WORDS BY ANSELM
Pale Wizard Records presents the fourth instalment in their '50 Years Later' series, featuring a special edition of Sparks''Kimono My House. The label has achieved success by honouring iconic releases from artists like Alice Cooper, David Bowie, and Budgie. The series presents a chance to appreciate classic tracks while bringing new acts to the global stage. Pale Wizard Records has excelled over the years in highlighting bands such as Alujah, Sergeant Thunderhoof, and Phoxjaw.
Phoxjaw and Sergeant Thunderhoof are among the bands featured in this release, along with Tony Reed, Krooked Tongue, Josiah, and many others. Each act put its own gloss on twelve classic tracks of this period. The bands manage to capture the original's wit and quirkiness while adding a modern twist. As for the album, 'Kimono My House was released in 1974 by Sparks via Island Records. This marked a pivotal moment in the careers of Ron and Russell Mael, the siblings and co-founders, who launched the album with a fresh lineup after the triumph of their initial hit 'This Town Ain't Big Enough For Both Of Us'. The duo attempted to follow up the success with two albums after they signed with Bearsville Records, but unfortunately, they weren't able to reach the same heights.
The album is considered a favourite among fans and is regarded as one of the best albums of the 1970s. Although I was unfamiliar with the band, I had the chance to see them perform at Glastonbury a few years ago. I was instantly hooked by their witty lyrics, charming personalities, and catchy songs. As for Pale Wizard, they were founded by Tim Hilleard and Dan Flitcroft to release music they love. The '50 Years Later' series is intended to pay tribute to some iconic albums from the 70s and beyond.
Phoxjaw adds a blistering edge to 'This Town Ain't Big Enough For Both Of Us', rendering the track even more intense than the original version. The howling vocals, the heavy guitar riffs, and the mesmerizing keyboard work add a gothic dimension to the song. Tony Reed brings a frenetic burst of energetic punk to 'Amateur Hour,' infusing it with an irresistible buzz.
The enjoyable thing about these types of tribute albums is the variation in sounds and styles bands produce. They bring that energy and give life to these old-time classics. Earl of Hell introduces a doom-laden sound to 'Falling in Love with Myself Again,' lending the track an eeriness that one would not typically associate with Sparks. It's worth considering for listeners to take the chance to explore albums by Pale Wizard. They offer an enjoyable experience and provide an opportunity for people like me to discover a band or an album that I might not have listened to before.
Josiah and Sergeant Thunderhoof offer an alternative to the more rockier tracks with their melodic renditions of 'Here is Heaven' and Thank God it is Not Christmas'. These tracks feel more like David Bowie covers, rather than Sparks. The album delves into indie territory with Krooked Tongue's melancholic rendition of 'Hasta Manana Monsieur'. The album loses a bit of steam with better-chosen tracks for the talent involved.
It comes back to life with the stoner rock of Black Helium on 'In My Family before The Slightest Bits finishes with the hearty pop-punk of 'Lost and Found'. a track that is suitable to close the album.
Overall, I believe this isn't the strongest among the quartet of covers released by Pale Wizard to date. Nonetheless, the presentation and production quality of the product are commendable, with a few tracks particularly worth noting.
RATING: 7.5/10
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PALE WIZARD ONLINE:
Website: www.palewizard.co.uk
Bandcamp: https://palewizardrecords.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/palewizard
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