SPARKS

[SteveBoyce]

I'm just wondering if Sparks should make their next album with an outside producer???
I think Mad is a good album but somehow lost an edge or something??
I see also Mad has had 10000 or so sales in Week 1, but then basically, that was it. Though maybe the tour will build up a bit more.
Transgressive did a great job but I feel Sparks kind of hit a ceiling in terms of awareness.
Maybe working with another producer, OK a "name" costs loads of money and often these people are just there for the cash basically, but if they got the right person it could both challenge them and bring some more awareness???

[deadcalm]

Worth considering. A 3rd pair of ears that has a bit of a track record working on top selling albums. Someone like William Orbit or Greg Kurstin . I guess it still needs that great idea to flesh out at the end of the day.
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I Think that went very Well

[Spyke]

I realise it's not the same role as a producer, but their work with film directors recently has brought a different dimension to their work.
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"but we can hear what others can't hear..."

[Brightonian]

I wouldn't agree that Mad! has lost an edge ... if anything, Sparks are better than ever as producers of their music (with this album and TGICIHL).

Having said that, I do think a well-chosen other producer (or even two) on the next release - to change things up a bit - could result in some interesting, different sonic variations and possibly even spur a new era/direction. (The last four albums can essentially be categorised as 'forward-looking consolidation' ... but should the next album still be about consolidation at all?).

Producers, of course, make no direct difference to sales; rather, it's about the extra potential for a buzz to then occur that can elevate a band further in the public mind. Sparks still have the potential to progress further, with or without an external producer. They'll always be niche - the last thing we need is someone coming in and attempting to commercialise them and ruining what makes them so special. But if an outside producer helps them to move forward in a way that is, for them, fun and a spur to further creativity and innovation ... I'm up all for that!

[Physicality]

[Henry McHenry]

I think their peak was TGiCIHL... the new album is less
consistent... for my ears at least...
And I do not think it is a matter of good or less good
songs, they should have done a next step from TGICIHL
and make a more sort avantgardish album ...
just my personal view

and bit less of LaLas and over the wall singing in
some of the songs would have been nice
again: just my personal view

I do not think, they need a producer ...but maybe a collaboration
with Brian Eno or Max Richter could be interesting

[Crabby]

Avant garde is such a weird concept to define... By it's very nature it's not really definable! Considering what Sparks have done in the past this album may well be considered "avant garde" for them.... I think that's rather a nice place for them to be as a creative force... Most of my favourite songs on previous albums are the more avant gardish ones (so l understand what you mean) but l really like MAD, and l'm liking it more with every listen..... Just one l could do without but that's probably for another thread.

As for this thread, my technical knowledge is non existent but l'm quite happy for the Maels to carry on producing their own stuff..... It's obvious though that Ron is desperate for a collaboration with ChuckD.... Now, that would be interesting.....

[Brightonian]

[waterloosunset]

[Brightonian]

[Thomasfr]

I think you hit on a very interesting point – sometimes, a veteran artist like Sparks needs a “fresh breeze” to break through the old limits. “The Girl Is Crying In Her Latte” is a quality album, but it certainly lacks the breakthrough or stirring quality of their previous works.Wacky Flip

[Henry McHenry]

@Brightonian ... I do agree!