SPARKS

SteveBoyce · Sub-Deity Joined: 17 Jan 2002 Posts: 799

I'm just wondering if Sparks should make their next album with an outside producer???
I think Mad is a good album but somehow lost an edge or something??
I see also Mad has had 10000 or so sales in Week 1, but then basically, that was it. Though maybe the tour will build up a bit more.
Transgressive did a great job but I feel Sparks kind of hit a ceiling in terms of awareness.
Maybe working with another producer, OK a "name" costs loads of money and often these people are just there for the cash basically, but if they got the right person it could both challenge them and bring some more awareness???

deadcalm · Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2025 9:50 am Post subject:

Worth considering. A 3rd pair of ears that has a bit of a track record working on top selling albums. Someone like William Orbit or Greg Kurstin . I guess it still needs that great idea to flesh out at the end of the day.

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Spyke · Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2025 2:06 pm Post subject:

I realise it's not the same role as a producer, but their work with film directors recently has brought a different dimension to their work.
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"but we can hear what others can't hear..."

Brightonian · Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2025 3:54 pm Post subject:

I wouldn't agree that Mad! has lost an edge ... if anything, Sparks are better than ever as producers of their music (with this album and TGICIHL).

Having said that, I do think a well-chosen other producer (or even two) on the next release - to change things up a bit - could result in some interesting, different sonic variations and possibly even spur a new era/direction. (The last four albums can essentially be categorised as 'forward-looking consolidation' ... but should the next album still be about consolidation at all?).

Producers, of course, make no direct difference to sales; rather, it's about the extra potential for a buzz to then occur that can elevate a band further in the public mind. Sparks still have the potential to progress further, with or without an external producer. They'll always be niche - the last thing we need is someone coming in and attempting to commercialise them and ruining what makes them so special. But if an outside producer helps them to move forward in a way that is, for them, fun and a spur to further creativity and innovation ... I'm up all for that!