126: Sparks - Gratuitous Sax and Senseless (1994) - The Ghost of Liberace

Sparks summon one of popular entertainment’s most flamboyant figures on “The Ghost of Liberace,” a deceptively gentle deep cut from Gratuitous Sax & Senseless Violins.We discuss whether the song is affectionate tribute, affectionate parody, or something balanced between the two. Beneath its ghost-story setting and typically strange Sparks premise lies a sincere defence of individuality: Liberace may be mocked by the people watching him, but eventually even they are won over. We also explore the track’s lilting melody, warm synth layers, spoken passages and choir-like stacks of Russell Mael vocals.It may not be one of the album’s biggest moments, but “The Ghost of Liberace” is an enjoyable and unusually timeless Sparks song about allowing people to be gloriously themselves.