All You Ever Think About Is Sparks

Episode 10: Propaganda (1974) part 1

Sheltered-in-place so long you've got serious cabin fever? Perfect time to listen to Sparks' second hit LP for Island, Propaganda. Propaganda was recorded in just a few weeks, in the wake of the seismic smash of its predecessor. In this episode, I dig deep into the making of the record and explore side one.
As always, drop me a note at podcastsparks@gmail.com or check us out on Facebook. Stay safe, my friends! Wash your hands and eyeballs after reading this!
Much love, Christian 

Episode 9: Kimono My House (1974) part 2

(NOTE: I uploaded a new version of this episode with different sound levels 2/26)
I explore side 2 of Kimono My House in episode 9, and throw in random tidbits about OPEC-induced vinyl shortages and Japanese musical theatre troupes. Did Doris Day know she had a doppleganger? Is there a gorilla out there doing his best impression of Ron Mael? Do YOU know how to tie a kimono? I expect the answers on my desk by the end of the day.
As promised in my intro, here's the link to Andy Moore's podcast and the episode about Sparks: https://andystreasuretrove.com/podcast/19-sparks-an-homage-to-ron-russell-mael/
Also, drummer Stevie Nistor's Gofundme to help him with chronic Lyme disease treatments: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-stevie-nistor-beat-chronic-lyme-disease
As always, feel free to drop me a line at podcastsparks@gmail.com or at my FB page.
Hasta Mañana, Monsieur! - Sincerely, Christian Huey

Episode 8: Kimono My House (1974) part 1 + Monte Mallin

We're back! Happy 2020, Sparks fans. In episode 8, I take an obsessive gander at side one of Sparks' most famous album Kimono My House. Learn how Sparks catapulted from esoteric Los Angeles weirdos to British superstars in 1974 with the monumental "This Town Ain't Big Enough for Both of Us," and its stellar parent album.After the history lesson, I bend the ear of Monte Mallin again, this time asking him about what made the late Dinky Diamond the highest-regarded of all of Sparks' many drummers over the years.Check out Monte's frequently-astounding podcast So Important as well his Spotify playlist celebrating Sparks drumming. You can find info about THIS podcast here and here, and you can email me (Christian) at podcastsparks@gmail.com.

Episode 4 redux: Halfnelson/Sparks listening party + other stuff

(Amended re-release) Richard Martinez rejoins Christian for a Sparks listening party, as we examine the first Halfnelson/Sparks album on Bearsville Records. Christian reads Joseph Fleury's liner notes from a 1975 repackaging of the first two albums, and a rare interview (from another source) with Earle Mankey rounds out the episode. Email me here, and check us out on FB here!

Episode 7: Putting together the UK band (1973) + Interview with James Lowe

Ron and Russell recruit a new band in England, and sharpen their sound with new songs. Hear how Martin Gordon, Dinky Diamond and Adrian Fisher were discovered, and how Island Records had set Sparks up to be 1974's Next Big Thing. Stick around for an interview with James Lowe, producer of Sparks' previous album A Woofer In Tweeter's Clothing, and founding member of the Electric Prunes. Thanks for your support in 2019, dear listeners! Happy Holidays/Christmas/Hannukah/whatever and I'll see you in 2020!
Check us out on FB, send me an email, and join the Indiscreet fan page on FB!

Episode 6: First European tour (1972-73) + Harley Feinstein interview

In this episode, Sparks jet off to the UK for a three-month mini-tour of England and mainland Europe. Find out how Ron, Russ and company take advantage of the 1972 exchange rate of 10,000 US dollars = infinity pounds sterling. Witness the bittersweet end of Sparks Mark I that following spring, and (briefly) hear what became of Sparks' original players. After that, stick around for a fantastic interview with drummer Harley Feinstein! I can't thank him enough for his generosity. Email us here and visit us on the web here.

Episode 5: A Woofer In Tweeter's Clothing (1972)

Christian delves into the making of, the glory of, and the frustration with, Sparks' second album for Bearsville: "A Woofer In Tweeter's Clothing." It should have been a hit... But what a ride it was, and what would come next was legendary.

Episode 3 redux: Halfnelson/Sparks + New and Improved Monte Mallin Interview

The original interview with Monte Mallin was a victim of the interviewer being unfamiliar with his recording tech. So, Monte was nice enough to come back for a do-over, where we ended up covering more ground than before. (And eventually Christian will learn to get up closer on that mic himself.) Because so much of the interview rendered the original superfluous, welcome to the new official episode 3! Check out Monte's podcast So Important and his blog here. Email our show here!