MAD! conforms to what’s expected in its own off-kilter idiom, insomuch as any Sparks album can be reasonably defined.

The theme? “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” — which basically meant the carpet got hit with a wave of high-fashion menswear ...

We also get the returns of Pulp and Stereolab, a slew of unreleased Springsteen, another Lil Wayne Carter installment, ...

On MAD! alone, there’s an ode to one of L.A.’s most congested freeways, “I-405 Rules,” and another to the humble “JanSport Backpack”—perhaps the least inspired but most durable of bags.

and backpacks and luggage under the Vans, Supreme, Kipling, Napapijri, Eastpak, and JanSport brands. In addition, the company provides work and work-inspired lifestyle apparel and footwear ...

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. David Chiu is a freelance music writer based in New York.

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