As a teenager I used to read the lyrics on the back of Sparks' vinyl albums. I knew even then, that Ron Mael was enormously talented. Still to this day, he hasn't been given the recognition he deserves. His lyrics are typically funny, yet also possess genuine insight into human nature, and the often absurdities of life. Sparks are brilliant, yet have never taken themselves too seriously.
Their recording studio was 10 minutes from where I live, during their Brussels recording days ( 87- 88 ) " Singing in the shower - and other songs. The humour and also their singing of the underdog is what really made me a fan, during my cd haul days I bought 6 , including the " my way " cd. Great ! Tom, Belgium.
Half an hour with Larry! I'm not complaining. You are the reason why I became a fan of Sparks a few years ago. The problem is that very few places other than this channel talk about Sparks other than in passing, which is a shame and also quite surprising given the strength of their discography.
Thank you for making this video. I'm 21 and new to the Sparks world but thanks to this I have now a better idea what to listen to after the fantastic Kimono my House.
At the moment Propaganda's my favourite Sparks album. What a classic, I've heard of Kimono My House and Angst In My Pants so far. Got plenty of Sparks albums to check out.
Thanks for taking the time to make the video. I agree with you that Indiscreet is their best. The juxtaposition of In the Future and Looks Looks Looks is one of the most genius things ever committed to vinyl and the variety of sounds and styles on that album is amazing.
I'm a big sparks fan from italy and i have to say that this video rocks! I think that my favorite album from sparks is no.1 in heaven, or maybe angst in my pants, i can't choose! All of their albums are so so great!
GREAT STUFF! I'm a lifelong sparks fan and found this immensely enjoyable and well done....but I'm also hoping non-sparks fans will check out some of the recommendations. As Larry points out, they're probably the only band to write a really funny song about their perennial inability to chart, especially in the United States. So you may not be familiar with them. There's great recommendations here and you can't go wrong following all of them!
The first band I ever got into independently at the tender age of 11, appreciating how fresh witty and inventive they still are 43 years on from those days :-)
Tony Visconti also produced The Move, he married the beautiful Welsh songstress Mary Hopkin. Sparks were so far ahead of the times musically that there material went straight over the heads of most of the record buying public. Many of the 1980's electronic bands were influenced by Sparks, although through their five decades long career, Sparks have always evaded mainstream and been classed as a cult band. Ron Mael is a brilliant song writer and musician and Russell's vocals are totally unique. If you don't love Sparks, you don't love great music.
It's a very special exclusive being a Sparks fan sometimes I get angry that more people don't get them but on the other hand I quite enjoy the exclusivity of knowing they're absolute geniuses and nobody else gets it....Legends in their own lifetimes can't wait for Hippopotamus tour Rock City Nottingham I'll be there.....
Great vid man, glad youtube recommended this. Been a big Sparks fan since my early 20s, never thought I'd come across a Sparks album ranking vid haha. Gonna have to check out "Indiscrete" now, thanks again
long time fan of Sparks (since Halfnelson - especially the song Biology 2) ... so much music, so little time ... absolutely LOVE "Exotic Creatures of the Deep" ... favorite album cover? "Pulling Rabbits Out of A Hat" ... favorite album title? "Gratuitous Sax and Senseless Violins" (et al) ... on a related note, "say goodbye to the beat" ...
Great to see you promote one of the best (if not THE best!) bands in the world that nobody knows about. Sparks are (is?) the poster boy for "Criminally Underrated Musical Artists" and it's nice to see somebody spread the word about their long-standing brilliance. **Good catch on When I'm With You being a hit in France ~~ (not Germany, which was My Way, as you corrected...) **I agree about The Scene ~~ GREAT song from MTYCDT. Full of energy and one of the most KILLER bass riffs you will ever hear! **There really isn't a bad record in their entire oeuvre, each is an original work of sonic art in it's own right. Like picking a favorite child! Personally, Whomp That Sucker makes my Top 5, if only because I became a fan in the 80's and it was the 2nd Sparks record I ever bought (after Angst)...and it contains one of my fave Sparks songs ever: Where's My Girl.. While we're on the subject, here are my Top 10 Fave Sparks tunes in no particular order.. Where's My Girl High C Moon Over Kentucky Falling in Love With Myself Again Sherlock Holmes Tips For Teens Moustache Upstairs T*ts Without Using Hands I Married Myself Pretending to Be Drunk A Song that Sings Itself Sisters Young Girls The Ghost of Liberace Toughest Girl in Town She Got Me Pregnant Let the Monkey Drive I Can't Believe That You Would Fall For All the Crap in This Song At Home At Work At Play Dick Around As I Sit Down to Play the Organ at the Notre Dame Cathedral Police Encounters (FFS) So Desu Ne (FFS) Ok....maybe a few more than 10! But at the moment, the song I would put at the top of the list (which by default makes it my favorite song of all time!) is a tune that, amazingly, was never given a proper release.. (Thank god for UA-cam!) It's an epic little tune called.. Where Did I Leave My Halo? .....just my humble opinion but I can't get enough of it! It hits all the Sparks trademarks: wistful, melancholy & moving, yet humorous, and of course the beautifully textured chorus and layered vocals, that the Bros Mael are so good at ~~ and like almost all Sparks songs, it is catchy as f*ck! (Sorry for the long post....but c'mon, we ARE talking Sparks...)
Lil Beethoven was based on being a rock/opera/classical album based on the structures of dance music. That's why the repetition is there.This is probably my favourite Sparks LP.
Great list! As a new fan (thanks to the documentary), I’ve been fascinated seeing how diverse Sparks’ catalogue is, and how different everyone’s picks for favorites can be. I find that their post-2000 output is what speaks to me the most, with my current #1 being Lil Beethoven (assuming FFS doesn’t count, as I’ve been completely in love with that album ever since its release). On the flip side, I’m not too enamored with their 70’s output, which is so well-regarded so I know I’m in the minority. But Indiscreet is a great album indeed and I can see how it would be your #1. I personally think Interior Design is their worst, and probably the only truly bad album they’ve made. Seeing The Seduction of Ingmar Bergman at the bottom of your list feels slightly vindicating, as I was expecting to like it a lot more than I do, but some parts of it gave me such delight that there’s no way I can rank it at the bottom. I’m quite envious of all your CDs! Hit up every record store in town recently and found not a single Sparks album.
