- Audio CD (31 Aug 2009)
- Number of Discs: 1
- Label: Island
- ASIN: B001XCW6VU
- Other Editions: MP3 Download
- Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 40,533 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
Jubilee Offer: Patriotic Classics for £2.50 |
Product details |
Track Listings
| 1. Much too much |
| 2. She's got me dancing |
| 3. These things happen |
| 4. Weekends over |
| 5. Miracle |
| 6. Brand new love |
| 7. I'm a rope |
| 8. Velo Arktis |
| 9. Health Club |
| 10. Kill The Summer |
Product Description
Review
Stockholm's pop hopeful Tommy Sparks has created an imbalanced debut album. From the opening duo of Much Too Much and She's Got Me Dancing, everything suggests the London-based songwriter has made a genuinely fun first record, free of any agenda or subversion, but also free of the pretension that afflicts so many of Tommy's competitors. Sadly, after MTM's David Byrne impression and the Just Jack throwaway thrill of SGMD this eponymous effort hit's a downhill slope.
These Things Happen is breezy enough and could be misheard as a 2009 version of Buggles' Video Killed The Radio Star, such is its glossy 80s sheen layered on by producer Mike Crossey. Crossey himself appears to be in unusual territory considering he's also been on desk duty for credible acts like Foals and Arctic Monkeys.
Weekend's Over lacks even a streak of loveable irony, instead sounding rushed and notable chiefly for featuring the worst use of vocoder since Cher's Believe.
In amongst what follows is a smattering of Hard-Fi suburban angst negated by a sugary production (Miracle), a poor power ballad (Brand New Love) and some preening bombast that could pass as a b-side by The Darkness (Kill The Summer).
After such a tremendous opening pair of songs the sudden drop off in quality of Tommy's album is baffling. The Swede is clearly a man with an ear for a sizzling pop hook and adept at constructing songs. With luck he'll be able to overcome a mediocre first attempt at world domination and create more varied and interesting work. --Lou Thomas
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CD Description
After scoring success with his previous band Vatican DC, Swedish born Tommy Sparks returns by himself for this, his self-titled debut album. Written, performed and recorded by Sparks himself with a little help from Mike Crossey (Arctic Monkeys, Foals) the album is a mix of classic eighties inspired electro pop in the vein of contemporaries Sam Sparro, Annie, Alphabeat and Frankmusik. The single "She Got Me Dancing" is included.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
To borrow a phrase from someone else, "What's not to like!" Easy listening funky tunes from a guy who plays all the instruments himself. A refreshing change from some of the dross that occupies the best sellers of today. Go on, take a chance on some new talent!
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Coming on like a latter day Billy Idol Swedish Mr Sparks has a simple mission.
"Spread a little happiness" - or at least that's the message I think
I'm hearing between the lines of his eponymous solo debut album.
This is sparkly, uncomplicated, well-crafted song-writing of the very finest pedigree.
Comparisons with Mr Sparro do neither artist justice.
One is very American, the other totally European in outlook.
From opposite sides of the pond both are consummate representatives of their art.
The twelve songs in this collection are strong on memorable melodic content and danceability.
There isn't a misjudged contour line in sight anywhere on the map.
Opening track 'Much Too Much' will jangle and woop-woop its way straight into
the heart of anyone open enough to suspend disbelief and have a good time.
The squeaky disco synth and gloriously cliched chorus of 'She's Got Me Dancing'
is a complete joy. Our hero's understanding of the genre is acutely knowing.
The driving enthusiasm of 'These Things Happen' is equally contagious.
Contemporary pop doesn't get much better than this.
At just over two minutes 'I'm A Rope' is an extraordinarily compressed musical idea.
It shouldn't work but it does - a pinch of punk, a dollop of glam, a peck of soul.
'Health Club' has a lovely tune and a wonderfully ridiculous lyrical premise.
'Weekend's Over' is as mad as a box of frogs.
Mr Sparks has a light touch and a lovely voice throughout.
I can well imagine that he's the kind of chap you could take home
to meet your Mum without fear of embarrassment or condemnation.
Mike Crossley's production is as crisp as an iceberg lettuce but with far more substance and taste.
The entire project is an absolute joy.
Highly Recommended.
"Spread a little happiness" - or at least that's the message I think
I'm hearing between the lines of his eponymous solo debut album.
This is sparkly, uncomplicated, well-crafted song-writing of the very finest pedigree.
Comparisons with Mr Sparro do neither artist justice.
One is very American, the other totally European in outlook.
From opposite sides of the pond both are consummate representatives of their art.
The twelve songs in this collection are strong on memorable melodic content and danceability.
There isn't a misjudged contour line in sight anywhere on the map.
Opening track 'Much Too Much' will jangle and woop-woop its way straight into
the heart of anyone open enough to suspend disbelief and have a good time.
The squeaky disco synth and gloriously cliched chorus of 'She's Got Me Dancing'
is a complete joy. Our hero's understanding of the genre is acutely knowing.
The driving enthusiasm of 'These Things Happen' is equally contagious.
Contemporary pop doesn't get much better than this.
At just over two minutes 'I'm A Rope' is an extraordinarily compressed musical idea.
It shouldn't work but it does - a pinch of punk, a dollop of glam, a peck of soul.
'Health Club' has a lovely tune and a wonderfully ridiculous lyrical premise.
'Weekend's Over' is as mad as a box of frogs.
Mr Sparks has a light touch and a lovely voice throughout.
I can well imagine that he's the kind of chap you could take home
to meet your Mum without fear of embarrassment or condemnation.
Mike Crossley's production is as crisp as an iceberg lettuce but with far more substance and taste.
The entire project is an absolute joy.
Highly Recommended.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
2 reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
FINALLY...
25 Jan 2010
Format:Audio CD
In a world of horrific music from artist and thier record companies finally comes an album of catchy pop songs, creative lyrics and danceability. This is New Order meets Depeche Mode meets The Romantics. It is very retro late '70's early '80's and that is not a bad thing. Forget the most notable track on the album, "She's Got Me Dancing", the entire album is THAT good. No relective thoughts, no loud noises, no rap, just what was once considered pure rock and roll. Buy this
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Better than expected, but...
15 July 2010
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
I like almost all of the songs on this, especially "Messages" and "These Things Happen." The only song I don't like on the CD is "I'm a Rope," which is absolutely terrible. It's also a ripoff of "Sex (I'm a...)" by Berlin. "She's Got Me Dancing" is also a blatant ripoff of "Love Rollercoaster" in the tune (not the words). Both of them are bad enough that I almost think Tommy should get in trouble for them. But, that said, I still really like the CD otherwise.
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