SPARKS

lilywearsmoschino · Posted: Sun Jun 08, 2008 5:42 am Post subject:

BRILLIANT show, maybe the best of the 21 so far. Propaganda was stunning. I am so glad I was there. Russell's voice has never sounded better, and the band and orchestra were fantastic.

What a great night, and still Balls, Lil'B, HYL and ECOTD to look forward to. Are we the luckiest fans in the world or what!!!

Ron Playing

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Bri77_uk · Newbie Joined: 22 May 2008 Posts: 11 Location: Luton, UK

Fantastic gig - Russel's voice was amazing and Propaganda... perfect is the word. Jimmy Somerville's contribution was brilliant as well, and he clearly loved every second of it - bouncing around like a crazy fan who's climbed on stage past security! Great to see him in EDVI after as well.

Bring on Balls.

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kev hook · Posted: Sun Jun 08, 2008 7:30 am Post subject:

Why oh why did I opt out of this one ? Has to be the highlight so far. Perfect renditions and performances MiniPop

, the strings were spine tingling

, 'Propaganda' had me in tears

, and my favourite ever Sparks song for the encore

. The best ever Sparks show (maybe with the exception of Meltdown 04) ? Enough said.......

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E-Clect-Eddy · Posted: Sun Jun 08, 2008 7:45 am Post subject:

You said it Kev... i'm kicking myself as we speak... if i had any legs left after friday transport drama drama...London in 24 hours or less.

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themightybishop · Certified Fan Joined: 04 Dec 2007 Posts: 73

kev
i reckon you gave it a miss because, on paper, it wasn't going to be as great as it was.
the best sparks show ever?
to be fair, only those who were at both meltdown and plagiarism can really say. watching from a laptop is surely a different experience. but, for me, last night was more exciting. in fact, i feel shattered at what is really turning into an emotional rollercoaster. sometimes, it's not far from hysteria at some of the really special moments that this project is conjuring up. and another thing - my shoulders and back are bloody killing me from the non-stop clapping. oh, i know all about how russell is a few years older and working ten times as hard as i am. but i'm a middle-aged, pot-bellied, normally-sedentary, lazy-arse. and this is too much excitement, enjoyment and wish-fulfillment for a lifetime, never mind 21 nights.

Introducing Leo · Certified Fan Joined: 12 Aug 2007 Posts: 60

How much of this was backing tapes, and how much were live instruments on stage?

Introducing Leo · Certified Fan Joined: 12 Aug 2007 Posts: 60

Am of course mainly referring to tracks such as the orchestral This Town, and Change etc...

Robin Davies · Certified Fan Joined: 16 Jun 2004 Posts: 64

Introducing Leo · Certified Fan Joined: 12 Aug 2007 Posts: 60

Agree with the comments about Jimmy Somerville...he really shouldn't put himself in a position where he can be compared directly to Russell Mael, cos it really shows him up!

lauraleeandme · Posted: Sun Jun 08, 2008 10:22 am Post subject:

To my eyes and ears, it all looked and sounded performed live. The only 'unnatural intervention' apart from Ron's synth was the micing on the strings and the brass (why people refer to them all collectively as 'horns' is beyond me). Getting the score right is not difficult for accomplished musicians. Actually, I'm sure they could sight-read the whole thing, even the tricky tempo change and a couple of counterpoint lines in SFTGWE. What made the night extrordinary was the sheer gusto and dedication of the orchestral forces, who seemed to enjoy the event as much as us. I am pretty sure I saw a few of them miming along to a couple of the songs...
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Lady Is Lingering · Posted: Sun Jun 08, 2008 10:24 am Post subject:

lost&found · Certified Fan Joined: 27 Oct 2002 Posts: 78

Not much to add to what's been said already. The performance was outstanding - better than any I have witnessed - Russell's performance in particular exceeded all expectations. I had been a bit concerned beforehand as to how they were gonna pull this off - ha! Me of little faith! I hesitate to say it though, but on a personal level, I preferred the evening before - GratSax - the smaller crowd and bonhomie made for a more pleasant atmosphere - and more space to dance!

And I don't really get the some of the comments here re Jimmy Somerville - his voice is totally different to Russells that's all. I thought his contribution was excellent.

wackywoman · Newbie Joined: 03 Jun 2008 Posts: 2

I agree that Jimmy Somerville's voice was very good and definately in tune. The whole gig was excellent, especially Propaganda!!

tractorboy72 · Newbie Joined: 24 May 2008 Posts: 5

This was the album that made me a Sparks fan. I only bought it because I am an Erasure fan and they obviously appear on Amateur Hour. I thought the whole album was great and the rest is history.
I booked for this show as soon as the 21x21 was announced and boy that was the best £18 I've ever spent!
Russell, Ron, the band, the strings, the brass & Jimmy all collaborating to make a fantastic night. Everyone on stage and in the crowd seemed to be having such a great time and I thank everyone involved and feel privileged to be there at a gig that will go down in Sparks history.
I was never in any doubt that this show would be special . . . and I was proved right!!

MarkRae · Groupie Joined: 11 Mar 2008 Posts: 199 Location: London

Deano · Posted: Sun Jun 08, 2008 12:56 pm Post subject:

Unbelieveable-hope Jimmy is not reading this.Respect to Jimmy for being a Sparks fan and for guesting on a Sparks album and concert,and for having a great voice.Russell's better than you na na na na nah.My Dad is gonna beat your Dad up.Jesus...

lost&found · Certified Fan Joined: 27 Oct 2002 Posts: 78

unprinted · Posted: Sun Jun 08, 2008 1:43 pm Post subject:

unprinted · Posted: Sun Jun 08, 2008 1:51 pm Post subject:

Raoul · Posted: Sun Jun 08, 2008 3:06 pm Post subject:

Guess a lot of us never heard how strings really sound "live",but I agree with "unprinted"that matching with taped material is really hard.The power of this concert was huge,all that were there brought it over by stream!!!!!