Somehow Jonathan Ross’s show has ended up as one of the best places for music on TV these days.   It is not just that he sometimes gets the biggest names on there, but that he often gets people on there giving totally awesome and/or memorable performances.This year he has already had U2 (but then they have been on everything in the last month) and Morrisey – who did a new song followed by an old Smiths song.   Morrisey’s past appearances on the show have been good too.  I can still remember when he was on there promoting You Are The Quarry.

Tonight it was Sparks doing a new song with the title I can’t believe that you would fall for all the crap in this song.  At the end of it I only just stopped myself from standing up and applauding, I got so carried away. Seriously.  Just in time I remembered where I was.

Of course, long song titles are not unusual for Sparks.  They are, after all responsible for This town ain’t big enough for the both of us, Never turn your back on mother earth, and (Baby, baby) can I invade your country?   I think it is only the Pet Shop Boys who can not only get away with such long titles, but also fit them into a song so they scan.

In the last few years Sparks have, despite being foreign, become elevated to national treasure status after years of being a cult act to some or dimly-remembered 70s novelty act for others who can only remember Ron’s ‘tache on TOTP.   I think this is a good thing.

They never did go away though.  About ten years ago they were playing in London and the queues at the Town & Country were going round the block.  I saw them myself at the end of London’s Pride march one year, probably about 15 years ago and they were great then.

Sparks had a short period in the 70’s when they were in the charts quite a bit, and those songs are still pretty iconic.   Some other bands in the same position who are still going are just trading on those past glories.  They put out new material but it lacks the spark (sorry) of the big hits and all the fans really want is to hear the old hits in concert.  Sparks, on the other hand, continue to be innovative and their new material is catchy and watchable even on its first encounter.  Bless ’em.