Sparks

Sparks are the Mael brothers, Ron (keyboards/songwriter) and Russell (vocalist), an American pop/rock duo known for their theatrical, ironic approach to glam, baroque pop and later synth/electronic work. They have a long career and a devoted following.

Started as Halfnelson; Kimono My House (1974) is widely cited as their masterpiece. Propaganda (1974) and Indiscreet are repeatedly praised in contemporary reviews. No. 1 in Heaven (1979) marked a shift to electronic/synth work and was associated with Giorgio Moroder in public commentary. Russell Mael is noted for his falsetto; Ron Mael is known as the instrumentalist and principal songwriter.

DeBaser's reviews treat Sparks as theatrical, witty masters of glam and baroque pop. Classic 1974 records (Kimono My House, Propaganda, Indiscreet) are consistently praised. Later works (No. 1 in Heaven, Lil' Beethoven, Exotic Creatures Of The Deep) show continued experimentation.

For:Listeners of glam rock, art-pop, baroque pop, synthpop and theatrical/ironic pop music