Sparks - Whomp That Sucker

This month marks the thirty-fifth anniversary of Whomp That Sucker, the tenth studio album from Sparks. This 1981 record, which was the group's return to their rock roots after two disco efforts, peaked at number 182 on the US Billboard Album chart.

Sparks - Pulling Rabbits Out of a Hat

This month marks the thirtieth anniversary of Pulling Rabbits Out of a Hat, the thirteenth studio album from Sparks. It spent four weeks on the US Billboard Album chart, peaking at number 202.

Sparks - In Outer Space

Following their 1982 album Angst In My Pants (click here for that review), Sparks came back with In Outer Space. This month we celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of this 1983 record. It reached number 88 on the US Billboard Hot 200.

Valley Girl (soundtrack) (30th anniversary)

Welcome to another edition of Matinee Monday.

Thirty years ago today (April 29th) was the release of Valley Girl, a romantic comedy that re-imagined the tale of Romeo and Juliet in modern times. It also featured a fantastic new-wave soundtrack (so, like, ohmygod...click here for that totally bitchin' review).

Sparks - Angst In My Pants

Sparks is an American rock band formed in Los Angeles, California, in the late 1960’s. At the core were brothers Russell (vocals) and Ron (keyboards and synthesizers) Mael. Their sound floated from rock to electronic and back again as their first dozen years of recording passed.

On March 29th, 1982 (exactly thirty years ago today), they released their eleventh studio album Angst in My Pants. The record peaked at number 173 on the US Billboard Hot 200. On the album the brothers worked with Bob Haag (guitar), Leslie Bohem (bass) and David Kendrick (drums).

Valley Girl (soundtrack)

Welcome to another edition of Soundtrack Sunday. It is also the kick off of a Ladies Week on the blog when it comes to music.

In 1982, the California valley craze was sweeping the nation. Thanks to Frank Zappa’s song “Valley Girl”, which featured his fourteen year old daughter Moon Unit on vocals, everyone was sprinkling the vall-speak into their conversations. Phrases like “ohmyGod”, “barf out”, “gag me with a spoon” and way too many uses of the word “like” could be heard all across the country.