All You Ever Think About Is Sparks

Author: Christian Huey

Home of the unofficial podcast devoted to the music of Ron and Russell Mael, written and produced by Christian Huey.
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Language: en

Genres: Music, Music Commentary, Music History

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Episode 51: Pulling Rabbits Out of a Hat part one
Episode 51
Sunday, 4 January, 2026

Welcome to the rise of the machines! Ron and Russell Mael are at a bit of a crossroads with this 1984 LP, and briefly offer the reigns to producer Ian Little (Duran Duran's Seven and the Ragged Tiger, Roxy Music's Avalon), who in turn puts in the driver's seat that omnipresent mid-80s behemoth, the CMI Fairlight. It was the first time computerized, visual, grid-based composing was possible, and reduced the amount of friction between idea to product. Monte Mallin is riding shotgun again, and Mr. Christ-on-a-Bike John Ashdown returns to offer a fresh perspective on one of Sparks' lesser-loved albums.