Stellastarr* Announces Fall Journey

All dates are as follows:

November 5th Boston @ Great Scott
November 9th DC @ Rock & Roll Hotel
November 10th Philadelphia @ Johnny Brenda's
December 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th & 6th NYC @ Pianos

Visit Stellastarr* on MySpace.

MP3: Stellastarr* - My Coco

Stellastarr* Offers Brief Update On LP3

The Brooklyn-based band shares the following message on their MySpace page: *We are finally recording our third record and re-teaming with Tim O'Heir, who produced our first one. It's good to see Tim again, and he knows the ins and outs of our band very well. We will record through March and make it up as we go. We barged in with 17 songs and have now narrowed it down to 14, with the intention of having 10 or 11 for the final album. We will keep you all updated as we go through the process. Happy New Year!*

MP3: SS* - Damn This Foolish Heart [alt link]

Stellastarr* To Premiere New Tracks At One-Off Charity Show

Over the last few months, Stellastarr* has been hard at work on their as-of-yet untitled third LP. To test out some of the new material, the band has decided to play a one-off show on August 23rd at New York's Highline Ballroom, in association with The KOR Project.

Also on the bill are a slew of secret musical guests in addition to a parade of local artists including but not limited to Bradley Fesmire, Klutch, Louisa Bertman, Michael Ornstein, Marka27 & Heavylox. A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales will benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of NY.

Purchase a pair here!

MP3: Stellastarr* - In The Walls

Illinois & Stellastarr* @ Luna Lounge 3/8: This Isn't a Scene

Last night was the big +1 Anniversary Party at the newly opened Luna Lounge in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

A fella named Eugene, a lanky hipster who wore his scarf, coat and man-purse on stage as he played, opened the show with some 60's style rock which, though good, wasn't exactly met with the warmest of a reception in the cavernous venue. Next time buddy.

Second to the stage were Monsters Are Waiting. Matt and I have seen this band before and loathed every moment of it, this time though, it wasn't as bad. Their music did resonate with dark and melodic triumph that, at times, was rather engaging. It didn't hurt as well that the lead singer seems to have cut down on her distracting onstage convulsions.

Next up were those charming boys from Pennsylvania, Illinois. This is my third time with them and without a doubt, the best- perhaps having to due with the fact that lead singer Chris Archibald was a charmingly tipsy and not completely wasted. After the slower music of the first two acts, I think Illinois caught the crowd by surprise with their foot stomping brand of country rock (a sudden image of Kid Rock jumped into my head when I wrote that, please do NOT think Kid Rock people) and very vocal front man. It was a welcomed kick in the pants for those out late on a school night.

The evening's headliners, and let's face it, why everybody bothered to show up in the first place, were Stellastarr*. I heard rumours that eventually the show was opened up to the public, but that still couldn't fill out the crowd last night. It's surprising. Living in NYC, you come to believe that certain bands are just as popular outside of your little island as they are elsewhere. Stellastarr* is one of those huge NYC bands whose popularity is hard pressed to make it to Brooklyn, or so it seemed last night. Perhaps it was the hour or the feeling of ennui so many young people in the NYC music crowd tend to portray, but a few songs into the set, many folks had left, including my blogger posse holding court at the side table. I myself stayed for about 5 songs and was going to continue on until I at least heard 'My Coco' or 'Jenny,' but thought better of it and decided to be satisfied with hearing 'Sweet Troubled Soul,' the superb single off of the group's 2005 album.

MP3: Illinois- 'Alone Again' and 'Screendoor'
Stellastarr*- The James Iha remix of 'Sweet Troubled Soul'

Reminder: Gramercy Shows

Did you forget already?

Tickets for Stellastarr* + Clinic (separately) go on sale in about an hour (@ noon) thru Ticketmaster, or, save on the fees and get your butt down to Irving Plaza's box office.

Don't miss out! We hear the venue is pretty small (Bowery-ish in capacity, with seats). A SS* ticket will run you $18 each while Clinic will throw you back an additional 50 cents.

For those who haven't ever seen Clinic, FOR THE LOVE OF GOD GO TO THIS SHOW! They are rarely in the US and are a remarkable live act. Well worth your cash.

Also, for those of you who haven't been above 14th Street since Guiliani was in office, The Gramercy's address is 127 East 23rd St. (Between Lexington Ave. and Park Ave. South); take the 6 train and it's right there.

