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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
How many bands can honestly say that their 20th album is possibly their best work? Against the norm (and as contradictory as always), Sparks' latest opus Hello Young Lovers proves effortlessly that it can be done. Their previous outing (2002s Lil' Beethoven) was a wondrous sonic adventure, impossible to pigeonhole, slightly marred only by its unfamiliar musical territory and lack of traditional Sparks sound.
Here, the balance is redressed enough to appeal to fans of the dramatic orchestral advances that album made, and those who prefer the sound of the band's early classics, be it "Beat The Clock", "Wonder Girl" or "This Town…". The familiar lyrical protagonists--part down-at heel everymen, part hysterical lunatic--are still in place, augmented by a fuller band sound and catchier hooks; multi-parted operatic sweeps, infinitely tracked Russell Mael vocals and abrupt stylistic changes furnish nearly every song, creating a catalogue of mutant pop songs that take overblown suite-like construction (think "Bohemian Rhapsody" on hard drugs) as their template and re-fit it for the 21st Century. This creates an album that sounds like nothing else you'll hear, and in tracks like "Dick Around" or "Waterproof", the best moments of Sparks' career so far. Beyond essential.--Thom Allott
Review
As with last album Lil' Beethoven, Ron and Russell Mael's new opus presents you with pop music that bears hardly any relation to anything else. A strange amalgam of keyboard-led, semi-operatic sturm und drang with added metal (courtesy of Dean Menta of Faith No More) this builds on ...Beethoven's template of repetition and wit, adding a coherent concept: Modern love and all its pitfalls. Hello Young Lovers addresses its effect on your career (''Dick Around''); your self-esteem (''Here Kitty''); its monotony (''The Very Next Fight''); even its socio-politically euphemistic aspects (''(Baby Baby) Can I Invade Your Country?'').
The killer punch however has to be ''Perfume'' - a list of girls and their chosen scents, all topped off with a twist on the Proustian effect of smell. In other words it's cynical, intelligent and very, very funny. For a band celebrating over 30 years of active service this is still extremely bold, new stuff. Screw the past, indeed... --Chris Jones
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
The most inventive band in art-rock has done it again. A magnificent piece of music. If you are tired and bored of listening to music in general, and want to revitalize your pleasure of listening to music, I will strongly recommend this album. It´s noisy, repetetive with exciting instrumental changes, tempo changes, catchy, lyrically hilarious and cool. A playful blend of musical genres. Love it or hate it, I´ll guarantee you will not feel indifferent. And you´ll probably also buy the last album, Li´l Beethoven, which numerously rock-critics reviewed as a "masterpiece of pop art". Challenge yourself!
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Quite simply the best thing I've heard in a longtime. Sparks have recieved quite a bit of press about this, and their influence on current bands such as Franz Ferdinand is indisputable. Whilst most people would still consider the 74 albums (Kimono and Propaganda) to still be the Mael brothers finest work, I have to say that this glorious dose of torture trumps even those classic works in my opinion. Though seemingly original and quirky on initial impressions, I have come to realise that a lot of the influences that forged this CD are actually very familiar to me. As with Lil' Beethoven, Ron and Russell are obviously influenced, heavily, by the early works of Philip Glass - with both Einstein on The Beach and Northstar being referenced musically throughout. But other obvious echoes are of Lou Reed - "The very next time.." could be lifted straight from "Magic and Loss", Frank Zappa, Brian Eno, Devo and Laurie Anderson.
Impressive as Lil' Beethoven was, this is a huge leap forward. There is not a bad moment on the whole CD, though at a push I would vote for " As I sit to play the organ.." as my favourite track.
It is no hyperbole though to warn potential listeners that this CD will destroy any hope of a peaceful night's sleep. These tunes are designed to bore their way into your head and repeat ad infinitum. If you thought "take me out" by Franz Ferdinand was bad... this is ten times more infectious.
