Classic D Man

Singer-songwriter Mark Linkous (aka Sparklehorse) passed away this weekend after taking his own life. Massively talented and destined for major stardom after the release of Sparklehorse's first album in 1995, Linkous opened for the likes of R.E.M. and Radiohead. But he instead filtered much of his lush and melodic music through experimentation, ultimately becoming a cult figure beloved by his fans and fellow musicians, including the many artists that he collaborated with such as PJ Harvey, David Lynch, Tom Waits, Daniel Johnston, The Flaming Lips, and most recently Danger Mouse on the just released Dark Night of the Soul.

In 2006, The D Man wrote the following about Sparklehorse's fantastic album, Dreamt for Light Years in the Belly of a Mountain:

Indeed, many of these songs sound as if they were composed in the belly of a mountain, dew-eyed from ages of Van Winkle dreaming and obscured by the depths of the earth. Mark Linkous has been called reclusive, and there is a hermit-like quality to his music that echoes from forest hollows—intimate, unsettled, lonely but cautiously hopeful. And perhaps it is the few streams of hope that bubble up to the surface, through the static, which makes this record so fresh and vital—unlike past efforts, Linkous seems slightly reborn after sleeping for so long.

Unfortunately, Linkous could never escape his constant battle with depression and other demons. Like many gifted artists before him, he will best be remembered through his music. Enjoy The D Man's favorite Linkous moment below. May your shade be sweet.