Sparks performed on the Midnight Special November 15, 1974 Follow us on Social Media: / themidnightspecialtvshow / themidnightspecialtvshow / themidnightspecialtvshow / tmstvshow
Really one of the most clever and unique rock songs ever recorded, IMO. A song about Albert Einstein as told from the POV of his family. Not only are the lyrics clever but melodically and structurally it's so very interesting. Just genius.
Loved this band since seeing this in 1974, and they are still going stronger than ever. Highly recommend their documentary by Edgar Wright, The Sparks Brothers.
Sparks on TV in the early 1970s left millions of American viewers (myself included) scratching our heads and wondering, "What the heck was *that*?" Fifty years later, we are just starting to get it. Talk about a band that is always ahead of its audience...
What a great band, with a super-tight performance. Stunning stuff! You can also hear why the band never had mainstream US success: too out there (but great for all the pop/rock connoisseurs) 😀
Just catching up with Sparks again after seeing them doing the do at Glastonbury....what a treasure they are...this track is just mind boggling....the lyrics,the voice and delivery...not to mention the great band they had at that time...Albert Einsteins moustache and beard would have surely twitched along to this.A genius song about a genius...
I saw this way back when, didn't really know what to make of it but absolutely loved it. Still do, everything of theirs I've ever heard. Love the creativity! (And Ron has always been my favorite.)
They are still at it in 2023. Both brothers well into their 70's. A lot of Americans have never heard of them and think that they are from the UK, rather than the Southern California natives that they are. Very talented and rather underrated unfortunately. There is a recent documentary on Sparks.
THANK YOU! Moment of truth - I can see why some of the current generation wouldn't like them - it's strident and uncompromising. It's what a real band actually sounds like - I doubt much was done on the recording other than level matching and some slap-back echo. It's sort of like when I first heard early XTC - I just wasn't attuned to it. Attitude is missing a lot these days and appealing to an audience before you even start is a death knell for bands - you won't last.
Nice analysis! XTC is a good example of a band not meant for every ear. It’s impossible for unique artists to make it really big, unless they sell out and make themselves bland enough for the masses.
@@chasbodaniels1744 still...listen to the applause though - there was clearly an appreciative audience here (and on every other Midnight Special performance that's been posted recently). There is still TONS of material out there that will floor an audience - it's the marketers who have no idea what to do with it and who can't (or won't) steer an audience. It's just a shame that those who promote often hinder.
I brought a recording of this into school when it was new (I was 10) to play for the class. My teacher wouldn’t let me because she couldn’t catch the words Russell Mael was singing! And Ron Mael - mysteriously, the only person appearing in the video for “Coming Up” other than Paul & Linda McCartney.
One of the best pop songs ever written about Einstein. Er, sorry, I mean the only pop song ever written about Einstein. Someday he will reassess the world And he'll still have time for lots of girls
@@M_C79 I remember watching the SNL show that night that Joe Cocker was on and John Belushi came out to be him right next to him. Everyone was wearing SPARKS shirts. Maybe 77?
Sparks played Glastonbury just, 2023, A much underappreciated act, loved this. Cate Blanchett a big fan came on for one song too. They are identical twins.
The funny part is that every new band that has music that's come out in the last 15 years or so has sounded like Sparks- and they try to push themselves off as "indie" or the latest thing in music, haha. Nice try kids- these boys invented it, haha.
Still sad that American ears weren't attuned to Sparks. They were obviously brilliant, but they just weren't heavy enough or masculine enough. They didn't fit neatly into Prog, Hard Rock or Metal. Maybe I'm wrong?
It is sad that the "gimmicks" you list, might really matter in such extent. I am a hard core metal fan since a toddler. Tattoos to prove it since early teens. I would not deny myself good music just because it doesn't come off like Motörhead in every aspect.
I swear I was born in 1967 and I love music and all kinds from bowie to skynyrd and lots throughout the 80s , I've never heard of this band sparks, so I see why, I think they suck
It's a little out in left field, sure, and not for everyone's taste, but that's what made The Midnight Special what it was. It had something for almost everybody.
when i subscribed it was because there were full hour long videos of the show i remember watching from under the covers as a kid on my older brothers tv not some single song from a band that never had a top 40 hit. so i'm unsubscribing
We released a full episode on Friday and have released 9 so far ( 1 every week ). Here is the playlist. Have a blessed day. ru-vid.com/group/PLdQ3g_i8Nrs48a4TcCDU01Zw-7Qh4kukm
They've had plenty of top 40 singles, and their last 3 albums have all been top 10 here in the UK. As Larry said, they've just played 2 sold out shows at the royal Albert hall, and they're playing the Hollywood bowl next month. Plus they're one of the most influential and innovative bands of all time.
@@themidnightspecialtvshow We appreciate all the work you have put in. The full episodes and clips are both treasures. Friday night watch parties are great fun.