Just heard of Sparks for the 1st time a few days ago. Now 110% obsessed, just like this guy. Totally There. Thanks for the guided tour of the albums. Hoping to start collecting all 25 now! Can’t get enough 🤩
I've been smiling like a crazy person for the last three hours since I randomly stumbled onto Sparks, of course via the "This Town Ain't Big Enough..." video, followed immediately by a few other videos and the rest of Kimono My House...I think they're seriously everything I ever wanted in a rock band. Next up will be Indiscreet, partly because you put it at no. 1, also because I'm a big David Bowie fan and I know full well how freaking amazing Tony Visconti is. Thanks for making this video! It's daunting to get into an artist who has a large output, let alone of such seemingly consistent quality throughout. I'm really looking forward to listening to more Sparks :)
Was Sparks fan way back in 70’s because of Todd. Fell in love with FF. When FFS came out was blown away. Can’t listen to FF without hearing Sparks now, was probably always there but didn’t hear it. Two unique groups that I never get tired of listening to.
Just wanted to thank you for getting me to delve deeper into the Sparks discography. I was already a fan for years but really only experienced a few of thier albums. In the last couple months I have bought quite a few of thier other albums and intend to get more. I really am impressed with thier two most recent releases, hippopotamus and a steady drip, drip, drip. But was also pleasantly surprised how good Balls and Pulling Rabbits out of a hat are. Thanks again, they are great.
Hi! as a fifty seven year old, of which forty three have been spent musically appreciating the talents of the Maels, I extend to you, my goofy Canadian fellow Sparks fan, a warm hug and my appreciation that you have attempted the Impossible; namely to rank Sparks' albums which is like Mr Kite undertaking Ten Somersets on solid Ground.Quite an undertaking.All of their albums have at one moment or other been a favourite for me and each ,even the weakest have something to say.Amd all cold be considered equally valid as they are parts of a great Whole.So.Whippings and Hospitality to you from England(my favs!)Thankyou.
I was such a fan that I presented one of their songs to my English final high school exam! Others were going with JFK or MLK speeches, I was going with Sparks Lyrics! Still a fan.
I had "Introducing Sparks" on vinyl - and really liked it - back in the 70's and I'm just getting around to catching up on their other works. I haven't heard their latest album yet (haven't worked for a year, no budget for music, and Hoopla doesn't have it), but "Existential Threat" is *the* song of 2020, and Cyriak should get some kind of award for the video. Having album reviews by a genuine fan is a big help, so thanks.
I have so much trouble trying to decide my favorite Sparks album. Kimono My House is a ton of fun, Propaganda and Big Beat are really consistent, their debut was groundbreaking, and even No. 1 In Heaven has its charms. That’s the sign of a great band: when you cannot decide what’s their best album.
Hey Larry, it's been along time since I have seen you! Missed you. I love Sparks but it is interesting how different opinions are on them. So many of my favorites were amongst your LEAST favorites ('Gratuitous Sax..', 'Plaigerism', 'Exotic Creatures') and I am one of those who did NOT like their 80's stuff at all. "Gratuitous sax..' is when they came back to me after their 70's classics. Completely new and creative again! Still one of the great bands which is where we DO agree! Of course 'Kimono my House' is one of the very best LP's of all time up there with Sgt Peppers, DSOTM by the Floyd, Hunky Dory by Bowie and Led Zeppelin IV! Liked 'Balls' too btw!
Dang it Larry! You went and made me a sparks fan! Would you believe that after watching your video about your favorite artists the very first sparks video I watched was "This town ain't big enough for the both of us?" Then, the very next video was "when I'm with you." Finally, I watched "all you ever think about is sex" and laughed hysterically. Great group. I think they may be my new obsession. Well, next to my wife of course.
Thanks, I am a huge Sparks fan and I also became a fan after Kimono My House, which is my favorite Sparks album, followed by FFS. FFS is genius and every song is so good. Thank you for doing this.
I enjoyed the ranking! :) I would have rated Exotic Creatures much higher. It might even be my #2. I actually think it's quite a bit better than Hello Young Lovers. Little Beethoven might be my #1. Whomp That Sucker, Sparks In Outer Space, and Angst In My Pants are some of my all-time favorites (not necessarily in that order). I was really happy to see you rate Angst so high. I would actually rate these 3 above Propaganda, Kimono, and Indiscreet. Yeah, I know I'm REALLY in the minority here. I was a youngster in the 80s and I like a lot of new wave. Clearly I have to check out the first couple albums more, I haven't spent much time with them.
Lifetime fan of Sparks since This Town Ain't Big Enough hit the radio. I purchased their next few albums, and went on to owning most of them. I went on to sing "Never Turn Your Back on Mother Earth" in concerts. THANKS for FEATURING what is likely my all-time FAVORITE BAND!
Looking back on these old videos, what really strikes me is just how much your look changes from haircuts and facial hair. You've had about just as many different styles as David Bowie!
Thanks for this, it's a great review - you speak from your heart. I've been watching "The Sparks Brothers" on Netflix, they are a really interesting band.
@@canadianstudmuffin Almost finished the Netflix docu - there were some differences in opinion to your ratings of the albums. But seeing your You Tube video beforehand made it more interesting to watch. Thanks again.
Okay I know that this video is old and this will sound a bit odd but my friends and I quote a comment that you left of Sparks's Missionary Position all the time and I was so excited to see that you make videos when this was recommended to me
You’ve definitely turned me on to Sparks over the past year or so. I’ve only heard a few of their albums so far but I’ll give my ranking of their albums I’ve heard so far and update it as I listen to more. I’ll also list my favorite song off each. 7. Hippopotamus (Like it) [What the Hell is it This Time?] 6. Angst in My Pants (Like it) [Nicotina] 5. Whomp That Sucker (Like it) [Upstairs] 4. A Woofer in Tweeter’s Clothing (Like it) [Girl from Germany] 3. Propaganda (Like It) [Don’t Leave Me Alone With Her] 2. Kimono My House (Like it a lot) [This Town Ain’t Big Enough for Both of Us] 1. In Outer Space (Like it a lot) [Please Baby Please] Yeah, I know, it might be blasphemous to have In Outer Space above Kimono My House. But I just enjoyed it more. In Outer Space isn’t even my kind of music but I really liked it. Almost every song on it is about as good as “This Town Ain’t Big Enough for Both of Us,” at least musically. And the comedy is spot on as usual.
