Music

Like The Fall, and the few other bands whose longevity hasn’t bored us, the brothers Mael have always shaken themselves up on a record-by-record basis in order to restock their fizz. But where Mr Smith sacks bands, Russell and Ron ditch sounds. It’s something these beguiling brothers, whose pop experiments are called novelty by only leaden minds, will prove in a 21-night run that sees them working, in sequential order, through their 20 albums, plus their newie, ‘Exotic Creatures Of The Deep’.

This week sees them play from 1972’s Todd Rundgren-produced ‘Half Nelson’ (Fri) to 1975’s ‘Indiscreet’ (Wed), taking in ‘A Woofer In Tweeter’ (Sat) and their two big albums, ‘Kimono My House’ (Sun) and ‘Propaganda’ (Tue). Power-pop, prog-glam and soft rock will abound, albeit with cardboard percussion, backwards looping and a caustic wit. But, as befits a band who’ve worked with Mike Patton and, um, Jimmy Somerville, helped disco’s evolution with Giorgio Moroder, and dabbled in pre-New Order techno-pop, the venue should be packed for more than just the obvious two gigs.

Get a new perspective by way of the Moroder-helmed synth-pop classic ‘Terminal Jive’ (May 27), or 1994’s lush, almost house (as in the young person’s music) album, ‘Gratuitous Sax And Senseless Violins’ (June 6). Add to these a walk through the temporary Sparks Museum at the Bohdi Gallery and you’ll see that this town is big enough for all of them.

Further listening:www.myspace.com/allsparks