WHOMP THAT SUCKER

"Tips for Teens" has a great propulsive beat with a Queen-size chorus. Some hard advice is dished out here for younger generations to take heed from. It's the best song I've heard them create thus far. "Funny Face" should have been a radio hit, about a tale of a man who felt he was too beautiful to live. "That's Not Nastassia" could've been about Madonna's impact on pop culture in her early days, and how one person can influence the looks and attitudes of young people all over the world. These are just a few examples of the genius of Sparks, with lyrics that gives the listener something to think about while interjecting humor along the way.

There's only one caveat that I find annoying with the entire album, and that it sounds like it was recorded and/or mixed rather poorly. Vocals and keyboards are up front and clear (that's good), but the backing musicians' parts sound tinny and distant. The drums especially lack any kind of satisfactory dynamics. I know this was recorded in the early 80's, but compare this to even Kimono My House from nearly 10 years earlier and I think you'll agree that Sucker is lacking in this department. The CD I'm reviewing was re-mastered in the late 90's. I've noticed that there is a more recent re-master of the CD available, but it sounds like the trouble came from the original recordings.

...however, because the songs are so strong I must recommend this to anyone who loves Sparks.

Fave tracks: "Tips for Teens", "Funny Face", "Where's My Girl", "That's Not Nastassia"

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