I've been a big fan of Sparks since about 1972 when they played "No More Mr. Nice Guys"(not the Alice Cooper song) on American Bandstand. I've been hooked ever since. They've had a lot of great songs but my favorites are "Never Turn Your Back On Mother Earth" and "My Baby's Taking Me Home". Masterpieces in my opinion.
Funny, Terminal Jive is one of my faves, top10...with Hello Young Lovers, Lil Bethoven, Angst In My Pants ...No1 in Heaven & whomp...but there are so many singular cuts, and others, one of the best Bands Ever...Ever Ever
All their albums they made in the 70s were absolutely brilliant, energetic, poetic, original, timeless, just amazing ( and totally underrated), I still listen to those albums on a regular basis... but I stopped listening to all albums they came with from 80s on, they didn't even sound like the same band anymore, they sounded like typical 80s, new wave, pop one couldn't differentiate from all the other new wave, one hits bands at the time. I saw them a few years ago, and they were so, SO good, they played mostly all their 70s stuff, and crowd was so energetic, bouncing, singing along, so into it, then they'd randomly play later songs, and you could see the difference in response coming from the crowd, they settled down, no one singing along, few seemed to even know the songs.
Excellent job with such a monumental amount of music to go through. Of course, there will always be the naysayers, but for the most part you nailed it. With the Exceptions: "Propaganda and "Indiscreet" will fluctuate #2 and #3, and have for 4 decades.To be honest, I can't even number those albums anymore. BUT, "Kimono my House" is their piece d'resistance and always sit at #1. This is album that I fell in love with Sparks, and introduced my friends to them. Lots of memories attached to those songs ... 40 years of memories! What a project you undertook in ranking all the Sparks' albums, and what a terrific job you did!
My wife is wondering why after a difficult day i'm laughing. Well, i'm watching Larry Graves, but the reasons I have cheered up and laughing with Larry Graves and Sparks would be difficult to explain to her.
Great list! Here is mine 1. Kimono My House 2. Sparks 3. Propaganda 4. No. 1 In Heaven 5. Lil' Beethoven 6. Hello Young Lovers 7. FFS 8. Big Beat 9. Introducing Sparks 10. Exotic Creatures Of The Deep 11. Indiscreet 12. In Outer Space 13. Gratuitous Sax And Senseless Violins 14. Plagiarism 15. Balls 16. A Woofer In Tweeter's Clothing 17. Whomp That Sucker 18. Angst In My Pants 19. The Seduction Of Ingmar Bergman 20. Terminal Jive 21. Music That You Can Dance To 22. Pulling Rabbits Out Of A Hat 23. Interior Design
Canadian Studmuffin? I hope you picked that name "tongue-in-cheek". I bought Indiscreet when it was new. It's good, but I won't put it at number 1. OK, my top 3: 3 - Kimono My House2 - Hello Young Lovers1 - Lil Beethoven How many artists have great albums in the 1970s and the 2000s? And even a good album in 2017?
Spot on review Larry. I am also a life long Sparks fan and would definitely rate them in my Top 10 musical groups of all time. I was surprised and happy to see that you pegged Indiscreet as their top album. That matches my ranking exactly! The standout song from that album (of which just about every song is great) for me is Get In The Swing, which contains the quintessential Sparks lyrics in my opinion: Hello down there, this is your creator with a questionnaire, hello up there, I don't have the time to fill out questionnaires...
A lot of people would not agree with you that Indiscreet is Sparks best album, but I'm not one of them. Indiscreet is, hands down my favorite Sparks release. Every single song on it is GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!
Great video, Larry :) I got into Sparks about a year and a half ago when I watched your Sparks discography review and Top Ten Sparks songs videos and then I checked out a few songs you mentioned on UA-cam. I currently own 9 of their albums and I need to get more. Thank you :)
Great list! I've been making my way through their discography (not in order) and earlier this year took in the album No. 1 Song In Heaven, and just today took my first listen to Indiscreet on vinyl. Both are GREAT albums and will ensure that I continue to spelunk in the Sparks music catalog. I'm also looking forward to checking out the recently released film about the brothers Mael. Thank you!
I generally like their more clever, light-hearted songs, but a song I think would have been worth mentioning is, Moon Over Kentucky. Not one of my favorite albums, but that song is so cool!
Great video, I've just discovered Sparks a couple hours ago by almost random circumstance. Been listening to rock music for over ten years (I'm 23), always trying to dig around and find new things, yet somehow this band evaded me for so long. Tonight I happened to click on This Town Ain't Big Enough For The Both Of Us, and that's just been it for me. Immediately love. Checked out a bunch of other songs, all great, all stuck in my head already. My favorite band of all time is Queen and they apparently opened for Sparks on their first tour. I never knew! Anyway I'm a big albums collector so now I know what to look out for (most of it) and what to avoid (not much) from this band.
Very cool! In case you don't know, the director Edgar Wright has a new documentary on them called "The Sparks Brothers". I also have many other videos on Sparks for you to check out at ua-cam.com/users/canadianstudmuffinsearch?query=sparks
I have been a fan of sparks since the first record I so hooked on the records seen them 17times I'm 64 now and love ❤ and respect Ron Russell so much all the albums are perfect thank you for the video it was great celia house
wonderful! As a huge Sparks fan this was a fantastic journey through their musical history. Not to Spoiler: Yes you are absolutley right, as you say " This album has everything" because it has. A timeless treasure I can never get bored of, but very much in the swing with^^ Thanks for this wonderful Video^^
Sparks is Amazing . They never left us . A fun band but deceptive the truth and a lot of sadness is in these songs . Angst In My Pants is my fave . Kimono My House took me time apart from the singles . I think their most catchy song is No.1 in Heaven ,This Town is incredibly unforgettable ...I luv Bergman's films so I'll have to hear this album . I always think of Persona and that film with the dying sister and all the crushing red fabrics . I've never seen Interior Design before . They have so much work out there ! Gotta here Plagiarism 's versions !Amateur Hour is topnotch .
