Sparks - New Music for Amnesiacs: Essential Collection (2013)

2013 two CD collection from the veteran Pop duo. Following the release of their boxset Sparks: New Music for Amnesiacs, the Ultimate Collection, Sparks now release a condensed double disc edition spanning their 40+ year career. One of the most influential bands in Pop, Sparks have been at the forefront of music from the Glam Rock of the 70's, their reinvention as an Electronic Pop duo when collaborating with Giorgio Moroder, through to their most recent chamber Rock/Pop. Their frequently changing styles and visual presentations have kept them on the cutting edge of modern artful pop music. Ron and Russell Mael are held in esteem by such bands and performers as Morrissey, MGMT, Sonic Youth, Arcade Fire, Bjork and Depeche Mode all of whom have cited Sparks as a major influence. Starting with their first album, originally released under the band's former name Halfnelson, and concluding with tracks from 2008's Exotic Creatures of the Deep, these 40 songs provide the perfect introduction to this extraordinary band's career.

Tracklist:

CD1
01. Wonder Girl (Ron Mael) 1972
02. Girl From Germany (Russell Mael / Ron Mael) 1973
03. This Town Ain't Big Enough For Both Of Us (Ron Mael) 1974
04. Amateur Hour (Ron Mael) 1974
05. Propaganda (Ron Mael) 1974
06. At Home, At Work, At Play (Ron Mael) 1974
07. Never Turn Your Back On Mother Earth (Ron Mael) 1974
08. Something For The Girl With Everything (Ron Mael) 1974
09. Looks, Looks, Looks (Ron Mael) 1975
10. Get In The Swing (Ron Mael) 1975
11. Big Boy (Ron Mael) 1976
12. Nothing To Do (Ron Mael) 1976
13. A Big Surprise (Ron Mael / Russell Mael) 1977
14. Forever Young (Ron Mael / Russell Mael) 1977
15. The Number One Song In Heaven (Ron Mael / Giorgio Moroder) 1979
16. Beat The Clock (Ron Mael / Russell Mael) 1979
17. When I'm With You (Ron Mael / Russell Mael) (LP Single Version) 1980
18. Tips For Teens (Ron Mael / Russell Mael) 1981
19. Funny Face (Ron Mael / Russell Mael) 1981
20. Angst In My Pants (Ron Mael / Russell Mael) 1982
21. I Predict (Ron Mael / Russell Mael) 1982
22. Popularity (Ron Mael / Russell Mael) 1983

CD2
01. Cool Places (Ron Mael / Russell Mael) (with Jane Wiedlin) 1983
02. Pulling Rabbits Out of a Hat (Ron Mael / Russell Mael) 1984
03. Music That You Can Dance To (Ron Mael / Russell Mael) 1986
04. Change (Ron Mael / Russell Mael) 1985
05. Singing in the Shower (Ron Mael / Russell Mael) (with Rita Mitsouko) 1988
06. So Important (Ron Mael / Russell Mael) 1988
07. National Crime Awareness Week (Psycho Cut) (Ron Mael / Russell Mael) 1993
08. When Do I Get to Sing "My Way" (Ron Mael / Russell Mael) 1994
09. (When I Kiss You) I Hear Charlie Parker Playing (Ron Mael / Russell Mael) 1994
10. Something for the Girl With Everything (Ron Mael) (with Faith No More) 1997
11. The Calm Before the Storm (Ron Mael / Russell Mael) 2000
12. The Rhythm Thief (Ron Mael / Russell Mael) 2002
13. How Do I Get to Carnegie Hall? (Ron Mael / Russell Mael) 2002
14. Suburban Homeboy (Ron Mael / Russell Mael) 2002
15. Dick Around (Ron Mael / Russell Mael) 2006
16. Perfume (Ron Mael / Russell Mael) 2006
17. Good Morning (Ron Mael / Russell Mael) 2008
18. Lighten Up, Morrissey (Ron Mael / Russell Mael) 2008