the lovely sparrows

On Air at KSVR Mount Vernon: February 1, 2013 Playlist

Andy Fenstermaker
February 7, 2013May 13, 2023

I’ve been in a weird place musically of late. I’m a bit scattered, all over the map. My affinity for light, soft and playful folk has returned, but I’m also crushing on slacker pop and dream pop at the moment. Pretty hard, thank to bands like Darlings and Indians. I shouldn’t be surprised at this disjointedness; I have always had diverse desires when it comes to music and varied playlists like this one are a common occurrence.

The Lovely Sparrows: While Sailing (Video)

Andy Fenstermaker
August 22, 2012October 9, 2019

I always get excited when there’s something new by The Lovely Sparrows. And while we’ve had “While Sailing” for some… Read More »The Lovely Sparrows: While Sailing (Video)

Fense’s Radio Show: March 2, 2012

Andy Fenstermaker
March 7, 2012June 24, 2012

We’ve been doing up the floors in our house, stripping out the carpet, repainting the walls, painting the trim and doors, and laying down a rich brown woven bamboo (hence the lateness of this post and the general lack of posts this week). It’s a project that should add equity to our house and, one day, our pockets. I threw this playlist together Friday morning and set to work stripping carpet from the hallway while it played in the background. Read More »Fense’s Radio Show: March 2, 2012

FensePost Top 24: The Best EPs of 2011

Andy Fenstermaker
January 13, 2012April 17, 2023

It’s hard to imagine that just a few short months ago we were enjoying sunny summer days. 2011 was my best year yet, having achieved a few milestones: four and a half years running FensePost, riding my bike from Seattle to Portland and logging over 1,000 total on those two wheels between January and December, enjoying life with the love of my life (Andi), and a few defining mindset changes that put the two of us on a path to minimalism and frugality.

The Lovely Sparrows: Tall Cedars Of Lebanon (Album Review)

Andy Fenstermaker
November 1, 2011October 9, 2019

The Lovely Sparrows have a way of putting together words and music that make the band one of today’s leading folk-rock and folk-pop artists. With Tall Cedars of Lebanon, the Sparrows continue the trend they began as early as their debut EP, Pulling Up Floors, Pouring On (New) Paint.

Fense’s Radio Show: October 7, 2011

Andy Fenstermaker
October 10, 2011June 24, 2012

I entered the studio at about 9:35pm, meeting up with Stuarto, who has the time slot before mine. A quick interview about 15 minutes before my show, another few songs, and I was up. It was requested that I attempt a transition, and as indie music is my theme, and world music is his, I figured I’d kick things off with an oldie, but goodie: “The Gulag Orkestar” by Beirut. Read More »Fense’s Radio Show: October 7, 2011

A Retrospective Top 33 and 1/3: Best Albums of 2008

Andy Fenstermaker
December 23, 2009May 18, 2023

When I compiled my original Best Of 2008 list last December, it was a snow day. The sky dropped about a foot, maybe a foot and a half of fluffy white stuff and we lowly sub-compact drivers could go nowhere. Between ranking albums and locating album art, I took a stroll around town with my camera. The above image comes from that trek. Overall, I was pretty happy with last year’s list but, in revisiting all the albums from 2008, I now see quite a few that I left out.

The Lovely Sparrows: Take Care [Video]

Andy Fenstermaker
December 18, 2009October 9, 2019

Originally recorded in 1974 by Big Star, Alex Chilton’s “Take Care” wasn’t released until 1978 on their Third/Sister Lovers LP.… Read More »The Lovely Sparrows: Take Care [Video]

The Lovely Sparrows: Pulling Up Floors, Pouring On (New) Paint [Album Review]

Andy Fenstermaker
May 3, 2009October 9, 2019

with this five-song debut EP, the Texas town continues to pump out quality artists. The Lovely Sparrows take folk music in a new direction, adding a unique abundance of percussion and a few non-traditional instruments, like the flute.

Best of 2008: Fense’s Top 33 & 1/3 Albums of the Year

Andy Fenstermaker
December 23, 2008May 18, 2023

The year is over. We have a new president about to take office, a failing economy, and out of control weather. The good news is that last year saw some amazing albums hit and, thanks to the rampant oppression of hard times, next year should prove just as fruitful music-wise. After all, difficult times, depression, etc. can often breed above average achievements in the arts… right?

So here it is, my top 33 and 1/3 albums of the year and the last post of 2008. The 33 is for the top 33 albums (with a few EPs included) of the year, while the 1/3 is an honorable mention 7″ single. We’ll begin with the latter…