I remember 1973-1974 as a period when lots of new, exciting and different music came out. I was very into Cockney Rebel, David Bowie, Mott the Hoople, Roxy Music and of course Sparks.
It was probably the very catchy "Amateur Hour" that first caught my attention, but also the special "This Town Ain't big Enough for the Both of Us" made a big impression. In short; "Kimono My House" was an album I had to have.
It soon became one of my favorite albums; for a very long time; and not just because of the strong singles. Virtually the entire album bursts with fine melodic tracks that have both musical and lyrical edge.
I think, all tracks deserve a little comment. "Falling in Love with Myself Again" offers, in addition to the funny title, a great catchy melody with some classical/opera elements that might well lead the mind towards the Move and Roy Wood.
"Up Here in Heaven" is an upbeat rocker – again, melodic and catchy.
"Thank God it's not Christmas" is a more complex track that, in addition to being a fine composition, has somewhat satirical lyrics; a thing that actually goes for most of the songs.
"Hasta Manana" is an upbeat very catchy track, which, by the way, lead singer Russel Mael co-wrote. It is his brother Ron Mael, who is responsible for the vast majority of the band’s songwriting.
"Talent is an Asset" is another upbeat number (2 beats) - again catchy and a track that was released as a single in some places of the world.
"Complaints" is an upbeat track with some fun breaks; perhaps one of the less memorable tracks.
"In My Family" is again both upbeat and melodic, with funny lyrics. A number where Russel Mael is a co-writer.
There are lots of falsetto vocals on "Kimono My House", but especially "Equator" is characterized by these. A somewhat monotonous finale to an otherwise excellent album.
Bonus tracks “Barbacutie” and “Lost and Found” are the B-sides to the singles "Amateur Hour" and "This Town Ain't big Enough for the Both of Us". They both have the classic Sparks sound and are "nice to have" tracks, but not tracks of the same quality as the album itself.
It was clear that I also had to have the sequel "Propaganda" which came out later the same year, with the strong single "Never Turn Your Back on Mother Earth". It also turned out to be a fine album, but also a somewhat different album; but, of course, that is another story that will have to wait for another time.
