Gratuitous Sax & Senseless Violins

On their first release in seven years, brothers Russell and Ron Mael appear to be artistically recharged in the wake of their extended layoff. Not only do they grace us with one of their best titles since 1982's ANGST IN MY PANTS, but the opening "When Do I Get To Sing 'My Way'" is one of the duo's all-time best songs. The album's first single, this song is at once both deeply affecting and extremely funny, as is the surprisingly moving "The Ghost Of Liberace."
Other highlights include the excellent "I Thought I Told You To Wait in the Car" and one of Sparks' silliest tunes, "Now That I Own the BBC." Possibly the most surprising track is "Tsui Hark," as the heartfelt tribute to the Hong Kong film director features samples from the auteur's movies. The arrangements use elements from mid-'90s dance pop but sound of a piece with the rest of Sparks' quarter-century career.