Rock n Roll Grad School

You may not have heard of Noel, but if you listen to this show, you've definitely heard us sing the praises of two people who wrote and produced a record for her.
Ron and Russell Mael from Sparks made "Is There More To Life Than Dancing?" for Noel shortly after completing their "No. 1 Song in Heaven" album.
Noel's record is more of the same great dance music. (Good luck getting "Dancing is Dangerous" out of your head after you hear it.) Thankfully, the record is now available again on both CD and vinyl AND it's got bonus tracks.
We talked with the rather private Noel about the whole experience and so much more in this fascinating interview.
"Is There More To Life Than Dancing?" is available right now wherever you get your music, and you can order directly from the Sparks website (store.allspark...) as well.

[@nicholasashton435]

What an utterly delightful interview with this wonderful singer. It was such a shame that the original release wasn't supported, but it is just great that Noel finally gets some of the recognition she so richly deserves. How marvellous that there is such a sense of fun in recollection, generosity to all the other musicians who worked on the album - and no pique! And such props to Russell and Ron for redressing the balance. I hope it sells well.

[@jillyb9995]

Thanks for a great interview...enlightening and fun. I admit to being a Johnny come Lately as far as this album is concerned but I love the coupling of Ron's brilliantly witty lyrics and Noël's beautifully rich singing voice. A number one marriage made in heaven😉♥️

[@fanmael5636]

Thanks for this. At the time of the original release, there was some attention for her in the UK, but in the rest of the world, the album was widely ignored. I've always considered this a proper Sparks album.

[@leegerstmann]

I had the album by Noel and the Red Wedge called Peer Pressure and it was great. Frankie Banali was the drummer on that record. I’m writing this comment before I watch and hear the interview because I want to mention how happy I am about it. I’m looking forward to it and I will watch now. 👍🙂

[@shelbyhagerdon3519]

This album is such a masterpiece and a perfect accompanying piece to No 1 Song in Heaven. I'm thrilled that Ron and Russell decided to re-release this and what a privilege to hear Noel speak about her time working on this.

[@stevelennon2388]

Fantastic. We love Noel!! ❤️💙❤️💙

[@discoduckgandolf]

Like most people I haven't heard of Noel until that premiere announcement from Sparks of all people popped in my KZbin feed. Now I know why... Thank you Sparks for finally giving her the recognition she so deserved for so long!

[@dastroyer6070]

Great interview, never imagined we'd ever hear from her, she's always been this mystery person that put out some music then dropped off the face of the earth, with little to no information about her left behind. The only other thing I'd like to have heard from her is about Noel & The Red Wedge and their Peer Pressure album, would certainly like to know the story behind all of that, its the only other music I've seen come from her.

[@annabackman3028]

Great album! It really shows how good adepts Ron and Russell were while working with Giorgio Mormoder. They must have picked up every word the man said and every move he made😅 What not many people are aware of, is that Ron and Russell have produced other artists, in various music styles, since then. Not any well known names, probably to be supportive and help careers to take off. Mostly very quietly. (Perhaps a way to please carma, I'm thinking about how Todd Rundgren took on them? Just a thought I've had for a while. And of course Noël! Also Christie Haydon.) It has nothing to do with Noël, but for a long time I have wondered if they knew about Klaus Nomi (well they must have), and their opinions on him. Ann Magnuson was the one who brought him into the Vaudeville. She played Greta Garbo in the, originally for radio, musical 'The Seduction of Ingmar Bergman' at the Los Angeles Film Festival 2011. Kristian Hoffman, from southern California, a member of Mumps in NY, was a good friend of Magnuson (they have worked together a lot during the years), who became a sort of 'musical director' for Nomi, also wrote some songs for him. In 2002 Hoffman recorded the album '&', where he had invited other singers and musicians to perform with him. Track no. 1 is 'Devil may care', together with.. RUSSELL MAEL. Producer of that song is no one less than, ta-taa! Earle Mankey, well known for Sparks' audience as the original guitar player in 'Halfnelson'/'Sparks' two first albums 'Halfnelson' (re-issued 'Sparks') and 'A Tweeter In A Woofer's Clothing' (also on the demo-album that is called the same, for a reason nobody seems to know). People say "the music industry is smaller than you think", well that's true about Sweden, but America? I find those things interesting coincidences😅

[@thechristianhuey]

Great interview! I do a podcast about Sparks, and we've done a couple of episodes about Dancing Is Dangerous, but I had no idea how to get in contact with Patricia. Do you think you might be able to connect me with her? Keep up the great work!

[@GasmaskAvenger]

Hopefully a better CD remaster of Noel's 2nd album "Peer Pressure" via her band Noel & the Red Wedge happens now.