© Munachi Osegbu
★★★★✩
T
he late-era renaissance of Ron and Russell Mael, respectively 79 and 76, remains one of the most heartening stories in modern music. It’s a tale of true originals attaining international treasure status – so semi-seriously, shouldn’t Sparks be offered a Glastonbury legends spot? – while simultaneously making some of the most vital albums of their long career. If nothing else, you find yourself marvelling at a schedule which would have far younger men yearning for an afternoon pottering around the allotment.