This song has been playing in my head nonstop for the last 5 days. This is not the first time the Maels have taken my mind prisoner. Has anyone else had this experience?
Really one person? Here I was hoping they had as much fun as this looked. And then you tell me this was basically a one-woman-show? This is Terry Gilliam+. How do these people find one another? Is there some sort of genius exchange I always was to mediocre to be invited to? The Brothers Mael have a knack to find these people and make them shine on their own merit.
Todd really shows his musical chameleon skills here. His additions are perfect, and his humor fits perfectly with Sparks. Hope they decide to do an LP's worth of tunes.
Bought my first Sparks album (INDISCREET) and first Todd Rundgren album (HERMIT OF MINK HOLLOW) right around the same time in 1978, and I've never stopped buying either artist's records since then. Two of the best. It's nice to have both working together again.
Disproves all theories about creative peaks. Raises questions about Mind. Where does it come from. What is gravity, I mean, really, we know what it does, but we don't know what it IS. Or electricity. We know it Sparks. (@ 3:20 the Spanish flavor, the chorus, the operatic swell. Holy fucking shit.)
Sparks has only been in my life for -- almost 50 years? Once went to a Todd Rundgren concert and he slapped my hand while leaving the stage. Great artist! Saw him solo and with Utopia.
Iyhjnk j becdme aware of uodd yhnfgren rhrn i eas jn 2nd or 3rd yesr of sdcjndsty dchool kne if mg bedt ftirnds ljved hjm, xnd j bortoeed uyopua dnoyher ljve ftkm hrr, of vourse eere hojng bsck euite dkme yume, jm 59now,dnd dyill likr yodd, he us a ruzzard! Grest lytjcudt as erll as guitstust hes grest, snd s ftidnd of dsvjd bieie uoo, mt true hero! Yidd cdn out s fufferent look st rverythjng, grest djng dljngs, jydt jnd vjcyory, sll yhr chkldren djng, rtc lhvvjmlhvvjm! Cxx
@@carolerutledge4290 The funny thing is, I understand what you are typing! Just a case of misplaced fingers. Todd is indeed a Ruzzard and a True Star. He gave Sparks their start!
@@carolerutledge4290 I think I became aware of Todd Rundgren when I was in 2nd or 3rd year of secondary school One of my best friends loved him, and I borrowed Utopia (?) live from her, of course (?) hoping back (to her?) some time, I'm 58 now, and still like Todd, he is a Wizzard! Great lyricist as well as guitarist He's great, and a friend of David Bowie(?) too, my true hero! Todd can put a different look at everything, great sing (slings?), (?) and victory, all the children sing, (???)! Carole
Oh wow, this is epic! It’s classic Sparks - not like anything you’ve heard before and yet the invention, the playfulness, the brio, the sheer craftsmanship makes it identifiable at once. And it looks amazing. HOW can these guys still be so good after all this time?
I finally figured out what this song is about. It is about how wonderful womanhood is and about the rhythm of life. Women are awesome and this song celebrates it. Cool stuff.
Sparks don't stay still for a second and never do anything twice, but it's great to see them back with Todd - A Wizard, a tru star - Rundgren after 50 years. And they're still flipping epic! And fun.
There are so many Sparks fans that would make for great collaborations. I'd love to see them do something with Morrisey. Also Siouxsie Sioux, I'd love to hear the vocal interplay between her and Russell.
@@NoxiousRob I SERIOUSLY doubt it will be some sort of collaboration Sparks - Morrissey, as the situation turned a little tense around Morrissey, on a matter that is of importance to the Mael brothers. And to ME it seems like Ron and Russell have been flattered but also amused by Morrissey, and have had a smile or two on his behalf. After Morrissey expressed himself somewhat surprisingly, in a negative way, which he, TO MY KNOWLEDGE, hasn't given a really good explanation to. I assume the Maels expect that before they consider meeting him as friends again. I don't believe in a collaboration. The rest is my speculations about a fact (that Morrissey expressed himself in a neither smart nor politically correct way) and its consequences.
I've been a lifelong Sparks fan - when I first heard this I thought 'I don't rate this very much' then spent the day humming the bloody thing. Sparks do that to you.. you might think you don't like it - but subconsciously you do. Its an ear worm that gets into your brain. That's what I love about them. (Forgive me for doubting you Ron & Russ. X)
Sparks & Rundgren would be crazy not to collaborate on a full album after this pop masterpiece. Seriously, while it sadly will never be recognized as such, this is one of the most epic, infectious pop songs I have ever heard.
