Mark Linkous 1962-2010

Mark Linkous passed away on Saturday at the age of 47. If you haven't heard Mark's work with his band Sparklehorse, I suggest picking up a copy of "It's a Wonderful Life".

Mark had recently collaborated with Danger Mouse and David Lynch on a terrific project called Dark Night of the Soul which features a book of photos by Lynch and performances by The Flaming Lips, Julian Casablancas, Iggy Pop, Frank Black, Vic Chesnutt and others.

You can listen to the Dark Night of the Soul album here at NPR. The Flaming Lips track called "Revenge" is especially nice.

Here's a Pitchfork article about Mark's passing.

And here's Sparklehorse performing "Saturday".

First Aid Kit

If you're really talented, you don't actually need a recording studio; you just put on flannel shirts, walk out into the woods, set your camcorder on a tree stump and start singing. These ladies are called First Aid Kit, and they're from Sweden. Hope you like!

via smokeandacoke.com