Pulling Rabbits Out of a Hat

Infobox Album |
Name = Pulling Rabbits Out of a Hat
Type = Album
Artist = Sparks


Released = 1984
Recorded = Oasis Studios, Los Angeles, California [http://www.discogs.com/release/539283 Sparks - Pulling Rabbits Out Of A Hat ] ]
Genre = Rock
Length = 38:58
Label = Atlantic Records
7 80160-1
Producer = Ian Little
Reviews =
* Allmusic Rating|2|5 [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:j6j4eay24xa7 link]
Last album = "In Outer Space"
(1983)
This album = "Pulling Rabbits Out of a Hat"
(1984)
Next album = "Music That You Can Dance To"
(1986)

"Pulling Rabbits Out of a Hat" is the thirteenth album by Sparks. Released in 1984, it wasn't very well received and failed to capitalise on the commercial success of their 1983 album "In Outer Space".

The album developed the light synthpop sound of "In Outer Space" but with a slightly darker lyrics revolving around Ron Maels favourite subject matter: relationships. Overall, "Pulling Rabbits Out of a Hat" has better material than "In Outer Space", less personality and only a few outstanding tracks. Perhaps tiring of unrewarded cleverness, the album's most durable effort is "With All My Might," a syrupy ballad distinguished by its plain-spoken emotionalism. http://www.trouserpress.com/entry.php?a=sparks Ira Robbins at Trouser Press "The equally inconclusive Pulling Rabbits Out of a Hat, produced by Ian Little, has better material, less personality and only a few outstanding tracks. Perhaps tiring of unrewarded cleverness, the album's most durable effort is "With All My Might," a syrupy ballad distinguished by its plainspoken emotionalism."]

"With All My Might", "Pretending To Be Drunk" and "Progress" were released as singles. The latter pair were remixed and extended for club play.

Track listing

Side one
# "Pulling Rabbits Out Of A Hat" - 4:07
# "Love Scenes" - 4:20
# "Pretending To Be Drunk" - 3:38
# "Progress" - 4:43
# "With All My Might" - 4:06Side two
#

"Sparks In The Dark (Part One)" - 0:28
#

"Everybody Move" - 2:58
#

"A Song That Sings Itself" - 4:29
#

"Sisters" - 3:53
#

"Kiss Me Quick" - 4:07
#

"Sparks In The Dark (Part Two)" - 2:58

*Written by Ron Mael and Russell Mael.

Personnel

*Leslie Bohem - Bass, Backing Vocals
*David Kendrick - Drums
*Bob Haag - Guitar, Synthesizer, Backing Vocals
*Ron Mael - Synthesizers: Roland Jp-8, Yamaha Dx-7, Fairlight
*Russell Mael - Vocals
*John Thomas - Keyboards

*Producer - Ian Little
*Mixed by - Brian Reeves, Dave Bianco, Mick Guzauski
*Engineer - Steve Bates

Chart Positions

Singles

References