@@chrisparker8013 So you think because Rundgren signed them and produced them as Half Nelson 50 years ago they shouldn't team up again only in more than musically collaborative way like on this track??? OK
Sherri, no lie I have probably played this video over 100 times in the last five days. The second it finishes I hit that repeat button, and it has been YEARS since a new song has done this to me.
Two pioneering artists (Todd & Sparks) that do what they want when they want with no regard to the commercial prospects. Awesome! Two amazing artists! More, more more!
I 100 % agree with you! Russell and Ron two otherworldly, true, genuine, sincere, passionate, humanity, warmhearted MUSICIANS! they are for me a IRREPLACEABLE GIFT! ! They haved my life in so many positive ways changed! ! Thanks russell and Ron for your unforgettable lifetime treasure filled with a lot of wonderful, extraordinary songs! ! Take care!
Todd fan, glad you found this. Was attempting to tell you about this collab, but here you are. ;) Sparks album from '72 had Mr. Todd produce it. Of course it's wonderful. Shame that Todd Rundgren didn't make it into R&R Hall of Fame, again, this year.
@@toddfan3263 thanks for news of new Todd record. Have you listened to Todd's cover of T. Rex's "Planet Queen" on "AngelHeaded Hipster"? Prob my fav release this yr. Lot's of talented performers on it.
I am highly impressed that not only is this brilliant, but also that pretty much every single second of this video is yet more wonderfully bizarre than the one before
@@gaskellr44 Nope. Maybe in spirit. Every thing you saw was done by Liisa Vääriskoski. Dance, direction, costumes, writing, hair, especially the Gilliamesque, everything. This must have been multiple hundreds of hours of her time and yet it has a levity and playfulness which can only be intentional. And in this one she is remarkable tame. She may be accused of many things but boring is not among those. You absolutely should check her out. At times it is hard to tell her work from a high effort shitpost.
@@bjorn-falkoandreas9472 Cheers, yes I did some further research on it and, as you say, she was heavily involved in all of it, of course, T R and The Mael bros would have had the final say on how it was to be incorporated. Like the Brit guy who did the video for Sparks' Existential threat, I will def have to check out more of his art out as well, but I will from your recommendation check L V other art out too, as it sounds very interesting.
@@gaskellr44 Of course the Brothers Mael will have had oversight. Remember when they organized an album of other artists covering them and they weren't happy with the result and decided to do it themselves?
Unfortunately, so does slagdonna who's STILL here being as pointless and nauseatingly ugly as ever, and they should know as they did a song about the old skank's habits.
The new owners of the renovated Bearsville Theatre here near Woodstock have the Bearsville albums up on their wall of fame! This is monumental in all senses of the word and Sparks are brilliant at using all senses of words. Collaborations do work! Looking forward to it. Cheers.
Was going to send the link to Tom, but I guess he must have seen it. Great video and classic Sparks, oh and Todd’s contribution isn’t too shabby either.
Brilliant collaboration of old-school musicians and forward-looking multi-media artist. If MTV still played music, this would be in heavy rotation. Please, can we have some more?
Shows that they stayed friends for over 50 years as we may not have heard of Sparks if he had not produced their eponymously named 1st album (Halfnelson) and hence help set them on their way. Always an interesting song with them...who needs lyrics.
Sparks have been more or less inhabiting this particular lunatic world for their entire career, whereas Todd has only made occasional forays (the musical "Up Against It" - especially "The Smell of Money" - but above all "The Lord Chancellor's Nightmare Song" from "Todd", 1974. In any case it is indeed wonderful to see the two forces collaborating again, in extremis, in these latter days.
In the early 80s I bought a Roland Juno 106 because of you and your brother. It's amazing to find you a lifetime later still making music. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you! Alarm/reminder set 😁😍! Like Lady Vampiria here, I was thinking of this recording just yesterday when I looked at the lyrics of 'Simple Ballet ('Halfnelson' / 'Sparks') where PARTS of the lyrics, torn out of its context, can be very fitting to a release or premiere of music or a movie. Todd Rundgren was the producer to this album, the one person who saw what we nowadays know; These guys, Ron and Russell Mael, Sparks, are something special, something that the world should know about! It's so great that you did this together, can't wait to hear it! Ron and Russell! I love you both 💖💖 Todd! Thank you!! 💖
Wow, they've done it again, surpassed expectations and done the impossible. Sparks and Todd reunited after almost 50 years and sounding totally over the top, effortlessly more interesting than 99% of other bands! Love this track.
