Whomp That Sucker, Sparks

Whomp That Sucker, Sparks (RCA-1981)

Most people into music know Sparks well due to the gold album Kimono My House but they did keep on going after that album and done some great albums. So much so it is hard for me to single one out.

But I have here is one I think could have done more in sales. Done at Musicland Studios in Germany the band seem to change the sound a little. Going back to a more rock sound and having Reinhold Mack producing is a great addition as he was now working with the likes of Queen and a great all round studio engineer and programmer. Ideal to now bring back a more rock sound to the brothers sound.

First track "Tips for Teens" you can't help but enjoy the all out pop tune and wonder why it was not on the radio every day all the time. It makes you want to buy dance shoes and give it a go. "Funny Face" also feels great and that rock sound is now here with the track showcasing some nice guitar work. Both songs were released as singles and done nothing much at all. Not sure why they seem to just miss the mainstream as they both would have fitted in well with the new wave sound that was hitting the airwaves in the early 80s.

"Upstairs" brings in that nice synthesizers sound that you have heard so many times before. The intro alone makes me pinpoint Musicland studios as I have heard it before. The music has always got some great lyrics from the Mael brothers. At times they come across as very repetitive and no real direction but listen closely.

"I Married a Martian" is a cracking song and so catchy again radio hit all over it and a great title so much so I can see why bass player Leslie Bohem went on to have a successful screen writing career. "Suzie Safety" sounds a bit like the theme tune to a kids show but again all those pop hooks keep the music fun. The album has a nice all rounded production and never sounds too polished. Last track "Wacky Women" should have been out as a single or at least had a crazy video made for it. Grab that comb and sing along to it before a night out. Plenty of drums and bass to keep the toes moving, I love this track!

So there you go I managed to choose a Sparks album and I fear in a few weeks (or seconds) I may change my mind but a great reason here is this album was released in the US under RCA but there was no other big deal in Europe or the UK so it was put out on other labels there. That could have been the mistake that stopped any real sales as the promotion of the band and album would have been hard to tie into each areas for selling. Still it did chart in America (Just) and done well in France where the band enjoyed a high level of success. But this album for me and in 1981 should have done very well in the UK and has Top of the Pops songs all over it. Remember those days you see an act on that show and instantly buy the single the next day? Well why not make up for missing it and give it a go now.

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