The Tarnished Gold cover

The Tarnished Gold

Beachwood Sparks · 2012

43 min · 13 tracks · alternative country

A lush tapestry of harmonies intertwines with wistful melodies, evoking the warmth of Americana and the haze of psychedelic pop.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Tarnished Gold — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of nostalgia and longing, with its shimmering instrumentals and reflective lyrics serving as a centerpiece for the record's emotional landscape.
  • →
    Leave That Light On — This track stands out with its haunting melody and poignant storytelling, illustrating the band's ability to blend melancholy with a sense of hope amid uncertainty.
  • →
    Talk About Lonesome — With an infectious chorus and vivid imagery, this song captures the essence of isolation while maintaining an upbeat tempo that showcases their unique sound.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album blends rich harmonies and varied tempos, showcasing solid craftsmanship and melodic depth.

What we noticed

  • The album features lush vocal harmonies that often overlap, creating a dense texture throughout the tracks.
  • Several songs incorporate extended instrumental sections, allowing for atmospheric build-ups and transitions.
  • The tempo varies significantly across the album, with some tracks maintaining a steady pace while others shift to more reflective, slower moments.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Forget the Song 3:38
  • 2 Sparks Fly Again 4:37
  • 3 Mollusk 2:34
  • 4 Tarnished Gold 2:53
  • 5 Water From the Well 3:41
  • 6 Talk About Lonesome 3:08
  • 7 Leave That Light On 4:50
  • 8 Nature's Light 4:41
  • 9 No Queremos Oro 2:04
  • 10 Earl Jean 3:00
  • 11 Alone Together 4:26
  • 12 The Orange Grass Special 2:05
  • 13 Goodbye 2:08

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata