Dancing Hoods

The Dancing Hoods featured one member, Mark Linkous, who found wider acclaim with Sparklehorse. Because of Sparklehorse, the Dancing Hoods were spared from vanishing into the abyss of forgotten alternative artists. Formed in New York by Linkous (guitars, vocals), Bob Bortnick (vocals, guitar), Don Short (drums), and Mike Garacino (bass), the Dancing Hoods recorded their first LP, 12 Jealous Roses, for Relativity Records in 1985. 12 Jealous Roses amassed a number of flattering reviews, and the band's no-frills rock & roll sound attracted fans of the Replacements and the Del Fuegos. In 1988, the Dancing Hoods released their second album, Hallelujah Anyway. "Baby's Got Rockets" was somewhat successful on college radio, and the video for the track was even added to MTV's 120 Minutes. The group then moved to Los Angeles to look for a major-label deal. However, they were unable to find one and the band split up afterward. Linkous returned to Virginia and joined the Johnson Family (eventually called Salt Chunk Mary). In 1995, Linkous started recording as Sparklehorse. Far more quirky and edgy than the Dancing Hoods, Sparklehorse released Vivadixiesubmarinetransmissionplot in 1995. "Someday I Will Treat You Good" was spun frequently on alternative radio stations, and Sparklehorse developed a cult following that renewed interest in the Dancing Hoods. ~ Michael Sutton, Rovi