Their 6th album from 1975, digitally remastered with original artwork and photos plus 3 bonus B-sides 'Profile', 'I Wanna Hold Your Hand' & 'England.' Island.
Their 6th album from 1975, digitally remastered with original artwork and photos plus 3 bonus B-sides 'Profile', 'I Wanna Hold Your Hand' & 'England.' Island.
F. M. Moses | Blacklick, Ohio United States | 01/18/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"One question that has probably arised in most Sparks fans' minds is why so many record labels? Though Sparks' "Indiscreet" was the bon voyage to Island records -- was the band removed from the label for not proceeding the sales intended or were the Mael brothers smart enough not to sign a ten year contract to eventually have to conform to a label's agreement? "Indiscreet" is indeed the last of the band's Island years and what a great farewell it is! Following "Propaganda," an album that's hard to beat, "Indiscreet" combines the whimsy humour of Sparks' first four albums and creates the foundation for years to come. Anyone could reverse the tape from 82's "Angst in My Pants" to 75's "Indiscreet" without realizing the time change! As Sparks debut album proved back in 71,' you don't need a great producer to prove the band's talent...though Todd Rundgren became the stepping stone of the band's future, Tony Visconti (T.Rex, David Bowie) only provides good assistance. Sparks are still Sparks, with or without a well-known producer. This is not to dismiss Visconti's valuable services...for he was responsible for the orchestration in "Under the Table With Her" and "It Ain't 1918." Overall, it is notable that the band is induced, not reduced, by its pressures. "Indiscreet" and its dismissal of the band's 2nd line-up is further proof that band was Russell Mael and Ron Mael and those who joined the band were only session members, for, the band played on!"
The End Of An Era
Clark Paull | Murder City | 05/29/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
""Indiscreet" is the last in a series of three albums, beginning with "Kimono My House," that saw Sparks on some kind of creative roll. It's also their last album to feature a full-on rock and roll band for several years, as they slid into a quagmire of pre-programmed electronic disco before returning to form on "Angst In My Pants." This album contains everything Sparks fans have come to love and expect from the Mael brothers: clever lyrics, eccentric arrangements, and, yes, Russell's falsetto. "Hospitality On Parade" begins almost as a string-driven dirge before big power-chording guitar licks burst in and Russell's breathy intro to "Pineapple" is, dare I say, a thing of beauty. A farewell letter of sorts, "Indiscreet" served to tide us Sparks fans over until the Mael brothers exorcised their dance-pop demons."
Mael Brother in fine form
dale caudwell | Comox B.C. Canada | 06/14/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The reason I originally bought the album "Indiscreet" was because of the picture on the back cover. What kind of group would exhibit a bizzarre situation on the front cover and portray the country club image on the flip side. Well, the music is as diverse as the cover. At first I was a little skeptical of the content and tried to like the sound as I listened to it over and over. Something was very intriguing about the album and I began to really enjoy the arrangements.
Ron Mael (keyboards) wrote most the songs which were a dead ringer for brother Rons wavering vocals. Trevor White (guitar), Ian Hampton (bass) and Dinky Diamond (drums) round out the groups talented musicians. These guys are out there with a distinct blend of jazz, rock and classical music woven in their songs. Great tunes include "Happy Hunting Grounds", "Get in the Swing" and "Looks Looks Looks". Each song has great lyrics, all so far fetched that I still think "I've Missed the Start, Missed the End". If you enjoy this sample of Sparks, you will probably take a fancy to Kimono My House, which is just as unique."
One of Sparks best
Poor Napoleon | TX United States | 01/16/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"One of the major book/music stores here in town identified Sparks as "one of those great British bands you've never heard of." To someone unfamiliar with the band, this is a likely observation of the California duo, pumping out records since 1971. If they picked up this album, saw that it was produced by none other than Bowie producer Tony Visonti, and gave it a whirl, they might think Sparks are British too.
Indiscreet is an apt title for Sparks' 6th outing as it is so shamelessly fun and fluid. Though Sparks have proven they can do fine on their own, Visconti helps capture the granduer of the Mael's imaginations. Indiscreet is a fusion of Mael wit, rock opera, swing, and jazz. It also captures the band performing the smart pop they would be producing for another 30 plus years (and continue to do).
The album has the great opener, Hospitality On Parade, which sounds like a hybrid of a broadway opener and a revolution song - 18th century style. Get in the Swing and Looks, Looks, Looks recall an era gone by with jazz/swing inspirations. The latter's lyrics state "looks looks looks, are why you rely on books," perhaps speaking to the geek population who get Sparks' brilliant humor.
Wit like that is abound on this album, notably on the song length pick up line, "How you getting Home?," or the light "T*ts," describing a husbands longing for the days he could gaze at the physical attributes of his wife and realizing how the times have changed. It's one of the wittiest tracks in Sparks reportoire.
This edition also has some interesting bonus tracks, including a cover of the Beatle's I Wanna Hold Your Hand, transformed into a song that could be mistaken as a Bacharach/David number of the day. Here, Sparks show that they are not only master songwriters, but witty interpreters as well. This album is fantastic and worth checking out.