But it is a price worth paying. If you like something with complexity, intelligence and innovation.. get this! You will not be disappointed.... just really really tired and distracted.
A gem of a CD. Well done Ron and Russell. You are forgiven for all the TERRIBLE rubbish you've foisted on us in the past.
Impressive as Lil' Beethoven was, this is a huge leap forward. There is not a bad moment on the whole CD, though at a push I would vote for " As I sit to play the organ.." as my favourite track.
It is no hyperbole though to warn potential listeners that this CD will destroy any hope of a peaceful night's sleep. These tunes are designed to bore their way into your head and repeat ad infinitum. If you thought "take me out" by Franz Ferdinand was bad... this is ten times more infectious.
But it is a price worth paying. If you like something with complexity, intelligence and innovation.. get this! You will not be disappointed.... just really really tired and distracted.
A gem of a CD. Well done Ron and Russell. You are forgiven for all the TERRIBLE rubbish you've foisted on us in the past.
20 of 21 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
After over 30 years in the business you would think the brothers Mael would have run out of new ideas. Just try listening to this stunning new offering and you'll be amazed.
Despite being best known for many classic 70's offerings Sparks have never been away and this their 20th album confirms they are back to their best.
Everything is used on here (layered vocals, crashing guitars,orchestral backing and 10 excellent new songs) Buy it you won't be disappointed and put this band back in the eyes of the fickle British public.
Despite being best known for many classic 70's offerings Sparks have never been away and this their 20th album confirms they are back to their best.
Everything is used on here (layered vocals, crashing guitars,orchestral backing and 10 excellent new songs) Buy it you won't be disappointed and put this band back in the eyes of the fickle British public.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
An album of extremes (An unsycophantic review)
What do a band do after they release what is considered a masterpiece? 'Lil' Beethoven Part 2'? Go off in a completely new direction? Unfortunately Sparks did neither. Read more
Published 15 months ago by K. J. Greenland
The Greatest Group...EVER.
Sparks seem more at peace with themselves now, making music in their own home which seems to suit them as this album knocks modern music for six. Read more
Published on 21 Aug 2009 by JUDE
I like it, but...
I came to this as more or less a Sparks virgin and, well, I don't know. The melodies are really strong. The arrangements are fantastic: multilayered, full, lush and dramatic. Read more
Published on 17 July 2009 by elmsyrup
Great
You just have to look at all the reviews to realise how good this album is. I hadn't really thought about this group since the 70's until i saw them in the local library. Read more
Published on 16 Jun 2007 by Mr. J. C. Holt
As good as at their 70s peak!
I've always toyed with Sparks, rather than being their biggest fan - I have to be in a particular mood to enjoy their music. Read more
Published on 29 April 2007 by alextorres
It's good but...
Lil Beethoven was far superior. Perhaps it was the thrill of having seen Lil Beethoven live before buying the CD. Read more
Published on 22 Mar 2007 by Chinese Visa Direct
great music - avoid the vinyl
Well - the headline says it all: believe all the rave reviews of this album, there's so much to enjoy both music- and lyric-wise. The Sparks are back with a vengeance! Read more
Published on 21 Sep 2006 by thomas12321
Open those ears guys & gals
Abandon you're expectations as the disc hits the player. Verbal and musical games have always been Sparks forte, they've almost invented the rule book. Read more
Published on 22 July 2006 by Mr. S. N. Lumb
sparks hello young lovers
I've been a fan of this band since 74 and I've enjoyed their changes in direction over the years.
I was disappointed with Beethoven and thought perhaps this might just be an... Read more
I was disappointed with Beethoven and thought perhaps this might just be an... Read more
Published on 23 Jun 2006 by philtregonning
More than just a return to form for the Brothers Mael
I've been listening to these guys since 1973,and like most fans,I still prefer their Kimono/Propoganda/Indiscreet years. Read more
Published on 26 April 2006 by Elizabeth R. Murphy
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