Like many bands that found success in the 70’s, 1974’ ‘This Town Ain’t Big Enough For The Both Of Us’ remains Sparks biggest hit, later decades haven’t always seen commercial and critical success. But look more deeply and Sparks have never ceased to create joyful yet satire infused pop-songs with an undercurrent of unpredictability. The 21st century seems to have offered a critical and commercial re-appraisement of the band, with their last three albums all entering the UK top ten and live shows getting bigger and better. With Mad!, their 28th studio album, they seem to be heading in the same direction with an album that includes multiple genres – “New Wave, Synthpop, Art Rock and Electronic Opera”, all of which, in their own way, they have had a hand in pioneering.
Sparks are based around the brothers Ron and Russell Mael, Russel provides the energy and sings whilst Ron mischievously sits behind his keyboards, with not a twitch of that trademark pencil moustache, building up like a pressure cooker until boom, like a jack-in-the-box, he jumps up and bursts into energy only to quickly resume his seat and stature at his keyboard. This contrast sits at the heart of Sparks, particularly their live shows. I admit, I was very late to join the Sparks party, not seeing them live until 2018 but what an awakening that was. I discovered perhaps the most joyful, energetic (well Russel anyway) and fun band I’ve ever seen in concert, which given they are both in their late 70’s is pretty impressive. A Sparks album or show is an event, a pure dopamine hit to your brain that you will never forget. So, can Mad! live up to the high expectations of the bands impressive back-catalogue?
Launching into first single, ‘Do Things My Own Way’, the band quickly make a statement that draws on one of their many strengths, catchy songs with ambiguous lyrics that loosely provide an ironic cultural viewpoint on the world around them. The track is typically forward-facing and, in its title, reflects something of the Maels themselves. Never banal, yet never on-the-nose, lyrically this is an album filled with humour and cultural observations, with just enough gentle digs to make it worthy of being a classic Sparks album. Recent single, ‘JanSport Backpack’ is a perfect example of Sparks sublime ability to craft musical vignettes, focussing on the sad demise of the protagonist relationship seen through the lens of societal pressure to have the right JanSport backpack. And of course it works a treat, providing an uplifting dance around the room sort of track with just a hint of melancholy.
From branded backpacks to obsessional behaviour this album selects the small, often overlooked, things so celebrate and explore. ‘I-405 Rules’ offers a celebration to the busiest Californian interstate highway, which works much better than it sounds, and probably better than a UK celebration of the M3 might. ‘My Devotion’ is built around a steady chamber-pop taking a wry look at the concept of obsessive fandom, whether to a brand/band/team or religion – “Maybe you love football, though I’m puzzled why you would…”
The album closes with a double-whammy of ‘A Little Bit Of Light Banter’ and ‘Lord Have Mercy’, both of which seems to be crying out to be included in the band’s forthcoming live shows. Just because it’s the end of the album doesn’t mean energy, or irony, is running thin, for Sparks.
The world needs more bands like Sparks to lift our spirits and remind us of the sheer joy that music can bring. So, were expectations met with this new album? Hell, yeah! Mad! is another fantastic addition to the bands back catalogue and builds the excitement for their live UK show in June and July even further.
