duggup

Just a little note before I begin, sparrows are not lovely, they are small and drab in appearance and neither do they sing; although they do make a lot of noise. So having said that, I can report with confidence that the band “The Lovely Sparrows” in no way resemble sparrows.

Another indie pop outfit from Austin, Texas, and since SXSW 08 they are being noticed. “The Lovely Sparrows” are fronted by singer/songwriter Shawn Jones, who brought us such bands as “Something Happened” and “Larks & Owls”.

The arrangements can be quite sparse and the songs just a touch eerie, take for example “Year of the Dog” from their 2008 release “Bury the Cynics” that weaves a story illustrated in the following cut paper animation. It lends the winsome lyrics a touch of the creepy to be totally truthful.

Animated by Eric Powers of Clear Productions.
This quote from their MySpace site sums it up pretty well.

Austin’s the Lovely Sparrows blend lush, complex arrangements with sing-along choruses that bring to mind glorious folk-inflected pop and well-written novellas. Pulling Up Floors, Pouring on (New) Paint, set for release by Abandoned Love Records, captures the gorgeous melodies and warm, organic maladies of lead Sparrow Shawn Jones. Friends as well as former, current and occasional members of the band contributed their talents to flesh out Jones songs of heartbreak, blunted resolve, and shimmering resignation.

Check out their website www.thelovelysparrows.com too.