sparkle*jets u.k.

Los Angeles-based Sparkle*Jets U.K. emerged as one of power pop’s most beloved acts in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Their rise stemmed from repeated appearances at the International Pop Overthrow festival, an endearing geeky outlook, and a sound that fused 1960s and 1970s rock with lighthearted guitar pop.

Mike Simmons, Susan West, and Jamie Knight first encountered one another in 1995 at a show by Simmons’ group Virgin 7. In February 1996 Virgin 7 recruited Knight to record bass parts for a projected album; Fletcher Harrington of Cowboy Buddha also participated. The sessions meshed so well that the separate projects coalesced into a single band. Although Simmons supplied his earliest songwriting, five songwriters were involved overall, and mounting egos soon trimmed the lineup to the core trio of Simmons, West, and Knight.

Originally called Happy Birthday!, the act adopted the name Sparkle*Jets U.K. because the earlier title failed to convey enough eccentricity. The members shared wide musical affinities that began with the Beatles and extended through Electric Light Orchestra, Brian Wilson, Teenage Fanclub, the Pixies, the Jackson 5, plus assorted R&B, soul, and Stiff Records-style new wave and punk.

With drummer James DeBeau aboard, the group recorded its debut album, In, Through and Beyond, and manufactured only 1,000 copies. One disc reached a single store, where rock journalist John Borack (Receiver) purchased it solely on the strength of the cover art and its $3.99 price. Borack alerted pop enthusiast and International Pop Overthrow organizer David Bash, and Sparkle*Jets U.K. quickly joined the tight circle of Los Angeles power pop bands and their followers.

During a conversation about the surge of tribute albums, the band floated the idea of one devoted to their own songs, performed by other Los Angeles pop acts. More groups volunteered than the band possessed material to cover. The resulting collection, I Love Sparkle*Jets U.K.: Tribute, appeared in 2000 and raised the band’s profile further. Their second proper album, Bamboo Lounge, arrived in early 2002 with increased funding and nationwide distribution, enabling the group to tour outside California and play larger venues.