Hi. I wanted you to know that your comment started me on a deep-dive love affair with Sparks 3 years ago. This video came up on my phone and your comment made me go wow - as ABBA had just got back together after 40 years I thought that was the longest time between musical collaborations. But apparently Todd and Sparks had 50 years between! Which absolutely blew my mind and piqued my interest. So I immediately went to their first song, Wondergirl, then googled their biggest hit This Town Ain't Big Enough. I then watch the documentary. The next day I started at album 1, track 1, and spent 6 months discovering their epic catalogue. Before I was even finished they became my favourite band ever. And I got to see them live last year in concert! So THANK YOU! Your friend in Sparks.
Flowers are the beautiful words and metaphors she uses to show us how much she loves us! You show your Fans how much you love them by being who you are and lovingly giving them both their hearts and their souls for more than 50 years now with diverse, fantastic and lively music. Thank you Russell and Ron for your unending loyalty, affection, humanity and love that is reflected in each and every one of your songs! ! Take care guys stay Healthy I will always love you! !
Wow that's amazing! I especially love the different fantastic changing images from the rainbow to the beautiful big flowers. A real sureale wonderful fantasy journey with Spanish flair ( Castaniettenklaenge ). This song once again shows her genius and her incredibly sensitive feeling for music! Different vivid impressions in one song. It is simply indescribably beautiful to hear and see every time what russell and Ron can tickle out of a song. Bravo Hurray you two todd also !! I love it when you let your imagination run wild! !
That was about my thoughts too! At 1:29 and some later it really sounds like he was back again. There are a couple of connections between Sparks and Klaus Nomi, perhaps between Todd and him as well, as Todd were a lot in New York at that time. Check my comment I made around 20 before your! (I'M NOT sarcastic here!!! 😍💖💖💖!)
Hello It's Todd, Ron and Russel, Hoping This Song Will Be Big Enough For The Three of them, making this The Number One Song In Heaven! Then Everyone Will See The Light of what 50 years of great music by great musicians can do for all of us!
This is absolutely mind boggling . I have no doubt in my mind that they can do absolutely anything and pretty much HAVE . I’ve been a fan since A Woofer In Tweeters Clothing and my ultimate dream is to come across them in LA . I would bow down at their feet and thank them . ❤
At 1:29 I think it sounds like Klaus Nomi had been here again for 15 seconds 😂!! This is a song to listen to MANY times before one can find out everything in it, there's so much going on with all different sounds! 😁 💖 💖 💖 💖 💖 💖 💖
@@jerseyspunk He certainly had!! It had been interesting to listen to a collaboration Sparks (Ron and Russell) and Nomi in the late seventies. Two very different voices, both able to reach the skies, and if Ron had free reins to make what crazy music he liked... I think that could have been very special! They must have known about eachother, Nomi's "musical director" Kristian Hoffman came from around LA somewhere. Russell has (much later, 2003? 🤔) worked with him, a song 'Devil May Care', for an album, Hoffman's, which name I don't remember now. Ann Magnusson was one of the leading souls in the New York musically creative Vaudeville New Wave world back then. She played Greta Garbo in the Los Angeles Film Festival stage production of 'The Seduction of Ingmar Bergman' 2011. So there are connections. I don't say that they KNEW eachother, but most likely knew OF.
I would pay large $$ just to hear studio discussions/arguments! 'I'm in charge....no I'M!! in charge!!! I'm Todd Rundgren...oh ya...welll We are SPARKS!!!!!!!
Recently watched the Sparks documentary and I am reacquainting myself with their music. Extraordinary. I have had Hippopotamus running in my head nonstop and now fandango 😂
Massive shout out to Liisa Vääriskoski, the star of this video in many, many more ways than one
This song has been playing in my head nonstop for the last 5 days. This is not the first time the Maels have taken my mind prisoner. Has anyone else had this experience?
MANY TIMES!! 😁
Ironically one is '(Baby Baby) can I Invade Your Country?' 😆
Many times: a sort of Stockholm sindrome!
A different Sparks song almost every day!