So after listening to all 25 albums in their entirety, I have ranked 20 of them (subtracting Ingmar Bergman, the two disco EP’s, FFS & Plagiarism): 20. A Woofer in Tweeter’s Clothing 19. Introducing Sparks 18. Indiscreet 17. Interior Design 16. Propaganda 15. Hello Young Lovers 14. Kimono My House 13. Whomp That Sucker 12. Balls 11. Lil Beethoven 10. Sparks/Half Nelson 9. Gratuitous Sax & Senseless Violins (w/bonus tracks) 8. Pulling Rabbits Out of a Hat 7. Music That You Can Dance To 6. Big Boy 5. Angst In My Pants 4. A Steady Drip, Drip, Drip 3. In Outer Space 2. Hippopotamus 1. EXOTIC CREATURES OF THE DEEP!!! (Masterpiece) Did any match yours?
wiki does a good job in going thru their catalog as well..but no bio info? their age? do they live in the USA? many of the film clips are very similar to the Beach Boys in southern california where they grew up.... I'm going to assume they are in their late 70's? thanks for the video!!
Sparks r a greatly undervalued, overlooked, band. They've been going since 71-ish. But they've generally got better over the years. My favs Terminal Jive. And No 1 in heaven. But the 1986 ones good. And they're collaboration with Franz Ferdinand was great.
Great video - good to see the love for Indiscreet, far and away their best! I also agree with what you say about the production of a lot of the 80s albums. In fact I think Sparks should make Plagiarism#2, re-recording more of those 80s songs (ideally with Tony Visconti in the arranger/producer's chair) - Music That You Can Dance To, Where's My Girl?, You Got A Hold Of My Heart, Mickey Mouse, Sherlock Holmes, Young Girls, With All My Might, A Song That Sings Itself, That's Not Nastassia, The Scene - all those songs would benefit from new arrangements/recordings. Which of their 80s songs would you want re-recorded?
Nice to hear your favs, Larry. My top 5: Kimono My House, Indiscreet, Propaganda, Angst in my Pants and Hippopotamus. Enjoy your channel, and offbeat sense of humour.
I'm enjoying this video a lot which I;'m watching as background before writing about 'This Town ain't big enough' fo the chapter on 1974 songs in my writing... anyway Sparks are a band I've always meant to dig more into, and I'm breaking off to listen to some of the songs you mention..... If I were to make one comment, since this is a 'countdown', I would have liked you to keep track of the numbers .... eg 'So, now into the top 10!"
U did pick Sparks best album," Indiscreet",like all the songs but my favorite song from that album is "Happy Hunting Grounds",still rocking that tune on my iPod !😎 Whoop That Sucker, Propaganda,Number 1 in Heaven,Angst ! So many cool songs,BC, Occupation ! Good review,little long but I was patient,my album was number 1 !
Grew up with Sparks played in my family. I prefer the 1980s albums mostly - angst, pulling rabbits out of a hat (my favorite) in outer space. Surprised that there are so many other Sparks fans out there.
Curious as to where you would slot Hippopotamus on your list. And if the rest of A Steady Drip Drip Drip is as good as the first three leaked singles, that likely would get an upper slot as well. These recent albums are astoundingly fresh considering the length of their career. Yet somehow they remain criminally unknown in the US...like several of my favorite artists.First Sparks album I ever heard remains my favorite - A Woofer In Tweeter's Clothing (has there ever been a funnier song than "Batteries Not Included"?)...Big Beat is probably my #2 slightly ahead of Kimono My House. I also think you should revisit the studio version of The Seduction of Ingmar Bergman - while some of the lyrics/vocals/narration can be a little off-putting, it's a brilliant concept album with very infectious melodies. Try it with headphones and closed eyes.
As a teenager I used to read the lyrics on the back of Sparks' vinyl albums. I knew even then, that Ron Mael was enormously talented. Still to this day, he hasn't been given the recognition he deserves. His lyrics are typically funny, yet also possess genuine insight into human nature, and the often absurdities of life. Sparks are brilliant, yet have never taken themselves too seriously.
Love Sparks!! When Do I Get To Sing My way is my all time favourite!! It's nice seeing you on youtube. I remember you from Acidplanet!!!
Their recording studio was 10 minutes from where I live, during their Brussels recording days ( 87- 88 ) " Singing in the shower - and other songs.
The humour and also their singing of the underdog is what really made me a fan, during my cd haul days I bought 6 , including the " my way " cd.
Great !
Tom, Belgium.
Nice video. "Indiscreet" is my favorite, too!
I'd love to see more of these album ranking videos.
I can never remember the lyrics to "My Baby's Taking Me Home."
very funny...though i think it's possibly in my all time top 3 Sparks songs....!! xxxx
Awesome, insightful and witty lyrics - typically Sparks
Indiscreet? Number one album? ABSOLUTELY!!!!!!!!!!!!
For real.
No... Propaganda #1
Thanks! I've just started getting into Sparks. You're personal albums review gives me renewed enthusiasm to look deeper!
Glad to hear it!
I am a massive fan especially first few albums great stuff
Half an hour with Larry! I'm not complaining. You are the reason why I became a fan of Sparks a few years ago. The problem is that very few places other than this channel talk about Sparks other than in passing, which is a shame and also quite surprising given the strength of their discography.
Thank you for making this video. I'm 21 and new to the Sparks world but thanks to this I have now a better idea what to listen to after the fantastic Kimono my House.
At the moment Propaganda's my favourite Sparks album. What a classic, I've heard of Kimono My House and Angst In My Pants so far. Got plenty of Sparks albums to check out.
You will love Kimono My House, as it is similar to Propaganda... All the other albums are pretty different, but almost all of them are great. :)
Became a fan of Sparks because of you bud
That is awesome... I never expect that when I do these videos, but I have heard of others who also became fans, so that is great.
I now think they're a unique, talented and fun band
I had a really nice history lesson with this video. I've loved Sparks for quite awhile and I appreciate all the insight you gave. Well done!
Thanks for taking the time to make the video. I agree with you that Indiscreet is their best. The juxtaposition of In the Future and Looks Looks Looks is one of the most genius things ever committed to vinyl and the variety of sounds and styles on that album is amazing.
I'm a big sparks fan from italy and i have to say that this video rocks! I think that my favorite album from sparks is no.1 in heaven, or maybe angst in my pants, i can't choose! All of their albums are so so great!
