Speedy Sparks
OK, Let’s Play (Dynamic)
If you have any recordings on the Dynamic label (Roky Erickson singles and such), you already know more or less how this is gonna sound. As the insert states, supreme Austin sideman Speedy Sparks’ solo effort was made “the Dynamic way — no over production, no over arrangements.” It’s a back-to-basics sound, and though some modern music lovers may find the results a bit tinny, the pure Buddy Holly tribute sound should be appreciated by fans of this type of cheery pop-a-billy. Embellished by Sparks’ high, reedy vocals, the band is composed of Austin roots cronies like Mike Buck, John Reed, and Ernie Durawa. Sparks penned a passel of wide-eyed love songs (“You’re the One”), tunes about rock & roll itself (“Rock ‘n’ Roll Child”), the requisite end-of-prom slow song (“You Don’t Know Why”), and even throws in one of Buddy’s favorites, the oft-covered (Herman’s Hermits, the Knack, etc.) Montgomery/Petty number “Heartbeat.” And like the title implies, he keeps things playful all the way through. 
This article appears in February 2 • 2001.