Stellastarr* To Haunt Us Once More In '07

Rumor has it that this is the band's last tour for 2005's Harmonies For The Haunted before work on the new record (their third) is completed. As we wait with baited breath, check out Stellastarr* at one of the below dates:

Feb 5 2007 8:00P Casbah SAN DIEGO, California
Feb 7 2007 8:00P Troubadour WEST HOLLYWOOD, California
Feb 10 2007 8:00P Bottom of the Hill SAN FRANCISCO, California
Feb 13 2007 8:00P Rock n Roll Hotel Washington D.C.
Feb 15 2007 8:00P North Star Bar PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania
Feb 16 2007 8:00P Middle East CAMBRIDGE, Massachusetts
Feb 22 2007 8:00P Gramercy Theatre NEW YORK, New York

All of us here at TMS have seen SS* numerous times in concert (and loved each and every one). Here's my review from their Bowery gig earlier this year. Catch ya at The Gramercy show, even if it means we have to venture above 14th St!

MP3: Stellastarr* - In The Walls (acoustic)

SS* @ Warsaw: Harmonies For The Hungry

Yes, it's true, I was munching down my last 2 perogies before I realized that stellastarr* had taken the stage and were halfway through "In The Walls" already! Woops!



Stellastarr* was in fine form last night but the crowd just really wasn't into it. "On My Own" was incredible and probably the best I have ever heard it but nobody even blinked or nodded their respective heads until the band charged through the closer, and biggest hit to date, "My Coco".

I'm glad I got the opportunity to see them truly shine with a jubliant crowd over at Bowery the night before.



Here are the best shots I could get with the aforementioned blue blinding lights.

Only addition to the setlist from Monday was "Born In a Fleamarket" and the omission of "Angela", "Moongirl", "Somewhere Across Forever" and "Pulp Song".

I guess they had only about an hour at Warsaw, as opposed to the hour and a half at Bowery.



By the way, I heart the * very much, if you know what I'm talking about. Hotness.

Editors w/ Stellastarr* @ Warsaw 3/29: Oh Holy Jebus

The way I flew home last night from Brooklyn, you would have thought I was tripping. But no, that is just the kind of high that an Editors concert gives you. The consensus after the show was, this band is going to be selling out stadiums come a couple of years.

But let's not get ahead of ourselves, let me start at the beginning.

My friend and I get in line to go into the show and behind us are two older couples. I notice they are speaking in a British accent. 'I wonder if they are the Editors parents?' I whisper to my friend. Sure enough. Mom said, 'The boys will be happy, there are lots of pretty girls here.' 'Yeah, but they are all here for Stellastarr*' replied Dad. Believe me, no they aren't Dad. Does that mean they are single and get with groupies? Because I am all over that piece of information.

The Warsaw is a great place to see a show. It is like going to see a concert in your middle school gymnasium, replete with bake sale table... except the mothers are pushing pierogies and beer instead of brownies and punch.

My crew and I sat down to some unpronounceable Polish beer and a plate of pierogies and sauerkraut, sitting through the first couple of Stellastarr* songs while we ate. Eventually though, the music lured us into the hall and, just like last night, we found ourselves bopping away.


We were all surprised to see that Stellastarr* were opening for Editors. Is Stellastarr* more of a hometown phenomenon than international success? Nonetheless, it was good to see them for a second night in a row. Their set was obviously shorter, giving the audience a single burst of high energy pleasure. The audience in the beginning wasn't having much of it until the end when the band played 'Jenny' and suddenly it was like everyone realised, 'Oh right, I DO like this band.'


Let me express how well a lead singer I think Shawn Christensen is. His voice is brilliant and his passion for the music is so evident in every song he sings. He really carries this group.


All in all, another solid set. Stellastarr* aren't my favourite band, but they do put on a great live show.


I've said it before, and I'll say it again: the album does not do the Editors half the justice that the live act does. Live, you suddenly find yourself dancing to every tune, screaming during every pause and begging for more once it's all over.



In the beginning, Tom Smith revved up the crowd by showing his own enthusiasm for the show, he screamed into the audience. He did so with such boyish charm and joy that it succeeded in setting the tone for the audience's reaction the rest of the evening; all across the auditorium were screams and whistles amongst a sea of bopped heads.


Because of Smith's undenyable good looks, I wouldn't be surprised if at the show on the 30th, there were a significant amount more of tween groupies lining the stage. Last night I could see the beginnings of that happening already.










