REVIEW BY MARTIN TRUKSA
Sparks - Pulling Rabbits Out Of A Hat (Atlantic) 1984 :-
Anyone who has a derogatory word to say about this album must be mad.
'Pulling Rabbits Out Of a Hat' is predominantly an album of dreamy love ballads - sexy, sultry, amorous love songs. For much of the time Russell's voice is low and brooding (in complete contrast to the usual high-pitched falsetto). There is an enchanting, lovesick tension within the whole atmosphere.
It is virtually impossible to listen to 'Pulling Rabbits Out Of A Hat' without getting turned on! Songs like 'Love Scenes', 'Kiss Me Quick' and 'With All My Might' tug at the heartstrings and evoke a sense of sexual euphoria.
'The Song That Sings Itself' has an innocent melodic charm to it and sounds distinctly European. One can't help thinking that Sparks could win the 'Eurovision Song Contest' hands down with this gorgeous song. "No exaggeration, no hallucination, I can hear it singing now!".
'Sisters' is another Sparks gem. There is a great build up in the verse with a choir-like effect accompanying Russell's voice, and then Russell launches into an unbelievably melodic chorus, "Sisters, where is the jealousy is it there ...". Pure bliss !!!
Three songs from 'Pulling Rabbits Out Of A Hat' were released as singles, namely 'Pretending To Be Drunk', 'Progress' and 'With All My Might'.
Every self respecting Sparks fan should ensure that they have this brilliant musical masterpiece in their record collection. They should beg, borrow, steal or do whatever it takes to achieve this.
*** SPARKS 'PULLING RABBITS OUT OF A HAT' LYRICS HERE ***
SPARKS : Tracks - Pulling Rabbits Out Of A Hat, Love Scenes, Pretending To Be Drunk, Progress, With All My Might, Sparks In The Dark (Part One), Everybody Move, A Song That Sings Itself, Sisters, Kiss Me Quick, Sparks In The Dark (Part Two)Sparks : Pulling Rabbits Out Of A Hat