Founded by brothers Ron and Russell Mael, Sparks perhaps arrived on the music scene a bit too soon. Their quirky, smart-ass take on rock music might have found more success alongside the late-‘70s new wave of bands like Talking Heads, Devo, and the B-52’s. They certainly seem to have had an influence.
Sparks are said to be an acquired taste. But the way I see it, ya just gotta love a band that could name an album Gratuitous Sax & Senseless Violins (not to mention naming a song “So Tell Me Mrs. Lincoln, Aside From That How Was The Play?”). I suppose I’ve got some of the same irreverent, snarky sensibilities.
Deviant and depraved listeners, unrepentant contrarians, sink your teeth in and enjoy!
Playlist 1
Playlist 1 chronicles their excellent early- to mid-‘70s period, starting strong with a few tracks from Kimono My House, their best album, then going back a little to continue from the beginning and proceed chronologically. Their sound at this point feels like a new wave rock style a few years ahead of its time.
Playlist 2
The second, LP-side-length playlist features highlights from their collaboration with Giorgio Moroder, No. 1 in Heaven, which features a more electronic dance-oriented sound (at a time when their old sound was being heard all over the airwaves).
At some moment, I may update this playlist to include some of their more recent work. Don’t hold your breath (but if you know their stuff, feel free to leave a few suggestions in the comments).
Cover Art:
- Kimono My House (front cover, inner sleeve): Source, Discogs.com, Fair Use.
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