The setlist looked sort of something like this:
Lights/Blood/All Sparks/Fall/Bullets/Camera/You Are Fading/Munich Encore: Someone Says/Fingers in the Factories


I came out of the show sweating, smiling and holding Tom Smith's guitar pick. It was a great night in Brooklyn. All you going to the 30th show are in for a treat.

Stellastarr* w/ The Hourly Radio @ Bowery 3/27: Blue Flashing Light

Last night, I headed over to Bowery earlier than I normally do to catch The Hourly Radio open for Mobius Band and Stellastarr*. I was glad to see quite a few people made the effort to come out early and catch the band as well.

The Hourly Radio put on a great set. I only wish I could have shouted louder, but after so many shows I think my hollering voice is giving out on me. I'm a bit of a screamer.


The group's sound can be described as Sigur Ros meets hmmm, Stellastarr* I guess with definite facets of Radiohead. It's moody and dark but with soaring synths and jivable beats. I was surprised to see that the band was actually from Dallas; they emit such a dark British eighties feel. For more information on the album, check out Skye's past review.


Drummer, Adam Vanderkolk, is an impressive sight indeed in person with his powerful playing that drives the band through each song with his focus on the dual cymbal. Aaron Closson on vocals is brilliant as well, his voice is ethereal, haunting and sharp.


The highlight of the set by far was 'Crime Does Pay'. I cannot express how much I love this song. It's the stand-out dance track off the album, watch they'll be djing it at Tiwas in a fortnight. The moment you hear it, it's as if you already know it. Some songs require a second listen to get into, but this one barely requires you to get to the middle before it has you up off your feet. You can download it now from itunes.


All in all, a great show from the boys from Texas. I hope some of you out there got to see them this weekend.
___________________

If you are ever wondering who Matt and Jen the Music Sluts are in the crowd, we're the boy with the specs and the girl with the long brown hair whooping, hollering and dancing like crazy people somewhere in the middle. Stellastarr* is not a very chatty band but the way they rock out, it's really not necessary. I read a review of the group recently which called them derivative. No one ever said Stellastarr* was reinventing the wheel but they do make good music which gets everyone shaking their ass. Tell me 'My Coco' doesn't pull you out onto the dancefloor every time you hear it? Hearing that song live is worth the price of a ticket if you ask me.

Ok, that's enough about Stellastarr* from me, I think Matt has it covered in his review. For your viewing pleasure, however, below are some of my pictures from the night.






oh, and to the prick who found it necessary to go buy three beers in the middle of the show, then struggle back up to the front, spilling half of one all over my arm, two words: FUCK YOU. Where should I send the dry-cleaning bill?

*The post title refers to the damned blue light that Stellastarr* kept flashing in my eye. I'll have to remember my sunglasses tonight.

Stellastarr* Shines A Light At Bowery

You love my puns, don't you?

Let me preface this review by saying that I sadly missed our beloved Hourly Radio, but I promise to catch them the next go 'round.. love you guys!



I've seen Stelastarr* now about a billion and one times, and let me just say that this was definitely within the top few best shows of their NY assaults.

Opening the set with 'Lost In Time' (which has crept up into my top 5 ss* songs) truly built the excitement of the evening.

Little time was wasted before the big guns were thrown out, including a rip-roaring version of 'Sweet Troubled Soul', complemented adjacently with 'Damn This Foolish Heart'. The crowd ate it up, as we always do.

I must comment on the fantastic light show last night! It felt like I was seeing a show at Webster Hall (the one bright side of that venue).




Surprises included the encore-opening 'Angela', which I haven't heard live in forever ever ever. I turned to Rad, confused, and asked him what the hell it was, and then the chorus kicked in and I was gleeful again.

I knew it would be better to attend the second night rather than the first! They didn't get the aforementioned 'Angela, nor did they get the rarely-played but much-loved 'Moongirl' which we were treated to at the Monday night show.

One can only hope we hear those songs again tonight over at the Warsaw with Editors!!

Oh, yeah, about 5 songs into the show, I totally stole Jen's notepad and swore I'd post the setlist for all y'all, and here it is.



Lost In Time
No Weather
Homeland
Sweet Troubled Soul
Damn This Foolish Heart
In The Walls
Somewhere Across Forever
The Diver
Love + Longing
On My Own
Moongirl
Pulp Song
--
Angela
My Coco
Jenny

More photos and reviews over at The Modern Age and Village Indian. Since they both have MUCH fancier cameras than us sluts, you should really head over to their sites which capture the intensity of the show through photo much better than I ever could.

