I love these guys. From the earliest albums thru the Island years (my fave period) and of course a killer comeback in the 80's.

Rick A.

Since they emerged into the mainstream in 1974, Sparks – brothers Ron and Russell Mael – have endeared themselves to successive generations of fans with their wry humour, offbeat quirkiness and lyrical and musical inventiveness.

This compilation picks up the story in 1979, when Sparks commenced a renewed assault on European chartdom, with Giorgio Moroder – the Italian-born producer who, with Pete Bellotte, had turned Donna Summer into a disco megastar. It charts a particularly fertile period in a long career.

A & B-sides of the period singles are included, as it runs from early hits like ‘Beat The Clock’ and ‘The Number One Song In Heaven’ (highly influential on 80s hit stars the Human League) through biggest American hit single ‘Cool Places’ (performed with Jane Wiedlin of the Go-Gos) to selections from 1984’s ‘Pulling Rabbits Out Of A Hat’ LP.

Booklet with authoritative and extensive liner notes written by respected ‘Record Collector’ journalist Michael Heatley.

Expertly remastered – superb sound – top quality reproduction. The best in the business!

Tracklist
CD 1:
01. Tryouts For The Human Race
Single A-side, (UK) Virgin VS 289, ℗ 1979
02. The Number One Song In Heaven
Single A-side, (UK) Virgin VS 244, ℗ 1979
03. La Dolce Vita
Single A-side, (Germany) Oasis / Ariola 100294, ℗ 1979
04. Beat The Clock (3’46” version)
Single A-side, (UK) Virgin VS 270, ℗ 1979
05. Young Girls
Single A-side, (UK) Virgin VS 343, ℗ 1980
06. When I’m With You
Single A-side, (UK) Virgin VS 319, ℗ 1980
07. Rock ‘n’ Roll People In A Disco World
Single B-side (France), Underdog 49705, ℗ 1980
08. Funny Face
Single A-side, (Germany) Oasis / Ariola 102744, ℗ 1981
09. Tips For Teens
Single A-side, (Germany) Oasis / Ariola 103279, ℗ 1981
10. I Predict
Single A-side, (UK) Atlantic K 11740, ℗ 1982
11. Eaten By The Monster Of Love (Promo Single)
Single A-side, (USA) Atlantic 4065, ℗ 1982
12. Modesty Plays (Short Version)
Single A-side, (France) Carrere / Underdog 13001, ℗ 1982
13. Angst In My Pants
Single A-side, (France) Carrere / Underdog 13001, ℗ 1982
14. Cool Places (feat. Jane Wiedlin)
Single B-side, (Germany) Oasis 613809, ℗ 1983
15. All You Ever Think About Is Sex
Single A-side, (USA) Atlantic 789797, ℗ 1983

CD 2:
01. Please, Baby, Please
Single A-side, (France) Carrere 13287, ℗ 1983
02. With All My Might
Single A-side, (France) Underdog 13573, ℗ 1984
03. Pretending To Be Drunk
Single A-side, (USA) Atlantic 789616, ℗ 1984
04. My Other Voice
Single B-side, (Germany) Oasis / Ariola 100294, ℗ 1979
05. Just Because You Love Me
Single B-side, (Germany) Oasis / Ariola 101999, ℗ 1980
06. When I’m With You (Instrumental)
Single B-side, (Germany) Oasis / Ariola 101230, ℗ 1980
07. Wacky Women
Single B-side, (Germany) Oasis / Ariola 103279, ℗ 1981
08. Don’t Shoot Me
Single B-side, (Germany) Oasis / Ariola 102744, ℗ 1981
09. Moustache
Single B-side, (UK) Atlantic K 11740, ℗ 1982
10. Nicotina
Single B-side, (Germany) Metronome 0030564, ℗ 1982
11. Sports
Single B-side, (Germany) Oasis 613809, ℗ 1983
12. I Wish I Looked A Little Better (Promo Single)
Single B-side, (USA) Atlantic 789797, ℗ 1983
13. Rockin’ Girls
Single B-side, (France) Carrere 13287, ℗ 1983
14. Beat The Clock (Canadian Single Version) (4’22”)
Single A-side (Canada) Elektra EF 90157, ℗1979

This looks like an amazing collection. My first Sparks album was "#1 in Heaven" so it would be great to have all the single mixes from that era. I see that Repertoire has also relased a CD of "#1 in Heaven". Does it contain any bonus tracks, or just the original album?

Every version I've seen has only been the original 6 track album. And what a fine album it is.

Yeah, it really is. I think it would have to be my favorite Sparks album, though I know it isn't really indicative of most of the music they have produced over their career. If I buy the 7" and 12" comps I will be set for any bonus material from the period anyway. Sometimes bonus tracks just detract from the album.