I came across this show by accident on TV a few months ago and it 'sparked' my interest again in this band. I didn't even realise they were still going. This knocked me out so much I went straight out and caught up with all their latest DVDs and albums since 'Lil Beethoven'. Unbeatable but probably too clever, i suppose, for the 'X Factor' masses >:-)
Up until recently I didn't know they were still going as well. They are very well preserved .... physically and musically. It's so nice that they are moving forward and not just living in the past.
Sparks really are up there: they (ie the brothers) keep on inventing, looking forward, building. In a few years they will be universally regarded as the finest post 60s musicians in the field of pop/rock. In the meantime, it's great to be in on the "secret". A bit like having a 0% mortgage no deposit - for the full term - on Windsor Castle with an option to extend courtesy of Richard Neutra.
There's a photo of Russell wearing a T- Shirt that says "I'm no genius but Ron Mael is". Well, that's not right! Ron is the song writing genius and Russell is the singing genius! Sparks couldn't exist without the song writing genius Ron, and they couldn't exist without the singing genius Russell!
"Something big is coming soon, something that will change your tune. It's the calm before the storm." And then came Hippopotamus! But this is one of the songs, this video, I play most. It's greater than great 🤩
Now it's 2021, a year ago the released 'A Steady Drip Drip Drip'! Still ahead! From all the way back to the late sixties (January 1967 they (Ron and Russell + friends) recorded 'Computor Girl', if that one isn't ahead of time I don't know what is!!
Looking around youtube, there are some great Sparks performances. Then there is this one. Outstanding. Absolutely brilliant. Got my tickets for "2 hands 1 mouth" in Edinburgh and I can't wait.
I know. They are special to me. I loved them most when I was 13-19, old things. I really wanted to see them. It happened almost 30 years later . I am rediscovering them and I am enjoying every minute of it. By the way - if 71 means you were born 1971, we are the same age...
LYRICS by Ron Mael/Sparks (Spoken) 'When the strange animal with a strange set of plans Came to town last July, there was blood on his hands And it now comes to light, he had been in a fight With some government men, who were high as a kite' What a strange animal we are What a strange animal we are When the strange animal, with a strange set of plans Came to town last July, there was blood on his hands And it now comes to light, he had been in a fight With some government men, who were high as a kite What a strange animal we are What a strange animal we are There are songs that are sealed, that will not let you in But he came upon a song, that was open to him To get out of the rain, it was cold, it was strong Well, the Strange Animal, walked right into the song What a strange animal we are What a strange animal we are What a strange, what a, what a strange animal What a strange, what a, what a strange animal What a strange, what a, what a strange animal Aha aha aha aha What a strange animal we are What a strange animal we are What a strange animal we are! What a strange animal we are! What a strange animal we are! What a strange animal we are! I had nowhere to go, so I entered your song So I entered your song, I hope you don't think me wrong Well, it's warm and it's dry, it's a nasty 'ol night It's a nasty 'ol night, and I must look a sight There's something 'bout him, that is frightening And right on cue, a bolt of lightning I'll just sit over here, til the chorus appears Would you think it's a sin, if I start chiming in? What a strange animal we are! What a strange animal we are! What a strange animal we are! What a strange animal we are! We are! What a strange animal we are! If I may be quite frank, and I'm not pulling rank And I know I'm a guest, and I know you know best But the song lacks a heart, comes off overly smart An emotional core, ain't that what songs are for? There's something 'bout him, I'm not liking Somebody tell him, to get hiking But you need to be clear, and a lot more sincere Wake me up, will you friend, when the verse finally ends What a strange animal we are! What a strange animal we are! What a strange animal we are! What a strange animal we are! We are! We are! We are! But once in the song, who had been there so long Grew impatient and seethed, and they asked him to leave But he said, not so fast, unaware of my past You allowed me inside, you can't push me aside When a song lets me in, I can see where it's been If it's broken some hearts, if it's been in the charts But this song shows no signs, of a grander design Entertainment or art, one should know from the start You're in need of a fix, or a total remix So I must kill you all, start again, had a ball I'm a strange animal, and I find you quite dull Here's that chorus again, that can stay, here's the end What a strange animal we are! What a strange animal we are! What a strange animal we are! What a strange animal we are! What a strange animal we are! What a strange animal we are! What a strange animal we are! What a strange animal we are! 💖💖💖💖💖
You seem very serious about that 🤣🤣! God-damn-it! 💖 Swedish: Det bästa förbannade bandet i hela guds förbannade värld!!! English: The best damned band in the entire God-damned world!!! Only so there will be no misunderstandings😂🤣💖😇
Quel groupe formidable, loin de la musique conventionnelle et formatée. L'art des choeurs et des cassures, les deux frangins sont intarissables de modernité. Pas de fioritures, pas de concession, encore moins de facilité, mais une somme de plaisirs. Plus tard, je serai Sparks pour ne pas être quelconque !
Russel has more of a range than Jimmy! I have seen and heard them both, and use to go to Russel's house parties back in the day! Think about this? Ron writes the music in whatever key he wishes, and Russel is stuck singing it that way!
