Sparks – INDISCREET
It's easy to get lost
in this overrated/underrated game, so it’s better not to engage at all. Over
the years, Indiscreet has been called
many things. Once overrated (according to some), it has lately been considered
vastly inferior to records like Kimono My
House or even Propaganda.
As you might have
already guessed, I disagree. I don’t know how I would compare Indiscreet to Lil’ Beethoven – but it has always felt like their most compelling
and entertaining listen prior to the self-styled sonic revolution. It’s
business as usual from the Mael brothers: absurd, annoying, witty lyrics and
some of the most infectious, hook-filled melodies of the decade. It’s just that
this time the songs are… even better. The opening “Hospitality On Parade” is a
blast. “It Ain’s 1918” is physically irresistible. “How Are You Getting Home?”
(brilliantly used in Holy Motors)
could be their best ever.
Elsewhere, it’s music hall,
glam-rock, waltz, vague messages, a song called “Tits”. What’s not to like?
Maybe Sparks’ most consistent record overall. I would also recommend a bonus
track titled “England”. Which, if you know their history, is even more
intriguing than it sounds.