GREAT STUFF! I'm a lifelong sparks fan and found this immensely enjoyable and well done....but I'm also hoping non-sparks fans will check out some of the recommendations. As Larry points out, they're probably the only band to write a really funny song about their perennial inability to chart, especially in the United States. So you may not be familiar with them. There's great recommendations here and you can't go wrong following all of them!
The first band I ever got into independently at the tender age of 11, appreciating how fresh witty and inventive they still are 43 years on from those days :-)
Listened to 'Kimono' for the first time today and it's unbelievable how refreshing it was! Fell in love with it instantly!
Cool! :)
I envy you.
Tony Visconti also produced The Move, he married the beautiful Welsh songstress Mary Hopkin. Sparks were so far ahead of the times musically that there material went straight over the heads of most of the record buying public. Many of the 1980's electronic bands were influenced by Sparks, although through their five decades long career, Sparks have always evaded mainstream and been classed as a cult band. Ron Mael is a brilliant song writer and musician and Russell's vocals are totally unique. If you don't love Sparks, you don't love great music.
It's a very special exclusive being a Sparks fan sometimes I get angry that more people don't get them but on the other hand I quite enjoy the exclusivity of knowing they're absolute geniuses and nobody else gets it....Legends in their own lifetimes can't wait for Hippopotamus tour Rock City Nottingham I'll be there.....
Great vid man, glad youtube recommended this. Been a big Sparks fan since my early 20s, never thought I'd come across a Sparks album ranking vid haha. Gonna have to check out "Indiscrete" now, thanks again
long time fan of Sparks (since Halfnelson - especially the song Biology 2) ... so much music, so little time ... absolutely LOVE "Exotic Creatures of the Deep" ... favorite album cover? "Pulling Rabbits Out of A Hat" ... favorite album title? "Gratuitous Sax and Senseless Violins" (et al) ... on a related note, "say goodbye to the beat" ...
Great to see you promote one of the best (if not THE best!) bands in the world that nobody knows about. Sparks are (is?) the poster boy for "Criminally Underrated Musical Artists" and it's nice to see somebody spread the word about their long-standing brilliance.
**Good catch on When I'm With You being a hit in France ~~ (not Germany, which was My Way, as you corrected...)
**I agree about The Scene ~~ GREAT song from MTYCDT. Full of energy and one of the most KILLER bass riffs you will ever hear!
**There really isn't a bad record in their entire oeuvre, each is an original work of sonic art in it's own right. Like picking a favorite child! Personally, Whomp That Sucker makes my Top 5, if only because I became a fan in the 80's and it was the 2nd Sparks record I ever bought (after Angst)...and it contains one of my fave Sparks songs ever: Where's My Girl..
While we're on the subject, here are my Top 10 Fave Sparks tunes in no particular order..
Where's My Girl
High C
Moon Over Kentucky
Falling in Love With Myself Again
Sherlock Holmes
Tips For Teens
Moustache
Upstairs
T*ts
Without Using Hands
I Married Myself
Pretending to Be Drunk
A Song that Sings Itself
Sisters
Young Girls
The Ghost of Liberace
Toughest Girl in Town
She Got Me Pregnant
Let the Monkey Drive
I Can't Believe That You Would Fall For All the Crap in This Song
At Home At Work At Play
Dick Around
As I Sit Down to Play the Organ at the Notre Dame Cathedral
Police Encounters (FFS)
So Desu Ne (FFS)
Ok....maybe a few more than 10! But at the moment, the song I would put at the top of the list (which by default makes it my favorite song of all time!) is a tune that, amazingly, was never given a proper release.. (Thank god for UA-cam!) It's an epic little tune called..
Where Did I Leave My Halo? .....just my humble opinion but I can't get enough of it! It hits all the Sparks trademarks: wistful, melancholy & moving, yet humorous, and of course the beautifully textured chorus and layered vocals, that the Bros Mael are so good at ~~ and like almost all Sparks songs, it is catchy as f*ck!
(Sorry for the long post....but c'mon, we ARE talking Sparks...)
I saw Ron and Russ Mael at an airport once, and I thought 'Wow. Sparks are really going to fly.'
Lil Beethoven was based on being a rock/opera/classical album based on the structures of dance music. That's why the repetition is there.This is probably my favourite Sparks LP.
Great list! As a new fan (thanks to the documentary), I’ve been fascinated seeing how diverse Sparks’ catalogue is, and how different everyone’s picks for favorites can be. I find that their post-2000 output is what speaks to me the most, with my current #1 being Lil Beethoven (assuming FFS doesn’t count, as I’ve been completely in love with that album ever since its release). On the flip side, I’m not too enamored with their 70’s output, which is so well-regarded so I know I’m in the minority. But Indiscreet is a great album indeed and I can see how it would be your #1. I personally think Interior Design is their worst, and probably the only truly bad album they’ve made. Seeing The Seduction of Ingmar Bergman at the bottom of your list feels slightly vindicating, as I was expecting to like it a lot more than I do, but some parts of it gave me such delight that there’s no way I can rank it at the bottom.
I’m quite envious of all your CDs! Hit up every record store in town recently and found not a single Sparks album.
Just heard of Sparks for the 1st time a few days ago. Now 110% obsessed, just like this guy. Totally There. Thanks for the guided tour of the albums. Hoping to start collecting all 25 now! Can’t get enough 🤩
Don't miss out on the Edgar Wright documentary - The Sparks Brothers, currently on Netflix. It's wonderful.
I've been smiling like a crazy person for the last three hours since I randomly stumbled onto Sparks, of course via the "This Town Ain't Big Enough..." video, followed immediately by a few other videos and the rest of Kimono My House...I think they're seriously everything I ever wanted in a rock band.
Next up will be Indiscreet, partly because you put it at no. 1, also because I'm a big David Bowie fan and I know full well how freaking amazing Tony Visconti is.
Thanks for making this video! It's daunting to get into an artist who has a large output, let alone of such seemingly consistent quality throughout. I'm really looking forward to listening to more Sparks :)
Was Sparks fan way back in 70’s because of Todd. Fell in love with FF. When FFS came out was blown away. Can’t listen to FF without hearing Sparks now, was probably always there but didn’t hear it. Two unique groups that I never get tired of listening to.
Love Music That You Can Dance to!! I am a big fan of Sparks!!
I'm a fan because of this video!