Lawnmower did that to me. 😆
It is rather fandango isn't it?
Rundgren's production skills remain unmatched.
Outstanding work by Liisa Vääriskoski! Screenplay, director, cinematography, editing, animation, and actor.
Talented and beautiful lady! Where can I see more of her work?
really, the best part of this gem
Really one person? Here I was hoping they had as much fun as this looked. And then you tell me this was basically a one-woman-show? This is Terry Gilliam+. How do these people find one another? Is there some sort of genius exchange I always was to mediocre to be invited to? The Brothers Mael have a knack to find these people and make them shine on their own merit.
Todd really shows his musical chameleon skills here. His additions are perfect, and his humor fits perfectly with Sparks. Hope they decide to do an LP's worth of tunes.
I see what you did there 😄
@@liammcel61Dammit you beat me to it!
an LP's worth of tunes ... I see what you did there 😉
Yes, and mind you, it was due to Todd R himself that Halfnelson/Sparks ever existed!
Is there no end to these guys talent. Ron and Russell do it again, again and again. Flipping brilliant!!
ya...ut's a good one !
Todd never ceases to amaze me after 50 years. This is a really good album!
My favourite moment of 2021 so far, hearing this song for the first time 👍
I'm 55 years old. Sparks have been there virtually all my life and get better and better.
Bought my first Sparks album (INDISCREET) and first Todd Rundgren album (HERMIT OF MINK HOLLOW) right around the same time in 1978, and I've never stopped buying either artist's records since then. Two of the best. It's nice to have both working together again.
Those were two of the best from both of them.
I think their careers of musical exploration have been interesting
Disproves all theories about creative peaks. Raises questions about Mind. Where does it come from. What is gravity, I mean, really, we know what it does, but we don't know what it IS. Or electricity. We know it Sparks. (@ 3:20 the Spanish flavor, the chorus, the operatic swell. Holy fucking shit.)
You don't only watch this. You are IN this 🖤
Sparks has only been in my life for -- almost 50 years? Once went to a Todd Rundgren concert and he slapped my hand while leaving the stage. Great artist! Saw him solo and with Utopia.
Iyhjnk j becdme aware of uodd yhnfgren rhrn i eas jn 2nd or 3rd yesr of sdcjndsty dchool kne if mg bedt ftirnds ljved hjm, xnd j bortoeed uyopua dnoyher ljve ftkm hrr, of vourse eere hojng bsck euite dkme yume, jm 59now,dnd dyill likr yodd, he us a ruzzard! Grest lytjcudt as erll as guitstust hes grest, snd s ftidnd of dsvjd bieie uoo, mt true hero! Yidd cdn out s fufferent look st rverythjng, grest djng dljngs, jydt jnd vjcyory, sll yhr chkldren djng, rtc lhvvjmlhvvjm! Cxx
@@carolerutledge4290 The funny thing is, I understand what you are typing! Just a case of misplaced fingers. Todd is indeed a Ruzzard and a True Star. He gave Sparks their start!
@@carolerutledge4290 I think I became aware of Todd Rundgren when I was in 2nd or 3rd year of secondary school One of my best friends loved him, and I borrowed Utopia (?) live from her, of course (?) hoping back (to her?) some time, I'm 58 now, and still like Todd, he is a Wizzard! Great lyricist as well as guitarist He's great, and a friend of David Bowie(?) too, my true hero! Todd can put a different look at everything, great sing (slings?), (?) and victory, all the children sing, (???)! Carole
@@edwardthorne9875 That was very nice of you! 😁
@@kittymetal186 Must have learned something from years of crossword puzzles! Be Well.
Oh wow, this is epic! It’s classic Sparks - not like anything you’ve heard before and yet the invention, the playfulness, the brio, the sheer craftsmanship makes it identifiable at once. And it looks amazing. HOW can these guys still be so good after all this time?
And... Ron’s dressed as a Scotsman! Gaun yersel’ Big Ron.
Hanging with Todd never hurt anyone.
Where are you guys seeing this documentary? Theater only or on cable? Can't wat to see it. Can't find it yet.?!
Well said, Grace!
Perhaps even better than ever - Ron is 75 and Russell is 72. Unbelievably creative.
When I wake up with this song stuck in my head...singing “my fandango my fandango” unlike a fever dream ... I know it’s gonna be a good day
I finally figured out what this song is about. It is about how wonderful womanhood is and about the rhythm of life.
