|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Listen to Samples and Buy MP3s
Songs from this album are available to purchase as MP3s. Click on "Buy MP3" or
view the MP3 Album.
Special Offers and Product Promotions
- Buy a CD or a vinyl record, get a $1 Amazon MP3 Credit. Limit one promotional credit per customer. Here's how (restrictions apply)
- Includes FREE MP3 version of this album Here's how (restrictions apply)
Frequently Bought Together
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images? |
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Montreal's Stars are certainly a theatrical bunch (and not just because co-frontman Torquil Campbell is also an actor). Their passionate delivery of love and breakup songs--often sung dialogue-style between male frontman Campbell and female lead Amy Millan--is a compelling combination of musicianship and dramatic intensity. In Our Bedroom After the War is similar in style to Set Yourself on Fire--albeit a little gentler and more intimate in tone--capturing the many varied elements that Stars do best. "Midnight Coward" begins with Millan's gentle voice singing "sweetness never suits me," then eventually expands into an abundant, symphonic-sounding conclusion. "The Ghost of Genova Heights" features co-vocalist Torquil Campbell evoking a Scissor Sisters funkiness, which may surprise some fans. "My Favourite Book" is a bright, sunny spot showcasing Millan's penchant for smooth, silky jazz-pop a la Morcheeba or The Style Council. Throughout, the group remains poets-cum-performers--topics range from love between political protestors ("Barricade") to emotive hook-up attempts between personal-ad users ("Personal"), always done with lush musicianship that's often Moulin Rouge-esque at its core. Note to diehard fans: the limited-edition version of the disc is well worth the investment, featuring a captivating hour-long DVD that is part travelogue, part interview, and is filled with impressive clips from live shows throughout Europe and North America. --Denise Sheppard
Product Description
On September 25, Stars will release their fourth studio album, In Our Bedroom After The War. It's Stars' most confident and compelling work to date, an album that showcases the seven years of experience they share as a band. It was recorded at the Warehouse Studios in Vancouver, BC and mixed by Joe Chiccarelli (The White Stripes, The Shins, Morrissey). For a limited time, In Our Bedroom After The War will include a bonus DVD featuring a 55-minute documentary of Stars' live performances and interviews while touring Set Yourself on Fire.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
33 of 36 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
I can remember where I was the first time I heard Stars. I was at my mundane little office job enjoying some internet radio when suddenly, amongst the typical and expected, came a song that immediately distracted me from the job I was supposed to be doing. It was not only beautiful, but touching, catchy, and - dare i say - perfect. The song was "Heart," the title track from Stars' 2003 breakout album. The song stuck with me, but I never really pursued my interest in the band. One day, about a year and a half later, I was in my local record store looking for something to buy. For some reason (providence, really), I thought of Stars, a band I hadn't heard in months. But the store didn't have any copies of "Heart," only their new album, "Set Yourself On Fire." Hmm? I wasn't sure. I scanned the barcode on the CD and previewed the first song on the album, "Your Ex-Lover Is Dead." I've been a Stars fan ever since. Their entire catalog is filled with effortless pop masterpieces, featuring brilliant songwriting, poignant imagery, and stellar production. Needless to say, my expectations for "In Our Bedroom After the War" were high. I am thrilled to say that I am not disappointed.
Stars albums have the habit of starting things off with an audio sample of a quote that typically reflects the title and mood of the album to follow. This one is no different. After a 2-minute synth introduction (reminiscent of "What the Snowman Learned About Death"), the voice of a older woman, audibly weathered by the years of her life, rises. She asks, "All the blood and the treasure and the losing it all, the time that we wasted and the place where we fall; will we wake in the morning and know what it was for up in our bedroom after the war?" It soon becomes clear that this is different than the typical carefree Stars album, and a far cry from their "Romantic Comedy" days.