This is my favourite Sparks song but I don't love the album version. I much prefer this live performance, it's an excellent piece of storytelling - I wish they'd release it for purchase!
Lawrence Gowan did a better version.............kidding. I like how Ronald conserves energy for his next flourish. He knows how to write some pretty good songs too. 🤤
![Sparks - Propaganda/At Home At Work At Play [From The Basement ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/5m7pHAF86dU/mqdefault.jpg)
![Sparks - Propaganda/At Home At Work At Play [From The Basement ]](/img/tr.png)
![Sparks - I can't believe that you would fall for all the crap in this song [From The Basement ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/TcmeJSYVb2Q/mqdefault.jpg)
70s Sparks sound!! Rock n roll!!
most talented vocalist ever
Wonderful still ❤
Ron and Russell both relish this song so much while performing it. Such a stunning and exciting performance!
I came across this show by accident on TV a few months ago and it 'sparked' my interest again in this band. I didn't even realise they were still going. This knocked me out so much I went straight out and caught up with all their latest DVDs and albums since 'Lil Beethoven'. Unbeatable but probably too clever, i suppose, for the 'X Factor' masses >:-)
Up until recently I didn't know they were still going as well. They are very well preserved .... physically and musically. It's so nice that they are moving forward and not just living in the past.
Sparks really are up there: they (ie the brothers) keep on inventing, looking forward, building. In a few years they will be universally regarded as the finest post 60s musicians in the field of pop/rock. In the meantime, it's great to be in on the "secret". A bit like having a 0% mortgage no deposit - for the full term - on Windsor Castle with an option to extend courtesy of Richard Neutra.
There's a photo of Russell wearing a T- Shirt that says "I'm no genius but Ron Mael is". Well, that's not right! Ron is the song writing genius and Russell is the singing genius! Sparks couldn't exist without the song writing genius Ron, and they couldn't exist without the singing genius Russell!
the best vocalist ever...the ocean doesn't feel like making waves
"Something big is coming soon, something that will change your tune. It's the calm before the storm."
And then came Hippopotamus!
But this is one of the songs, this video, I play most. It's greater than great 🤩
The best British band to come out of America; the best 80s synth band from the 70s.
And even now, WAY ahead of their time...
❤
Now it's 2021, a year ago the released 'A Steady Drip Drip Drip'! Still ahead!
From all the way back to the late sixties (January 1967 they (Ron and Russell + friends) recorded 'Computor Girl', if that one isn't ahead of time I don't know what is!!
Looking around youtube, there are some great Sparks performances. Then there is this one. Outstanding. Absolutely brilliant.
Got my tickets for "2 hands 1 mouth" in Edinburgh and I can't wait.
I know. They are special to me. I loved them most
when I was 13-19, old things. I really wanted to see them. It happened almost 30 years later . I am rediscovering them and I am enjoying every minute of it.
By the way - if 71 means you were born 1971, we are the same age...
Oh my god.
That's the hardest i have seen him work that keyboard.
Legends and i luv em
My head just exploded!
Went to see them and they were amazing. Totally brilliant. The new song is superb - typically Sparks.
Ron&Russell und ihre Musiker sind Extraklasse!!! 🐵
Just fantastic
'I have nowhere to go/ so I entered your soul' is the best line I've heard in a long time
Brilliant bass lines
LYRICS by Ron Mael/Sparks
(Spoken)
'When the strange animal with a strange set of plans
Came to town last July, there was blood on his hands
And it now comes to light, he had been in a fight
With some government men, who were high as a kite'
What a strange animal we are
What a strange animal we are
When the strange animal, with a strange set of plans
Came to town last July, there was blood on his hands
And it now comes to light, he had been in a fight
With some government men, who were high as a kite
What a strange animal we are
What a strange animal we are
There are songs that are sealed, that will not let you in
But he came upon a song, that was open to him
To get out of the rain, it was cold, it was strong
Well, the Strange Animal, walked right into the song
What a strange animal we are
What a strange animal we are
What a strange, what a, what a strange animal
What a strange, what a, what a strange animal
What a strange, what a, what a strange animal
Aha aha aha aha
What a strange animal we are
What a strange animal we are
What a strange animal we are!
What a strange animal we are!
What a strange animal we are!
What a strange animal we are!
I had nowhere to go, so I entered your song
So I entered your song, I hope you don't think me wrong
Well, it's warm and it's dry, it's a nasty 'ol night
It's a nasty 'ol night, and I must look a sight
There's something 'bout him, that is frightening
And right on cue, a bolt of lightning
I'll just sit over here, til the chorus appears
Would you think it's a sin, if I start chiming in?
What a strange animal we are!
What a strange animal we are!
What a strange animal we are!
What a strange animal we are!
We are!
What a strange animal we are!
If I may be quite frank, and I'm not pulling rank
And I know I'm a guest, and I know you know best
But the song lacks a heart, comes off overly smart
An emotional core, ain't that what songs are for?
There's something 'bout him, I'm not liking
Somebody tell him, to get hiking
But you need to be clear, and a lot more sincere
Wake me up, will you friend, when the verse finally ends
What a strange animal we are!
