photography by Tim Saccenti

Named for what I’d like to assume is a reference to Rainbow Brite’s preferred mode of transport, lo-fi force-of-nature Sparklehorse has long been a favorite of mope rock aficionados everywhere. (Ask ask any Laurel Canyon fan, Mark Linkous’s song “It’s a Wonderful Life” might just be the biggest soundtrack scene-stealer ever). Having returned after a five year hiatus with 2006’s Dreamt for Light Years in the Belly of a Mountain, Sparklehorse mastermind Linkous has never been bigger: The album has shown up on everyone’s year-end list, due in part to flourishes from Tom Waits and Danger Mouse, but mostly thanks to the uniquely haunting, lullabye-goes-rock-and-roll quality Linkous has perfected. Hear it live (and dream about it that night) when Sparklehorse come to the Fillmore on Feb.10 (livenation.com). Oh, and get an idea of the setlist on the band’s website (sparklehorse.com), where, like a seasonal restaurant, Linkous offers fans a sonic “sample menu.”