The Handsome Family

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The Handsome Family
Origin	Albuquerque, New Mexico
Genre(s)	alternative country
Years active	1990s - present
Website	www.handsomefamily.com

The Handsome Family is an American alternative country duo: the couple Brett and Rennie Sparks, sometimes augmented on tour by a drummer. The band was formed in Chicago in the early 90s. They currently live in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Most of their songs are written in a strict separation of roles: Brett Sparks writes the music while Rennie, who also is an author, writes the lyrics. The lyrics typically reflect a close connection to the literary genre American Gothic, and to the Gothic elements found in early country and folk songs. The often very odd and surprising lyrics are sung by Brett Sparks in a smooth, calm and warm baritone voice.

The duo are known for their playful onstage bickering and the loose, disorganised feel of their live shows. The "Live at the Schuba's Tavern" release contains many short stage dialogues between the pair and the song "Winnebago Skeletons" is performed in a chaotic and imprecise manner. However, many fans feel this is part of the charm of their live performances.

1 Discography
2 Covers
3 Books
4 External links

[edit] Discography

Odessa (1995)
Milk and Scissors (1996)
Down in the Valley (Irish Compilation of the first two CDs)
Invisible Hands (Vinyl EP-1997)
Through the Trees (1998)
In the Air (2000)
Twilight (2001)
Live at the Schuba's Tavern (2001)
Smothered and Covered (2002)
Singing Bones (2003)
Last Days Of Wonder (2006)

[edit] Covers

Cerys Matthews covered "Weightless Again". It is on her album "Cockahoop" (2003).
Andrew Bird, who has collaborated with the Handsome Family in the past, has performed covers of "Don't Be Scared" on Weather Systems, "Tin Foil" on his live album Fingerlings 3, and "The Giant of Illinois" which he often performs live.