Women are awesome and this song celebrates it. Cool stuff.
Sparks still killing it over 50 years later
Sparks don't stay still for a second and never do anything twice, but it's great to see them back with Todd - A Wizard, a tru star - Rundgren after 50 years. And they're still flipping epic! And fun.
I want every musician I love to collaborate at least once with Sparks and once with Todd, so this is absolute perfection.
There are so many Sparks fans that would make for great collaborations. I'd love to see them do something with Morrisey. Also Siouxsie Sioux, I'd love to hear the vocal interplay between her and Russell.
@@NoxiousRob A collaboration between Sparks and Siouxsie Sioux would be fantastic.
@@NoxiousRob I SERIOUSLY doubt it will be some sort of collaboration Sparks - Morrissey, as the situation turned a little tense around Morrissey, on a matter that is of importance to the Mael brothers.
And to ME it seems like Ron and Russell have been flattered but also amused by Morrissey, and have had a smile or two on his behalf.
After Morrissey expressed himself somewhat surprisingly, in a negative way, which he, TO MY KNOWLEDGE, hasn't given a really good explanation to. I assume the Maels expect that before they consider meeting him as friends again.
I don't believe in a collaboration.
The rest is my speculations about a fact (that Morrissey expressed himself in a neither smart nor politically correct way) and its consequences.
Now wouldn’t a Todd Rundgren x Slipknot collab be interesting
I'm just happy they did an album with Franz Ferdinand, because it turned out so good XD
I've been a lifelong Sparks fan - when I first heard this I thought 'I don't rate this very much' then spent the day humming the bloody thing. Sparks do that to you.. you might think you don't like it - but subconsciously you do. Its an ear worm that gets into your brain. That's what I love about them. (Forgive me for doubting you Ron & Russ. X)
I love the video. Shades of Méliès' Voyage dans la lune - total fantasy. Great inventive enjoyable music.
最近スパークスの音楽が精神安定剤のようになっている…
日本人で見てる人いないかな
Sparks & Rundgren would be crazy not to collaborate on a full album after this pop masterpiece. Seriously, while it sadly will never be recognized as such, this is one of the most epic, infectious pop songs I have ever heard.
Most epic songs aren't cos only general crappy ones are.
@@kyachdistent1301 So this one bucked the trend as did many songs on their FFS album collaboration with Franz Ferdinand.
Only 50 years late with that idea
Agreed ... aren't we lucky to be in the know about this great piece of pop art? ♥
@@chrisparker8013 So you think because Rundgren signed them and produced them as Half Nelson 50 years ago they shouldn't team up again only in more than musically collaborative way like on this track??? OK
Every 50 years Todd and Sparks work together. 😁
😂😂
Exactly what I was thinking
Can't wait for the next one! ;-)
50th Like.
@@AliceCochrane You should win a prize for that! :D
Screenplay, Directing, Cinematography, Editing, Animation, Acting: LIISA VÄÄRISKOSKI // Suomi Finland! 10/10
What a hero! Incredible...
In Todd we trust, he really causes Sparks to fly 😜
You are absolutely right. If only we could convince them to do a whole album together!
@@toddfan3263 that would just cause the universe to explode in a gas giant of awesomeness
@@jeanmichellelaurent It really would!
Anyone else playing this on repeat? Love it!
Yes! Can’t stop!!!!
Sherri, no lie I have probably played this video over 100 times in the last five days. The second it finishes I hit that repeat button, and it has been YEARS since a new song has done this to me.
Fun to listen to repeatedly while reading everyone’s comments!
Two pioneering artists (Todd & Sparks) that do what they want when they want with no regard to the commercial prospects. Awesome! Two amazing artists! More, more more!
I 100 % agree with you! Russell and Ron two otherworldly, true, genuine, sincere, passionate, humanity, warmhearted MUSICIANS! they are for me a IRREPLACEABLE GIFT! ! They haved my life in so many positive ways changed! ! Thanks russell and Ron for your unforgettable lifetime treasure filled with a lot of wonderful, extraordinary songs! ! Take care!
@@babettewitt3978 And Todd Rundgren is from the same mold! They are a perfect match. Imagine the result if they were to do a full album together!
Todd fan, glad you found this. Was attempting to tell you about this collab, but here you are. ;) Sparks album from '72 had Mr. Todd produce it. Of course it's wonderful.
