The official Sparks thread

[ladyislingering]

Very clever lyrics, yes!

And, I guess. But he looks like a total babe, if I must say so.

 

[ladyislingering]

Time to resurrect this thread for some very fabulous news.

The UK Sparks Convention, 2011, will be held at the Brighton Hydrant.

All proceeds going to Russell Mael's charity of choice, the Rainbow Trust.

From "Breathe Brighton" (source here.)

On May 28th 2011 another SPARKS’ convention will be held, this time in The Hydrant 75 London Rd. Brighton BN1 4JF. DON’T miss out…come along see what all the furore is about, but be prepared to be amazed and astounded. There will be a free taster from midday until 1700, then for the nominal sum of £5.00 from 1800 till about 0200 AM, there will be outstanding live sets by ALPHA-MAEL and extra special guests.

So if you are a one-time SPARKS’ fan looking to enjoy the music of your youth, a long-time or brand new fan looking for a fun SPARKS filled afternoon amongst like-minded people or maybe just SPARKS-curious…..embrace your SPARKSUALITY and come and join us. Apart from all the live music, here will be a disco, DVD screenings, memorabilia sale and quiz(general knowledge). All profits raised on the day will be in aid of The Rainbow Trust….Join us for a great time on behalf of a great cause!

There will be live music from Sparks tribute band Alpha Mael, and others (I'm not entirely filled in quite yet, but Alpha Mael is well known amongst the Sparks community).

And a recent snap taken by a fan, of the bros Mael:

Though I'm in the States, I encourage anyone near Brighton to check this out when the time comes. Sparks fans are mad kind to each other.

A couple links for the curious clicker:

The Official UK Sparks Convention 2011 Facebook page

Official Sparks Facebook page

 

[ladyislingering]

The terrific bros of all trades are at it again; this time their album from 2009, "The Seduction of Ingmar Bergman" is being transformed into a film.

From the Los Angeles Independent Film Festival:

The Seduction of Ingmar Bergman
Ford Ampitheatre Screenings
(USA, 2011, mins)
World Premiere
Writers: Ron Mael, Russell Mael
Original Story: Ron Mael, Russell Mael
Music: Ron Mael, Russell Mael
Staging: Ron Mael, Russell Mael
Featuring: Ron Mael, Russell Mael, Guy Maddin, Peter Franzen, Ann Magnuson, Rebecca Sjowall, Jacob Sidney
Live Theatrical Event with Sparks and Guy Maddin

Presented as what might best be described as a “film-to-be,” this musical from the acclaimed Los Angeles band Sparks finds a conflicted Ingmar Bergman transported from his native Sweden to Hollywood during the heyday of the 50s studio system.

For this live performance, Sparks’ Ron and Russell Mael will be joined onstage by famed Finnish actor Peter Franzen, Ann Magnuson and filmmaker Guy Maddin to present the work, originally commissioned by Swedish National Radio, in its entirety. Maddin, who will be directing the feature film version of the musical, will give stage and cinematic directions to the 14-member cast of this unique tale of art, temptation, and the lure of big breasts and bigger budgets.

So happy/proud right now.

 

[Magic]

No. 1 In Heaven turns 45 March 2024

No. 1 in Heaven - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Beat the Clock

 

[Nai Noswad]

When you heard this.... you knew Moroder would team up again (Electric Dreams)... So recall getting a one sided 12" of this from Rediffusion Shop.
Ron & Russell ooze the art of defiance!
One of my number ones for 1979...

 

[Rhett Oracle]

I came to know Sparks because my friend Mark bought an 8-track of "Propaganda." I'm sure he didn't know who they were, either. Know how they shuffle the playing order of songs on 8-tracks? This started with "Propaganda" and went straight into "Reinforcements," instead of "At Home, At Work, At Play." It seems odd to me to hear them in the right order. But that's still my favorite Sparks song, even though I have 16 of their other albums. It's my wife's favorite, too. "One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, go."

Live in Stockholm, July 4, 2025

 

[dr wu]

A very unsual band to say the least.
I had heard various tracks on fm radio years ago but never really explored their music. Kimono My House and Propaganda were played on fm radio stations.
I decided to listen to Lil Beethoven(2002) because its their highest rated lp on Prog Archives which lists them as 'crossover prog' which is an odd place for them even though they have many prog elements in their music. I suppose avant garde art pop is more accurate though that doesnt completely cover them either. A strange amalgamation of styles that works somehow.
I recommend listening to Lil Beethoven for an unusual art rock experience. From what I have heard it contains all of their stylistic moods.

MOJO ranks Sparks best lps....(they rated Sax and Senseless Violins as 1 but it has far too much electronic dance pop for me) Lil Beethoven has more variety.

https://www.mojo4music.com/articles/the-mojo-list/sparks-best-albums- ranked/

Rhythm Thief from Lil Beethoven

 

[dr wu]

If you like Sparks I would recommend Cardiacs....an even wilder version of Sparks imho.
Stench of Honey from On Land and in The Sea(1989)