BMG [Release date digital 15.05.20; physical 03.07.20]

There are not many artists that have been going for over fifty years and still regularly tour and release good new music, and Sparks are one of those few. Their last album, 2017’s ‘Hippopotamus’, was well received by fans and critics alike, also making the year end ‘best of’ list here on GRTR!

They have been entertaining fans during the lockdown with Ron’s insights to the songs on this album and Russell’s self-isolation videos (these are well worth watching if you haven’t already).

Ron and Russell Mael have a knack for penning catchy pop ditties and fantastic word play, none more so than on ‘Toast’ which flips between being about a man in crisis and burning toast. ‘Lawnmower’ continues this trend as the man of the piece shows more love and attention to his lawnmower than his girlfriend. The vocal backing and delivery are simply superb. They have fun too on ‘Stravinsky’s Only Hit’, a bizarre mix up of classical and quirky pop. Only Sparks could really get away with a song like this!

‘iPhone’ contains a useful piece of advice for those stuck to their phones, namely “Put your fucking iPhone down, And listen to me”. Lovely bit of synths/electronics on this one. Elsewhere, ‘Onomata Pia’ mixes vocal wizardry from Russell with a oompah band backing from Ron’s synths. Something that shouldn’t work on paper, but does when the Mael brothers put their minds to it.

Sparks do have a serious side as their plaintive plea on ‘Please Don’t Fuck Up My World’ demonstrates. A big production number, also adding in a choir and quite possibly a nearby kitchen sink…

Sparks are still making inventive and memorable tunes, which although at times off the wall and maybe not for all, those who do get into the music will be rewarded with another musical treat. Bravo! Encore! More! ****

Review by Jason Ritchie

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Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.

Next session: Sunday 19 January

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

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David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 1 December 2024.

UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 3 December 2024.

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Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024

In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections

Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)

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