Shame that Todd Rundgren didn't make it into R&R Hall of Fame, again, this year.
@@shepmathe Thanks. Constantly searching for anything Todd! I'm a big Sparks fan as well. Can't wait for his new album Space Force is released!
@@toddfan3263 thanks for news of new Todd record. Have you listened to Todd's cover of T. Rex's "Planet Queen" on "AngelHeaded Hipster"?
Prob my fav release this yr. Lot's of talented performers on it.
I can't be the only one whose brain almost EXPLODED upon hearing that Sparks and Todd Rundgren were collaborating.
Again!
Who's Todd?
@@henrikcarlsen1881 Who's Henrik?
I feel the same way Garrett. 3 of my all time favorite.
@@henrikcarlsen1881 Todd rundgren, you should listen to the album a wizard a true star it's really good ! I love him a lot
I am highly impressed that not only is this brilliant, but also that pretty much every single second of this video is yet more wonderfully bizarre than the one before
BRILLIANT!!!!!!!!!
This Looks spectacular on a large screen! Charming and inspirational. Sparks is Brilliant. Orchestras should be playing Sparks!
Positively Gilliamesque... It's good to see Sparks still so fresh and creative after all these years.
I thought that too, wonder if he was involved at some level?
@@gaskellr44 Nope. Maybe in spirit. Every thing you saw was done by Liisa Vääriskoski. Dance, direction, costumes, writing, hair, especially the Gilliamesque, everything. This must have been multiple hundreds of hours of her time and yet it has a levity and playfulness which can only be intentional. And in this one she is remarkable tame. She may be accused of many things but boring is not among those. You absolutely should check her out. At times it is hard to tell her work from a high effort shitpost.
@@bjorn-falkoandreas9472 Cheers, yes I did some further research on it and, as you say, she was heavily involved in all of it, of course, T R and The Mael bros would have had the final say on how it was to be incorporated. Like the Brit guy who did the video for Sparks' Existential threat, I will def have to check out more of his art out as well, but I will from your recommendation check L V other art out too, as it sounds very interesting.
@@gaskellr44 Of course the Brothers Mael will have had oversight. Remember when they organized an album of other artists covering them and they weren't happy with the result and decided to do it themselves?
The Mael brothers are some of the best proof around that time is an illusion.
Unfortunately, so does slagdonna who's STILL here being as pointless and nauseatingly ugly as ever, and they should know as they did a song about the old skank's habits.
Sparks kicks ass and they still do it
Creativ,cool,radio-compatible, timeless....what a great track.
The new owners of the renovated Bearsville Theatre here near Woodstock have the Bearsville albums up on their wall of fame! This is monumental in all senses of the word and Sparks are brilliant at using all senses of words. Collaborations do work! Looking forward to it. Cheers.
Was going to send the link to Tom, but I guess he must have seen it. Great video and classic Sparks, oh and Todd’s contribution isn’t too shabby either.
Well I've come back to this. It now seems like a beautiful set-up, both music and video, for when everything really kicks off at around 3'10.
This has to win video of the year hands down!
Brilliant collaboration of old-school musicians and forward-looking multi-media artist. If MTV still played music, this would be in heavy rotation.
Please, can we have some more?
Perfectly captures the can-do spirit of the first Spanish settlement on Mars in 2086.
Todd and Sparks together-AWESOME-huge fan of both since the '70's-great work,guys,love it.
These guys are in their 70's .....Kids! let this be a lesson to you....You can't do this stuff with your face in your phone. The video is spectacular.
Great Visuals & Good Catchy Song too. Good to hear them together again.
I love this, parts of the video made me think of Monty Python. I'll definitely be watching/listening again ☺
Annie Lennox baby !
@@kevinmcgiffin10 Everybody likes it.
Musically - This is just SO Todd. This is just SO Ron & Russell. It’s candy!
The Red Shoes without the shoes! Fandangoes herself to death! Awesome, baroque, mesmerizing, bizarre. A great collaboration!!
Well that is rather wonderful.
Shows that they stayed friends for over 50 years as we may not have heard of Sparks if he had not produced their eponymously named 1st album (Halfnelson) and hence help set them on their way. Always an interesting song with them...who needs lyrics.
