Civilized

stellastarr* | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 7, 2009)
• Original Release Date: 2009
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Bloated Wife
• ASIN: B0029PUUF4
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #165,155 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Coming off a break-out trip to SXSW 2003, this unsigned New York-based band was immediately booked personally by Carson Daly and was the first unsigned band to perform on his Last Call With Carson Daly show. Other media and industry influencers, from Nic Harcourt, to NME, to a host of blogs and tastemakers, soon took notice of this bands distinctive sound and energetic live show, and within the year, stellastarr* had been signed to RCA Records. stellastarr* released their self-titled debut album in 2003. Support surged in from mainstream press outlets such as Rolling Stone, Spin, MTV News, Vanity Fair, New York Magazine, The New Yorker, LA Times, and the crème de la crème of
the indie world. They continued to grow their following with their 2005 sophomore album, "Harmonies for the Haunted", and by touring the country and the world with artists such as Jane s Addiction, Joe Strummer, Placebo, Editors, DEVO, The Killers, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Following their two records with RCA, the band decided to branch out on their own. Their 3rd album, 'Civilized', which was produced by Tim O'Heir (who also produced their debut), is released on stellastarr* s own Bloated Wife Records, through Warner s Independent Label Group.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Reverse the drought., July 24, 2009

By 

Jason Stein (San Diego, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Civilized (Audio CD)

With their third album, "Civilized", stellastarr* continue much in the same vein as their first and second albums. Although lead singer Shawn Christensen may be singing in a higher note than before, the music is still unmistakeably stellastarr*.

The main issue I take with the band is the fact that, unlike their contemporaries, The Killers, Franz Ferdinand, Kaiser Chiefs, White Lies, Interpol, etc., they still haven't quite found their musical direction. They have not quite been able to take from the past, and add their own spin on the old punk/new wave genre. Instead, they come across like Joy Division, The Cure and The Psychedelic Furs tossed into a blender.

That being said, "Civilized" does show some progress, just not that much, especially considering how long the band has been away. The band doesn't waste our time with bloated epic song lengths, they don't drown in slow balladry, no, they rock out, and it works for the most part. The overall result is a slightly above average effort. I just keep waiting for them to break out of this box they've put themselves into much like The Bravery have.

"Robot", "Freak Out", "Tokyo Sky", "Graffiti Eyes" and "Move On" are the better half of the disc. "Numbers", "Sonja Cries" and "Prom Zombie" are the next best tier of tracks. "Warchild" and "The People" were the weakest tracks here.

Here's how "Civilized" compares to the band's previous works:

2003 stellastarr*: Three and a Half Stars

2005 Harmonies For The Haunted: Three Stars

2009 Civilized: Three and a Half Stars

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars RiddleMeThis, July 9, 2009

By 

Michael Riddle (Kennett Square, PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Civilized (Audio CD)

I was very much anticipating their third album and they definitely didn't disappoint. They continue to elevate their music to another level. I love their sound and their style, especially Shawn's guitar and vocals. Amanda's background vocals are way cool, too! They're a 'must-see' live, too!! A fantastic CD. Love it!!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A solid return album, July 29, 2009

By 

The Voice Of The Jellyfish (Philadelphia, PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Civilized (Audio CD)

Like their first two albums, this album isn't spectacular, but it is solid and worth a listen. Like some others, I thought the single "Graffiti Eyes" wasn't that good at first, but it really grew on me. "Tokyo Sky" is another excellent track. But the best song on the album is "Robot"...it's both spacy and catchy, and represents the band's best traits. In my opinion, "Robot" is worth the price of the album. Those three tracks are definitely the highlights, but the rest aren't bad, either. Stellastarr* isn't the most original band and they wear their influences on their sleeve, which of course means that pompous, self-important rock critics dislike them. But they definitely sound different and more original than on Harmonies For The Haunted. And it's just an enjoyable album to listen to...very upbeat and a good summer CD.