The album hits its stride right out of the gate with "The Night Starts Here," a synth-heavy pop song with Amy and Torquil trading lyrics. It's sound is extremely reminiscent of the music off of "Heart," and for that I can't help but love it. The lack of a big, strong, satisfying hook is a bit disheartening, but this is a Stars album so you know that one is coming. As it turns out, we don't have to wait very long at all. "Take Me to the Riot" is one of the album's better tracks, and features Torquil shouting "Take me, take me to the riot" over guitars, strings, synths, and some surprisingly intense drumming. Of course, Amy is there softly singing along, adding a nice touch without overpowering. It's the album's first truly impressive track.
And boy do they keep piling them on! The next track, "My Favourite Book" is the first song that Amy takes charge of, pouring out her gorgeous vocals like honey (or, you know, something else that's sweet). They're accented by the excellent use of woodwinds and "do do dos" in the background. It's jazzy stylings are perfectly suited to the band, and I'm really surprised this is the first time that I've heard them play anything like this. The song is a gem that doesn't reveal it's true beauty at first, but grows on you over time. The same cannot be said for "Midnight Coward," an upbeat, yet poignant duet between Torquil and Amy. The two harmonize with one another, singing, "I can see what's coming, but I'm not saying it." Later in the song, when all the guitars and synths have gone, the two vocalists are left with only a piano to accompany their words. It is a highlight of the album and one of it's most beautiful moments.
"The Ghost of Genova Heights" is perhaps the most peculiar song I've ever heard from the band. It's verses are shoddily crafted, offering nothing really memorable musically or lyrically. In the chorus, however, the band takes a clear turn towards Michael Jackson-esque 80s pop. Torquil begins singing in an awesome falsetto, "I always see you when I never should. Now you're back in the neighborhood." I can't get it out of my head. Ultimately though, the song suffers because there's really not much to remember aside from the chorus. The band can't really even find a decent way to end the song. Fortunately, it's followed by "Personal," a "too-good-to-be-true" love song told through the communication of two singles through personal ads. I won't give away the ending, but it should be noted that this is without a doubt the saddest Stars song to date. The first time I heard it, I was visibly upset by what happens in the story. It is a powerful song, to be sure.
Unfortunately, the album really starts to struggle from there. "Barricade" is a simple piano ballad with a respectable performance from Torquil, but for some reason it doesn't feel very authentic to me. One of the signs of a good pop artist is that they can make anything sound real and true, but to me this song sounds manufactured and false. When Torquil sings "Meet me at the barricade, the love died but the hate can't fade," he's singing it well, but without true conviction. For a song that is so somber and emotional, Toquil is noticeably distant. "Window Bird" sounds like your run-of-the-mill indie rock song sung by a female, and Amy is completely underutilized. The same can be said for "B*tches in Tokyo," whose rockin' chorus is overshadowed by a complete lack of anything affecting or catchy.
"Life 2: The Unhappy Ending" is a step in the right direction, with Torquil and Amy contemplating the reality that life is not always as happy as it is in the films. Amy sings "Here's the part where you save me. Here is the scene where you save the day. Why can't the ending be happy? Why must it always resolve this way?" The song's lyrics and instrumentation are it's saving grace, as unlike most Stars songs, it's hook is far from memorable. "Today Will Be Better, I Swear!" is about what you would expect; reassurance that yesterday might have been good but today will be better. Again, the group struggles to find a reason for the song's existence as its lyrics and hook are poorly executed. Still, there is something admirable in the song's instrumental second half, if only for the fact that it reminds me of "The Big Fight."
For so many middle-of-the-road songs in the album's second half, "In Our Bedroom After the War" ends with what is arguably the best song the group has ever made and the album's title track. It tells the story of two lovers adjusting to life with each other in a post-war world, trying to capture the beauty in every second and remind themselves that they have each other. Torquil sings"Lift your head and look out the window. Stay that way for the rest of the day and watch the time go," before crying "The war is over and we are beginning!" The song ends with an eruption of instrumentation and vocals proclaiming "It starts up in our bedroom after the war! After the war!" It is simply stunning. I've listened to it over a dozen times now and I still get goosebumps every time. Personally, "Your Ex-Lover is Dead" is still my favorite Stars song, but this one comes in a close second.
