Wednesday, July 25, 2007

The Number 1 Song In Heaven

It's a funny old thing, memory. A comment over on Thombeau's fab blog Fabulon about a song being 'disco heaven' reminded me of the phrase "the number 1 song in heaven". Which of course can only lead to one thing... Sparks! Here's another big love of mine from a time (and galaxy) far, far, away. 1979 in fact. A place and time when as a budding homosexualist I used to think the lead singer, all curly brunette mullet and all, was kind of cute.

"The Number 1 Song In Heaven" by Sparks, 1979:

8 comments:

Thombeau said...

SPARKS! They're insane, and still making music! I had a recent album of theirs, but I think I sold it...

This song is all Ultravoxy. (Not a bad thing!)

Remember "Cool Places"?

(AND---quick change of subject---I must know if you've seen that movie I asked you about, "Head On". For my money, one of the finer films to make it from your shores to ours. I actually own it. It's very fucked-up and quite hot at the same time!)

The Other Andrew said...

Sparks are indeed insane! Fabulous insanity! Yes the synth sound is very 'Ultravoxy', I agree.

I don't remember "Cool Places"?...

I have indeed seen "Head On"! The novel was quite big, and controversial, here even before the film was made. And the young star Alex Dimitriades had been in a big grossing film here as a teen. So it was deemed a risky career move for him at the time.

Fucked up and hot is a good description, but it was also quite a good take on the dislocated nature many 1st generation migrant kids feel in this country, especially when their lifestyle diverges wildly from that of their parents'. BTW the main characters camp friend is played by Paul Capsis who is a well known cabaret performer here in OZ, and I've seen him live. Fabulous! Part of his act is 'channeling' famous female singers like Janis Joplin and Judy Garland. Less of an impersonation and more capturing their sound and spirit.

Thombeau said...

"Toula can take care of herself!"

It's a tough film, but I love it! And Alex is hotness incarnate!

"Cool Places" was an early 80s Sparks song with guest vocals from Jane Wiedlin of the Go-Gos. It was boppy and cute.

Like YOU!

Anonymous said...

Apropos of nothing - have you seen this blog: http://the-panopticon.blogspot.com/
There's the most beautiful shawl on it - one of the most fabulous pieces of knitting I've ever seen, and by a bloke. Also, I have your birthday present - it's early but I don't think you should have to wait. Are you likely to be 'at home' tomorrow evening? I could drop by on my way home. I need to get your email address too, so that I don't have to send private messages via your public blog ....

The Other Andrew said...

Quatrefoil, I won't be home for the next couple of nights sorry. I'll call you. Yes I do know of the Panopticon blog. He designed the awesome "I Learned To Knit In Prison" t-shirt which a friend of mine wears.

Cecilia said...

Wow! That shawl is amazing!
And taking you even further off topic... Are you planning to go to the Knit-in on Friday?

jason said...

Ultravoxy? I'm going to try to work that into my own daily conversation now.

I used to think both members of Sparks were cute...despite the mullets and Hitler moustache.
Or because (who knows)

Single Guy said...

Hope you can make it to the bloggers meet up this Sunday 29 July from 4 pm at the Tilbury Hotel in Woollomollo!