What a strange animal we are!
What a strange animal we are!
What a strange animal we are!
We are! We are!
We are!
But once in the song, who had been there so long
Grew impatient and seethed, and they asked him to leave
But he said, not so fast, unaware of my past
You allowed me inside, you can't push me aside
When a song lets me in, I can see where it's been
If it's broken some hearts, if it's been in the charts
But this song shows no signs, of a grander design
Entertainment or art, one should know from the start
You're in need of a fix, or a total remix
So I must kill you all, start again, had a ball
I'm a strange animal, and I find you quite dull
Here's that chorus again, that can stay, here's the end
What a strange animal we are!
What a strange animal we are!
What a strange animal we are!
What a strange animal we are!
What a strange animal we are!
What a strange animal we are!
What a strange animal we are!
What a strange animal we are!
💖💖💖💖💖
Just Wow!! What an incredible, incredible band! Ron & Russell, you have my utmost respect, Guys... \m/ (;o)
sparks are superb
I'm just binging their catalogue. The vox on this are incredible.
This must be one of the most clever lyrics ever written!!!
A true Masterpiece!
not only the music also the atmosphere is perfect!
Love how Ron lets himself smile
So addicted omg
It's the mix of meoldy and atmosphere that makes this song great. In my opinion this song ist the best soundtrack int this century.
It takes Sparks to beat Sparks. 'Rock, Rock, Rock' and 'Dick Around', especially live, are in the same range. Explosives. 💥✨✨💖💖💖💖💖
I have always loved Sparks.
Always changing, always the same. Miss the start, miss the end.
how do they do it? Completely unique.
All these From the Basement tracks are great. First I've heard of the show, instant fan. Thanks for the post.
Geniale Musiker,begleiten mich das halbe Leben.
Amazing.... to me..... a smart song! Sparks: underrated!
Super !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Brilliant stuff. Thanks for uploading. I'm trying to get Twitter to spread the awareness.
Love Sparks or die die I say listened to tbem since a kid!Still am!
@ChazWolf73. One of the best posts, i have seen on you tube. Nail on head,
Great comment and spot on target. Go and see them live real soon, they are doing a two man show in Europe in a couple of months. Best wishes.
the only band ive liked all my 46 years......
Nice suit. I quite like them, as weird as they come.
Die beste verdammte band in der ganzen gottverdammten welt !!!!
You seem very serious about that 🤣🤣! God-damn-it! 💖
Swedish:
Det bästa förbannade bandet i hela guds förbannade värld!!!
English:
The best damned band in the entire God-damned world!!!
Only so there will be no misunderstandings😂🤣💖😇
c'est trop bon !
Yep, absolutely on the mark with this super comment. Isn't this one wonderful?! I hope you have a great time in Edinburgh.
Great post and twitter as much as you can!!!! Warmest regards.
Great comment on this! Thanks a million
Quel groupe formidable, loin de la musique conventionnelle et formatée. L'art des choeurs et des cassures, les deux frangins sont intarissables de modernité. Pas de fioritures, pas de concession, encore moins de facilité, mais une somme de plaisirs. Plus tard, je serai Sparks pour ne pas être quelconque !
I thought this song was great on the album...this is amazing!
great
Einfach Klasse
The dude on the keyboard is killing it
If I May Be Frank, this is High Art
shruberry farkisberry-frankly, I don't give a damn
***** Fantastic comment! Made me smile so wide... \m/ (:o)
We knew from the start! 😉
Russel has more of a range than Jimmy! I have seen and heard them both, and use to go to Russel's house parties back in the day! Think about this? Ron writes the music in whatever key he wishes, and Russel is stuck singing it that way!
I wouldn't go quite that far, but it is rather super and thank you so much for posting such a lovely comment. Best wishes.
They are older than me as a band, but younger as people! Damn! 😅
tanx from basement/concert channel!
This is my favourite Sparks song but I don't love the album version. I much prefer this live performance, it's an excellent piece of storytelling - I wish they'd release it for purchase!
They really need just 1 mouth and 2 hands to satisfy. I would go and see it again! Enjoy, they are great.
@Sichelschurke Sehr schön gesagt ;-) Well said!
since hearing exotic creatures.. I can stop listening to them
i first saw them live in 74 in Manchester when i was 17
Your welcome, and its true! And I like Summerville!
No, even Jimmy would say that ~he~ sounds like ~Russell~ :)
Hmmmm, nice.
아정말몇년을들어도좋군
MMM? Fantastic comment and I agree ( valley girl accent). TOTALLY!!!!!!!!
whopper! tune
Elbows off the keyboard, Ron. Where are your manners?
He has earned the right to be a dick 😉
:-D
2015-03-11
pure ENGLISH stuff ... I am hungarian, so I'm telling you, You can't deny this folks! :D .. all yours ... :)
Incidentally, they are from the Los Angeles area ...
Lawrence Gowan did a better version.............kidding. I like how Ronald conserves energy for his next flourish. He knows how to write some pretty good songs too. 🤤
He sounds like Jimmy Summerville in this song!