Episode 211: Sparks

“This Town Ain’t Big Enough for Both of Us”

Sparks are the brothers Ron and Russell Mael, a legendary duo from Los Angeles. Over the last 50 years, they’ve released 25 albums. They’ve collaborated with Giorgio Moroder and Franz Ferdinand, and they’ve influenced bands like Joy Division, Faith No More, Björk, and countless others. Director Edgar Wright, whose films include Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, Baby Driver, and Scott Pilgrim vs the World, has made a documentary about the band called The Sparks Brothers. It premiered at Sundance, and comes out in theaters on Friday, June 18th. In this episode, Ron and Russell break down their hit song, “This Town Ain’t Big Enough for Both of Us,” which came out in 1974.

You can buy or stream “This Town Ain’t Big Enough for the Both of Us” here.

For a transcript of this episode, click here.

Illustration by Carlos Lerma.

footnotes
Adrian Fisher, guitarist
Norman “Dinky” Diamond, drummer
Martin Gordon, bassist
Muff Winwood, producer
Island Records
Top of the Pops