Brett and Rennie Sparks are The Handsome Family. They are also a staple of the musical diet in the Mackerel household. Pioneers of modern gothic country, we’ve been fans ever since we heard such classics as After We Shot The Grizzly, Weightless Again, In The Air, right through to more recent tracks like Darling My Darling and a host of others. With a sly black humour ever present in the lyrics and a unique style of their own, the Handsome Family are true originals.

New album Scattered is typically described as “a further collection of lost demos, orphaned songs and odd covers”. It includes songs from as far back as 1993 (Little Buddy), songs recorded in their apartment (Claire Said) and covers of Hank Williams and Dylan, while Tranquilized from 1996, is Brett’’s sad song about life post mental hospital.

With classic album cover artwork by Rennie, and containing nearly 20 tracks it is a welcome addition to the Handsome Family’s catalogue.

Visit their website here where you can purchase the new album, their back catalogue, posters and much more besides.

Download The Handsome Family – Just Like Tom Thumb Blues mp3 (from Scattered)

Download The Handsome Family – Drinking Beer On The Roof mp3 (from Scattered, Bonus Track)