When it's all said and done, I can't help but be happy with "In Our Bedroom After the War." While it's true that I could have done without 3 or 4 tracks, the album's highs brilliantly mask it's lows. "In Our Bedroom After the War" portrays a band coming to terms with the bleak and sorrowful world that we live in today; acknowledging that life and love is not always as bright and sunny as their past music would suggest. At the same time, however, the album is inexplicably hopeful despite the band's noticeable turn towards the dark side of life. If anything, "In Our Bedroom After the War" is a testament to the band's faith in humanity, in love. It leaves you feeling safe in a world of chaos, knowing that when it's all over there will still be love and we will still have each other.
Recommended for fans of Stars and anyone who needs hope.
Key Tracks:
1. "Take Me to the Riot"
2. "My Favourite Book"
3. "Midnight Coward"
4. "Personal"
5. "In Our Bedroom After the War"
7 out of 10 Stars
Stars albums have the habit of starting things off with an audio sample of a quote that typically reflects the title and mood of the album to follow. This one is no different. After a 2-minute synth introduction (reminiscent of "What the Snowman Learned About Death"), the voice of a older woman, audibly weathered by the years of her life, rises. She asks, "All the blood and the treasure and the losing it all, the time that we wasted and the place where we fall; will we wake in the morning and know what it was for up in our bedroom after the war?" It soon becomes clear that this is different than the typical carefree Stars album, and a far cry from their "Romantic Comedy" days.
The album hits its stride right out of the gate with "The Night Starts Here," a synth-heavy pop song with Amy and Torquil trading lyrics. It's sound is extremely reminiscent of the music off of "Heart," and for that I can't help but love it. The lack of a big, strong, satisfying hook is a bit disheartening, but this is a Stars album so you know that one is coming. As it turns out, we don't have to wait very long at all. "Take Me to the Riot" is one of the album's better tracks, and features Torquil shouting "Take me, take me to the riot" over guitars, strings, synths, and some surprisingly intense drumming. Of course, Amy is there softly singing along, adding a nice touch without overpowering. It's the album's first truly impressive track.
And boy do they keep piling them on! The next track, "My Favourite Book" is the first song that Amy takes charge of, pouring out her gorgeous vocals like honey (or, you know, something else that's sweet). They're accented by the excellent use of woodwinds and "do do dos" in the background. It's jazzy stylings are perfectly suited to the band, and I'm really surprised this is the first time that I've heard them play anything like this. The song is a gem that doesn't reveal it's true beauty at first, but grows on you over time. The same cannot be said for "Midnight Coward," an upbeat, yet poignant duet between Torquil and Amy. The two harmonize with one another, singing, "I can see what's coming, but I'm not saying it." Later in the song, when all the guitars and synths have gone, the two vocalists are left with only a piano to accompany their words. It is a highlight of the album and one of it's most beautiful moments.
"The Ghost of Genova Heights" is perhaps the most peculiar song I've ever heard from the band. It's verses are shoddily crafted, offering nothing really memorable musically or lyrically. In the chorus, however, the band takes a clear turn towards Michael Jackson-esque 80s pop. Torquil begins singing in an awesome falsetto, "I always see you when I never should. Now you're back in the neighborhood." I can't get it out of my head. Ultimately though, the song suffers because there's really not much to remember aside from the chorus. The band can't really even find a decent way to end the song. Fortunately, it's followed by "Personal," a "too-good-to-be-true" love song told through the communication of two singles through personal ads. I won't give away the ending, but it should be noted that this is without a doubt the saddest Stars song to date. The first time I heard it, I was visibly upset by what happens in the story. It is a powerful song, to be sure.
Unfortunately, the album really starts to struggle from there. "Barricade" is a simple piano ballad with a respectable performance from Torquil, but for some reason it doesn't feel very authentic to me. One of the signs of a good pop artist is that they can make anything sound real and true, but to me this song sounds manufactured and false. When Torquil sings "Meet me at the barricade, the love died but the hate can't fade," he's singing it well, but without true conviction. For a song that is so somber and emotional, Toquil is noticeably distant. "Window Bird" sounds like your run-of-the-mill indie rock song sung by a female, and Amy is completely underutilized. The same can be said for "B*tches in Tokyo," whose rockin' chorus is overshadowed by a complete lack of anything affecting or catchy.
