Most underrated pop band full stop. Musical genius and really influential too. They didn't get the recognition they deserved in the States because their innovation actually worked against them - they were always ahead of the trend, and by the time it caught on, they had already moved to something else. Hope this album does it for them. It's an absolute stormer.
Well America doesn't do (or rather expect nor understand) innovation, which is why the best UK acts (and the 80s had the most) and anywhere else's-hell even their OWN people the few times they're actually any good) are treated with the same indifference the Mael bros get. I don't think it was a case of "catching up" so much as "we do country ballads, heavy metal, disco and rap and want nor understand nothing else nor anything else". And let's be honest. don't the few best acts the US ever have or had sound far less American in their musical and lyrical approach anyway!?
Brilliant song, with Ron's cinematic lyrics and impassioned piano and Russell's soaring, flexible voice; one of the best on a great album. And the latest, A Steady Drip Drip Drip, holds its own with the best previous Sparks albums too. I don't think Ron needs to worry about that well running dry, their talent is immortal.
I was born in the States and as much as I love American rock n roll, especially the early stuff and doo wop that hits you right in the face with its directness and musicality, I find it a shame that American audiences don't appreciate intelligence and humor more, like the wonderful and unappreciated Sparks.
True genius. And one of the few amazing US acts out there as most anything the US produces 'musically' sucks, and that's some feat, considering music died in the 90s and has been deader than dead ever since. So we need acts like Sparks more than ever. And we wish they could live forever too.
A good melody songwriter who decided to do more intellectual and/or satirical lyric writing but, for sure, Ron Mael is one of the most authentic songwriters of modern rock era. He is in league with “real deal” songwriters like Ray Davies, Bruce Springsteen, etc.-they write songs that are real to them without writing for hits. Bruce is super talented and can write massively successful rock songs but he still is authentic. He writes what matters to him instead of searching for a hit. Sparks and Ray Davies spend a lot of time mining the quirky in an authentic way with a great talent for writing excellent melodies.
Two really down to earth guys who produce music that's so very much above and beyond the crap you would hear on the radio today. Influential in so many ways and incredibly talented. I've been following them since 1974 but have never seen them live in concert. Still hoping!
Being somewhat musically inclined, it's very interesting to hear the interpretation and music progression stated clearly and without humor from the wonderful Mael brothers. Thanks for the insight, as it makes me respect the music of Sparks even more.
Madam Zajj As a huge Sparks fan, I am disappointed when they put out songs that are musically inferior. Their quality control has been uneven since the 80s, and there are much better songs on Hippopotamus than this.
This is one of my favourites on the album. I absolutely love the progression, the builds, everything about it. It was one of the tracks that really made the album from an already strong 5/5 into a 6/5 (basically my way of saying it's a perfect album)
Творчество братьев Маэл - всегда эмоциональный и творческий эксперимент!!! Да они просто лучшие!!! Недооценка плебсом отнюдь не умаляет их достоинств!!! Надеюсь и жду новых работ...
"The guy on the left"? Will Ferrell??? Poor Russell must have a very flexible face. Benedict Cumberbatch is a popular name. Dustin Hoffman and Dennis Quaid. And I don't understand anything. He looks exactly like the singer of the band Sparks, Russell Mael. "The guy on the right" looks exactly like the keyboardist, Ron Mael, of the same band, Sparks.
I'm not quite sure it is plain sun shades. I think it is eyeglasses that darkens from bright light. I have seen these in a couple of interviews and appearances, sometimes darker, sometimes lighter. I think it depends on how strong the lamps are. Or he owns several ones with same frames and different glasses. Not likely. I also believe they are somewhat darker than eyeglasses usually are. Perhaps he is disturbed by bright light (reflecting from white papers etc) or just trying to hide a few wrinkles... 😉
It's news to me they were interviewed on an American TV show. I wasn't keeping an eye out for that because I expected this album to be ignored by the American media like all the others. If this was part of a longer segment I'd like to see it.
Most underrated pop band full stop. Musical genius and really influential too. They didn't get the recognition they deserved in the States because their innovation actually worked against them - they were always ahead of the trend, and by the time it caught on, they had already moved to something else. Hope this album does it for them. It's an absolute stormer.
Well America doesn't do (or rather expect nor understand) innovation, which is why the best UK acts (and the 80s had the most) and anywhere else's-hell even their OWN people the few times they're actually any good) are treated with the same indifference the Mael bros get. I don't think it was a case of "catching up" so much as "we do country ballads, heavy metal, disco and rap and want nor understand nothing else nor anything else". And let's be honest. don't the few best acts the US ever have or had sound far less American in their musical and lyrical approach anyway!?
Brilliant song, with Ron's cinematic lyrics and impassioned piano and Russell's soaring, flexible voice; one of the best on a great album. And the latest, A Steady Drip Drip Drip, holds its own with the best previous Sparks albums too. I don't think Ron needs to worry about that well running dry, their talent is immortal.