Sparks have been more or less inhabiting this particular lunatic world for their entire career, whereas Todd has only made occasional forays (the musical "Up Against It" - especially "The Smell of Money" - but above all "The Lord Chancellor's Nightmare Song" from "Todd", 1974. In any case it is indeed wonderful to see the two forces collaborating again, in extremis, in these latter days.
This is gonna be freaking epic can’t wait
🎶✨🤩✨🎶
In the early 80s I bought a Roland Juno 106 because of you and your brother. It's amazing to find you a lifetime later still making music. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you! Alarm/reminder set 😁😍!
Like Lady Vampiria here, I was thinking of this recording just yesterday when I looked at the lyrics of 'Simple Ballet ('Halfnelson' / 'Sparks') where PARTS of the lyrics, torn out of its context, can be very fitting to a release or premiere of music or a movie.
Todd Rundgren was the producer to this album, the one person who saw what we nowadays know; These guys, Ron and Russell Mael, Sparks, are something special, something that the world should know about!
It's so great that you did this together, can't wait to hear it!
Ron and Russell! I love you both 💖💖
Todd! Thank you!! 💖
Wow, they've done it again, surpassed expectations and done the impossible. Sparks and Todd reunited after almost 50 years and sounding totally over the top, effortlessly more interesting than 99% of other bands! Love this track.
Hi. I wanted you to know that your comment started me on a deep-dive love affair with Sparks 3 years ago. This video came up on my phone and your comment made me go wow - as ABBA had just got back together after 40 years I thought that was the longest time between musical collaborations. But apparently Todd and Sparks had 50 years between! Which absolutely blew my mind and piqued my interest. So I immediately went to their first song, Wondergirl, then googled their biggest hit This Town Ain't Big Enough. I then watch the documentary. The next day I started at album 1, track 1, and spent 6 months discovering their epic catalogue. Before I was even finished they became my favourite band ever. And I got to see them live last year in concert! So THANK YOU!
Your friend in Sparks.
Beautifully bonkers. Excellently extravagant!!
Superb!
What a great, odd happy tune. And swell, quirky engaging video.
Had me smiling throughout 😊
Thank you Mael bros and Rundgren
great as always....sparks are not for all ....well, for most of us....otherwise what a wonderful world it would be...
Todd is Godd, he is just amazing...
Todd is underrated as hell Wizard True star is one of the best albums of all time
It is impossible for me to love this more. My heart is going to explode.
Sparks mad bastards. Love you geniuses❤
Flowers are the beautiful words and metaphors she uses to show us how much she loves us! You show your Fans how much you love them by being who you are and lovingly giving them both their hearts and their souls for more than 50 years now with diverse, fantastic and lively music. Thank you Russell and Ron for your unending loyalty, affection, humanity and love that is reflected in each and every one of your songs! ! Take care guys stay Healthy I will always love you! !
AWESOME !! FRESH WITH A TIMELESS CLASSIC FEEL !
Two of my all time favourite artists!
Brilliantly bonkers, genius. I want dreams like this (sometimes).
Amazing! It's like the 25th Century suddenly discover Gilbert and Sullivan.
Loving this song, just when you think it can't get any better, the Flamenco guitar solo bursts in - superb!
How is it possible for a band that's been around for over fifty years to sound this inspired? I feel like this violates some law of physics.
They also don't look like they've aged a day,
Dated and sparks don't go in the same sentence
Agreed. They're putting out some of the best music of their career and it's been 50 years of music. I love Todd too, but Sparks are blowing my mind.
cuz they never got too big so they didn't get spoiled
@Richard Gleaves if that means he's gonna be around forever then I am very happy with this state of affairs
Of course it does, that's why so few did.
A brilliant masterpiece . prairie prince played a tour with Todd , he looked happy at a autograph session with tubes
I'm speechless ! Wow
"Collaborations don't Work" but can Sparks come full circle and recover the magic of '71?
Well......its rather Lawnmower-y. In the chugging, mechanical sense. Sparks falling in love with themselves, Again.
It would be nice, but....
Thank God it’s not Xmas.
A fun time was had by all.
Wow that's amazing! I especially love the different fantastic changing images from the rainbow to the beautiful big flowers.
A real sureale wonderful fantasy journey with Spanish flair ( Castaniettenklaenge ). This song once again shows her genius and her incredibly sensitive feeling for music! Different vivid impressions in one song. It is simply indescribably beautiful to hear and see every time what russell and Ron can tickle out of a song.
