Do Things My Own Way
Clean guitars and electro beats with a repetitive hook sets the tone for much of ‘Mad!’ Here we have a rhyming list of killjoys trying to lay down authority such as ‘Snooty twits havin’ fits’ and ‘Saw the Pope, told him nope.’ I miss the piano and the rough edges.
JanSport Backpack
The proliferation of a particular brand of backpack seems as good a subject for a song as any, but there’s no kicker moment or upscale in thrill level here. Lyrically, the symbolism of a lover walking away is great, but there’s an emptiness in the centre of the music (delibarate?) which needs some oomph or surprise. Still, there’s a nice subtle piece of piano towards the end.
Hit Me, Baby
Is there a wave of complacency creeping in here? Am I missing something? “Did I sleep through my alarm? (baby)/I sense an avalanche of missed alarms (baby).” Quite. The backwards guitar bit breaks the monotony for a while, but the ‘la la la’s seem forced and aimless, as do the token piano stabs.
Running Up A Tab At The Hotel For The Fab
Kind of flat with unimaginative melodies and uninspired lyrics. The Duane Eddy reverb guitar and dramatic violin part lifts it for a second but I can’t shake the feeling that this is all beginning to sound a bit Sparks by numbers. I need something to stand out or hit me in the guts.
My Devotion
Echoes of Never Turn Your Back On Mother Earth but without the gorgeous bombast. A haunting little tune though, again, lyrically slim. Needs more piano! I like the electronic whistling and the way Russell says ‘I’m thinkin’ of gettin’ a tattoo.’
Don’t Dog It
Cracking opening rolling piano leading into a bouncy affair with light synth touches. A cod philosophical tract involving the golden path, epistemology and the coming of Judgement Day no less. Professor Laughlin and a holy man are on hand to advise against slacking. ‘Shake it thusly and you’ll see the light.’
In Daylight
Subtle Sparks. A mellow drone grower all on the one note with a ding dong motif. “Impressive.”
I-405 Rules
A comparison of world rivers with the L.A. Interstate 405 in the San Fernando Valley, which runs past the J. Paul Getty Center. Not a lot to it, lyrically, or musically, with its jabbing strings contrasting with the subject matter of flowing beauty.
A Long Red Light
Pedestrian affair involving more stark strings, slight electronic plinking and minimal lyricism about the frustration of waiting at traffic lights. I mean, we’ve all been there, but I’m not sure we need a tune about driver impatience. Unless the feeling of impatience is what is intended to be communicated through the melody here. Shift of gear towards the end doesn’t really save it.
Drowned In A Sea Of Tears
The sameness is becoming overwhelming. Where has the experimental or surprise factor gone? Maybe it just needs a little more time to simmer in my brain, but there’s usually something novel or exciting that grabs you in the first few plays of a Sparks album. That’s not happening here.
A Little Bit Of Light Banter
Keeping it light indeed. Musically jaunty, maybe too whimsical, but, again, that’s maybe the subject reflecting the sound. A unique and touching angle about a couple’s way of avoiding ‘heavy subjects.’
Lord Have Mercy
A brave attempt at an anthemic closer but frustratingly falls short again. Commits the heinous crime of a token formulaic guitar solo at the end. The disappointment overall is probably due to the high level of expectation and I’m sure they’ll surprise me again when I next see them live. Plus “One song means nothing in the grander scheme of things I know, I know.”