The breakthrough London-era album with hits and production by Muff Winwood; foundational for Sparks’ new wave identity.
Artist page · 04/07/2026
Sparks
About
Sparks, Innovative art-pop from the Mael brothers since 1970.
Over 20 studio albums mixing new wave, glam, synth-pop; original LPs and limited editions tracked.
Sparks emerged from the California music scene in 1970, spearheaded by Ron and Russell Mael. The band evolved from an initial lineup called Halfnelson to a pioneering duo known for baroque pop, glam rock, and electronic dance experiments. Their 70s breakthrough came in London with landmark albums such as "Kimono My House" (1974) and "Propaganda" (1974), produced by notable figures like Muff Winwood and Tony Visconti. The collaboration with Giorgio Moroder in 1979 introduced a disco-inspired synth-pop phase, notable in "No. 1 In Heaven" and "Terminal Jive" (1980).
Over the years, Sparks blended rock, pop, and orchestral elements with experimental approaches. Their catalog features over 20 albums, including recent releases like "A Steady Drip, Drip, Drip" (2020) and "Mad!" (2025).
Discography
Sparks — Discography
Studio albums, EPs and notable live records, from newest to oldest. Drag the timeline to browse.
Transgressive Records · 2025
Island Records · 2023
Milan · 2021
BMG · 2020
BMG · 2017
Lil' Beethoven Records · 2013
Lil' Beethoven Records · 2009
Lil' Beethoven Records · 2008
Gut Records · 2006
Lil' Beethoven Records · 2002
Strange Ways Records · 2000
Virgin · 1997
Logic Records · 1994
Fine Art · 1988
MCA Records · 1986
Atlantic · 1984
Atlantic · 1983
Atlantic · 1982
RCA · 1981
Virgin · 1980
Virgin · 1979
Columbia · 1977
Columbia · 1976
Island Records · 1975
Island Records · 1974
Island Records · 1974
Bearsville · 1972Playlist
Signature tracks
The tracks that sum up Sparks's career.
The essentials
The 3 Sparks albums you absolutely need
Our pick, validated by the editorial team.
Collaboration with Giorgio Moroder marking Sparks’ dive into disco-infused synth-pop; influential and commercially successful.
Latest studio album with pop rock style, available in limited white label vinyl; multiple pressing options in 2025.
Go further
Artists similar to Sparks
Artists who share part of Sparks's musical DNA.
Collectors
For vinyl die-hards
The hidden side of the catalogue: rare pressings, sought-after matrices, Discogs values.
Market values (source: Discogs)
For each reference edition, these cards summarise the state of the global Discogs market. Market position places the average price of a copy between the observed min and max prices. Average price is the price seen for a mint-condition copy. Copies available counts listings currently for sale. Collectors who want it is the number of Discogs users who added it to their wantlist without owning it — a good signal of upcoming demand.
Notable pressings & editions
Face B
Side B: the hidden stories of Sparks
Studio secrets, touring anecdotes and B-sides worth the whole album.
Our music is a constant experiment in blending genres and theatricality.— Ron Mael
Kimono My House produced by Muff Winwood
Recorded in London in 1974, this album marked Sparks’ commercial breakthrough with hits like "This Town Ain't Big Enough For The Both Of Us" produced by Muff Winwood under Island Records.
Giorgio Moroder's influence on No. 1 In Heaven
In 1979, producer Giorgio Moroder worked closely with Ron and Russell Mael to craft a disco and electronic sound that defined the album "No 1 In Heaven", released on Virgin Records.
Mad! Limited Edition White Label Pressing
The 2025 album "Mad!" by Sparks has a numbered white label limited edition pressing on Transgressive Records with high demand among collectors.
Halfnelson debut produced by Todd Rundgren
Before becoming Sparks, the band released their first album titled "Halfnelson" in 1971 with production by Todd Rundgren, capturing their early art rock ambitions.
Records by Sparks
See all
FAQ
FAQ: Sparks on physical formats
The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.
What year was Sparks formed?
Sparks was formed in 1970 in Los Angeles by brothers Ron and Russell Mael.
Which genre best describes Sparks?
Sparks' music spans art rock, new wave, glam rock, synth-pop, and electronic dance.
What are some key eras in Sparks’ discography?
Key eras include the 70s London new wave rise, late 70s disco-electronic collaboration with Giorgio Moroder, and 2000s art pop resurgence.
Which Sparks albums are essential on vinyl?
Essential vinyl albums include "Kimono My House" (1974), "No 1 In Heaven" (1979), and "Mad!" (2025) among others.
Are there special vinyl pressings of Sparks albums?
Yes, collectors can find limited edition, numbered, and white label pressings, notably for "Mad!" (2025) and others.
Where were the landmark albums "Kimono My House" and "No 1 In Heaven" recorded?
"Kimono My House" was recorded in London, while "No 1 In Heaven" was produced in Los Angeles.
How does Sparks influence contemporary music?
Sparks is cited as an inspiration by many new wave and electro-pop artists thanks to their genre-blending and innovative sound.
Where can I find Sparks vinyl records for French listeners?
Sparks vinyl is available in French stores with releases from labels like Disco-bertus France and Demon Records with European pressings.
Transparency
Sources & method
This page is compiled by the vinyles.com editorial team from public sources and our marketplace.
Our method
- Discographic data from MusicBrainz (dates, countries, activity period).
- Tracklists, artwork and genres retrieved via Discogs Masters.
- Values (low / median / high) and stock from the Discogs Marketplace.
- Audience and similar artists via Last.fm.
- Page updated automatically and reviewed by the editorial team.


