In short, Sparks blew my mind at Town Hall last night.
That a band 50 years into it can sound this good, still be relevant, and get people ages 17-70 dancing for 100 minutes is a miracle.
The setlist covered a lot of ground. The quartet behind Russell and Ron were otherworldy. There wasn't a throwaway minute to be found in a concert that I will be thinking about for weeks to come.
There were nothing but highlights in the 22 song set, but the nine song stretch that began with "Lawnmower" and concluded the main set with "This Town Ain't Big Enough For The Both Us" will go down in my live experience Hall Of Fame.
There. I'm through gushing.
I know this band isn't for everyone, so rather then foist the Maels on you yet again, here is Redd Kross and their brilliant cover of "When Do I Get To Sing My Way."
P.S.
I created a Sparks Weekend Mix about five years ago but that link is now kaput. I am feeling a new one coming on for Friday. Consider yourself warned.
12 comments:
I was there too! So much fun they were so happy to be out playing shows again
Looking forward to the new mix. Sparks never sparked with me, but I'm willing to give them another try. I've been meaning to watch Edgar Wright's documentary too, so maybe it will be a Sparks weekend at Bill's house come Friday.
Bill
Glad you had such a great time. I've always been jealous of you living in an area that has so many venues available to see so many great artists/shows. Living in the Missouri Ozarks does not give me that opportunity.
That middle pic of Ron is the definitive one for him!
Also looking forward to the mix!
Randy
So jealous. They didn’t play near me and I didn’t feel
like driving 6 hours to L.A.I’ve never seen them live. Some day I will.
Yeah, about that documentary...one of the greatest music docs ever! Did I ever tell you that Ron was a customer at the Bookstar I managed in Culver City? Good times...
Very excited for a Sparks mix--bring it! I get a lotta good info from this blog, the Todd/Utopia guides immediately come to mind. Perfect for these working-at-home times. Thank you so much for your efforts.
It took me forever to get Sparks. Then BOOM--pandemic hits--now I don't know what day it is anymore, and all of a sudden I'm a Sparks fan (and Mungo Jerry too). Go figure. Watched the great doc while sick with the virus. Covid works in mysterious ways.
Way cool! I know it felt good to be back in a house of live music. I've been doing that too.
I would LOVE a Sparks mix, b/c I only know OF them.
Would love a fresh SPARKS mix, thank you...
I wish they would come to Brisbane (Australia)!!!!
Still releasing good albums and a string of re-issues.
As well as their wonderful "The Sparks Brothers" Movie
Cant wait for your new "Sparks Mix"........Maybe they do have the #1 Song....In Heaven.
Cheers
I saw Sparks the second night. I am absolutely blown away. What a setlist - Under The Table!! Get in The Swing!! Wonder Girl ( when Russell mentioned Todd Rundgren producing their first album, the crowd broke into applause)... They pulled off Stravinsky's Only Hit... how? Two songs from Annette. Two songs from their worst album, Music That You Can Dance To and The Shopping Mall of Love, even sounded inspired.
That solid band made No 1 Song In Heaven sound like The Who!!!
One of the guitar players had to sit out the show due to Covid. I don't know what more he could've added.
Further solidifying the brilliance of Ron Mael, he spoke the last verse of Suburban Homeboy. The lyric on the album is " she looks like Iverson in a way." He changed it to "She looks like Julius Randle in a way" I roared. I think Sal and I would've been the only people in the crowd to get that. Truly one of the best concerts I've ever attended.
@hpunch,
I am glad you felt the same way. I am still not over it. One of the best shows I have ever witnessed.
Oh that's awesome. I'm still dreaming of my first concert and theater since COVID. Soon, hopefully.
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