I go back and forth when it comes to my favorite all-time Fresno band. Some days it’s the Light Thieves. Other days it’s Strange Vine. On days I’m feeling hardass metal it’s Farooq. Punk days it’s It’ll Grow Back. If you’d have asked me 20 [something] years ago, I would have said Neanderthals.
But the band I consistently go back to? Sparklejet.
The 20th Anniversary of Sparklejet has arrived and to celebrate, the band went back to the studio to record a new song. It’s called “UR A Dope” and they are letting you download it for free here. Check it:
If you’re like me, this may send you down the Sparklejet rabbit hole. To help guide you, here are nine Sparkle Jet songs that totally still stand out:
- Dog Riot – from [Bar Guest]
- Northern Land – [Phonovella]
- Son and Brother – [Phonovella]
- Take Me Home – [This Years Model]
- The World Before Longitude – [Single]
- Mirror – [This Years Model]
- This In Not Here – [Beyond The Beyond]
- How Long – [Bar Guest]
- Emilio – [Bar Guest]
- Cubby – [Beyond The Beyond]
I love that the guys are still around and care enough to take the time to make new stuff. They always sound warm and familiar when I listen to them. Important sounding. Very Fresno, but somehow more sophisticated.
If you’re a fellow Sparklejet fan, I’d love to see your favorite songs and/or memories in the comments.
* Best memory was watching them do “Tommy” at Strummers (the the Starline) with the double-bass drum and twin pinball machines on stage. Also, any time they played Tokyo Garden, and specifically any time they played “Uncontrollable Urge.” Also, that time they did a Ramones set at Zapp’s Park.
* Favorite song is “Cubby,” but the version from Grey Tank Records, “Appendix Sessions: Vol. 1,” although “Calderon,” (from “Photonovella”) is a close second. Very close.
+1 for Cubby.
Glimpser and I Give are in constant iTunes rotation here.
Note: As a long-time fan, I couldn’t be more stoked to be on this track and in the current lineup with Victor and Wade!