Sparks

I've seen Sparks over thirty times - I really can't say any performance is better than any other performance, I always love them, but seeing them with a full orchestra was pretty amazing. This show featured the entire Kimono My House album, and then a selection of other songs, most obviously chosen because they went really well with an orchestra. Ron and Russell Mael were gracious and appeared happy, Russell's voice was pretty good, still hitting the falsetto parts on the Kimono My House stuff - it's only been 40 years since that album came out, that can't be easy. A great night, nice touch bringing Alex from Franz Ferdinand out for When do I get to Sing My Way.

I have wanted to see Sparks for 34 years! It was fabulous! Ron and Russell are musical geniuses. :-)

So far, I've seen Sparks for four performances now and I have never been disappointed. The Mael brothers have always been in high form. For this last event, they brought in a 38-piece orchestra for an orchestral version of the album Kimono My House. Then they played few other songs from their large catalog of music in two separate encores. They are spot-on musically and vocally as always. Ron, as stoic as ever, behind his keyboard has never missed a single note. Russell, still as spry as ever, still can jump around all over the stage singing his unforgettable falsetto to a standing ovation. It was a Sparks-tactular show. I couldn't recommend to anyone any better performers then these two gentlemen. They are truly the Greatest Show on Earth.

This was an incredible show with a 38 pc. orchestra. It wasn't just a rock band with orchestra, but completely rearranged for this new instrumentation. They performed their breakthrough Kimono My House completely with this orchestra. After the break, they performed an hours worth of songs from their other albums. A once in a lifetime show!

Beautiful place, perfect sound, great performance over all. Sparks sparks as always!

The Kimono My House album has always been a favorite, so having them perform it in its entirety was quite a treat. Their adding a 28 piece orchestra gave new meaning and texture to the tunes without losing any of their power. After intermission, they played material from the rest of their catalog that was great fun, things old & new.

Sorry Sparks, but the orchestral arrangements disappointed. It lacked a lot of the punch and verve (as in guitar) of the originals, which I have always and still dearly love. You're still one of my fave groups, tho. Thanks for the remastered CD's and when is the Noel album coming on CD?

Everyone in attendance seemed to be aware they were at a historically important event. The Mael Brothers and the Kimono My House Orchestra delivered the show of a lifetime. A few of us can die happily now!

The Sparks concert was fun, humorous, and nostalgic. The orchestral arrangements could stand on their own from the brilliant compositions with the brothers. So great to hear their music a refreshing new way.

I have been a major Sparks fan since the 70's and was so excited to find they were touring. They are one of the most innovative groups still today. Their lyrics are second to none. The Mael brothers put on an incredible show. They sounded exactly like they always do. I've never left a Sparks show disappointed. They only did this particular show, Russell Mael said, 4 times. Twice in London and twice in their hometown of Los Angeles. What a treat, makes you feel appreciated. Ron Mael even said they would've been remiss if they didn't honor their hometown. Not to mention that they had a full orchestra as backup musicians. This show took place at the Ace Hotel. The venue is one of the best in SoCal. It's small enough to feel intimate. Sparks also announced their new project, a collaboration with Franz Ferdinand! I can't wait to hear that music. One of the singers from Franz Ferdinand came out and sang one song with Sparks. Sorry, I don't remember his name but if this was any indication of the music to come, I couldn't be more excited Get into Sparks. I assure you, you will not be disappointed.

Either you get Sparks or you don't. I understand if they are not someone's cup of tea, but if that's the case, you are missing out on some of the greatest creative talent of our generation. They have continually reinvented themselves since 1970, but always relevant. The thing that hasn't changed is their ability to write infectious melodies, wrapped in ridiculously clever (but never smug) wordplay, sung by the incomparable Russell Mael. Kimono My House was my introduction to Sparks. I bought the day it was released in the US, mostly because of the cool cover, but also because I had heard part of a song off it and was intrigued. My world has never been the same since. I've loved every one of their albums, but KMH has a special place in my heart. Because of this, and the fact I'd never been able to see them live, I trekked from Houston to Los Angeles to see KMH done live with orchestral backing. Wow! There are not adequate words for what I saw and experienced. These two brothers are 45+ years into their career and are still creating and pushing boundaries. Russell's voice was in fine form as he blistered through KMH, then 11 favorites from other albums. His energy carried the night and the very pro-Sparks crowd ate up every bit of it. Ron remains the enigma he always has been. Stoic, but with breaks of great comedy and personality. And a classic keyboardist. Such a great evening! One extra touch - the song Come On-a My House by Rosemary Clooney played on a loop for at least an hour before the show. I was getting really sick of it until I realized I was hearing 'kimono my house.' Very clever.

The brothers Mael have been creating music for over 40 years and they continue to reinvent themselves again and again. This time they played their 1974 album, Kimono My House, backed by a 38 piece orchestra and the result was fantastic. This will likely never happen again, but, next time they play LA, I recommend that you experience a Sparks show live.

Ron and Russell Mael (of Sparks) work so hard--so hard!--to make their music new to fans. And the results in every show I've seen are incredible. Whether its their older music ("Kimono My House") or most recent ("The Seduction of Ingmar Bergman"), they find new ways for their fans to hear the songs they've grown to love. This show, with a 48-piece orchestra, was no exception. They even had an overture! In the overture, fans could anticipate many of the songs coming in the second half of the set. And what an exhausting set this must have been to perform! Ron and Russell are champions, as close as two can come to music gods. And their lyrics! The lyrics! Ron is the most gracious stage presence ever and Russell keeps his voice alive for hours.