Stellastarr* on Tour

We here at the Music Slut love Stellastarr*. Our writers have seen them from Dundee, Scotland to New York and love the live show. As of the 20th, Stellastarr* will be back on American soil on their tour with Editors. You can check them out in:

3.20.06 - Boston, MA (The Roxy)
3.21.06 - South Burlington, VT (Higher Ground)
3.22.06 - Montreal, QC (Cabaret du Musse Juste Pour Rire)
3.24.06 - Toronto, ON (Phoenix Concert Theater)
3.25.06 - Cleveland, OH (Agora Theater)
3.26.06 – New York, NY (Bowery Ballroom) – only stellastarr*
3.27.06 – New York, NY (Bowery Ballroom) – only stellastarr*
3.28.06 - Brooklyn, NY (Warsaw)
3.29.06 - Washington, DC (9:30 Club)
4.01.06 - Philadelphia, PA (Trocadero)
4.02.06 - Baltimore, MD (Sonar)
4.04.06 - Norfolk, VA (The Norva Theatre)
4.05.06 - Carrboro, NC (Cat's Cradle)
4.06.06 - Athens, GA (40 Watt Club)
4.07.06 - Orlando, FL (The Social)
4.08.06 - Miami, FL (Studio A)
4.09.06 - St. Petersburg, FL (State Theater)
4.11.06 - Nashville, TN (Exit/In)
4.12.06 - Columbus, OH (Newport Music Hall)
4.13.06 - Detroit, MI (Magic Stick)
4.14.06 - Covington, KY (The Mad Hatter)
4.15.06 - Columbia, MO (Blue Note)
4.16.06 - Chicago, IL (Metro)
4.18.06 - Minneapolis, MN (Fine Line Music Cafe)
4.19.06 - Lawrence, KS (Granada Theatre)
4.21.06 - Denver, CO (Bluebird Theatre)
4.22.06 - Salt Lake City, UT (TBD)
4.25.06 - Vancouver, BC (Richard's On Richards)
4.27.06 - Seattle, WA (Chop Suey)
4.28.06 - Portland, OR (Dante's)
4.29.06 - San Francisco, CA (Mezzanine)
4.30.06 - Indio, CA (Coachella)

They have a new single out called 'Love and Longing' which you can check out here.
Also, James Iha has done a remix of the song 'Sweet Troubled Soul' for a remix album which you can download here.
Head over to Wiredset's homepage for the band for some more goodies.

We'll be at the 27th and 28th shows, how 'bout you?

Stellastarr*, Reading Rooms, Dundee

Just so's you know - all pics are thanks to Alan Sharp from the Stellastarr* messageboards - Cheers!

Last night your only Scottish Slut headed along to see some of NYC's hottest, the fine and mighty Stellastarr*, over the water in Dundee. They were playing at the Reading Rooms, and (despite my earlier rantage about tickets, etc), I have got to say that this is one fabulous venue. It seems to be an old library - though perhaps I'm wrong, but it'd make sense with the name!), beautifully neo-classical on the outside, and then on the inside a really lovely, intimate space, a combination of bare stone walls, camouflage netting and crazee artworks. I loved it. We were lucky enough to have four bands playing last night, including Stellastarr*; first up were Alamos, who, I have to admit were not really my thang. A bit on the incoherent side, it seemed like they were stuggling to figure out what they were actually doing and why, although that might be a bit harsh, given that I've never heard any of their recorded stuff. It was a shame, because it seemed like they had some good ideas behind their music; perhaps if they'd had a bit more than 30 mins, then they would have been able to get a better rhythm going.

However, the next act up, the Hourly Radio, also only had about 30 mins and they were fabulous. All I know is that they come from Texas. They were great. *gushes*.

Then we got to the meat of the evening; I'm not that familiar with the Twenty-Twos, but they were awesome too; great harmonies (though a bit hard to hear!), and tunes the entire audience appreciated; and I have to comment on it - the drummer's tache. For that, my man, I salute you, and for your indefatigable energy behind the drumkit. Outstanding. Oh, and add to that, the singer's name is Jenny Christmas. Outstanding times two.

I'm not sure what I can add about Stellastarr* themselves beyond what we've already said about them in the past. Amazing stage presence; this is the first time that this particular slut has seen them live, and I did wonder about how they would translate from record to stage. But I was just blown away by the sheer scale of their performance; it was a tiny venue, but the band dominated it entirely. So many highlights, but I absolutely adored Sweet Troubled Soul, plus She's Gone, which will be the B-side to STS.

