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hey little dog, can you fly?
Hammering the cramps
Hammering the cramps
Hammering the cramps
Hey little car, can you fly?
Hammering the cramps
Hammering the cramps
Hammering the cramps
Captain Howdy's here but
We can't see him
We can't see them
Hammering the cramps
Hammering the cramps
Hammering the cramps
Hammering the cramps
Hammering the cramps
Oh yeah
The lyrics to Sparklehorse's song "Hammering The Cramps" are enigmatic and elusive, leaving much to interpretation. The repeated line, "Hey little dog, can you fly?" may be a metaphorical question to someone feeling trapped or unable to escape their current situation. The following line, "Hey little car, can you fly?" could be a similar question, asking if the person feels like they have the freedom to go wherever they want. The repeated refrain of "Hammering the cramps" may refer to the act of pushing through or beating down whatever is holding someone back.
The brief mention of "Captain Howdy" adds to the sense of mystery in the song. Captain Howdy is a character from the 1973 horror movie "The Exorcist", and has been referenced in other songs such as Twisted Sister's "Captain Howdy" and Marilyn Manson's "Misery Machine". With the line "We can't see him/We can't see them", it's unclear if the singer is searching for Captain Howdy or referring to something else entirely.
The overall mood of the song is one of restlessness and a desire to break free from whatever constraints are holding the singer back. The repetition of the phrases and the driving guitar and percussion add to the sense of urgency and determination.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey little dog, can you fly?
Asking if the small things in life have the ability to rise above and break free from their limitations.
Hammering the cramps
Repeatedly trying to work through and overcome the physical and emotional pain (cramps) that comes with life.
Hey little car, can you fly?
Questioning if even the most mundane and seemingly restricted things can find a way to soar to new heights.
Captain Howdy's here but We can't see him We can't see them
Feeling the presence of a guiding force or hero (Captain Howdy), but unable to fully grasp or comprehend their actions or existence.
Oh yeah
Expressing a sense of acceptance and understanding in the face of the struggles and uncertainties of life.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MARK LINKOUS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind