In Brief

* * * Sparklehorse, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” Capitol. Is the title sarcastic or sincere? That ambiguity is the heart of Mark Linkous’ art, even more so with his third Sparklehorse album coming after his recovery from severe medical trauma. Does his restrained delivery denote sorrow or satisfaction? Are the odd little sounds hidden in his seductive, miniaturist song constructions ghosts or treasures? Do his disjointed, yearning lyrics bespeak nightmares or dreams? Enriched by guests Tom Waits and Polly Jean Harvey, the album is a shifting picture, at once disconcerting and comforting.

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Albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor), two (fair), three (good) and four (excellent).