Sparks, Indiscreet (side A)

1975's Indiscreet marks the end of Sparks's canonical era, when the group was based in England.  It sounds a bit cleaner, brighter, and prettier than Kimono My House or Propaganda.  At times this approach flatters the songs, while at others, I wish there was a bit more grit.  It definitely hints at the sound of later Sparks albums like No. 1 in Heaven.  Sparks's departure for a new approach seems inevitable when listening to Indiscreet—the songwriting, while still remarkably crafted, feels a bit less inspired than on the two albums that preceded it.  The cover images are, of course, funny and memorable—in addition to looking great, they reflect the same sense of humor that is prominent in the lyrics.