Sparks were originally called
Halfnelson in their home of Pacific Palisades, CA. It was Todd Rundgren that thought they'd someday be something really special, thus willing to give them a chance - as long as they changed their name. They were signed to the Bearsville record label for their debut.
That's the most common album art you'll come across, but there's one other (that I've only seen one copy of in my entire life - and couldn't afford at the time).
Sparks' lineup in 1972:
Ron Mael (keyboards)
Russell Mael (vocals)
Earle Mankey (guitar)
Jim Mankey (bass)
Harley Feinstein (drums)
Insider tip: Harley's a really nice, down to earth kind of guy. He's enjoying life in southern CA and updates his social media just like anyone else - of course, he's still highly supportive of the Maels' career and is kind enough to talk openly of his experiences with Sparks in the right situation.
Sparks (debut album) track listing:
Side A
Wonder Girl
Fa La Fa Lee
Roger
High C
Fletcher Honorama
Simple Ballet
Side B
Slowboat
Biology 2
Saccharin and the War
Big Bands
(No More) Mr. Nice Guys
The album begins with "Wonder Girl", of course. It's a cutesy little pop song. Wait, no, it's not. It's just best that you listen and not question what you're listening to until you've heard it. Just know that this track is hardly indicative of what you'll hear on the rest of the album.
Can you guess why this girl was a "wonder girl"?
The same concept is touched on in a later track in the catalogue, "Amateur Hour".
If you thought the concept of a seemingly innocent girl knowing her way around a man was a little cheeky (or perhaps slightly inappropriate) but cleverly delivered, you're gonna love what's coming up next.