PROPAGANDA

SPARKS are the brothers Ron(keyboards) and Russell(vocals) Mael who are from LA. And "Propaganda" is their fourth studio album, but the second after "Kimono My House" to be recorded in England after their move there. They would record one more in England called "Indiscreet" before moving back to California. I am so thankful that one of the bonus tracks is an interview done back at this time in England from a female reporter. So much fun! She asked if they had been back to LA after their big move and they said yes and we felt like tourists. They then compared LA to Heaven but they are hoping Heaven isn't as expensive. Oh you boys!

I am one of their fans who feel "Kimono My House" is the better record. In fact I'd rate "Hippopotamus" from 2017 higher than "Propaganda". There is a difference in sound for sure with less energy here, and less piano here. Ron explained that this one was written on acoustic guitar instead of the piano for the most part. I feel both records are inconsistent but strong enough regardless to hit 4 stars. This one is a low 4 stars in my world. In fact both start out really well for the first 8 tracks or so before a lull, then ending with a strong closer.

I have to talk about the cover art because this is a band with some of the best covers I've seen. If you want to smile check them out. The brothers asked photographer Monty Coles for something dangerous. The sky diving suggestion with the brothers tied together was passed on by the boys but this picture of them tied in the back of a boat looking very Miami Vice was accepted, and this was ten years before that show. In fact this picture was taken in the south of England on a frigid day. It wasn't fun for them. The picture on the back is just as good with the brothers tied up in the back of a car.

The songs here are mostly about the tension between the sexes, but looked at in a refreshing and unique context lyrically. The lyrics might be their strongest asset. Much of the music here includes words about hapless men and women with authority. Laugh out loud stuff. And for me the lull here includes "Achoo" and "Who Don't Like Kids" both poppy tunes that have that novelty approach to them. Good songs but for me not of the same quality as the rest of the album. The vocals got more of a focus on this one too compared to "Kimono My House". They would record vocals constantly during the recording sessions feeling this was a way for them to have it be more produced, but in a good way. Ron mentioned that they stacked vocals before, even on their first album but here they carried that further.

My top three includes the second track "At Home At Work At Play" which is like the "This Town Ain't Big Enough For Both Of Us", the opener from "Kimono My House". Catchy and upbeat coming in after the 20 second opener that is all vocals. I really like "Don't Leave Me Alone With Her" which of course is the opposite that most men would say. Man, Russell can hit the high notes here. Lots of piano as well, like on "Kimono..." And that's the appeal of my final top three called "Something For The Girl With Everything", another "Kimono..." sounding piece. Intense and catchy this one with plenty of piano and beats plus those ultra high vocals.

I have to give these two credit for following up their break through album with one almost as good, and for many it's better. Ron explains that they were so energized by the success of "Kimono..." that the creative juices went into overdrive.

Social review comments

Review related links

• Send comments to Mellotron Storm
• Report this review (#3195138)
• Buy SPARKS music online with PA partners
• Show all SPARKS MP3/Stream
• Go to SPARKS page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Propaganda page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for SPARKS related discussions