Friday, June 17

STARS

Stars are a Montreal-based band (like the Dears, a group I spotlighted some days ago) that make good use of boy/girl dynamics to craft nice, easy-going pop. Whether that pop is "chamber" or "twee" or both is entirely up to the listener, but their work also features low-key electronic flourishes that sometimes add to the overall effect, and sometimes detract from it.

To my ears, though, these folks have gotten better with each of their three albums, tightening their sound and shifting their emphasis from soundscapes to songs. Here are some of my favorites for your listening pleasure:

"What I'm Trying to Say"/Stars [from the LP Set Yourself on Fire, 2005]
What I'm Trying to Say-mp3 [left-click]

"Calendar Girl"/Stars [from the LP Set Yourself on Fire, 2005]
Calendar Girl-mp3 [left-click]

"Elevator Love Letter"/Stars [from the LP Heart, 2003]
Elevator Love Letter-mp3 [left-click]

"On Peak Hill"/Stars [from the LP Nightsongs, 2001]
On Peak Hill-mp3 [left-click]

Another song can be found at the very excellent 3Hive.

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