"Life 2: The Unhappy Ending" is a step in the right direction, with Torquil and Amy contemplating the reality that life is not always as happy as it is in the films. Amy sings "Here's the part where you save me. Here is the scene where you save the day. Why can't the ending be happy? Why must it always resolve this way?" The song's lyrics and instrumentation are it's saving grace, as unlike most Stars songs, it's hook is far from memorable. "Today Will Be Better, I Swear!" is about what you would expect; reassurance that yesterday might have been good but today will be better. Again, the group struggles to find a reason for the song's existence as its lyrics and hook are poorly executed. Still, there is something admirable in the song's instrumental second half, if only for the fact that it reminds me of "The Big Fight."
For so many middle-of-the-road songs in the album's second half, "In Our Bedroom After the War" ends with what is arguably the best song the group has ever made and the album's title track. It tells the story of two lovers adjusting to life with each other in a post-war world, trying to capture the beauty in every second and remind themselves that they have each other. Torquil sings"Lift your head and look out the window. Stay that way for the rest of the day and watch the time go," before crying "The war is over and we are beginning!" The song ends with an eruption of instrumentation and vocals proclaiming "It starts up in our bedroom after the war! After the war!" It is simply stunning. I've listened to it over a dozen times now and I still get goosebumps every time. Personally, "Your Ex-Lover is Dead" is still my favorite Stars song, but this one comes in a close second.
When it's all said and done, I can't help but be happy with "In Our Bedroom After the War." While it's true that I could have done without 3 or 4 tracks, the album's highs brilliantly mask it's lows. "In Our Bedroom After the War" portrays a band coming to terms with the bleak and sorrowful world that we live in today; acknowledging that life and love is not always as bright and sunny as their past music would suggest. At the same time, however, the album is inexplicably hopeful despite the band's noticeable turn towards the dark side of life. If anything, "In Our Bedroom After the War" is a testament to the band's faith in humanity, in love. It leaves you feeling safe in a world of chaos, knowing that when it's all over there will still be love and we will still have each other.
Recommended for fans of Stars and anyone who needs hope.
Key Tracks:
1. "Take Me to the Riot"
2. "My Favourite Book"
3. "Midnight Coward"
4. "Personal"
5. "In Our Bedroom After the War"
7 out of 10 Stars
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
The Canadian indiepop band Stars has never had a problem with crafting sad songs with shimmery music and pretty vocals, and this has definitely not changed in "In Our Bedroom After The War."
In fact, their fourth full-length album takes that tendency even further. Instead of a string of individual songs, it's a musical-style sequence of songs that seem to be about the sorrows of life and live during a war. With, of course, with lots of lush indiepop and murmury vocals.
It opens with a slow-building electropop tune that isn't quite catchy enough to make you pay attention. That is reserved for the swirling, dreamlike ballad "The Night Starts Here," a simple song with moments of insight ("You name your child/After your fear/And tell them/"I have brought you here").
Fortunately the songs that follow take after the latter than the former -- shimmery keyboard tunes, driving guitar-filled powerpop, exquisitely flickering ballads, and the discoey flavour of "Ghost of Genova Heights." Don't be fooled by its upbeat sound -- the concept is perhaps the most depressing one that Stars has ever done.
The album does stumble a bit in the second lap, with the warbly "Barricade" and forgettable "Window Bird," but fortunately it picks up after that. There's a brief spurt of colourful indie-rock, and swirling ballads, ending with the mellow, retrospective title track. It's a fitting finale, and saves the album from being TOO depressing.
On the first listen, "In Our Bedroom After the War" is basically the kind of chamberpop the band has been making for ages. Musically, much the same as their past work, save for a couple songs ("Bitches in Tokyo") where they dabble in new sounds.
