“What the world’s been waiting for—Sparks’ very own Kid A. In a parallel universe, not only would there be no reality television and last-minute Manchester United goals, but Sparks would be playing a string of sell-out concerts at Madison Square Garden. 1994’s Gratuitous Sax…was one of the albums of the decade, and if 2000’s Balls had a mild air of retread about it, not so Lil’ Beethoven, an audacious mélange of crafty lyrics and beguilingly repetitive orchestral melodies. The Rhythm Thief and Ugly Guys With Beautiful Girls are witty and withering, while I Married Myself is a caustic journey into self-love. It’s no easy listen, but when has that ever necessarily been a bad thing? Time to give Sparks their due, surely.” -David Buckley (This review is accompanied by a new color photo of the guys with the caption: “Sparks’ Ron and Russell: like Radiohead, only better looking.”) Also in the this issue of Mojo is an excellent 4 page career retrospective of Sparks, from Halfnelson to Lil’ Beethoven. Great vintage photos and commentary. And, check out the December issue of Q Magazine….3 cool photos of Sparks at the Q Awards ceremony.