The sound of Sparklehorse has been described as atmospheric, ballad-driven, and sometimes a little surreal. However, when it comes to writing a straight-forward pop song, Mark Linkous - the driving force behind Sparklehorse - feels he has to try a lot harder to make it sound interesting.

He stopped by the studios to talk with Mary Lucia about past collaboration, current productions, and the explosive power of the 10-gauge E string.

Songs performed: "Return To Me," "Saturday," and "Spirit Ditch."