Just wanted to thank you for getting me to delve deeper into the Sparks discography. I was already a fan for years but really only experienced a few of thier albums. In the last couple months I have bought quite a few of thier other albums and intend to get more.
I really am impressed with thier two most recent releases, hippopotamus and a steady drip, drip, drip. But was also pleasantly surprised how good Balls and Pulling Rabbits out of a hat are.
Thanks again, they are great.
Hi! as a fifty seven year old, of which forty three have been spent musically appreciating the talents of the Maels, I extend to you, my goofy Canadian fellow Sparks fan, a warm hug and my appreciation that you have attempted the Impossible; namely to rank Sparks' albums which is like Mr Kite undertaking Ten Somersets on solid Ground.Quite an undertaking.All of their albums have at one moment or other been a favourite for me and each ,even the weakest have something to say.Amd all cold be considered equally valid as they are parts of a great Whole.So.Whippings and Hospitality to you from England(my favs!)Thankyou.
Thanks very much! :)
I was such a fan that I presented one of their songs to my English final high school exam! Others were going with JFK or MLK speeches, I was going with Sparks Lyrics! Still a fan.
Sparks .... one listen and what the hell...my ears have seen the glory of the coming of SPARKS❤
I had "Introducing Sparks" on vinyl - and really liked it - back in the 70's and I'm just getting around to catching up on their other works. I haven't heard their latest album yet (haven't worked for a year, no budget for music, and Hoopla doesn't have it), but "Existential Threat" is *the* song of 2020, and Cyriak should get some kind of award for the video. Having album reviews by a genuine fan is a big help, so thanks.
I've been listening to them since Halfnelson. I love them. Greetings from St. Thomas, Ontario, just south of London.
I have so much trouble trying to decide my favorite Sparks album. Kimono My House is a ton of fun, Propaganda and Big Beat are really consistent, their debut was groundbreaking, and even No. 1 In Heaven has its charms. That’s the sign of a great band: when you cannot decide what’s their best album.
Great video and list! Angst in my Pants will always be my favorite of theirs
just picked up Sparks Indiscreet on vinyl because of this channel, i'n love with them now :)
as a sparks fan I enjoyed this didn't agree with everything but really enjoyed another man's choice
Lil Beethoven should carry a health warning some of these songs will be stuck in your head forever!
Hey Larry, it's been along time since I have seen you! Missed you. I love Sparks but it is interesting how different opinions are on them. So many of my favorites were amongst your LEAST favorites ('Gratuitous Sax..', 'Plaigerism', 'Exotic Creatures') and I am one of those who did NOT like their 80's stuff at all. "Gratuitous sax..' is when they came back to me after their 70's classics. Completely new and creative again! Still one of the great bands which is where we DO agree! Of course 'Kimono my House' is one of the very best LP's of all time up there with Sgt Peppers, DSOTM by the Floyd, Hunky Dory by Bowie and Led Zeppelin IV! Liked 'Balls' too btw!
Certainly the most under-rated group of all time.
Dang it Larry! You went and made me a sparks fan! Would you believe that after watching your video about your favorite artists the very first sparks video I watched was "This town ain't big enough for the both of us?" Then, the very next video was "when I'm with you." Finally, I watched "all you ever think about is sex" and laughed hysterically. Great group. I think they may be my new obsession. Well, next to my wife of course.
Thanks, I am a huge Sparks fan and I also became a fan after Kimono My House, which is my favorite Sparks album, followed by FFS. FFS is genius and every song is so good. Thank you for doing this.
Thanks!!! Very entertaining indeed!! Loved them since 1976
I enjoyed the ranking! :)
I would have rated Exotic Creatures much higher. It might even be my #2. I actually think it's quite a bit better than Hello Young Lovers. Little Beethoven might be my #1.
Whomp That Sucker, Sparks In Outer Space, and Angst In My Pants are some of my all-time favorites (not necessarily in that order). I was really happy to see you rate Angst so high. I would actually rate these 3 above Propaganda, Kimono, and Indiscreet. Yeah, I know I'm REALLY in the minority here. I was a youngster in the 80s and I like a lot of new wave.
Clearly I have to check out the first couple albums more, I haven't spent much time with them.
Love the Exotic album too 💙
Lifetime fan of Sparks since This Town Ain't Big Enough hit the radio. I purchased their next few albums, and went on to owning most of them.
I went on to sing "Never Turn Your Back on Mother Earth" in concerts.
THANKS for FEATURING what is likely my all-time FAVORITE BAND!
Looking back on these old videos, what really strikes me is just how much your look changes from haircuts and facial hair. You've had about just as many different styles as David Bowie!
Thanks for this, it's a great review - you speak from your heart.
I've been watching "The Sparks Brothers" on Netflix, they are a really interesting band.
Cool! I have more Sparks videos on my channel if you are interested, just do a search for them on my front channel, thanks!
@@canadianstudmuffin Almost finished the Netflix docu - there were some differences in opinion to your ratings of the albums. But seeing your You Tube video beforehand made it more interesting to watch. Thanks again.
Okay I know that this video is old and this will sound a bit odd but my friends and I quote a comment that you left of Sparks's Missionary Position all the time and I was so excited to see that you make videos when this was recommended to me
What does the comment say? I couldn’t find it :(
@@jessevanderwijk it says "I love missionary position! Love the song too! :D"
@@parasocialanxiety nice🤣
Have only recently got into Sparks with the album Balls. Aeroflot is brilliant as are Calm Before The Storm and Bullet Train.
You’ve definitely turned me on to Sparks over the past year or so. I’ve only heard a few of their albums so far but I’ll give my ranking of their albums I’ve heard so far and update it as I listen to more. I’ll also list my favorite song off each.
7. Hippopotamus (Like it) [What the Hell is it This Time?]
6. Angst in My Pants (Like it) [Nicotina]
5. Whomp That Sucker (Like it) [Upstairs]
4. A Woofer in Tweeter’s Clothing (Like it) [Girl from Germany]
3. Propaganda (Like It) [Don’t Leave Me Alone With Her]
2. Kimono My House (Like it a lot) [This Town Ain’t Big Enough for Both of Us]
1. In Outer Space (Like it a lot) [Please Baby Please]
Yeah, I know, it might be blasphemous to have In Outer Space above Kimono My House. But I just enjoyed it more. In Outer Space isn’t even my kind of music but I really liked it. Almost every song on it is about as good as “This Town Ain’t Big Enough for Both of Us,” at least musically. And the comedy is spot on as usual.
nice to hear another man's choice
Queen opened for them in Britain in the early 70's.