Bravo Hurray you two todd also !! I love it when you let your imagination run wild! !
After more than 50 years TR never ceases to amaze me. This song has been stuck in my head since I first heard it and will be for a while !!!
In any normal pop era this slice of wit and good nature would be a massive hit......
We've never lived in one, the likes of slagdonna, c/rap, S/A/W and the 90s and all that followed proved that!
"The Runt" and sparks need to make more songs together.
I love absolutely everything about this! 😍 🥰 ♥️
The song and video are like a dream Klaus Nomi might've had.
That was about my thoughts too! At 1:29 and some later it really sounds like he was back again.
There are a couple of connections between Sparks and Klaus Nomi, perhaps between Todd and him as well, as Todd were a lot in New York at that time.
Check my comment I made around 20 before your!
(I'M NOT sarcastic here!!! 😍💖💖💖!)
Yeah
So true!
That's Todd Rundgren singing that part.
a female Klaus Nomi...lmao
Well done you mad lads....we’ll done.
Hello It's Todd, Ron and Russel, Hoping This Song Will Be Big Enough For The Three of them, making this The Number One Song In Heaven! Then Everyone Will See The Light of what 50 years of great music by great musicians can do for all of us!
fitzpatrick mtv, i can say you are amazing !!!
@@gelubatir9794 Thank You !
best Sparks music video from 2021!!
This is absolutely mind boggling . I have no doubt in my mind that they can do absolutely anything and pretty much HAVE . I’ve been a fan since A Woofer In Tweeters Clothing and my ultimate dream is to come across them in LA . I would bow down at their feet and thank them . ❤
Why not since the first album ? I do prefer it over the second one.
Absolutely bonkers, l love it
At 1:29 I think it sounds like Klaus Nomi had been here again for 15 seconds 😂!!
This is a song to listen to MANY times before one can find out everything in it, there's so much going on with all different sounds! 😁 💖 💖 💖 💖 💖 💖 💖
That part is definitely Nomi-istic. If he was still with us he'd have loved showing us his Fandango!
@@jerseyspunk He certainly had!!
It had been interesting to listen to a collaboration Sparks (Ron and Russell) and Nomi in the late seventies. Two very different voices, both able to reach the skies, and if Ron had free reins to make what crazy music he liked... I think that could have been very special!
They must have known about eachother, Nomi's "musical director" Kristian Hoffman came from around LA somewhere. Russell has (much later, 2003? 🤔) worked with him, a song 'Devil May Care', for an album, Hoffman's, which name I don't remember now.
Ann Magnusson was one of the leading souls in the New York musically creative Vaudeville New Wave world back then. She played Greta Garbo in the Los Angeles Film Festival stage production of 'The Seduction of Ingmar Bergman' 2011.
So there are connections.
I don't say that they KNEW eachother, but most likely knew OF.
Love this! Care to dance?
@@johnnylikessparks48 From the waltz to the Fandango! 😁 Here we go!!
After ransacked Internet I think the name of Kristian Hoffman's album was simply '&', AND, I forgot that, produced by no-one less than EARLE MANKEY!
Amazing 💗 Sparks! 👏 👏
It's so fantastic. I can't stop listening.
Delicious! Do this again in another 50 years!
Love Sparks and Todd Rundgren
they really r good.. really.
I would pay large $$ just to hear studio discussions/arguments! 'I'm in charge....no I'M!! in charge!!! I'm Todd Rundgren...oh ya...welll We are SPARKS!!!!!!!
I need a whole album of this stuff.
Check Lil'Beethoven by Sparks. Must be the closest album to this out there.
Well it'll likely be a "Li'l Beethoven" mark 2 then.
Another one of those fantastic earworms I can not live without! Typical Sparks song, I love it, magic!!!
I love these guys.
This is almost perfect
Without hearing anything, I know that I already love. Because it's THEM, damn it!
Utterly mad, utterly brilliant, utterly Sparks
This is fantastic! I'm loving the video too - very cool indeed.
*Literally bows down to the new gods of music*
Encore!
Quite possibly, the song of the year that very few people will ever hear. Let people know of this brilliance!
Now song of the last two years, a compelling and awesome song and video.
Recently watched the Sparks documentary and I am reacquainting myself with their music. Extraordinary. I have had Hippopotamus running in my head nonstop and now fandango 😂