Description

Sparks – Plagiarism – Compact Disc

Sparks’ Plagiarism, released in 1997, is a bold and inventive album by the legendary pop-rock duo Ron and Russell Mael. Known for their quirky, theatrical style and genre-bending creativity, Sparks created Plagiarism as a self-tribute album, reinterpreting their own songs with fresh arrangements and styles. The album is an ambitious project, featuring orchestral versions, rock revamps, and electronic twists on some of Sparks’ most iconic tracks, along with collaborations with artists like Faith No More and Erasure. Plagiarism is both a celebration of Sparks’ diverse sound and an inventive exploration of self-remix, standing as a unique work that combines humor, nostalgia, and musical ingenuity.

In the age of remixing, sampling and cut-and-paste record-making, leave it to Sparks to beat everyone to the punch and put the ’90s spin on their own catalog before someone else did. Nineteen Sparks favorites are tackled here, including a super Hi-NRG version of ‘The Number One Song in Heaven’ and a keenly orchestrated ‘This Town Ain’t Big Enough for Both of Us,’ both delivered with a hand from their friends in opera-rock: Jimmy Somerville and Faith No More, respectively.

On Plagiarism, Sparks revisits and reinvents classic songs from their expansive catalog, transforming them through a mix of genres, including orchestral pop, glam rock, electronic music, and punk. The album explores new interpretations for tracks spanning decades, from glam-rock hits like “This Town Ain’t Big Enough for Both of Us” to synth-pop classics like “The Number One Song in Heaven.” Orchestral versions bring cinematic grandeur to songs, while electronic remixes add a modern, danceable quality. Faith No More’s contributions bring a heavier, alternative rock edge, and Erasure’s influence on tracks like “Amateur Hour” infuses a catchy synth-pop charm.

Lyrically, Sparks’ songs often feature witty, offbeat storytelling and commentary on love, ambition, and the absurdities of life. On Plagiarism, these lyrics retain their original charm, but the reimagined arrangements highlight new emotional nuances and add layers of irony, humor, or theatricality. The album’s title itself, Plagiarism, is a playful nod to Sparks’ own reinvention of their material, with the Mael brothers cleverly “plagiarizing” their own work in fresh, unexpected ways.
Notable Tracks on Plagiarism

‘This Town Ain’t Big Enough for Both of Us’ (feat. Faith No More) – This reimagining of one of Sparks’ biggest hits is given a heavier, rock-oriented treatment with Faith No More’s intense style, transforming the glam classic into a powerful, alternative anthem.
‘The Number One Song in Heaven’ – A cinematic, orchestral version of this iconic track highlights the song’s operatic qualities, bringing grandeur and depth to one of Sparks’ most influential electronic pieces.
‘Amateur Hour’ (feat. Erasure) – This version brings an upbeat, synth-pop vibe that’s brighter and catchier than the original. Erasure’s influence amplifies the track’s fun, whimsical energy, making it a standout.
‘Something for the Girl with Everything’ – With a brassy, theatrical arrangement, this song captures the whimsical absurdity of Sparks’ lyrics, creating a more flamboyant take on the original.
‘When Do I Get to Sing ‘My Way” – This reflective track, already filled with irony, is given a lush, dramatic arrangement that emphasizes its existential lyrics and captures the Mael brothers’ knack for bittersweet humor.

Plagiarism is a unique entry in Sparks’ discography, representing their versatility, humor, and willingness to experiment even with their own established work. Although the album didn’t achieve major commercial success, it resonated with Sparks fans who appreciated the duo’s creativity and the clever reinterpretation of their music. For listeners familiar with Sparks, Plagiarism is both a nostalgia trip and an exploration of how classic songs can evolve with different arrangements and collaborators, giving the material a new life while honoring its roots.

This album is celebrated among fans of Sparks and experimental pop, standing as a testament to the Mael brothers’ ingenuity and refusal to settle into any single musical style. By reimagining their catalog with the same level of innovation and humor that they originally brought to their music, Sparks created a self-tribute that feels both fresh and respectful of their legacy. Plagiarism is essential for those interested in Sparks’ genre-defying style and an album that showcases the duo’s lasting impact on pop, rock, and electronic music.

Australian Import

Roadrunner Records

Song List
1. Pulling Rabbits Out Of A Hat
2. This Town Ain’t Big Enough For The Both Of Us
3. No. 1 Song In Heaven, The – (Part Two)
4. Funny Face
5. When Do I Get To Sing ‘My Way’
6. Angst In My Pants
7. Change
8. Popularity
9. Something For The Girl With Everything
10. This Town Ain’t Big Enough For The Both Of Us – (with Faith No More)
11. Beat The Clock
12. Big Brass Ring
13. Amateur Hour – (with Erasure)
14. Propaganda
15. When I’m With You
16. Something For The Girl With Everything – (with Faith No More)
17. Orchestral Collage
18. No. 1 Song In Heaven, The – (with Jimmy Sommerville)
19. Never Turn Your Back On Mother Earth