Sparks wanted Queen's Brian May to leave the band and join them, thankfully he said no.
Brand new Sparks fan here, I thank you! Intense and enthused, I like you.
Thank you very much. Feel free to add me on Facebook if you like. :) More Sparks videos coming soon...
I've been a big fan of Sparks since about 1972 when they played "No More Mr. Nice Guys"(not the Alice Cooper song) on American Bandstand. I've been hooked ever since. They've had a lot of great songs but my favorites are "Never Turn Your Back On Mother Earth" and "My Baby's Taking Me Home". Masterpieces in my opinion.
+Beatlecat1 It is too bad there is no footage from that particular show... It seems Dick Clark always liked the Mael brothers though.
This video made me a Sparks fan! 👍😁
Funny, Terminal Jive is one of my faves, top10...with Hello Young Lovers, Lil Bethoven, Angst In My Pants ...No1 in Heaven & whomp...but there are so many singular cuts, and others, one of the best Bands Ever...Ever Ever
Cool video. Nice ranking order for the albums. My top 2 favorites are the same as yours. Angst, Propaganda and Outer Space complete my Top 5.
Ron is the best lyricist out there and only the chosen few know about them .
All their albums they made in the 70s were absolutely brilliant, energetic, poetic, original, timeless, just amazing ( and totally underrated), I still listen to those albums on a regular basis... but I stopped listening to all albums they came with from 80s on, they didn't even sound like the same band anymore, they sounded like typical 80s, new wave, pop one couldn't differentiate from all the other new wave, one hits bands at the time.
I saw them a few years ago, and they were so, SO good, they played mostly all their 70s stuff, and crowd was so energetic, bouncing, singing along, so into it, then they'd randomly play later songs, and you could see the difference in response coming from the crowd, they settled down, no one singing along, few seemed to even know the songs.
Excellent job with such a monumental amount of music to go through. Of course, there will always be the naysayers, but for the most part you nailed it. With the Exceptions: "Propaganda and "Indiscreet" will fluctuate #2 and #3, and have for 4 decades.To be honest, I can't even number those albums anymore. BUT, "Kimono my House" is their piece d'resistance and always sit at #1. This is album that I fell in love with Sparks, and introduced my friends to them. Lots of memories attached to those songs ... 40 years of memories! What a project you undertook in ranking all the Sparks' albums, and what a terrific job you did!
I agree with your no 1, Indiscreet was my first Sparks album and always my favorite
Lots of fans consider When Do I Get To Sing My Way their favorite Sparks song, and Gratuitous Sax and Senseless Violins their favorite album
My wife is wondering why after a difficult day i'm laughing. Well, i'm watching Larry Graves, but the reasons I have cheered up and laughing with Larry Graves and Sparks would be difficult to explain to her.
U2 is the most over rated group in the universe says The Who fan from Ireland. Sparks is a great band though. Their lawnmower song cracks me up.
Not a fan of U2 the past few years...
Great list! Here is mine
1. Kimono My House
2. Sparks
3. Propaganda
4. No. 1 In Heaven
5. Lil' Beethoven
6. Hello Young Lovers
7. FFS
8. Big Beat
9. Introducing Sparks
10. Exotic Creatures Of The Deep
11. Indiscreet
12. In Outer Space
13. Gratuitous Sax And Senseless Violins
14. Plagiarism
15. Balls
16. A Woofer In Tweeter's Clothing
17. Whomp That Sucker
18. Angst In My Pants
19. The Seduction Of Ingmar Bergman
20. Terminal Jive
21. Music That You Can Dance To
22. Pulling Rabbits Out Of A Hat
23. Interior Design
Canadian Studmuffin? I hope you picked that name "tongue-in-cheek". I bought Indiscreet when it was new. It's good, but I won't put it at number 1. OK, my top 3:
3 - Kimono My House2 - Hello Young Lovers1 - Lil Beethoven
How many artists have great albums in the 1970s and the 2000s? And even a good album in 2017?
And now in 2020. I love lawnmower
Terminal Jive is in my Top 5 (along with Big Beat, Introducing Sparks, and Kimono), so phoey. It's great.
Spot on review Larry. I am also a life long Sparks fan and would definitely rate them in my Top 10 musical groups of all time. I was surprised and happy to see that you pegged Indiscreet as their top album. That matches my ranking exactly! The standout song from that album (of which just about every song is great) for me is Get In The Swing, which contains the quintessential Sparks lyrics in my opinion: Hello down there, this is your creator with a questionnaire, hello up there, I don't have the time to fill out questionnaires...
A lot of people would not agree with you that Indiscreet is Sparks best album, but I'm not one of them. Indiscreet is, hands down my favorite Sparks release. Every single song on it is GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!
Great video, Larry :) I got into Sparks about a year and a half ago when I watched your Sparks discography review and Top Ten Sparks songs videos and then I checked out a few songs you mentioned on UA-cam. I currently own 9 of their albums and I need to get more.
Thank you :)
+Paul Ingham That is awesome, thanks! :)
THANKS FOR THIS VIDEO 💖
Now You’re in The Future fella - Sparks are just as brilliant as they were in 1975 . 😃Thankyou for this presentation -regards from Wessex-on-Sea
Thx for the review. Very good with all history in it
Thank you. I plan on updating this to include their newer albums.
Great list! I've been making my way through their discography (not in order) and earlier this year took in the album No. 1 Song In Heaven, and just today took my first listen to Indiscreet on vinyl. Both are GREAT albums and will ensure that I continue to spelunk in the Sparks music catalog. I'm also looking forward to checking out the recently released film about the brothers Mael. Thank you!
1:10 How odd, because I love Sparks yet will run
as far as my tar-filled lungs will take me
to get away from the sound of U2 being played.
No longer a fan of U2.
I generally like their more clever, light-hearted songs, but a song I think would have been worth mentioning is, Moon Over Kentucky. Not one of my favorite albums, but that song is so cool!
Maybe the only song written by another band member.