A group still original after over 40 years. Performed their 1974 album Kimono My House with an orchestra plus extra songs like Pulling rabbits out of a hat , Number One Song In Heaven. The orchestral sound added a new experience to all the songs, it would be great on album. The Sparks are the most original bands still going.

Great show from a great band. The orchestra was the "icing on the cake".

Excelent performance. I was amazed by the perfect sound of the acoustics. They included some of their hits of every decade apart from Kimono My House.

Sparks anniversary concert of their third album Kimono My House was a fun affair, made complete with a full orchestra at the Ace Hotel. The ensemble of popular hits from the Mael Brother's 23 album repertoire after the intermission nicely rounded out the show and created a fun evening.

Just Ron n Russell , but truly a wonderful performance. Russell just sings at a rapid and constant high paced energy, frenetically moving about the stage, while Ron is just a craftsman on the keyboards, they played a variety of their hits. Touching on a good portion of their cd's and performing clips from the Seduction of Ingmar Bergman. Solid 1hour and a half show, glad I went.

Door was at 9; we arrived from out of town at 10, thanks to no on street parking - due to emergency police order. We only caught the final 1 1/2songs [it was my wife's birthday present...ugh]. Russel still sounded great on #1 Song In Heaven. Ron did the dance I saw him do on youtube in Germany back in 1985 (I think) for Music You Can Dance To. Club turned on lights, so there was no encore - this was the last show on their their tour and they couldn't even play an encore. Brighton music Hall wanted everyone out ASAP, just like every other money-grubbing club in Boston, so they could open the bar and celebrate Red Sox non-sense - ie, rake in even more money from another event on the same night. We were not at all surprised - after living in the Boston area for 22 years, we completely understand how it is - give us your money and get the flop out. So Sparks - 4 stars (wish they had a full band); venue - 2 stars - typical, money-grubbing Boston area outfit.

Sparks are legends, and they did not disappoint! They put on an amazing show, Russel was all over the place, and Ron did a dance and even smiled! The set was a great mix of classics (#1 Song in Heaven) and newer ones (Ingmar Bergman).

Thank you Sparks, for something rare as this It most surely was a holy night of bliss Gratitude for having thought of us We know your time is tight, and yet you thought of us.

amazing performance, amazing songs - there's nothing else like this act out there

Sparks is one of a kind. They always have been and always will be. Despite the fact that they've gotten older and they didn't have a band with them, they knocked it out of the park. I was already expecting a great show, but they surpassed my expectations. Not to mention, I was so close to the stage that I could practically touch them. I'm so grateful that they did a second leg of their tour, it was certainly something that was not to be missed! The only negative part was that we had to wait a very long time for them to actually start performing, and we couldn't sit down or anything (standing room only). But once they started, it was so worth the wait. If you are a Sparks fan, don't miss this! I know they're going to a few more cities. Do your best to get to one of the shows! You won't regret it!

Having never experienced "Sparks" before, I took my boyfriend to see the show because he's been a fan since he was a kid. I wasn't sure what to expect since there wasn't a full band, but I dug it after the first couple of songs. It's definitely an acquired taste. I would have thought they were European if I did not know they were from LA. I enjoyed it very much!

Sparks are a unique band that may not be for everyone, but the people who like them LOVE THEM. It's simple, two-person art-pop mostly sung in falsetto with clever, devious lyrics. The two brothers, Ron and Russell Mael, are certainly odd (in a Tiny Tim sort of way) but endearing and really appreciate their fans. The show in Atlanta was in the bohemian Little Five Points district at the Variety Playhouse, a seemingly perfect venue. They played their hearts out and everyone cheered them on. Several great songs from Lil Beethoven was a special treat. They admitted they had often skipped Atlanta on previous tours and were humbled by the support and vowed to return.

I waited 37 years for the opportunity to see Sparks perform live. I drove over five hours to the venue. The atmosphere and anticipation was electric. Sparks fans share an acumen, an intellect, an appreciation for the amazing oeuvre and cutting edge creativity of Sparks. This makes them the warmest, most welcoming and most deserving of congregations. I was proud to be among the number that witnessed the opening night of the Revenge of Two Hands One Mouth tour. Standing near the stage and absorbing the performance gave me an even deeper appreciation, as if by appreciating Ron and Russell I was paying homage to those who have gone before them. Seriously I look at what they have done and what they have liked and what they have crafted and I think of major touchstones in the progression of show business in general and rock and roll in particular. Ron's dance is not just some silliness, it is a direct link to the very pulse of vaudeville! A unique act?, certainly, but they are genuine. When artistic integrity is present one need not choose just style or just substance. Sparks delivers both and so much more, and on so many levels. I look forward to their next project, but first I am going to enjoy two more Sparks concerts in Chicago next month. It was that good.

I looked forward to this concert for months and was not disappointed.The Mael brothers put on an excellent show. They played all of my favorite songs. The crowd loved it.Russell sounded great and Ron is a master at the keyboard