And the band has a pretty polished sound at present -- there's lots of smooth guitar and clattery drums keeping the peppier songs moving. In the softer ones, they're woven with plinky piano, chimes, colourful streaks of synth and some dramatic strings.
But wait -- listen carefully. Each song is a little, bittersweet story -- fragmented love affairs, veterans' ghosts, even a doomed affair between two soccer hooligans. But no matter how dark the songs get, Amy Millan's vocals are still sweet, and Torquil Campbell's are still extremely dramatic.
It ends prettily happily, though, with a ballad all about the end of war, and realizing that the world has just become a bit brighter. "Yes, we're back again/Here to see you through til the day's end/And if the night comes, and the night will come/Well at least the war is over..."
"In Our Bedroom After the War" is a little musical journey on its own -- and despite a few dud songs, it's a journey worth taking. Definitely worth hearing.
In fact, their fourth full-length album takes that tendency even further. Instead of a string of individual songs, it's a musical-style sequence of songs that seem to be about the sorrows of life and live during a war. With, of course, with lots of lush indiepop and murmury vocals.
It opens with a slow-building electropop tune that isn't quite catchy enough to make you pay attention. That is reserved for the swirling, dreamlike ballad "The Night Starts Here," a simple song with moments of insight ("You name your child/After your fear/And tell them/"I have brought you here").
Fortunately the songs that follow take after the latter than the former -- shimmery keyboard tunes, driving guitar-filled powerpop, exquisitely flickering ballads, and the discoey flavour of "Ghost of Genova Heights." Don't be fooled by its upbeat sound -- the concept is perhaps the most depressing one that Stars has ever done.
The album does stumble a bit in the second lap, with the warbly "Barricade" and forgettable "Window Bird," but fortunately it picks up after that. There's a brief spurt of colourful indie-rock, and swirling ballads, ending with the mellow, retrospective title track. It's a fitting finale, and saves the album from being TOO depressing.
On the first listen, "In Our Bedroom After the War" is basically the kind of chamberpop the band has been making for ages. Musically, much the same as their past work, save for a couple songs ("Bitches in Tokyo") where they dabble in new sounds.
And the band has a pretty polished sound at present -- there's lots of smooth guitar and clattery drums keeping the peppier songs moving. In the softer ones, they're woven with plinky piano, chimes, colourful streaks of synth and some dramatic strings.
But wait -- listen carefully. Each song is a little, bittersweet story -- fragmented love affairs, veterans' ghosts, even a doomed affair between two soccer hooligans. But no matter how dark the songs get, Amy Millan's vocals are still sweet, and Torquil Campbell's are still extremely dramatic.
It ends prettily happily, though, with a ballad all about the end of war, and realizing that the world has just become a bit brighter. "Yes, we're back again/Here to see you through til the day's end/And if the night comes, and the night will come/Well at least the war is over..."
"In Our Bedroom After the War" is a little musical journey on its own -- and despite a few dud songs, it's a journey worth taking. Definitely worth hearing.
12 of 13 people found the following review helpful
By Samilly
Format:MP3 Music|Amazon Verified Purchase
As someone that's been casually listening to Stars since the time of their release of "Set Yourself on Fire", I was actually initially hesitant to purchase this album. It was a long ten minute debate (yes, ten minutes is a long time to be debating with yourself) on whether I should buy "In Our Bedroom After the War" or just go with "Heart". I don't have either, and I've actually heard some of the songs off of "Heart", where as before buying, I had never heard a full song off of IOBATW. Anyway, I took a chance and purchased this. I have to say, I'm not sorry at all. In fact, I think I've found a new album to obsess over for a few weeks!
This album is a story. It has a very, err, musical feel to it. With each song, I can picture this ongoing story with characters expressing their point of views through singing. On first listening, it's good. On second listening, it's addictive ... which leads to third and fourth listenings!
The intro song, "The Beginning After the End" is a nice start. It's a nice beginning after the end. The song is a little short and doesn't have any lyrics (until the end), but it's a lovely, slow song that gives off a pensive feel.