Great video, I've just discovered Sparks a couple hours ago by almost random circumstance. Been listening to rock music for over ten years (I'm 23), always trying to dig around and find new things, yet somehow this band evaded me for so long. Tonight I happened to click on This Town Ain't Big Enough For The Both Of Us, and that's just been it for me. Immediately love. Checked out a bunch of other songs, all great, all stuck in my head already. My favorite band of all time is Queen and they apparently opened for Sparks on their first tour. I never knew! Anyway I'm a big albums collector so now I know what to look out for (most of it) and what to avoid (not much) from this band.
Very cool! In case you don't know, the director Edgar Wright has a new documentary on them called "The Sparks Brothers". I also have many other videos on Sparks for you to check out at ua-cam.com/users/canadianstudmuffinsearch?query=sparks
I have been a fan of sparks since the first record I so hooked on the records seen them 17times I'm 64 now and love ❤ and respect Ron Russell so much all the albums are perfect thank you for the video it was great celia house
"Tryouts For The Human Race" is an electronic masterpiece!
And one of the funniest and original lyrics ever in history. A song about sperm? What the f…?
wonderful! As a huge Sparks fan this was a fantastic journey through their musical history. Not to Spoiler: Yes you are absolutley right, as you say " This album has everything" because it has. A timeless treasure I can never get bored of, but very much in the swing with^^
Thanks for this wonderful Video^^
Sparks is Amazing . They never left us . A fun band but deceptive the truth and a lot of sadness is in these songs . Angst In My Pants is my fave . Kimono My House took me time apart from the singles . I think their most catchy song is No.1 in Heaven ,This Town is incredibly unforgettable ...I luv Bergman's films so I'll have to hear this album . I always think of Persona and that film with the dying sister and all the crushing red fabrics . I've never seen Interior Design before . They have so much work out there ! Gotta here Plagiarism 's versions !Amateur Hour is topnotch .
So after listening to all 25 albums in their entirety, I have ranked 20 of them (subtracting Ingmar Bergman, the two disco EP’s, FFS & Plagiarism):
20. A Woofer in Tweeter’s Clothing
19. Introducing Sparks
18. Indiscreet
17. Interior Design
16. Propaganda
15. Hello Young Lovers
14. Kimono My House
13. Whomp That Sucker
12. Balls
11. Lil Beethoven
10. Sparks/Half Nelson
9. Gratuitous Sax & Senseless Violins (w/bonus tracks)
8. Pulling Rabbits Out of a Hat
7. Music That You Can Dance To
6. Big Boy
5. Angst In My Pants
4. A Steady Drip, Drip, Drip
3. In Outer Space
2. Hippopotamus
1. EXOTIC CREATURES OF THE DEEP!!! (Masterpiece)
Did any match yours?
No idea.. but cool you are into them. 🙂
wiki does a good job in going thru their catalog as well..but no bio info? their age? do they live in the USA? many of the film clips are very similar to the Beach Boys in southern california where they grew up.... I'm going to assume they are in their late 70's? thanks for the video!!
30seconds in. And you already had me. Awesome lyricist.Ron Mael. Music's answer to Picasso.
Sparks r a greatly undervalued, overlooked, band. They've been going since 71-ish. But they've generally got better over the years. My favs Terminal Jive. And No 1 in heaven. But the 1986 ones good. And they're collaboration with Franz Ferdinand was great.
Awesome review!
Great video - good to see the love for Indiscreet, far and away their best! I also agree with what you say about the production of a lot of the 80s albums. In fact I think Sparks should make Plagiarism#2, re-recording more of those 80s songs (ideally with Tony Visconti in the arranger/producer's chair) - Music That You Can Dance To, Where's My Girl?, You Got A Hold Of My Heart, Mickey Mouse, Sherlock Holmes, Young Girls, With All My Might, A Song That Sings Itself, That's Not Nastassia, The Scene - all those songs would benefit from new arrangements/recordings. Which of their 80s songs would you want re-recorded?
Love Love Love Number One In Heaven!! I am really enjoying your Sparks countdown!! So much fun!!
Balls is great!!! Love that album...if it's average then that's cool....it's bottom of my list....but like I say ive only heard half their albums...
Nice to hear your favs, Larry. My top 5: Kimono My House, Indiscreet, Propaganda, Angst in my Pants and Hippopotamus. Enjoy your channel, and offbeat sense of humour.
Awesome list man! Love Sparks! Thanks for sharing your favourites!
I'm enjoying this video a lot which I;'m watching as background before writing about 'This Town ain't big enough' fo the chapter on 1974 songs in my writing... anyway Sparks are a band I've always meant to dig more into, and I'm breaking off to listen to some of the songs you mention..... If I were to make one comment, since this is a 'countdown', I would have liked you to keep track of the numbers .... eg 'So, now into the top 10!"
Thank you. If you type in Sparks in my front page search box you will find more videos I did on them. I need to update this video soon also.
U did pick Sparks best album," Indiscreet",like all the songs but my favorite song from that album is "Happy Hunting Grounds",still rocking that tune on my iPod !😎 Whoop That Sucker, Propaganda,Number 1 in Heaven,Angst ! So many cool songs,BC, Occupation ! Good review,little long but I was patient,my album was number 1 !
Grew up with Sparks played in my family. I prefer the 1980s albums mostly - angst, pulling rabbits out of a hat (my favorite) in outer space. Surprised that there are so many other Sparks fans out there.
BBC 6 Music has been the source for the resurgence in my interest in Sparks for the last decade.
Sparks underated I was a huge Sparks fan since a kid...there is NO WORST really with Sparks because they have a variety of styles really...
Just purchased F.F.S deluxe 16 songs for $20., Thanks Larry, they does sound great ! { I peaked at their live show to give me an idea of their music}.
Curious as to where you would slot Hippopotamus on your list. And if the rest of A Steady Drip Drip Drip is as good as the first three leaked singles, that likely would get an upper slot as well. These recent albums are astoundingly fresh considering the length of their career. Yet somehow they remain criminally unknown in the US...like several of my favorite artists.First Sparks album I ever heard remains my favorite - A Woofer In Tweeter's Clothing (has there ever been a funnier song than "Batteries Not Included"?)...Big Beat is probably my #2 slightly ahead of Kimono My House. I also think you should revisit the studio version of The Seduction of Ingmar Bergman - while some of the lyrics/vocals/narration can be a little off-putting, it's a brilliant concept album with very infectious melodies. Try it with headphones and closed eyes.