Biography
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Sparks are two brothers from LA. Ronald Mael and Russell Mael. Sparks have released 20 albums thus far and are continuing to write and record new material. Sparks are renowned for constantly enhancing their sound throughtout their 40 year career. The duo have recently seen a resurgence in their popularity since the release of their 19th album Lil' Beethoven, in 2003. Ron the older of the two, has been the primary songwriter. Russell his younger brother, plays a major part in shaping Sparks sound. Providing his trademark falsetto vocals and also overseeing the production of recent Sparks albums in his Beverley Hills home studio.
They began as Halfnelson; in 1971, and released their Todd Rundgren produced self titled debut album on Albert Grossman's Bearsville label. Soon after, they changed their name to Sparks and re-released the album with new artwork. A second Bearsville album, A Woofer In Tweeter's Clothing followed and flopped. Through their two Bearsville albums they did garner one almost chart single (Wonder Girl) and an appearance on American Bandstand, a popular US television show that aired on Saturday mornings for decades.
After they acquired their release from Bearsville, Ron and Russell released their American band mates (which included Earle Mankey; and left for the UK, where they added some English band mates and were signed to Island U.K. by veteran A&R person, Muff Winwood. Their subsequent albums Kimono My House, Indiscreet, Big Beat and Propaganda are poppy glam rock with a twist. The lyrics are sharp and humorous, the singing high-pitched, and the melodies catchy. They had numerous chart successes throughout Europe, but remained cult artists in their native land.
Most will know Sparks from their performance of This Town Ain't Big Enough which featured Ron leering menacingly at the camera, an on-stage persona he has retained throughout his career.
After their Tony Visconti produced Indiscreet Sparks decided to relocate back to their homeland. This caused the brothers to leave behind their successful band. This move led to the recording of two albums, Big Beat and Introducing Sparks. The brothers now seemed to be focusing on a more American style of rock. The albums failed to make an impact on America.
Due to perhaps the lack of success of their previous two offerings, Ron and Russell ditched guitars and ventured into more experiemntal, electronic territory. In 1979 they worked with Giorgio Moroder, which led to the recording of No.1 In Heaven. The album had 3 successful singles, which included 'Beat The Clock', Sparks last dent on the British charts. Terminal Jive, the following album failed to build on No.1s' success. This was most likely due to the bands lack of control. Ron was only allowed to record two songs on the album, as Moroder rejected his other compositions. 'When I'm With You' one of the tracks accepted by Gerogio, reached number one in the French charts. The Maels have gone on record, saying it is their least favourite Sparks album.
Sparks left Europe once again and returned to LA. Armed with a new band they recorded Whomp That Sucker, Angst In My Pants and Sparks In Outer Space in the early 80s. Outer Space contained Sparks first American hit single. 'Cool Places', A duet with Go Go's vocalist and big fan Jane Wiedlin, reached 49 in the charts.
After Outer Space, once again Sparks opted for change. This mid to late 80s period saw Sparks writing more personal and emotional songs. The albums Pulling Rabbits Out A Hat , Music You Can Dance To and Interior Design, were released during this time. Sparks fans often cite this as the brothers dark period. Judging by the 6 year hiatus Ron & Russell felt the same way.
During those 6 years, they did write a soundtrack for the film 'Mai, The Psychic Girl'. Their effort and music resulted in failure. After script issues and changes in the director which at one point included Tim Burton, the project soon ran collapsed, and led to a 'typical Hollywood story'.
After the disappointment of 'Mai, The Psychic Girl' Sparks made a soarring comeback with the 1994 release of Gratuitous Sax & Senseless Violins. Sparks enjoyed chart success once again. 'When Do I Get So Sing My Way' scored Sparks a top ten hit in Germany and sold in excess of 250,000 copies. Other singles included 'Now That I Own The BBC' and 'When I Kiss You I Hear Charlie Parker Playing'. The Maels played a comeback gig in Shepards Bush in London, which was voted amongst the top 10 gigs of 1994 by Q magazine.
Sparks 17th album Plagiarism was a collection of their greatest hits, with new versions of each song. Sparks collabarated with Erasure, Faith No More and Jimmy Sommerville. Tony Visconti also assisted the brothers with string arrangements.
Balls, their 18th studio album retained the same electro damce sound that Gratuitous had and further added to it. During this period the band released their first DVD. The performance was a mix of old classics and songs from the Balls album.
In 2001, Ron and Russell set about recording their 19th effort. The duo initially intended on an album similar to 'Balls', but decided that something more challenging and fresh needed to be created. This strong will and determination led to what many consider their best album, Lil Beethoven. The album was met with huge critical acclaim and led to a renewed interest in the band. Long time fan, Morrissey invited them to play at his Meltdown festival. The band played their classic 'Kimono My House' album in full, including b-sides and their new effort 'Lil Beethoven'. After the success of 'Lil Beethoven', Sparks released their second live DVD. This was taken from a show in Stockholm. It contained the 'Lil Beethoven' album in its entirety, and then a second set full of classics, and the odd rare track.
Spured on by the success of 'Lil Beethoven', Sparks released Hello Young Lovers in 2006. Yet again they had recorded what could be considered their best album. The success of the album led to two headline UK tours and a string of festival dates across Europe.
Ron and Russell Mael are currently recording their 21st album. During a recent gig in Moscow, Russell confirmed the new album was 50% completed. An early 2008 release is expected.
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