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CD Album

Artist:Sparks
Title:Hippopotamus
Label:  BMG
Country:Europe
Date:8 Sep 2017
Catalogue:538279612
Barcode:4050538279610
Format:CD Album
Collection:  I Own It     I Want It 
Community: 5 Own
Price Guide:$17
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PRICE GUIDE
$17


TrackArtistTitleComposerRating
01SparksProbably NothingRon Mael, Russell MaelRate
02SparksMissionary PositionRon Mael, Russell MaelRate
03SparksEdith Piaf (Said It Better Than Me)Ron Mael, Russell MaelRate
04SparksScandinavian DesignRon Mael, Russell MaelRate
05SparksGiddy GiddyRon Mael, Russell MaelRate
06SparksWhat The Hell Is It This Time?Ron Mael, Russell MaelRate
07SparksUnawareRon Mael, Russell MaelRate
08SparksHippopotamusRon Mael, Russell MaelRate
09SparksBummerRon Mael, Russell MaelRate
10SparksI Wish You Were FunRon Mael, Russell MaelRate
11SparksSo Tell Me Mrs. Lincoln Aside From That How Was The Play?Ron Mael, Russell MaelRate
12SparksWhen You're A French Director (Feat. Leos Carax)Ron Mael, Russell MaelRate
13SparksThe Amazing Mr. RepeatRon Mael, Russell MaelRate
14SparksA Little Bit Like FunRon Mael, Russell MaelRate
15SparksLife With The MacbethsRon Mael, Russell MaelRate


Notes

Produced and arranged by Ron and Russell Mael
Digipak with lyric booklet

Images



Comments and Reviews
 
TheJudge
27th Oct 2017
 Review
The 23rd(?) album by the Mael brothers finds them rejuvenated and operating with supreme confidence in their material.

The quirkiness is there, of course; but it is allied to a strong understanding of such a variety of styles and genres that there is no sense of novelty for novelty's sake here. From the borderline Drum 'n' Bass silliness of Giddy Giddy, via a cheeky tribute to horizontal jogging to the orchestral pop of the title track, there is an assuredness and cohesion about the whole work. And only Ron & Russell could have the lines, "When you're a French director/You're an auteur as well/What does this mean?/Every scene/Must be obscure as hell" sung by an actual French director (their friend and sometime collaborator Leos Carax).

There are so many echoes of other things here: the near-Beatles musical sensibilities of Scandinavian Design (Norwegian Wood Part II?), echoes of the style of early/mid-90s Chumbawamba in So Tell Me Mrs. Lincoln..., plus other influences which someone more au fait with the modern scene than I am would pick up on.

All this is underpinned by superb arrangements and a very solid band behind them.

This is Sparks' strongest album in nearly two decades, and it may be their most consistently strong outing ever. My album of the year!

5 people found this review helpful.   ✔︎ Helpful Review?
 
 
henry29
8th Oct 2017
 Review
When the Lead single "Edith Piaf (Said It Better Than Me)" came through the door I was Hooked. Loved It, The only one played a couple of times that week. They just seem to get better every time they bring out something New. It Is always a long wait but the End product Is well worth It. H.

5 people found this review helpful.   ✔︎ Helpful Review?
 
 
TheJudge
7th Oct 2017
 Just heard all the tracks on YT, and it's absolutely brilliant. Ordered immediately!

Here's the official vid for Missionary Position:



Incidentally, the Japanese issue has a bonus track, You've Earned The Right To Be A Dick.
 

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Tags:  cover art: Hippopotamus,  Manufactured By: Sony DADC
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