[Mael-list] ????

[Santa Dog]

I'm not very good at these things - I barely remember the set list.  All I
know is that I thought the 2nd half of this show was far far better than the
2nd half of the previous Sparks show in LA (at the Henry Fonda Theater, or
wherever it was).

Don't get me wrong - I loved that Lil' Beethoven show, but I'm tired of
hearing "Cool Places."  The choice of songs for the 2nd half tonight was a
welcome relief.  Pure bliss.  Ned said it was pretty much the same as in the
UK shows.  The very first song of the night was "Dick Around" (which was
even better live than on disc).  The very last song of the night (if memory
serves correctly) was "Suburban Homeboys."

The beginning of the encore was "Carnegie Hall," and Ron came out wearing
his long extended arms.  Also in that encore was a beautiful rendition of
"Change," featuring just the Mael brothers alone onstage - keyboards and
vocals only - slightly reworked version (I think they cut out the "paradise
is here, paradise is gone" refrain).

Was glad to hear them do "Music That You Can Dance To."  That was a nice
surprise.

I'm glad Ned needed a last-minute emergency ride, because I was under the
impression that there was an opening band tonight.  Turns out there wasn't.
I was planning to show up around 9pm or so to miss the opening band.  I
probably would have missed a good chunk of the set!

Overall, this was just a wonderful wonderful concert.  I love Sparks to
death.  I love the musical direction they've taken.  I love having the full
backing band!  The video projections during the "Hello Young Lovers" segment
were hilarious - probably better than the ones for lil' Beethoven.  I hope
they film one of these shows.

To my ears the sound mix of the venue was great.  Our little section of Mael
List subscribers (to the front-right of the stage, in front of Steve
McDonald) was very energetic, due to Ned's flapping hair and some young
college-aged kid who kept thrusting his fist in the air and pogoing during
selected songs.

I just think we're so lucky living in Southern California.  I keep thinking
of all the Sparks fans in the rest of the US who don't ever get a chance to
see such a great show...

Sorry this isn't a better review.  Ned and others will fill you in shortly,
I'm sure...

-Dan