19 – SPARKS – An Homage to Ron & Russell Mael
This is my homage to my favorite band, Sparks, and the core of Sparks, brothers Ron & Russell Mael. I speak to Tosh Berman of Tam Tam Books, who wrote a book about a history-making Sparks 21-album concert series in London and who published a book of Sparks song lyrics. I also chat with Eric Theise, an artist, musician and avid and articulate Sparks fan. Laurie Cohen, Director of the Mill Valley Philharmonic, shares her first impressions of Sparks music, and I mention something about each of Sparks’ 25 albums from 1972 to the present, and play excerpts from some of my favorite tracks. The episode closes with “Part One” of my conversation with Ron and Russell Mael!
There’s a great podcast totally dedicated to the music of Sparks called “All You Ever Think About Is Sparks” that can be found at https://sparkspodcast.podbean.com if you’d like an even deeper dive into the music of Sparks. Check it out!
For the encore of what may have been the final live date ever in America for Faith No More on December 1 at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, Ron and Russell Mael were invited by Mike Patton and Co. to perform the Sparks’ classic hit “This Town Ain’t Big Enough for Both of Us.” They reprised the song that also appears as a collaboration with Faith No More on Sparks’ 1997 album
Yes indeed, Jak. And did you know that Russell Mael sang guest backup vocals on a Ramones record? Thanks very much for listening and commenting.
If yer diggin’ Sparks..may I direct you to Cardiacs.
Thanks for the tip, David, and for the badge!
and especially the Napalm Death cover of their song To Go Off And Things
As a longtime Sparks fan, I thought this was brilliant, refreshingly original and reinforcing! Aglow throughout I was. Shining a new light upon so many colourful Sparks songs, I’ve adored for years, was fascinating and fun. Thank you!
Thanks so much, Ally!
Thanks for the podcast Andy, I really enjoyed it. I’ve been a fan of sparks since 1979. I was looking forward to the interviews with Ron and Russell at the end, but feel disappointed that they didn’t happen.
Hi John, thanks for listening! I was hoping that my audience (and the Maels) would appreciate the “Part One of the interview” (the questions) joke, and it might even encourage the Maels to provide “Part Two” (the answers). Sorry to disappoint rather than amuse. Email me (andy@andystreasuretrove.com) with your middle name — I’ll reply telling you why. Cheers, and I hope you enjoy my other episodes.
Hi Andy, I’m a nearly 61 year old Sparks fan. My story is similar in many ways to yours Andy. Discovered in 1974, hooked. Have all the albums, seen them many times, met them a couple of times. My son is called Russell also. Glad to find this podcast, enjoying as I write this. Eagerly awaiting the new album TGICIHL.
Andys for Sparks unite! Thanks very much for listening and enjoying.
Thanks for alerting me to this episode! Your podcast is very well done and I enjoyed the heart and humor that it is produced with. The perspective of the classical music expert was interesting, and the “interview” with Ron and Russell was especially funny. I’ve subscribed and will be checking out some of the previous episodes as well.
Thank you hideelee!