REVIEW BY MARTIN TRUKSA
Sparks : Propaganda (Island Records) 1974 :-
'Propaganda' could easily have been called 'Kimono My House Part 2' as it is very similar to its predecessor. However both 'Kimono My House' and 'Propaganda' are radically different from the earlier Bearsville albums and subsequent Island albums.
'Propaganda' is a classic rock album, complete with hard hitting guitars, thumping bass, pounding drums and manic falsetto-style vocals. There is an energy and forcefulness to the songs that Sparks have never quite managed to replicate since. The album was a Top 10 hit in the UK.
Both the singles 'Never Turn Your Back On Mother Earth' and 'Something For The Girl With Everything' were UK Top 20 hits.
By now Sparks were well established in the UK and regulars on 'Top of The Pops'. It is ironic that, in concert, Sparks were performing hard hitting rock songs from 'Propaganda' like 'At Home At Work At Play' and 'Thanks But No Thanks', yet screaming young girls were throwing themselves deliriously at Russell's feet. There was even a danger at one stage that the teeny bop fans might drive away the traditional Sparks fans who had followed the group from the early days.
I have to confess that I prefer 'Propaganda' to 'Kimono My House', although both are classic Sparks albums. There are some particularly strong tracks on 'Propaganda' which give it the edge over its predecessor. 'Reinforcements' almosts sounds like a militrary chant, ("Reinforcements, reinforcements, I could use a strong rear guard") , conjuring up images of Russell leading his troops to war. 'Don't Leave Me Alone With Her' is an incredibly melodic yet forceful ballad, and Russell sings the chorus in almost frenzied desperation, fearful of being left alone with 'her' ("And if you all go, who'll say no to her?"). And 'Bon Voyage' is an unbelievably gorgeous ballad. Pure heaven! The chorus in particular is highly melodious and the song fades out in spectacular style.
*** SPARKS 'PROPAGANDA' LYRICS HERE ***
PROPAGANDA BY SPARKS (ISLAND RECORDS) : Propaganda, At Home At Work At Play, Reinforcements, B.C., Thanks But No Thanks, Don't Leave Me Alone With Her, Never Turn Your Back On Mother Earth, Something For The Girl With Everything, Achoo, Who Don't Like Kids, Bon VoyageSparks : Propaganda (Homepage)