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9.0
134032
9.0 |
American Songwriter
Six of 14 tracks add a full band enhancing Ron’s multiple, overdubbed, mostly electronic keyboards which keeps the sound fresh. But as usual, it’s the quirky songs and artful, casual, sometimes caffeinated presentation that makes Sparks’ music so refreshing in its own bespoke way
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9.0
134044
9.0 |
Under The Radar
Another funny, sad, clever, stupid, artful, basic, beautiful journey into Sparks’ peculiarly well-crafted universe, resistant to external gridding, and a spectacular example of one of music’s most beguiling and bewildering bands
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8.0
134019
8.0 |
musicOMH
The brothers Mael are incorporating new sounds and concepts, whilst still sounding exactly like themselves. They’re a band we should all embrace
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8.0
134023
8.0 |
The Line Of Best Fit
Let’s be quite frank: if we’re not already crying into our lattes or other beverage of choice, then we probably should be, and let the soundtrack be Sparks
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8.0
134028
8.0 |
Mojo
Ron Mael's lyrics are elegiac, witty and forensically detailed; Russel Mael delivers them exquisitely and they specialise in ear worms. Print edition only
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8.0
134029
8.0 |
Uncut
As always they are best when singing of brief encounters and regret. Print edition only
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8.0
134056
8.0 |
Spectrum Culture
Over half a century Sparks have amassed a vast, uneven discography, but album 26 is one of their very best so far. There’s nobody else like the Mael brothers and we’re lucky to have them
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8.0
134058
8.0 |
NME
The art-pop purveyors continue their streak of delightful strange and imaginative vignettes with their 26th release
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8.0
134074
8.0 |
All Music
Only Ron and Russell Mael could have made this album, and while they've always done what they needed and wanted to do as artists, it's extra satisfying that this peak in their popularity coincides with music this vibrantly engaging
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7.9
134083
7.9 |
Pitchfork
The Mael brothers are riding high. Their 26th album strikes the ideal Sparksian balance of madcap melody, labyrinthine arrangement, and stinging social satire
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7.0
134018
7.0 |
Clash
Far from dipping into past glories, the Mael brothers continue their storied run on a stylish, impactful record that illuminates their continued engagement with the wonder of the pop song
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7.0
134049
7.0 |
Northern Transmissions
There’s a lot of emphasis on pop music when discussing Sparks, but it’s not out of the question to simply define their latest release as purely music, given the massive spread of instrumentation and influences. It’s music made by music lovers
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7.0
134052
7.0 |
The Irish Times
The LA duo’s 26th album follows their musical film Annette, but behind the pomp and theatrics and absurdity is a firm grounding in reality
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