The Sparkleberries: News

Maverick magazine: "this tunes existence should be rewarded with extensive airplay not just in their native country but in countless other areas as well."

Independent Weekly: "an instantly embraceable number guaranteed to have you singing its 'Down in Carrboro' chorus in your best Reed."

In a recent Independent Weekly review, Rick Cornell describes one of the "three approaches to appreciating 'Skylight Exchange' ": "You can marvel at the remarkable re-creation of Lou Reed at his most inviting..." For those of you who don't listen to Lou Reed, the review also says "of course you can just enjoy the first-rate pop-rock and the endearing hooks herein on their own merits."

In Maverick magazine (Feb. 2011 issue), Russell Hill refers to the album as "a rather splendid collection of songs" for the band "put in 110% effort and what we as the audience are rewarded with is something very special indeed." And at pennyblackmusic.com, Lisa Torem muses: "'Skylight Exchange' ends, as it begins, like the trajectory of all God's creatures, with more questions and unsolved mysteries remaining than before, but the foremost question is, 'How long will I have to wait until I get to hear those super cool Sparkleberries again, mom, huh?'"

Roots rock websites in The Netherlands and Belgium have taken an interest in The Sparkleberries. In reviewing "Skylight Exchange," realrootscafe.com says: "It sounds a lot like the rock 'n' roll we know from The Velvet Underground and indeed of The Modern Lovers: simple, bold, graceful, accessible.... Ten fun-making poptunes in just under a half hour. This is pop music at its best: concise, powerful, beautiful." And at altcountry.nl (in Google-translation): "...half hour visit very enjoyable to make. First, the songs are catchy and full of nice styling cues from both the sixties and late seventies/early eighties. The velvet surface that can do its thing Kleinfeld, is partly set by Chris Stamey. That was wonderful working on guitar. Almost as bright and passionate as Chris Spedding Hurt on his great album from 1977."