The weirdest, wittiest, most theatrical brothers in glam – opera falsettos, Hitler moustaches, and lyrics sharper than their suits. Two Los Angeles art-school kids who looked like a silent-movie villain and his nervous accountant decided to invade Britain with synthesizers, sarcasm, and songs about girls called Moustache, Wonder Girl, and This Town Ain’t Big Enough for Both of Us. The Glam Slam Essentials Kimono My House (1974) – Album Release (1974) – UK #4The breakthrough –

Let's Go Surfing a Purple Wave Sparks’s “Let’s Go Surfing” was released as a 7-inch vinyl single, special edition purple vinyl, and white label test pressing in the UK on November 15, 2019, on BMG (catalogue: BMGCAT423SV). Backed with the previously unreleased demo “She’s Beautiful (So What),” this surf-rock gem and quirky demo (both written/produced by Ron Mael, Russell Mael), co-produced by Linus Burdick & Mark Stagg (A), were issued as an exclusive collector’s edition via

Sparks’ “Music That You Can Dance To” / “Fingertips” was released on October 13, 1986, the single was the second release from their fourteenth studio album, Music That You Can Dance To , issued through various labels, including MCA Records in the US (MCA-52966 for the 7" and 12") and Consolidated Allied Records in the UK (TOON 3 for the 7", TOON T3 for the 12"). Written and produced by Ron Mael (keyboards) and Russell Mael (vocals), with engineering by Dan Lacksman at Synsoun

Sparks’ "Funny Face"  backed with "The Willys" , was released as a 7-inch vinyl single in the UK by Why Fi Records (catalog number WHY 4)...

SPARKS’ “TRYOUTS FOR THE HUMAN RACE”: A SYNTH-POP GEM FROM 1979 In the ever-evolving world of synth-pop and new wave, Sparks—the eccentric duo of brothers Ron and Russell Mael—were at the forefront of electronic music’s evolution in the late 1970s. Released on October 19, 1979, through Virgin Records in the UK (VS 289), the 7" single “Tryouts for the Human Race” / “Tryouts for the Human Race (Long Version)” was taken from their groundbreaking eighth studio album, No. 1 in Hea

Sparks’ "A Big Surprise"  backed with "Forever Young" , was released as a 7-inch vinyl single in the UK by CBS Records (catalog number S...

A Big Beat Glam-Pop Curiosity Released as a 7-inch vinyl single in the UK on December 3, 1976, on Island Records (catalogue: WIP 6358), Sparks’ “I Like Girls” was the final single from Big Beat . Backed with “England,” this re-recorded live favourite (A) and jaunty B-side did not chart in the UK or US — a commercial disappointment after the success of Kimono My House, Propaganda, and Indiscreet. Issued in the UK and Australia only. A quirky glam-pop footnote. Single Overview

The Maels' Big Beat Kickoff Sparks’ “Big Boy” 7-inch vinyl single, was released in the UK on October 8, 1976 on Island Records (catalogue: WIP 6337). Backed with “Fill 'er Up,” this rollicking rock 'n' roll track, written by Ron and Russell Mael, served as the lead single from the band's sixth album, Big Beat. Produced by Rupert Holmes and Jeffrey Lesser, the A-side's Chuck Berry-inspired riff and Russell Mael's frenetic vocals celebrated a larger-than-life character, but it

Sparks’ "Looks, Looks, Looks"  backed with "Pineapple" , was released as a 7-inch vinyl single in the UK by Island Records (catalog...

Mael Brothers' Mother Earth Warning Sparks’ Propaganda LP, released in the UK on November 11, 1974, on Island Records (catalogue: ILPS 9312), was their fourth studio album and a glam-pop triumph. Produced by Muff Winwood at Trident Studios, this 11-track whirlwind—featuring Russell Mael’s falsetto and Ron Mael’s witty lyrics—followed Kimono My House (No. 4 UK, 1974). With the Mael brothers tied-up and gagged on Monty Coles’ cover (titled “Welcome on Board”), it included a bla

A Baroque Glam Ballad Sparks’ “Never Turn Your Back On Mother Earth” 7-inch vinyl single, was released in the UK on October 11, 1974, on Island Records (catalogue: WIP 6211). Backed with “Alabamy Right,” this orchestral ballad, written by Ron and Russell Mael, served as the lead single from the band's fourth album, Propaganda. Produced by Muff Winwood, the A-side's sweeping strings and Russell Mael's dramatic vocals delivered an environmental plea with glam flair, peaking at

Sparks’ Kimono My House first entered UK Albums Chart on June 1, 1974 peaking at number 4 on the week of August 16, as part of a of 19...

Sparks’ "Amateur Hour"  backed with "Lost and Found" , was released as a 7-inch vinyl single in the UK by Island Records (catalog number...

Rundgren's Bearsville Spark Sparks' “Wonder Girl” 7-inch vinyl single, was released in the UK on November 10, 1972, on Bearsville Records (catalogue: K 15505). Backed with “(No More) Mr Nice Guys,” this effervescent track, written by Ron Mael, was produced by Todd Rundgren. The A-side's quirky pop energy and Mael brothers' eccentric charm did not chart in the UK but reached No. 112 in the US. Issued in a Bearsville company sleeve, it's an early gem from the band's Kimono My H