For all those (and I assume that I am not the only one) who loved the cosmic country sounds of the Beachwood Sparks, and lamented their demise. Buck up. Christopher Gunst has a new project, just released on Rough Trade. It is called Mystic Chords Of Memory. After the Beachwood Sparks ended, Christopher went back to school to pursue teaching special education, but did not stay away from the music too long. He and his current musical partner Jen Cohen released their self-titled album on June 22. It is a bit more lo-fi than the Beachwood Sparks albums, but his wonderfully fragile voice makes these tunes sparkle.

Also to look forward to: Sub Pop Records is going to release an album by former Beachwood Spark's bassist/vocalist Brent Rademaker. His new band is called Frausdots, and they will be releasing Couture Couture on September 28. This is said to have more of an 80's gloom sound. According to Sub Pop's website, this is closer in nature to classic Echo & The Bunnymen. I greatly look forward to hearing it.