044: Sparks - Terminal Jive (1980) - Noisy Boys

On Terminal Jive (1980), Sparks briefly opened the door to outside co-writers, and Noisy Boys is the result — a collaboration between Ron and Russell Mael, Harold Faltermeyer, and Keith Forsey. The track pairs bright 80s synth textures and tight drum breaks with lyrics that, on closer inspection, tread into unsettling “boys will be boys” territory.

In this episode we debate whether the song’s catchy chorus and layered production are enough to outweigh its disturbing subtext. Some of us hear an energetic, forward-leaning pop experiment that points toward the 80s sound Faltermeyer and Forsey would later perfect. Others find it bland, even disturbing, and one of Sparks’ weaker efforts. With little live history and no notable covers, Noisy Boys remains a curious album track that sparks divided reactions.