I was born in the States and as much as I love American rock n roll, especially the early stuff and doo wop that hits you right in the face with its directness and musicality, I find it a shame that American audiences don't appreciate intelligence and humor more, like the wonderful and unappreciated Sparks.
Pure genius, what else can you call Sparks?
True genius. And one of the few amazing US acts out there as most anything the US produces 'musically' sucks, and that's some feat, considering music died in the 90s and has been deader than dead ever since. So we need acts like Sparks more than ever. And we wish they could live forever too.
A good melody songwriter who decided to do more intellectual and/or satirical lyric writing but, for sure, Ron Mael is one of the most authentic songwriters of modern rock era. He is in league with “real deal” songwriters like Ray Davies, Bruce Springsteen, etc.-they write songs that are real to them without writing for hits. Bruce is super talented and can write massively successful rock songs but he still is authentic. He writes what matters to him instead of searching for a hit. Sparks and Ray Davies spend a lot of time mining the quirky in an authentic way with a great talent for writing excellent melodies.
These guys haven't aged 10 years since 1974.
Loved and was obsessed with Sparks since a kid
Two really down to earth guys who produce music that's so very much above and beyond the crap you would hear on the radio today. Influential in so many ways and incredibly talented. I've been following them since 1974 but have never seen them live in concert. Still hoping!
Being somewhat musically inclined, it's very interesting to hear the interpretation and music progression stated clearly and without humor from the wonderful Mael brothers. Thanks for the insight, as it makes me respect the music of Sparks even more.
American national treasure
Absolutely brilliant song. They are always unique.
One of their best
very interesting! I like their take on Edith Piafs song, I love Sparks! why the many dislikes for this video?
Madam Zajj As a huge Sparks fan, I am disappointed when they put out songs that are musically inferior. Their quality control has been uneven since the 80s, and there are much better songs on Hippopotamus than this.
@@danhermon4922, as usual, a matter of taste.
Amazing band, beyond amazing in fact.
They need an entire documentary
voila
www.theguardian.com/music/2018/jun/22/edgar-wright-to-direct-documentary-about-cult-pop-duo-sparks
Hopefully the Edgar Wright documentary comes out soon
It happened and its great.
legends
This is one of my favourites on the album. I absolutely love the progression, the builds, everything about it. It was one of the tracks that really made the album from an already strong 5/5 into a 6/5 (basically my way of saying it's a perfect album)
this was a great short interview of a really great song.
Musical genius !
I've always wondered and now I know thanks Ron and Russ
Love these guys❤
Actually I don’t think Edith Piaf could have said it better 👍👍
amazing band
Edith Piaf is a legend
Amazing!
Творчество братьев Маэл - всегда эмоциональный и творческий эксперимент!!! Да они просто лучшие!!! Недооценка плебсом отнюдь не умаляет их достоинств!!! Надеюсь и жду новых работ...
Magnifique 🌿🌿🌿🌿
I love Edith 😍
no regrets
Listen to Eric Burdon's cover de "Je ne regrette rien"... No regrets
More Sparks, less Haim
more of both
Thought the guy on the left was Will Ferrell in character
Shabani Starz same
Shabani Starz I thought the guy on the right was Waters the movie producer
"The guy on the left"? Will Ferrell??? Poor Russell must have a very flexible face. Benedict Cumberbatch is a popular name. Dustin Hoffman and Dennis Quaid.
And I don't understand anything. He looks exactly like the singer of the band Sparks, Russell Mael.
"The guy on the right" looks exactly like the keyboardist, Ron Mael, of the same band, Sparks.
@@annabackman3028 , the resemblance is uncanny, lol!
HBO needs to drop VICE
Edith Piaf died from over.... not 27 and Sid and nacy died also not 27 and frank Sinatra i do it my way was Italian... not my business.
Who said that? Nobody said that!
Sounds like the human music station from rick and morty.
omg it does lmao
Who else thought this was going to be a Will Ferrell skit
Why is the guy on the left wearing sun glasses 👓 it's not too dark and there's no Sun ☀ those are tr-808 claps
because he's a rock star
@@CH0MSKYH0NK I'm a rock star too but you won't catch me wearing them unless they are fit for purpose
@@UberSynth you're a big boy
@@UberSynth merry christmas
I'm not quite sure it is plain sun shades. I think it is eyeglasses that darkens from bright light. I have seen these in a couple of interviews and appearances, sometimes darker, sometimes lighter. I think it depends on how strong the lamps are. Or he owns several ones with same frames and different glasses. Not likely.
I also believe they are somewhat darker than eyeglasses usually are. Perhaps he is disturbed by bright light (reflecting from white papers etc) or just trying to hide a few wrinkles... 😉
The other guy look like Will Ferrell
This is news? Unsubbed
Oh no!!!
/said no-one
It's news to me they were interviewed on an American TV show. I wasn't keeping an eye out for that because I expected this album to be ignored by the American media like all the others. If this was part of a longer segment I'd like to see it.