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Alex Robertson
Sparks Guru
Joined: 11 Jan 2002
Posts: 41492
Location: Crawley,West Sussex
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 Posted: Thu May 25, 2023 7:52 am Post subject: |
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| You obviously didn't read the other posts in the topic then, because it was requested not to spoil people's enjoyment....Rather than deprive fans like Miss Sparks who unfortunately can't make the gigs, I've set up a "Spoilers"topic....I will be avoiding it myself until I've seen a concert. |
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miss sparks
Sparks Guru
Joined: 16 Sep 2010
Posts: 22348
Location: England
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| Posted: Thu May 25, 2023 1:07 pm Post subject: |
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| Just check the setlist from last night, nice surprise for the Liverpool Sparks fans. |
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dinky
Sparkologist
Joined: 26 Jul 2003
Posts: 710
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dinky
Sparkologist
Joined: 26 Jul 2003
Posts: 710
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SteveBoyce
Sub-Deity
Joined: 17 Jan 2002
Posts: 769
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| Posted: Thu May 25, 2023 1:47 pm Post subject: |
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What a nice review |
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miss sparks
Sparks Guru
Joined: 16 Sep 2010
Posts: 22348
Location: England
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| Posted: Mon May 29, 2023 11:21 am Post subject: |
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Everybody going to the RAH gigs tonight and tomorrow have a wonderful time.    |
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Sparky Rickmaniac
Sparks Guru
Joined: 21 Jan 2009
Posts: 6511
Location: Edge of the rhubarb triangle
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Bristols
Fan-in-Training
Joined: 14 May 2023
Posts: 18
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Bristols
Fan-in-Training
Joined: 14 May 2023
Posts: 18
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Brightonian
Sub-Deity
Joined: 22 Mar 2003
Posts: 864
Location: Brighton, UK
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| Posted: Tue May 30, 2023 11:35 am Post subject: Re: A succinct review of the opening night in Oxford |
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| Bristols wrote: | https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/23554411.review-rock-legends-sparks-launch-world-tour-oxfords-new-theatre/
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Thanks for sharing ... what a lovely review! |
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Spyke
Sparks Guru
Joined: 28 Jun 2003
Posts: 2405
Location: Brum, UK
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| Posted: Wed May 31, 2023 3:27 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks for posting the reviews, and good to read your one in particular, Allydodd! The way you've described the energy of the gigs comes across really well.
The shows I've seen have all been amazing, made even better with the meet-ups before and after in the pub. Great to see you all again! Oh,and kudos to the top bloke who put together the pub quiz - that was a lot of fun!
_________________
"but we can hear what others can't hear..." |
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Bristols
Fan-in-Training
Joined: 14 May 2023
Posts: 18
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| Posted: Sat Jun 10, 2023 1:18 pm Post subject: Live in Oxford |
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| allydodd wrote: | Oxford was astounding! Always I grapple with apprehension in the tense minutes before the first show after a break. Sparks have meant so much to me over the years, purveyors of the most wonderful and stirring music and lyrics so witty, wise and interesting. Not just life affirming, transformative. When they go on the road, I try to see them as wide and far as my purse strings will stretch. Every time, new friendships will be kindled through love of Sparks, often with folk who are going to their first show by the band (as indeed was the case last night). And I want them to share the electrifying experience I've had while wary of the decline of many of their contemporaries and many who followed. So, in Oxford, Sparks had a lot to live up to and my nerves were tingling.
No worries. As if hit with a ball of lightning, Russell exploded into life, a "real live wire", bouncing across the stage whilst a backdrop of illuminated shapes blazed along as the rhythm thundered from one song to the next. As if his own avatar, Russell seemed a creation of an artificial energy, a snapshot of a sprite "forever young", incessantly moving as if mysteriously directed by orders from high above him. As static as a pylon, the tall, lean figure of Ron perched by the keyboard, the only key to movement was if you spotted his spidery fingers. Above the duo, the now loved characters that made up the superb band were busy shadows.
No way would I disclose songs. The shock of the new awaits as Sparks once again soar dramatically ahead of the current as pop's great innovators. That might be balanced by the reassurance of instantly recognisably good songs. Invigorating, the show was the musical equivalent of shooting the rapids.
In the past I used to post a lot on Sparks related social media, discussing rare tracks in their now 28 strong album journey beloved by me, fans, and well, the so important ... A few years ago, I stopped, spotting many of these being incorporated to previous shows, fearing I'd blundered into undue influence. During my online silence, this time, the guys must have read my mind compiling the set-list sparkling with such gems. Russell could have paused to give introductions to each, like most performers of note who would be self-satisfied with a glimmer of Sparks brilliant material and the anecdotes behind it. But no, he was in his stride, pounding through the numbers, with a voice echoing the youthfulness on those excellent early Bearsville albums, with an exactitude that was almost eerie and somehow beat the clock.
I began typing this in a train carriage accommodating eight other fans as we made our way towards Liverpool. Doing it all again. For those about to see the shows, you have something very special to look forward to. This is Sparks on steroids. |
What more can be said… another near perfect evening 😊
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PeterE
Sparks Guru
Joined: 02 Oct 2002
Posts: 1734
Location: Wiesbaden Germany
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PeterE
Sparks Guru
Joined: 02 Oct 2002
Posts: 1734
Location: Wiesbaden Germany
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| Posted: Mon Jun 26, 2023 5:07 am Post subject: |
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from Mojo ...
Masters of their own genre, Sparks are joy unbridled and make the Park stage erupt with Number One Song In Heaven, When Do I Get To Sing “My Way” and This Town Ain’t Big Enough For Both Of Us. For The Girl Is Crying In Her Latte, video star Cate Blanchett comes on and reprises her expressive dancing role from the video wearing the same fetching yellow suit; Ron Mael does his dance and Russell Mael scorns the years with commanding dance moves and a voice fit for Broadway. A unique and glorious spectacle. |
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