I know absolutely nothing about"Sparks", the 70s pop band out of Los Angeles that has achieved cult status in music aficionado circles. That makesEdgar Wright’s next directorial effort a must-watch for me since his documentary on the musical duo ofRon and Russel Maelexplores their 50+ years of work from formation to the current day.
AsIndieWirereports, Wright’s next directorial effort will have nothing to do with comic books, variously aged drivers, or blood and ice cream. He’s currently combing the archives to put together decades' worth of information on “Sparks”, having just shot theband’s concert in May at the O2 Forum Kentish Townin London. That concert will make its way into the documentary, he said:
“I already shot their London concert in late May. The rest of is it [to be determined] and we’re currently scouring the archives. I have been a fan of them since I saw them on Top Of The Pops in 1979 — and when I had ‘Beat The Clock’ on vinyl.”
Wright is coming off of the biggest hit of his storied career withBaby Driver, a thrice Oscar-nominated picture that’s far and away thebiggest box office earnerwith roughly three times the tally of the next closest picture. Don’t expect the “Sparks” documentary to top it, but as a feature that feeds the soul and creative spirit of Wright and his fans, it should be something to see.
Formed in 1972 by brothers Ron and Russell Mael after an initial pairing in 1968, “Sparks” released their 1971 debut “Halfnelson" (the name of their original duo), 1976’s “Big Beat” and 1979’s “No. 1 in Heaven.” The latter was a collaboration withGiorgio Moroderthat mixed rock and synth pop. The band’s album releases continue to this day with 2017’s “Hippopotamus” their 23rd studio album.
The “Sparks” documentary will be a first of this form for Wright, whose producing partnerNira Parkis also onboard the project. It’s still early days, so stay tuned for more as we hear it.
