Sparks (September 26, 1975) – "Looks, Looks, Looks" b/w "Pineapple" Single: United Kingdom

Sep 26, 1975

3 min read

Released on September 26, 1975, "Looks, Looks, Looks" was the second single issued from Indiscreet, Sparks' fifth studio album. Arriving shortly before the album itself, the single showcased the group's increasingly sophisticated and theatrical direction during their collaboration with producer Tony Visconti.

At this stage, Sparks were expanding beyond the glam-rock style that had brought them success with Kimono My House and Propaganda. Their newer material embraced elaborate arrangements and drew inspiration from a wider range of musical styles. "Looks, Looks, Looks" reflected this transitional period and served as an introduction to the musical approach explored throughout Indiscreet.

The single achieved moderate chart success in the United Kingdom, reaching number 26.

Although it did not match the commercial impact of the group's earlier breakthrough releases, it became one of the key singles associated with the Indiscreet era.

RECORDING

The single was produced by Tony Visconti and released through Island Records.

The UK pressing was manufactured by EMI Records, with lacquer cutting carried out at Trident Studios. The release was published through Island Music Ltd. and issued in advance of the forthcoming album Indiscreet.

STYLE & THEMES

Both the single and its parent album reflected Sparks' growing interest in theatrical pop and increasingly elaborate arrangements. While retaining elements of their glam-rock identity, the material incorporated broader influences and showcased a more adventurous musical approach than previous releases.

TRACK‑BY‑TRACK NOTES

• Looks, Looks, Looks — Written by Ron Mael, this became the second single from Indiscreet. The song introduced listeners to the album's more theatrical and sophisticated direction while maintaining the distinctive Sparks style.

• Pineapple — Written by Russell Mael and selected as the B-side. The track complemented the A-side while highlighting the band's collaborative songwriting approach.

RELEASE HISTORY

Issued on September 26, 1975 in the United Kingdom, the single was subsequently released across several international markets including Australia, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand and the United States.

Label: Island Country: Japan Catalogue: ILR-10868

The release was made available in both commercial and promotional editions depending on territory. Several countries also issued unique catalogue-number variations.

CHARTS & CERTIFICATIONS

EUROPE

UK Singles Chart — Peak: 26

PERSONNEL

Sparks — Artist

Ron Mael — writer ("Looks, Looks, Looks")

Russell Mael — writer ("Pineapple")

Tony Visconti — producer

Label: Island Country: Germany Catalogue: 16 370 AT Date: Nov 1975

NOTES

• Released in advance of the album Indiscreet.

• Produced by Tony Visconti.

• Published by Island Music Ltd.

• UK lacquers were cut at Trident Studios.

• UK pressings were manufactured by EMI Records.

• The UK release reached number 26 on the Singles Chart.

• "Looks, Looks, Looks" was written by Ron Mael.

• "Pineapple" was written by Russell Mael.

• The parent album Indiscreet was released in October 1975.

RELEASE VARIANTS TABLE

Artist	Title	Label	Country	Catalogue	Date	Format
Sparks	Looks, Looks, Looks	Island Records	UK	WIP 6249	Sep 26, 1975	7" Single
Sparks	Looks, Looks, Looks	Island Records	Ireland	WIP 6249	1975	7" Single
Sparks	Looks, Looks, Looks	Island Records	Australia	K-6137	1975	7" Single
Sparks	Looks, Looks, Looks	Island Records	France	6837 296	1975	7" Single
Sparks	Looks, Looks, Looks	Island Records	Germany	16370 AT	Nov 1975	7" Single
Sparks	Looks, Looks, Looks	Island Records	Japan	ILR-10868	1975	7" Single
Sparks	Looks, Looks, Looks	Island Records	Japan	ILR-10868	1975	7" Promo Single
Sparks	Looks, Looks, Looks	Island Records	New Zealand	K6137	1975	7" Single
Sparks	Looks, Looks, Looks	Island Records	UK	WIP 6249	Sep 26, 1975	7" Promo Single
Sparks	Looks, Looks, Looks	Island Records	USA	IS 043	Sep 26, 1975	7" Single
Sparks	Looks, Looks, Looks	Island Records	USA	IS 043-A	1975	7" Promo Single

TRACKLIST TABLE (ALL FORMATS)

Format	Catalogue	Tracklisting
7" Single	WIP 6249	A. Looks, Looks, Looks (2:32) B. Pineapple (2:42)
7" Promo Single	IS 043-A / ILR-10868 / WIP 6249	A. Looks, Looks, Looks (2:32) B. Pineapple (2:42)

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