2021 Directed by Edgar Wright
Filmed in 2018, this infectiously energised performance of 22 tracks spans 5 decades of Sparks' musical genius, leaving little wonder as to why Ron & Russell Mael are still luring in new generations of fans and making Top 10 albums, 50 years into their career.
Action! - A British Romp: Edgar's Wright To Snap
Like I said at the end of my earlier review for the band's documentary, I didn't feel particularly moved by the duo's music, and it didn't help that I was feeling under the weather and I didn't get much rest, so much of it didn't do much to keep me awake.
There were, however, some shining moments, such as "My Baby's Taking Me Home," which, as the documentary explains, manages to bring so many layers and always become so entertaining and appealing with a song that is the title being repeated practically constantly for three or four minutes. In addition, it was "interesting" to watch the audience of young children bouncing…
Edgar Wright doing his best Jonathan Demme and Spike Lee, by trying to capture the energy and live performance of Sparks in concert in 2018 before his documentary project. Some of this concert footage was most likely used in the documentary at a later date, but as a companion to the documentary and giving you a taste of Sparks in concert, it's a phenomenal addition.
I think the issue is how frenetic the camera gets at times, with switching from close-ups to out at the audience to full stage views of the concert.
And I get it, that Ron is very energetic as a singer and performer and you want to capture that, but you need to like Stop Making…
I saw Sparks twice during their Hippopotamus tour, and I'm so happy Edgar Wright filmed an amazing time capsule of my favourite band and capturing the feeling I had seeing them live perfectly. My friends are seen throughout this in the front row jumping up and down in a group, and I show up with them in The Sparks Brothers in the photo they took of the Glasgow gig.
Thank you Edgar for not only giving Ron & Russell the treatment and platform they deserve but also invite the fans to be take part and show our love <3
World Premiere at BFI Southbank, with Edgar Wright intro.
(I was in the front row for this gig, and have a sore arm from Adam elbowing me every time he spotted me on screen)
153: While producing his documentary THE SPARKS BROTHERS on the band Wright shot this performance presumably to include live footage in his other film. Presented as a special feature on the Blu-Ray, I enjoyed this. The doc was pretty much my intro to the band and seeing this performance from the "Hippopotamus" tour really contextualizes what makes them stand out. The songs really get a life of their own in a live setting, some I may prefer the versions here without the super “clean” sheen of their albums. I don't know if the concert alone is worth the purchase, but I’ll probably watch it again.
I was at this gig at the Kentish Town Forum in May 2018.
What a night it was!
The Mael Brothers were on top form and obviously loving being back in London, where they lived for a couple of years in the '70s, and the rest of the band were absolutely superb.
It was one of the best gigs I have ever been too. Definitely in my Top 5, possibly even my Top 3.
I am yet to watch the documentary, as I was too excited at the thought of being able to experience the concert again.
It's never the same as actually being there, but as filmed concerts go, Wright did a great job at capturing the atmosphere, as…
It’s an hour and a half of Sparks live, directed by Edgar Wright. What more could you ask for?
Just an expertly shot live show of a band 50+ years into their career sounding just as good as they did at the start.
Such a surreal experience watching this a day after seeing them live for the first time. I just needed more of them, even though watching a recording of a concert doesn’t come close to the real thing. If anything Wright’s filming of this particular concert gave me a way to relive my personal favorite live Sparks song: “My Baby’s Taking Me Home.” Such an entrancing piece of art.
The ‘What the hell is it this time?’ concert tour recorded at the O2 forum, Kentish Town, London on 24th May 2018. Sparks perform the majority of the Hippopotamus album, their greatest work in years (apart from the F.F.S collaboration). The hits are here and some lesser known songs. Every song gets your toes tapping. The Mael brothers are on top form. Edgar Wright wins again - Is there anything he can’t do? I saw them perform this concert in Birmingham and this recording doesn’t disappoint. Every track is a winner. Turn the volume up and enjoy especially for ‘No.1 song in Heaven’ and Ron’s dancing. Same no ‘Beat the Clock’ but you can’t have it all.