Next is "The Night Starts Here", which I adore. I feel like this song belongs to a musical. I'm not even a big fan of musicals myself, but I can just picture this song belonging. It starts off very slow and low-beat, but then builds and ends up being quite catchy. I love the tones to Amy's voice.
"Take Me to the Riot" is also musical-like, though I don't particularly feel a connection to this song. It's kind of a throwaway track, in my opinion. It's certainly not skip-worthy, but it's by far not the best on the album. I'd actually say it's on the lower end.
"My Favourite Book" is terribly clever. It's definitely a cute love song. The music, the lyrics, Amy's voice, it's all just meshes so wonderfully. This song inspires me. This track is definitely on the higher end of the album.
I think "Midnight Coward" is a good song, but it's kind of just ... throwaway, like "Take Me To The Riot". I bought this album yesterday and I've already given it about 6 listenings, and "Midnight Coward" has just failed to capture my attention like some of the other tracks. I haven't made a connection with it.
"The Ghost of Genova Heights" is a song that had to grow on me. First and second listenings, I didn't really pay much attention to it, especially since it leads into two of my absolute favorite tracks on the album. However, around the third and fourth and fifth listenings, I realized this is a very catchy song. You can definitely groove to this song. This and "Window Bird" are the most 'chill' songs on the album.
"Personal" ... oh, how personal it is. It's between two characters putting in personal ads in the newspaper. The woman, Caroline, is very bored and lonely, and thinks she has found a potential interest in a nameless man. Sadly, he stands her up and the woman is convinced it's because she doesn't have the face of a "film star beauty", but really ... the man stood up Caroline, because of his own apprehension. It's a very sad and very personal song that has the ability to hit home with you on a very touching level. Hands down one of the best and most creative songs on the album.
"Barricade" is also a really good one. It's about a man's fascination with a very tough, passionate woman. I initially didn't realize this was about a British girl devoted to football, but after listening to it and then reading the lyrics and paying close attention, it all makes sense. It's a rather lovely song, even if the subject matter is a little WTF. I love when Troq sings, "Oh, how could anyone ..." Ah, his voice sounds so melodic.
After comes "Window Bird". It's such a pleasant tune. The lyrics are a bit vague and confusing, but I love the transition midway through. Every time Amy says, "when we go down, so ferocious", I can't help but think of oral sex, LOL. It's obviously not about that, but it pops into my head every time. Nevertheless, this tune is definitely the most "chill" song on the album. It's a nice song you could listen to as you sit down and have a chat. The chorus has such a funky sound to it.
For me "Bitches in Tokyo" is definitely a throwaway track. In fact, I'd go as far as saying it's the only track I don't particularly like. If any track on here is worth skipping, I'd say this has got to be it. I mean, it's an OKAY song, but it just doesn't connect with me. There's nothing special about it to me, and since it's so short (it's under 3 minutes) it fails to leave an impression on me.
"Life 2: The Unhappy Ending" is right up there with "Personal" and "The Night Starts Here" for me. It's about a rebellious couple getting themselves into all kinds of thrills and troubles. Problem is, I guess the 'trouble' is all too real and ends unhappily, unlike in the movies. I love how one moment the male character is narrating and the next the woman character is narrating. It's reminiscent of "Personal" in that way. Overall, it's a great song that gets you thinking. You'll enjoy it, definitely.
"Today Will Be Better I Swear" is such an inspirational song. It's one of those songs you should listen to when you're down in the dumps and need to have the mindset that things will get better drilled into your head. This song is just so lighthearted it's hard not to listen to it and smile.
The last song, "In Our Bedroom After the War" is a very fine finish. It's not a standout song for me, but it's still quite a nice song. I think it's a good finish.
