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Sparks - Whomp That Sucker (1981) {1995, 1st issue on CD}

Sparks - Whomp That Sucker (1981) {1995, 1st issue on CD}

BAND/ARTIST: Sparks

  • Title: Whomp That Sucker
  • Year Of Release: 1981 / 1995
  • Label: Oasis Records / Bud Music / Kiosk #CMP 62006
  • Genre: New Wave, Pop Rock, Synth-pop
  • Quality: EAC Rip -> WavPack (Img+Cue,Log) / MP3 CBR320
  • Total Time: 00:38:46
  • Total Size: 280 / 128 Mb (Full Scans)
  • WebSite:
Whomp That Sucker is the tenth album by the American rock band Sparks, released in 1981. Sparks had recorded No. 1 In Heaven and Terminal Jive with Giorgio Moroder. Both had been relatively successful, but the brothers had found the electronic equipment they had adopted for their new sound too cumbersome to tour with. Whomp That Sucker was recorded without Giorgio Moroder at Musicland Studios, Munich in association with Giorgio Moroder Enterprises. The next four albums were recorded as part of the same partnership. The album marked Sparks return proper to a rock sound after their previous two disco efforts. To complement the Mael Brothers the backing band Bates Motel was hired. The band consisted of guitarist Bob Haag, bassist Leslie Bohem, and drummer David Kendrick. Together this line-up would record the next four Sparks albums.

"Tips for Teens" kicks off Sparks' first post-Moroder album (though it was produced by his longtime associate Mack) with a blast; as a rocking power-pop/new wave number, it slotted into everything around it at the time perfectly, but the sense was of the world catching up to Sparks rather than the band chasing the train (and only Sparks could come up with lines like "Don't eat that burger/Has it got mayonnaise/Give it to me"). The equally sharp and catchy "Funny Face" follows with a truly hilarious detailing of a person who looks so perfect that he throws himself off a bridge in despair; as a one-two start to an album, this simply couldn't be beat. Whomp doesn't totally maintain the levels of its near-perfect start, but Russell Mael's voice is still a sinfully pure instrument, and brother Ron's ear for instantly memorable should-have-been-massive pop runs rampant as ever. Meanwhile, a new full-time backing band recruited from young L.A. outfit Bates Motel does a pretty solid job at putting rock crunch back into the Sparks mix. Guitarist Bob Haag, bassist Leslie Bohem, and drummer David Kendrick aren't quite a match for the original lineup or the glam-era outfit, but they acquit themselves well nonetheless. As always, the Maels are the stars of the show, and more often than not they rise to the occasion. "I Married a Martian" is a definite highlight, with a big rock crunch meshing well with the space-age keyboard touches as Russell notes, "her loving is different/vive la difference." Favorites of long-time fans include "Suzie Safety," blessed with a lovely piano line and a clipped feedback riff, and "Wacky Women," with Russell offering up some "Münich wisdom" on the subject.

~ Ned Raggett, All Music

Sparks - Whomp That Sucker (1981) {1995, 1st issue on CD}

Track List:

01. Tips For Teens [3:34]
02. Funny Face [3:27]
03. Where's My Girl [3:13]
04. Upstairs [3:41]
05. I Married A Martian [5:13]
06. The Willys [3:58]
07. Don't Shoot Me [3:56]
08. Suzie Safety [3:58]
09. That's Not Nastassia [4:58]
10. Wacky Woman [2:48]

Personnel:
Russell Mael - vocals, guitar
Ron Mael - keyboards and synthesizers
Bob Haag - guitar and additional background vocals
Leslie Bohem - bass guitar and additional background vocals
David Kendrick - drums
Mack - synthesizer programming, production and engineering




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  •  wrote in 10:48
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Thank you for the speedy re-up! IB