Sparks is my discovery of 2016 and I noticed how many similarities there are in sound between the two bands.
The Propaganda album from 1974 is a great example and I really recommend listening to that one. Another example is the Whomp That Sucker album from 1981, produced by Mack (notice the drum sound)
Did the bands ever meet?
There's a studio assistant in the One Vision video wearing a Sparks tshirt (the Mack connection)
Brian was offered the guitarist job in Sparks in 1974 when they thought he'd quit during illness.
<3 Sparks
The Sparks Wikipedia page claims Queen opened for them in 1972:
"Their follow-up album, A Woofer in Tweeter's Clothing, led to a tour of the United Kingdom, including a residency at the Marquee Club in London,[4] which incidentally saw on one night Queen open for Sparks.[11]"
Sparks are awesome. Been following them since 2005 and I've seen them live 8 times:
- Twice in 2009, doing Exotic Creatures... combined with Kimono/Heaven
- Thrice in 2012/2013 with the 2 Hands 1 Mouth tour
- Twice with the Kimono orchestral performances.
- Once with FFS
Can't wait for their new album in 2017!
I saw all the London Lil' Beethoven gigs in 2001/2. 2004 at Morrissey's Meltdown doing the full Kimono My House (amazing!), Indiscreet at Islington Academy, and a few times since. Recorded most of the shows.
Yeah, I love indiscreet.
Generally I find Sparks a little bit hit and miss, but they usually miss because they are trying something new, which is admirable.
And I'm sure some of my misses are other people's absolute faves.
Occasionally worrying lyrics... Young Girls always creeped me out.
GG
Their 1980's output contains a lot of misses in my opinion. Not a big fan of the Whomp - Interior Design period - even though there are some gems hidden on those albums/singles. Think of Change, Pulling Rabbits Out Of A Hat, Funny Face, Tips for Teens... After Gratuitous Sax they haven't made a bad album in my opinion.
Welcome to the world of Sparks Rick!
I found them in 1979 with The Number One Song in Heaven.
I've kept up with them since their return with Gratuitous Sax.
Saw them a number of times in London in the 90s and 00s.
I even got two people to fly over with me for the two gigs in 2009!
Cheers.
Voice of Reason 2014 wrote: Welcome to the world of Sparks Rick!
I found them in 1979 with The Number One Song in Heaven.
I've kept up with them since their return with Gratuitous Sax.
Saw them a number of times in London in the 90s and 00s.
I even got two people to fly over with me for the two gigs in 2009!
Cheers.
Voice of Reason 2014 wrote:
Welcome to the world of Sparks Rick!
I found them in 1979 with The Number One Song in Heaven.
I've kept up with them since their return with Gratuitous Sax.
Saw them a number of times in London in the 90s and 00s.
I even got two people to fly over with me for the two gigs in 2009!
Cheers.
Still the best gigs I ever saw them do. They're still at their best when they "do" the rockband format with 4-5 minute songs.