By Donzig
It is sometimes said that the Velvet Underground initially sold 100 copies of its first album, but everyone who bought it later formed a band; The VU's influence has largely been in fostering musical creation rather than album sales.
Such has been the five-decade career of Sparks, the brainchild of Los Angeles' Mael brothers: Ron (keyboards and songwriting) and Russell (vocals). Having some success in Europe and being based there for a time, Sparks has generally recorded in the U.S., where they have been appreciated by critics, other artists, and a number of knowledgeable fans. Working in some genres not very common in mainstream American music, Sparks have forged their own creative path, but has been overlooked by the general public in their home country.
Sparks' output over the years includes such innovative works as A Woofer In Tweeter's Clothing (1972); 1974's Kimono My House and Propaganda; No. 1 In Heaven (1979); In Outer Space (1983); and Gratuitous Sax & Senseless Violins (1994), among others. They have remained active the entire time, with no fewer than 10 albums since 2000, including their brand new release MAD!
In addition to the New Wave, art rock, and the other labels thrown at Sparks, one could also tag them Glam and power pop. They've not only recorded in these many styles, but stood as pioneers and influencers in each. When hearing some songs on their latest effort one sometimes thinks of well-known bands which in turn may have been influenced by Sparks.
There are many pleasures to be had on MAD!, including "Do Things My Own Way", the opener, and a declaration of independence (and defiance) by the Brothers Mael, with a Devo-like vibe. Elsewhere, "Running A Tab At The Hotel For The Fab" reveals the decadent luxuries of pampered celebrities, with dramatic backing tracks with vocals reminding one of Gary Numan. This one is very reminiscent of classic Sparks.
While "My Devotion" is a straight-ahead melodic synth-pop love song, "I-405 Rules" shines as a dramatic, operatic, ironic ode to a Greater Los Angeles freeway. One imagines the traffic there does not flow as smoothly as the historic rivers cited in the song. Also of note is "Drowned In A Sea Of Tears", another musically dramatic and vocally operatic track. This one sees the brothers each working hard on what he does best, which is recounting a tale of a doomed love affair that's doomed by the beloved's collapse, or perhaps her death.
Sparks remain masters of their own sound. It's a decidedly modern one, even if that definition of the term is based in past eras' vision of a shiny future. The sounds here, like those on a Stereolab record, are in a weird way still the past's imagining of years yet to come. In that sense, Sparks are doing what they've always done, only now, as we see that the dream-age never came, we find we are only soundtracking our dreams.
MAD! by Sparks is out today. Details below.
[Photo: Munachi Osegbu]
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