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Stars

June 6, 2007 1:16 AM

ome time ago (was that first year? No, it must have been second year, right?), I went to this show here in Madison with Wade Garrett and afs. We saw this band called Stars. They were really pretty good--even though I had never heard of them before and was not familiar with their music, I really enjoyed the show and the songs. Mr. Garrett got their CD, Heart, and was kind enough to share it with me. I put it on my computer and listened to it a few times, picked out my favorite songs, gave them four-star ratings in iTunes, and never specifically sought the album out again.

Until the other day. I was bored with the music on my normal playlists, so I started looking around for stuff I hadn't listened to in a while (in my "Haven't Listened to in a While" playlist--iTunes smart playlists kick ass). I found Elevator Love Letter in their, listened to it, remembered how much I liked it, and put on the album. And it's become my new musical obsession.

I really like the simple yet lush-sounding arrangements on the songs. The lyrics are pretty decent, too. But what I really like is the singing, particularly Amy Millan's vocals. And the interplay between the two singers, one male and one female, is really pretty interesting.

More importantly, the music is soothing without being boring and upbeat without being jarring. It's really perfect rainy day music, I think. And, since it's been raining for about a week, that seems just about right.

Anyway, you should check them out. You can see a video of them playing Elevator Love Letter live here. I really like that performance.

Does anyone have any music I should be listening to?



6 Comments


TheExpat said:

These guys are pretty good. They're on the SP tip, but not pretentious in presentation in the slightest. I like the production, though the whole thing gets a little thick around the edges at times.

As for music you should be listening to, well, unless you like hip hop you'll be disappointed with my suggestions. I'm immersed in real-life rappers like Lyrics Born, Lupe Fiasco, KRS-ONE and the like at the moment. You might check out The Blow, their name has hit me from two directions since I checked them out and they're pretty interesting.

Hey, I've got an idea! You can use your now-dusty Myspace account to search for new music, and become my friend there at the same time! Do it before we all, well, you know...

June 6, 2007 7:06 AM



Rod Farva said:

You should check out The National. They're pretty chill, but their last 2 albums (one just came out) "Alligator" and "Boxer" are both chock full of great songs. They're also playing at High Noon Saloon on Saturday (I think) for $12. I think you'd like em.

June 6, 2007 12:58 PM



Rod Farva said:

Wow, I'm an idiot. Still though, check out The National.

June 6, 2007 1:02 PM



Wade Garrett said:

I second Rod's recommendation of The National. I've got a video of theirs up on Common Sense Dancing, and if you like it I can burn you any of their three most recent albums.

They're playing the High Noon Saloon on saturday night at 9:30 if you're interested.

June 6, 2007 1:31 PM



afs said:

dude. you OBVIOUSLY don't read my blog (monthly music reviews). I'll save you the trouble though, I recommend the shaky hands, peter bjorn and john, and the new albums for the following bands: the rosebuds, bright eyes, do make say think, low, and beirut. also, I agree that the national is good.

June 6, 2007 11:02 PM



Utah said:

I would recommend the following:

1. The Bee Gees
2. KC and the Sunshine Band
3. Five for Fighting
4. Maroon Five
5. Will Smith

June 7, 2007 12:10 PM



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