SPARKS

dinky · Sparkologist Joined: 26 Jul 2003 Posts: 706

Any more reviews found ?

http://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/dec/21/sparks-review-barbican-london

Aled · Power Groupie Joined: 15 Jul 2007 Posts: 432 Location: UK

Wow! This show was beyond my expectations (that were extremely high to begin with!).

Perhaps the most wonderful thing about Sparks is their ability to present their music in so many ways, whether it's as a rock band, an electro group, Two Hands One Mouth, or with an orchestra.

Firstly I have to give my utmost praise to the phenomenal Heritage Orchestra, who were the perfect orchestra to bring Sparks' music to life in this format. They approached the material with the power of a rock band and an incredible level of skill - I was in awe of them all. It was a treat to see the clear joy the orchestra members got from performing Sparks' music, and the mutual admiration between Sparks and the HO was clear from the moment they walked on stage.

As for Sparks themselves - they are truly magnificent. Their passion for music is constantly inspiring, and their ability to be innovative is astounding. Russell's voice is SUBLIME.

What a setlist - the second set had a perfect selection of songs to be heard with an orchestra - Dick Around was intense! And Let The Monkey Drive is now firmly one of my favourite Sparks songs.

The show was so good that post-gig blues set in almost immediately - like other have said, I hope to see these orchestrated arrangements released some day. It would be a shame for these incredible renditions to only live in my memory - but I'm incredibly glad I was there to witness such a special moment.

Very excited for the Sparks/Franz collaboration in 2015, and hopefully a Sparks/Franz show as Ron hinted this week - yet another completely different and exciting live experience!

Conn · Posted: Sun Dec 21, 2014 10:59 pm Post subject:

WOW! What a weekend! Sparks have been long overdue an Orchestra gig.

The Arrangements were superb on Kimono, Equator also being my favorite. Opening the 2nd half with Rhythm Thief...it sent shivers down my spine; it took me back to the first time I ever heard it in when I listened to Lil Beethoven (my first Sparks album)

Ron on a grand piano...always wanted to see that! What great showmen!

I met Alex from Franz Ferdinand both nights, we both agreed that Russell's vocals were stronger and the performance was tighter on the Saturday. He also told me a bit about the collaboration.

Cant' wait for 2015! :)
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MrMonte · Power Groupie Joined: 16 Nov 2006 Posts: 416

Billy Stevens · Posted: Mon Dec 22, 2014 8:08 am Post subject:

http://www.standard.co.uk/goingout/music/sparks-with-the-heritage-orchestra-barbican--music-review-9939450.html?origin=internalSearch
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lemonjellydude · Power Groupie Joined: 02 Apr 2010 Posts: 327

I saw them Friday and had amazing seats near the front and Jonathan Ross was sitting right behind me!.
I loved hearing Kimono in Full and the orchestra were awesome!.
Without sounding a little harsh the 2nd set list was a bit 'safe' having heard most of them before but Im guessing they did that to cover the casual concert goer.
Change was amazing and I've not heard let the monkey drive before.
I totally agree that No.1 in heaven sounded 'heavenly'.
I did notice that poor Rons Ingmar Berman bit got a bit drounded out with the volume from the orchestra.
all in all it was a fabulous evening and so glad I got to see them, now the 4th time I have seen them live and its always a pleasure!.
My only request is if the tour again next year please be with a band! I have yet to see them play electric! :)

dinky · Sparkologist Joined: 26 Jul 2003 Posts: 706

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/sparks-the-barbican-review-grandiose-in-the-way-theyve-always-itched-to-be-9940091.html

deadcalm · Posted: Tue Dec 23, 2014 4:44 am Post subject:

On The Record Review Section on Radio 5 Live Last Night . Out of Nowhere one of the Presenters Suddenly had a "Sparks Love in Session" and a Review of the Barbican Gig Followed. Now that was a Surprise.
Phil Williams Show at 1 Hr 57mins in ..
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b04vdw4b
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Billy Stevens · Posted: Tue Dec 23, 2014 2:23 pm Post subject:

Great find Deadcalm!
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Kermit · Guest

Great reviews all over then and good radio clip. It certainly shows Sparks are not forgotten and highly thought of, as it should be of course. There definitely is a buzz in the air for 2015.

unprinted · Posted: Wed Dec 24, 2014 11:32 am Post subject: