Playlouder - Music is the Network

Gratuitous Sax and Senseless Violins 1994, yet another Sparks renaissance album. They’d been away for six years having been stuck in something of a creative rut at the close of the 80s. Few would’ve predicted that their comeback would not only fit seamlessly into the musical climate of the time but that it would produce their biggest hit single to date, leading to a full critical reappraisal and new appreciation for their work.

It all began with the song of their career. This Town may be their greatest song, but When Do I Get To Sing ‘My Way’ is their most poignant and beautiful achievement. The Maels’ had never had it easy, big success always elusive, clashes then switches between labels, constantly changing bases and musicians. The song related the tale beautifully, told a tale of failure and the mourning of the passing years so beautifully that radio stations paid attention to it, despite their cardinal sin of being old, brought them back to the top 40 and made it a huge hit across Europe.

Of course when played on the 16th night of a 21 night residency celebrating a 30+ year career, it seemed justly ironic, a message of hope that persistence, creative integrity and devotion can lead to triumph. Night 16 wasn’t quite a sell out but it wasn’t far off and this time the show was back in Ron’s hands, with his electronics taking centre stage and never sounding better. Of all the live performances of My Way that I’ve come across it never sounded better than it did here, perhaps because it seemed so apt a vindication.

It was superbly followed by When I Kiss You I Hear Charlie Parker Playing which features Russell rapping, not that it’s much of a challenge for him considering the usual busy lyrics that Ron writes for him. But the tables were turned tonight; one track on Gratuitous Sax features a spoken word biography about and read by acclaimed director Tsui Hark. He was unable to attend, it was Ron who had to take hold of the spoken vocals; he did not falter, but definitely seemed more comfortable when he returned behind the keyboards.

Once again they pulled out another wonderful performance. Even I Told You To Wait In The Car, a song that even grates on this Sparks fan’s nerves, turned out a treat. I did have one slight gripe, I had come to this evening in the hope of that they’d play the none album single National Crime Awareness Week, but imagine my horror at discovering they’d already done it during the week! Fortunately they rather randomly plucked out Marry Me a classic 70s b-side from back when bands used to record proper b-sides that were great. Another nice touch!