Overall, best Stars album, and I've been replaying "Set Yourself On Fire" for years, aha! I just like this one so much better (which is a feat, seeing as I enjoy SYOF a lot). I think this one is much more creative and mysterious. Each time you listen you get caught up with the "characters" and the "story". It takes you along for the ride. It's an experience, it definitely is. I'd caterogize the tracks like this:
KEY TRACKS:
-Personal
-Barricade
-Life 2: the Unhappy Ending
-The Night Starts Here
-My Favourite Book
VERY GOOD:
-The Ghost of Genova Heights
-Window Bird
-The Beginning After the End
GOOD:
-Today Will Be Better I Swear
-Midnight Coward
-In Our Bedroom After the War
JUST OKAY:
-Take Me to the Riot
-Bitches in Tokyo
This album is a story. It has a very, err, musical feel to it. With each song, I can picture this ongoing story with characters expressing their point of views through singing. On first listening, it's good. On second listening, it's addictive ... which leads to third and fourth listenings!
The intro song, "The Beginning After the End" is a nice start. It's a nice beginning after the end. The song is a little short and doesn't have any lyrics (until the end), but it's a lovely, slow song that gives off a pensive feel.
Next is "The Night Starts Here", which I adore. I feel like this song belongs to a musical. I'm not even a big fan of musicals myself, but I can just picture this song belonging. It starts off very slow and low-beat, but then builds and ends up being quite catchy. I love the tones to Amy's voice.
"Take Me to the Riot" is also musical-like, though I don't particularly feel a connection to this song. It's kind of a throwaway track, in my opinion. It's certainly not skip-worthy, but it's by far not the best on the album. I'd actually say it's on the lower end.
"My Favourite Book" is terribly clever. It's definitely a cute love song. The music, the lyrics, Amy's voice, it's all just meshes so wonderfully. This song inspires me. This track is definitely on the higher end of the album.
I think "Midnight Coward" is a good song, but it's kind of just ... throwaway, like "Take Me To The Riot". I bought this album yesterday and I've already given it about 6 listenings, and "Midnight Coward" has just failed to capture my attention like some of the other tracks. I haven't made a connection with it.
"The Ghost of Genova Heights" is a song that had to grow on me. First and second listenings, I didn't really pay much attention to it, especially since it leads into two of my absolute favorite tracks on the album. However, around the third and fourth and fifth listenings, I realized this is a very catchy song. You can definitely groove to this song. This and "Window Bird" are the most 'chill' songs on the album.
"Personal" ... oh, how personal it is. It's between two characters putting in personal ads in the newspaper. The woman, Caroline, is very bored and lonely, and thinks she has found a potential interest in a nameless man. Sadly, he stands her up and the woman is convinced it's because she doesn't have the face of a "film star beauty", but really ... the man stood up Caroline, because of his own apprehension. It's a very sad and very personal song that has the ability to hit home with you on a very touching level. Hands down one of the best and most creative songs on the album.
"Barricade" is also a really good one. It's about a man's fascination with a very tough, passionate woman. I initially didn't realize this was about a British girl devoted to football, but after listening to it and then reading the lyrics and paying close attention, it all makes sense. It's a rather lovely song, even if the subject matter is a little WTF. I love when Troq sings, "Oh, how could anyone ..." Ah, his voice sounds so melodic.
After comes "Window Bird". It's such a pleasant tune. The lyrics are a bit vague and confusing, but I love the transition midway through. Every time Amy says, "when we go down, so ferocious", I can't help but think of oral sex, LOL. It's obviously not about that, but it pops into my head every time. Nevertheless, this tune is definitely the most "chill" song on the album. It's a nice song you could listen to as you sit down and have a chat. The chorus has such a funky sound to it.
For me "Bitches in Tokyo" is definitely a throwaway track. In fact, I'd go as far as saying it's the only track I don't particularly like. If any track on here is worth skipping, I'd say this has got to be it. I mean, it's an OKAY song, but it just doesn't connect with me. There's nothing special about it to me, and since it's so short (it's under 3 minutes) it fails to leave an impression on me.
"Life 2: The Unhappy Ending" is right up there with "Personal" and "The Night Starts Here" for me. It's about a rebellious couple getting themselves into all kinds of thrills and troubles. Problem is, I guess the 'trouble' is all too real and ends unhappily, unlike in the movies. I love how one moment the male character is narrating and the next the woman character is narrating. It's reminiscent of "Personal" in that way. Overall, it's a great song that gets you thinking. You'll enjoy it, definitely.
