The Sparks Brothers

by Kathia Woods

Sparks was founded in 1967, and there's a good chance you've heard their music but never considered the dynamic duo behind the brand, who happen to be brothers. The film's title, The Sparks Brothers, provides some background on these unique artists who made a name for themselves in the music industry.

The Brothers' career spans 50 years. They are your favorite band’s band. Director Edgar Wright is a huge fan, and this film is a love letter to them. He demonstrates their influence on New Wave and fashion.

He was adamant about not making another typical music documentary. This film contains a lot of slapstick humor. Ron Mael stated, "We were concerned that a documentary would be far more boring than what we do as a band. But when we met Edgar, we realized we didn't have to worry about that." Wright's presence in the film is referred to as Sparks "fanboy." The brothers were fans of Edward’s films, such as "Shaun of the Dead" and "Baby Driver". What made him stand out to the brothers was his love of music. The fact that he wasn't obsessed with the past meant that he wanted to include all stages of their career. In this manner, the audience would receive a complete piece of work.

The Brothers, also known as the Maels, were raised in southern California, and attended UCLA to study film and theater. This was prior to their 1971 meeting and recording with producer Todd Rundgren.

Sparks have released 25 albums in a variety of musical styles, providing them with a musical journey unlike that of many of their contemporaries.

Wright first became aware of Sparks in 2015, while living in London. They were on tour with the Scottish band Franz Ferdinand. He was awestruck by how magnificent they were. He knew right away that the guys deserved to be in a movie. Surprisingly, one of Wright's friends encouraged him to make a film about them.

Fast forward to the film, which is told in a vivacious manner. Traditional and stop-motion animation, as well as vintage footage, are featured in the film, which is intercut with live performance footage. There's even a cameo on Dick Clark's "American Bandstand" and the British classic "Top of the Pops."

Interviews with a variety of artists who were influenced by The Sparks are also included in the film. Beck, Bjork, Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth, Weird Al, Yankovic, Flea, Jane Wiedlin, comedian Patton Oswalt, author Neil Gaiman, and Gilmore Girls creator Amy Sherman-Palladino were among the performers. As can be seen, their fanbase is as diverse as they are.

He also made sure to include the Band's difficult times, which they faced with tenacity. We must accept that there will inevitably hiccups in a 50-year career. "Computer Girl," their first single, was released in 1967. They were the pioneers of electronic music long before Kraftwerk and the New Wave movement.

Christine Ann of the GTO' S brought them to Rundgren's attention, which launched their careers.

The brothers recall how poor they were before recording their first album. They had sent demos to over 30 record companies, but Todd was the only one who responded. They are extremely grateful for his assistance.

Sparks has been referred to as a Cult Act because of their unconventional approach, and they are comfortable with that label. Cult does not always imply failure. They had some commercial success in 1974. The Band's international success was always greater than its domestic success. "This Town Ain't Big Enough for Both of Us" became a glam rock hit for them.

They had the privilege to work with Disco producer Giorgio Moroder in 1979 and achieved a No.1 hit with "In Heaven." The hit inspired Russell Mael to become a flamboyant front man and Ron Mael to become a stone-faced keyboard player sidekick. Other duos, such as Erasure and Pet Shop Boys, mimicked that presentation.

Sparks has also had recent success with their songs "Hippopotamus" in 2017 and "A Steady, Drip, Drip, Drip" from last year, and a film is in the works. They also wrote the scripts and music for "Annette," a film directed by Frenchman Leos Carax and starring Adam Driver and Marion Cotillard that will premiere at the Cannes Film Festival on July 6.

The most amazing thing about the brothers is that they have managed to keep their friendship throughout their creative journey. They have never considered splitting up and are currently working on album number 26.

This film is a lovely celebration of brotherhood as well as dancing to your own beat.

The Sparks Brothers is out in theaters on 6/18/21