Ron Mael, one half of the influential musical duo Sparks, recently discussed his 13 favorite albums. This selection offers a diverse look into the musical influences of an artist known for pushing the boundaries of pop music. The conversation comes after a successful year for Sparks, marked by a high-charting album and a new EP release.
Key Takeaways
- Sparks achieved their highest-charting album, MAD!, recently.
- The duo released their first-ever EP, MADDER!, featuring four new tracks.
- Ron Mael described the past year as creatively active and successful.
- Sparks collaborated with Gorillaz on the single 'The Happy Dictator'.
- Mael's album choices span genres from free jazz to J-pop and classical.
A Successful Year for Sparks
Sparks has experienced a notable period of success. Their album, MAD!, reached number two on the charts. This marks their highest-charting album to date, surpassing previous releases, including Kimono My House. The duo, consisting of brothers Ron and Russell Mael, also released their first EP, MADDER!. This EP introduced four new songs, continuing their tradition of innovative pop music.
Ron Mael commented on the recent activity from his home in California. He expressed satisfaction with the reception of both the album and the EP. He stated, "We've been really pleased with the reaction to the new album and even to the EP, and we don't take any of that for granted."
Fact: Chart Success
Sparks' album MAD! reached number two on the charts. This is the highest position any of their albums have achieved in their extensive career.
Extensive Touring and Audience Reception
Beyond new music, Sparks has also completed an extensive tour. The tour included dates in Japan, the UK, Europe, Scandinavia, and a second leg across the United States. Mael noted the positive audience response throughout their performances.
He explained that the shows were consistently well-received. "There are always shows on a tour where you say: ‘It’ll be better tomorrow night’, but we were really fortunate this time because every show was greeted so warmly, even in some kind of obscure places." This consistent positive feedback highlights the duo's enduring appeal to a global audience.
The Creation of the MADDER! EP
The decision to release an EP stemmed from a period of high creative output. Ron Mael indicated that the brothers had too much material for a single album. They believed that including too many songs on one record might diminish the listener's engagement.
"We were going through a real creative burst at the time, and we felt that to force so many songs onto somebody’s attention span might detract from everything."
This approach allowed them to present new music in a more focused format. Mael compared this to double albums that sometimes dilute the overall impact of the music.
Background: Sparks' Unique Style
Sparks, formed in 1971, is known for their distinctive blend of pop, glam rock, art rock, and electronic music. Their career spans over 50 years, marked by unique songwriting and theatrical performances. Ron Mael is the primary songwriter and keyboardist, while Russell Mael is the lead vocalist.
Collaboration with Gorillaz
Sparks also recently collaborated with Gorillaz. The track, titled 'The Happy Dictator', features Sparks and became a lead single for Gorillaz's upcoming album, The Mountain. This song is considered one of the most overtly political tracks Sparks has been involved in.
Ron Mael humorously distanced Sparks from the political content, saying, "Ain’t our fault." However, he expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration. Damon Albarn of Gorillaz invited Sparks to participate, which Mael described as "a really exhilarating thing."
The collaboration process involved Albarn sending over potential songs. Sparks chose 'The Happy Dictator' because Damon Albarn's vocals were already well-established. Russell Mael then added his vocal lines to complement the existing structure. According to Ron Mael, the collaboration worked well both lyrically and, more importantly, musically.
Future Projects: The X-Crucior Musical
The future for Sparks remains dynamic. One significant project on the horizon is X-Crucior, a long-anticipated cinematic musical. This project has recently been linked to director John Woo. Ron Mael confirmed Woo's continued involvement, though with some caution.
He stated, "He is... Things change all the time, but at the moment that’s the case." Securing financing for the musical is ongoing, but progress appears positive. Mael described the musical as a logical next step in their career, despite their non-linear progression.
Mael indicated a preference for projects that offer unpredictability in both musical presentation and format. He referenced their positive experience with the film Annette, directed by Leos Carax, which they wrote. He expressed a strong desire to replicate that experience.
- Current Status: John Woo is still attached to the X-Crucior musical.
- Financing: Moving in the right direction.
- Motivation: Desire for unpredictable and fresh creative formats.
Ron Mael's Eclectic Musical Tastes
Ron Mael is recognized as one of America's most consistent songwriters over the past 55 years. His personal music choices reflect this broad artistic perspective. His 'Baker's Dozen' selection of favorite albums is a diverse mix of genres.
The list includes rock and roll, opera, hip hop, classical music, and free jazz. This eclectic range demonstrates the varied influences that shape Sparks' unique sound. The MADDER! EP is available now.
Did You Know?
Ron Mael's favorite albums span genres such as J-pop, militant hip hop, and works by classical composer Bach, showcasing his wide musical appreciation.