Sparks: "Funny Face" Single (1981)

Sparks’ "Funny Face" backed with "The Willys", was released as a 7-inch vinyl single in the UK by Why Fi Records (catalog number WHY 4) on September 18, 1981.

Background and Context: Sparks, formed by brothers Ron Mael (keyboards) and Russell Mael (vocals) in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles in 1971, were known for their quirky, theatrical approach to pop music, blending sophisticated lyrics with eclectic styles. By 1981, Sparks had transitioned from their influential disco albums No. 1 In Heaven (1979) and Terminal Jive (1980), produced with Giorgio Moroder, back to a rock-oriented sound with their tenth studio album, Whomp That Sucker, released in 1981. This album marked a return to a conventional band format after finding Moroder’s electronic equipment too cumbersome for touring.

Whomp That Sucker was recorded at Musicland Studios in Munich, produced by Mack (who had worked on Queen’s The Game), and featured the backing band Bates Motel, consisting of guitarist Bob Haag, bassist Leslie Bohem, and drummer David Kendrick. The single "Funny Face" / "The Willys" was released to promote the album, reflecting Sparks’ signature blend of clever lyrics and catchy pop-rock.

Single Details:

A-side: Funny Face (3:16)

Written by Ron Mael and Russell Mael.

A pop-rock track with a strong keyboard presence and Russell’s distinctive falsetto, telling the story of a man famous for his good looks who is frustrated by people assuming he’s shallow. He finds happiness after disfiguring his face in an accident, as people finally value his personality. The song’s narrative is quirky yet poignant,

with a catchy melody and polished production.

Released as a single in multiple markets, including the UK (Why Fi Records, WHY 4) and France (Underdog), it was a lead single in France but a secondary single in the UK, following "Tips for Teens." It did not chart significantly in the UK but saw modest success in France, capitalizing on Sparks’ popularity there after their 1980 hit "When I’m with You."

The music video, incorrectly credited to director Sam Peckinpah in some sources, features a man in a monster mask (likely representing the disfigured character) trying to get the attention of three playful girls, with another man singing the song. Russell Mael later clarified Peckinpah did not direct it, and the true director remains uncredited.

B-side: The Willys (4:00)

Also written by Ron Mael and Russell Mael.

A quirky, 1950s-inspired rock track with a humorous narrative about a character experiencing "the Willys," a slang term for nervousness or anxiety, possibly triggered by bad lunch meat. .

Release Information:

Released on 7" vinyl by Why Fi Records UK (WHY 4) on September 18, 1981, as confirmed by Record Collector Magazine.

Released in a standard die-cut paper sleeve, though some sources note a picture sleeve with the Why Fi logo was issued in certain markets. Pressings exist with B-side labels on both sides, a noted manufacturing error.

The single is explicitly tied to Whomp That Sucker (catalog WHO 1), with both tracks credited to the album on the label.

Musical Style and Themes: Both tracks reflect the pop-rock sound of Whomp That Sucker, with a strong keyboard presence, catchy hooks, and Russell Mael’s theatrical vocals. "Funny Face" is a melodic, narrative-driven pop song with a touch of new wave, while "The Willys" leans into a retro rock and roll feel with humorous, absurd lyrics. Sparks’ signature style—witty, idiosyncratic, and slightly subversive—shines through, though the album and singles are seen as less groundbreaking than their earlier work like Kimono My House (1974) or No. 1 In Heaven (1979). The themes explore personal identity and anxiety with a comedic twist, typical of Sparks’ lyrical approach.

Critical and Commercial Reception: The "Funny Face" / "The Willys" single had limited commercial impact in the UK, where it did not chart, reflecting Sparks’ niche status despite their earlier success with "This Town Ain’t Big Enough for Both of Us" (#2 UK, 1974). In France, "Funny Face" performed better due to Sparks’ established fanbase. Critics viewed Whomp That Sucker as a solid but not exceptional album, with Rolling Stone calling it their “finest half-hour since Kimono My House” in 1981, praising tracks like "Funny Face" for their cleverness. "The Willys" is noted as a fun but less memorable track, with reviews on Prog Archives describing it as a “50s throwback” that doesn’t stand out. The single’s collectible value is modest, with interest primarily among Sparks fans and vinyl enthusiasts.

Legacy and Context: The single is a snapshot of Sparks’ early 1980s transition from disco to a more conventional rock sound, maintaining their quirky identity. Whomp That Sucker reached #182 on the US Billboard 200, their first US chart entry since Indiscreet (1975), but its singles, including "Funny Face," didn’t break into the UK or US charts significantly. The Bates Motel backing band, also known as Gleaming Spires, recorded concurrently and had a minor hit with "Are You Ready for the Sex Girls?" in 1981, adding context to Sparks’ collaborative approach. The single is available on the 2018 Repertoire Records reissue of Whomp That Sucker (180g red and blue split vinyl) and digitally on platforms like Spotify. Sparks’ influence on synth-pop and new wave is well-documented, with artists like Joy Division and New Order citing their Moroder-produced work as inspiration, though this single represents a less pivotal moment in their career.

Additional Notes:

The music video for "Funny Face" is noted for its bizarre, corny charm, with a 6/10 rating on IMDb, though its director remains unconfirmed.

Why Fi Records was a short-lived UK label, and the single’s release reflects Sparks’ shifting label partnerships in different markets (RCA in the US, Underdog in France, Ariola/Oasis in Germany).

The Willys is available on YouTube and Spotify, credited to the Whomp That Sucker album, with lyrics on Genius emphasizing its humorous tone.

Sources and Verification: Information is drawn from my knowledge of Sparks’ discography and supplemented by web sources, including Discogs, Wikipedia, Repertoire Records, Genius, and ProgArchives. for Teens