Gratuitous Sax & Senseless Violins

Sparks | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 28, 1995)
• Original Release Date: February 28, 1995
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Logic
• ASIN: B000005X9X
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #109,000 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

The Brothers Mael originally released this gem in 1994 after a seven year respite. Released on Logic Records, there were no outside musicians on this outing, just the brothers doing what they do best. 3 hit singles yielded from the LP: "When Do I Get To Sing My Way", "When I Kiss You (I Hear Charlie Parker Playing)" and "Now That I Own The BBC". Just by the titles, you could tell that the brothers' wit was in full force! The track "Tsui Hark" actually features the Hong Kong director putting in a appearance. --This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Insane Genius At Its Best!!!, November 3, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Gratuitous Sax & Senseless Violins (Audio CD)

In the tradition of Danny Elfman and Frank Zappa, Sparks provides musical genius from another dimension. I consider this one of Sparks' finest albums, and a timeless treasure of listening pleasure. What can you say about an album that begins with "Gratuitous sax" and ends with "Senseless violins" other than WOW. The album combines great tunes with amazing lyrics. The Mael brothers seem able to turn anything into a song, as reflected by "Frankly, Scarlett, I don't give a damn" and "I thought I told you to wait in the car." In between the fun, there is some serious commentary, such as two of my favorites, "When do I get to sing 'My Way'" and "The ghost of Liberace." Find this album, buy this album, enjoy this album.

7 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent album!, August 8, 1999

By 

Joshua Blanc "writer" (Quesnel, B.C. Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Gratuitous Sax & Senseless Violins (Audio CD)

This album is part Ivan-style dance, and part Devo-style humour. I've heard three other Sparks albums, all from different stages of their career, and all have appealed to me. Check 'em out!

3.0 out of 5 stars One Great Song, August 15, 2011

By 

Craig A. Faber "Craig" (Yorba Linda, CA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Gratuitous Sax & Senseless Violins (Audio CD)

I finally picked this one up after years of debating over whether to give it a try. I am one of the many fans who really enjoyed their early rock n' roll. I love all their stuff up through the Big Beat album. When they went dance music or disco I lost interest. This album reminds me a lot of their more recent stuff like Lil' Beethoven through the present. Endlessly repeating lyrics and music.

There is one gem however that makes the album worthwhile for me and that is The ghost of Liberace. The melody is wonderful so a little repetition holds up well on this song unlike the others.