Sparks – Propaganda – 1974
Like I said before. 1974. Crazy.
Obviously if this and the previous Sparks album were put out 15 years later, on CD, they would have been one offering, as Propaganda plays like Kimono My House part 2. But more of the same is terrific if what was before was as great as Kimono. Loony and more British than an LA band has a right to be. The Maels wear their influences on their sleeve and, while the production is just as keen as the previous record, the highlight is neither that nor the musicianship, its not even Russell’s voice, all of which are stellar. It’s the songwriting. Catchy as hell (“Reinforcements”), insightful (“At Home, At Work, At Play”, “Never Turn Your Back on Mother Earth”), and just plain loopy (“B.C.”, “Thanks But No Thanks”, “Something for the Girl with Everything”). The Maels have captured the mid-decade confluence of dada-art and commercialism, albeit both are disguised within another. While it could use a little editing here and there (“Achoo” seems to go on forever, but maybe that’s the point) Propaganda is another winner from Sparks.
Grade: B+
A Side: At Home At Work At Play, Never Turn Your Back on Mother Earth, Something for the Girl With Everything
BlindSide: Reinforcements, B.C., Achoo
DownSide: Don’t Leave Me Alone With Her
