Sparks, the duo comprised of Ron and Russell Mael  have shared the single “Self-Effacing,” off their forthcoming release A Steady Drip, Drip, Drip. The album will be available on multiple formats including CD, picture disc, and cassette, via BMG on May 15th.

Sparks will go on a short  run of dates in October 2020, before an extended world tour in 2021. Also due to be released are the Sparks-written musical feature film Annette, starring Adam Driver and Marion Cotillard and directed by Leos Carax (Holy Motors), and the currently-untitled Sparks documentary directed by Edgar Wright (Baby Driver, Spaced).

Sparks
A Steady Drip, Drip, Drip
tracklisting:

All That
I’m Toast
Lawnmower
Sainthood Is Not In Your Future
Pacific Standard Time
Stravinsky’s Only Hit
Left Out In The Cold
Self-Effacing
One For The Ages
Onomato Pia
iPhone
The Existential Threat
Nothing Travel Faster Than The Speed Of Light
Please Don’t Fuck Up My World

Sparks
tour dates:

11 – Norway, Oslo, Rockefeller Music Hall
12 – Sweden, Stockholm, Cirkus
14 – Denmark, Copenhagen, The Koncerthuset
15 – Germany, Berlin, Metropol
17 – Netherlands, Amsterdam, Paradiso
18 – Belgium, Brussels, AB Flex
20 – France, Paris, Casino de Paris
21 – UK, London, Roundhouse
23 – UK, Manchester, Albert Hall
24 – UK, Glasgow, The Barrowland Ballroom
26 – UK, Belfast, Limelight Club
27 – IRE, Dublin, Vicar Street

“SELF-EFFACING”
LYRICS

I’m not the guy who says,
“I’m the guy”
Always been Self-Effacing

I’m in the room
You won’t see me soon
Always been Self-Effacing

Compliments come but
My rule of thumb is
Under duress say
All my success is
All due to them on
Them I depend
And I’m Self-Effacing
And I’m Self-Effacing

My resume is dull and it’s gray
Always been Self-Effacing
Want to be known as someone unknown
Always been Self-Effacing

Why can’t I pose, wear flashier clothes,
Inflate who I am, a little flim flam
Referring to me, I’m third person me
And I’m Self-Effacing, and I’m Self-Effacing

Thank you, but I don’t merit your praise
Thank you, but I don’t merit your gaze
Thank you, but I’m not up to the task
Thank you, but I don’t know why you’ve asked
And I’m Self-Effacing
And I’m Self-Effacing

Close to the vest is what I do best
They’ll attest, Self-Effacing
My DNA just won’t go away
I remain Self-Effacing
I don’t deserve
First, second, or third
A great deal less
I have to confess
My trophy room’s bare
But why should I care
And I’m Self-Effacing
And I’m Self-Effacing

Thank you, but I had help to prepare
Thank you, but I was told what to wear
Thank you, but Autotune has been used
Used and perhaps a trifle abused
And I’m Self-Effacing
And I’m Self-Effacing

Self-Effacing
Self-Effacing

Why can’t I preen, be part of the scene
Berate those around and act like the clown
Guest DJ a bit, sardonic in wit
‘Cause I’m Self-Effacing

Self-Effacing
Self-Effacing

It’s not a choice, I’m less a Rolls Royce
And more minivan, you do understand
We’re tight, me and you
See things as we do
We’re both Self-Effacing
And I’m Self-Effacing