"Today Will Be Better I Swear" is such an inspirational song. It's one of those songs you should listen to when you're down in the dumps and need to have the mindset that things will get better drilled into your head. This song is just so lighthearted it's hard not to listen to it and smile.
The last song, "In Our Bedroom After the War" is a very fine finish. It's not a standout song for me, but it's still quite a nice song. I think it's a good finish.
Overall, best Stars album, and I've been replaying "Set Yourself On Fire" for years, aha! I just like this one so much better (which is a feat, seeing as I enjoy SYOF a lot). I think this one is much more creative and mysterious. Each time you listen you get caught up with the "characters" and the "story". It takes you along for the ride. It's an experience, it definitely is. I'd caterogize the tracks like this:
KEY TRACKS:
-Personal
-Barricade
-Life 2: the Unhappy Ending
-The Night Starts Here
-My Favourite Book
VERY GOOD:
-The Ghost of Genova Heights
-Window Bird
-The Beginning After the End
GOOD:
-Today Will Be Better I Swear
-Midnight Coward
-In Our Bedroom After the War
JUST OKAY:
-Take Me to the Riot
-Bitches in Tokyo
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
A wonderful album.
i own all of Star's albums, including Sad Robots EP. This is one of my favourite albums by them. Amy Millan's breathy voice enchants the mind in My Favourite Book. Read more
Published on August 27, 2010 by Rae Atkinson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beguiling
It's just awesome. Forget the Arcade Fire. This is the real thing - unpretentious, blissful pop. "Take Me To The Riot" is simply on of the best indie songs I've heard in years. Read more
Published on July 31, 2009 by Andrew Bishop
5.0 out of 5 stars
She loved it
I got this for a Stars/Indie friend of mine and she loved it. I like the covering/ no stupid jewel case to break and bust.
Published on January 28, 2009 by TG
4.0 out of 5 stars
They really are Stars
Stars is the best band that I had never heard of until this year. I now own all their albums, including their strange little release SAD ROBOTS from November 2008. Read more
Published on December 26, 2008 by Nathan Beauchamp
4.0 out of 5 stars
Allegro, non troppo
For Stars, the nineties never happened. All members have metabolized the two pillars of 80s British pop-rock -- Smiths and New Order -- so thoroughly that they don't need to copy... Read more
Published on December 23, 2008 by Giuseppe A. Paleologo
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best of 2007, building up on Set Yourself On Fire
Stars was a band that I loved at first listen. It was pure coincidence: they were opening for Death Cab For Cutie in Orlando and only later did I learn that they were a spinoff of... Read more
Published on December 20, 2008 by Manny Hernandez
5.0 out of 5 stars
Top notch!
The stars lyrical quality is hypnotic. If you are a fan, this album does not disappoint, although the continuity between songs isn't quite as consistent as previous albums. Read more
Published on September 26, 2008 by Eric J. Robertson
5.0 out of 5 stars
in our bedroom after the war
i've been a fan of this band since i heard of them from a friend. their melodic voices and intelligent lyrics from their previous albums have always been my weakness, but this... Read more
Published on July 21, 2008 by Jessica Tate
5.0 out of 5 stars
Not really expecting much, but BLOWN AWAY
After hearing "Your Ex-Lover is Dead" 2 years ago, I then quickly decided to buy "Set Yourself on Fire," because I figured that if they released such a beautiful song, the others... Read more
Published on June 30, 2008 by Chris Terry
5.0 out of 5 stars
Superb album
This is the first of there albums I have bought and I was not disappointed at all. All around great album. Much to my suprise none of these songs ever became a single. Read more
Published on May 29, 2008 by Mark Ski
Listmania!
|
|
So You'd Like to...
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Look for Similar Items by Category
- Music > Alternative Rock
- Music > Pop
- Music > Rock
- Music > Soundtracks
