Sparks

Cheat! Despite a cover pic of the mid-'70s band lineup and a title that places your mind firmly at the end of that same decade, Beat the Clock is in fact nothing more than a cheapo reprise of the Live in London release, filmed at the Shepherds Bush Empire in 2000. Of course, if you don't have that set, that should be of no concern; this excellent show may be heavy on the brothers' then most recent album, Balls, but it bounces through the back catalog regardless -- and, it must be said, both of the Mael brothers are a lot more active on-stage here than they ever were during those earlier eras. So, highlights aplenty include the inevitable hits, a manic "This Town Ain't Big Enough," and -- most sublime of all -- a segue from "Number One Song in Heaven" into "Never Turn Your Back on Mother Earth" that is worth the price of admission on its own. ~ Dave Thompson, All Music Guide