Customer Reviews

Geneologies

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Secret Stars is the name of a duo, Geoff Farina (of Karate fame) and Jodi something-or-other. Most of the tracks are experimental, slow, sparse pop songs.

Lyrically, the content tends towards quite simple, honest descriptions. There are some gems though, like a couple lines from "Melt": Turned your head / and looked at me / made a "V" for victory / maybe it's a peace sign / for the piece of me / you left behind / with you.

Ida (the uber-group), took the Secret Stars song "Shoe-In" and turned into what it, perhaps, a perfect song: "Come to dinner with me / We'll walk down the main street / all dressed up / We'll make time for coffee / I know that caffeine makes you sad."

The original, by the SS, is so sweet and endearing it makes you want to hug somebody.

I read a quote by Geoff somewhere that the Secret Stars make songs for friends to kiss and snuggle to. I think that just about sums it up.

There are some harsher, more experimental songs on this album, and those afraid of something new may be turned off by some of the noise on these tracks. C'est la vie. They are all brilliant.

Every song on this album delves into some deeper realm, each farther from each other. It ranges from punk rantings ["Can U Feel It?"] to doleful, whistful, beautiful melodies ["Shoe-In"] to a take on 60s soul music ["Sister, Brother"], and each attempt is brilliance. The harmonies between Geoff and Jodi are highlighted by masterfully understated guitar work and heart-wrenching lyrics. I can see why bands like Death Cab for Cutie and Ida are such devoted, self-proclaimed fans of this band. These songs never miss their mark.

years ago i had heard ida's cover of "shoe in" and had always meant to pick this up. also being a huge karate/geoff farina fan there was no reason to NOT pick this up. well, about two years ago i finally got it! it is definitely not what i was looking forward to. the best song on here (shoe in) isn't even the best version of it, ida did a much better job. if you're getting this because you're a karate fan you're probably in your mid 20's to early 30's and you've more than likely grown out of this style of stuff. at least all of my friends have.

it's worth a listen, but try to find some washed up ex-scenester from allston and ask if you can borrow it or something.

Shoe In and some sonatra are typical Geoff Farina. The secret stars, in my opinion, is one more outlet for this amazing song writer. If you are a fan of Geoff's solo album buy this, too. I would have gave it 5 stars, but I'm not a fan of the other artist's work on this album, but Sister Brother is a tight track. Her work on the last album was beautiful, though.