Worthwhile compilations are an endangered beast these days. The consumer is usually treated to three or four beneficial tracks by well-known bands and bombarded by filler when it comes to the rest of the album. Sparkler Vol. 1 is not one of those albums. It's a great benefit album, the proceeds of which will be donated to the Judeo Christian Outreach Center, a homeless shelter in Virginia Beach. Music-wise, this album is dedicated to the best of Christian alternative, all the while showcasing up-and-coming indie bands that are just as talented and memorable as the big names here. Independent bands such as Elysian Skies, Prophecy, and Championship Birdwatchers (whose "Solid" is one of the Sparkler's high points) make a good first impression. Better-known bands such as Fold Zandura, Squad 5-0. and Bloomsday also contribute strong tracks. Highlights include a rare live performance of "She" by the now-disbanded Sometime Sunday; Tim Taber (ex-Prayer Chain) teaming up with Fold Zandura for "Into You"; a demo of an unreleased song by Poor Old Lu that simply shines; and independent artist Phillip's Tutu with a catchy pop gem entitled "Humble." When all is said and done, Sparkler is 18 tracks of new music that showcases the best that Christian modern rock has to offer.
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by Shari LloydI'm not a big fan of compilations but this one made me sit up and take notice. It's a mixture of better known and indie bands. What makes it of interest is that it includes what appear to be the original demos of songs by a number of the better known Christian alternative bands -- Dime Store Prophets, Poor Old Lu, and Squad 5.0. It also includes a new song by Soulfood 76 and the vinyl version of…The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by Joe RockstrohSparkler is an interesting concept, an album of rare and unreleased songs assembled to be sold to benefit the Judeo Christian Outreach Center, a homeless shelter in Virginia Beach. Like most compilation albums, Sparkler has its high points and low points, with a surprisingly greater amount of high points. The third song, by a band called Elysian Skies, sounded exactly like Fold Zandura, right…The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by Josh SpencerSparkle, sparkle. This is definitely one of the better compilations out there, with a generous 18 tracks by a good mix of known and unknown bands. It's actually a re-release of the indie version from last year, with a couple of tracks changed. Most of the inclusions here are odd men out--either unreleased, from a demo, from vinyl, or live--although some album tracks are included also. It's…Similar sounding releases
1998Poor Old LuChrono (1993-1998)
2003The Prayer ChainHere Comes the Rust
2002PlankeyeWings to Fly
1996Fluffy / PhantasmicFluffy vs. Phantasmic
2002Ether NetMore Strange Bruises
1998Dear EphesusThe Absent Sounds Of Me
