80's Hit Song Review: "I Predict" by Sparks (1982)

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Peak Position No. 60

Backstory: This incredibly popular Los Angeles based cult rock, pop, and New Wave band (though they also experiment with other music genres as well, even including opera and spoken word), was formed by brothers Ron and Russell Mael in either 1967 or 1968. Both were graduates of UCLA, and are incredibly well-known in their Los Angeles area to this day. Ironically however, they had more chart success in Europe then they ever had here in the States. Their biggest U.S. hit, "Cool Places" which also included The Go-Go's Jane Wiedlin on vocals only got as high as No. 49 on the Hot 100. They still release plenty of music to this day and remain a VERY popular cult act. In fact, filmmaker Edgar Wright is even making a documentary about them. This song, from their 1982 album, Angst in My Pants, was their only other Hot 100 chart entry. A somewhat comedic yet controversial music video was also made for the song, made in the style of David Lynch's weird films, although it wasn't made by Lynch himself. The video consists of member Ron Mael performing a comedic striptease in front of a bunch of middle aged, slightly drunk and perverted looking men.

The review: This is EASILY one of my 100 favorite New Wave songs of ALL time. But what makes it even more epic is not only the cool and ridiculously catchy New Wave synth and drum beat, but also the comedic and truly ridiculous (yet clever and even somewhat smart and creative) lyrics making fun of lies, psychics, and fake news. Lyrics include such gems such as: "You're gonna eat a bowl of chow mien and get hungry real soon", and "This song will fade out" (yet it doesn't.) LOL. But the ONE line of lyrics in this song that is EASILY one of my ALL time favorite pieces of lyrics are, get this: "Cold beer and pretzels takes care of cancer!" LOL! Like, ya right, no shit Sherlock! Overall, just a very strange yet catchy and fun, comedic New Wave song.

(Also, don't forget to check out the album cover for Angst. You'll bust up LAUGHING. LOL.)

Final rating: 10/10