"Where Would We Be without Books?"/"I Am a Bookworm" (2010)

Ron and Russell were commissioned to do new opening and closing themes for the NPR program Bookworm. In the greater scheme of things, these are perhaps not the most super-significant things ever; what with being theme songs and all, they're only about thirty seconds each, and there's only so much you can do in that time frame.

Fact remains, though, they made me grin like an idiot throughout. This may partially be a Pavlovian reaction that non-Sparks-fans (what's wrong with you?!?) won't experience, but I am fulfilled. "Where Would We Be?" features more substantial lyrics (once again, considering the medium), but "I Am a Bookworm" is probably the favorite, featuring some great harmonies and Russell's classic falsetto.

You can hear them right this instant by downloading the relevant podcast (this is a somewhat time-sensitive statement). The second song starts at 5:47; I kind of wish they'd be released as individual tracks, though.

(Actually, come to think of it, it's really NOT time-dependent, since you can presumably download any ol' post-September-second episode to hear the songs. Duh. In that case you won't get to hear a somewhat fawning interview with Ron and Russell, however.)