And we got my coco as an encore. Hurrah!

More please, and soon!

Free Vinyl for Editors and Stellastarr* Fans

Good news for all you Editors and Stellastarr* fans. For those who get to the venue early on their six week tour, there will be a limited number of free 7"s featuring unreleased tracks from both acts. Not sure if this includes the Webster show in NYC since it is just Editors playing though.

And I still am looking for an extra Arctic Monkeys ticket. So if anyone wants to trade me my extra Editors and Stellastarr at Warsaw or just get a warm fuzzy feeling in their heart for doing me a huge favor by giving me theirs, it would be much appreciated.

Stellastarr* in the UK

Stellastarr* will be in the UK to play gigs based around Harmonies for the Haunted from February... they're even coming to Dundee! Hurrah!

* Feb 19 Reading Fez
* Feb 20 London Astoria (NME Brats show)
* Feb 22 Portsmouth Wedgewood Rooms
* Feb 23 Oxford Zodiac
* Feb 24 Leicester Princess Charlotte
* Feb 25 Stoke Sugarmill
* Feb 27 Liverpool Barfly
* Feb 28 Birmingham Barfly
* Mar 1 Manchester Academy 2
* Mar 2 Sheffield Leadmill
* Mar 3 Dundee Reading Rooms
* Mar 4 Glasgow ABC2
* Mar 6 Bristol Fleece & Firkin
* Mar 7 London King's College NY2LON

bandwagon-jumping-type end-of-year-roundup thingymajig :: part the third

You know, I've just realised that I've liked an awful lot of records this year, and I might still be going at this in June. Still, I've started and I'm bloody well going to finish. We Skye-folk don't know the meaning of 'outstaying your welcome', and I'm not about to learn it now...

Sigur Ros - Meo Blódnasir

I don't think I really have to say much to introduce this band; we've written a fair amount about them here already (here and here, for example), and it is probably enough to say that they are pretty popular round these parts. This is one of the shorter tracks from Takk, but it is quite representative of the beauty of the whole. A fabulous record from a fabulous band.

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Malcolm Middleton - No Modest Bear

On a completely different tack, and to be quite honest, on something of a different tack from his album Into the Woods, here's Malcolm Middleton in thumping-drummed, electro-punk mode. Much of Into the Woods is of a similar kind of quiet, introspective material to that of the mighty Arab Strap, perhaps a little more upbeat. But this is the record of someone enjoying themselves, and while you still can't dance to it, you might nonetheless be able to shoogle your bahookie about a bit.
Christmas bonus: Malcolm Middleton - Burst Noel

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Goldfrapp - Fly Me Away

I really love Alison Goldfrapp. If I was slightly less well balanced, I'd probably be hiding in the bushes outside her house right now. Supernature was a great record, with some great dancin' tunes (for me, Supernature's bopfactor is only slightly lower than the first couple of tracks on Madonna's new record and the entirety of Girls Aloud's Chemistry). Ooh La La is a real highlight, but many of the other tracks on the record also stand out, and Fly Me Away is a lot of fun; well worth a listen (if you haven't already).

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Stellastarr* - Sweet Troubled Soul

Now I have to admit, that while I really like Harmonies for the Haunted, it isn't one of my records of the year. This track, however - is flippin' awesome. It came on in the office one day while I was listening to the album (and thinking that I wasn't that hugely struck by it), and it just blew me away. Trying to decide whether it deserved to be posted, I listened to it on the way into work yesterday; by the time I'd reskipped to listen to it for the fourth time, and I knew that I'd be sticking it up here. It's just that great.

I will be back; for I still have much work to do here.

Megaupload links:
Sigur Ros - Meo Blódnasir
Malcolm Middleton - No Modest Bear
Malcolm Middleton - Burst Noel
Goldfrapp - Fly Me Away
Stellastarr* - Sweet Troubled Soul

recap of past month's shows

so... here's 2 highlights.

i saw fiona apple do an in-store at the virgin megastore in union square. no flash photos and i was hella far back (friggin teenage girls!) so i don't have a good photo but here's the one she keeps using to promote extraordinary machine.

she was so good. haven't seen her in like 5 or 6 years. she did some new stuff...and oldies such as 'fast as you can' and 'paper bag' acoustic!

she still has it.




i also saw stellastarr* last week at irving plaza.

they were fantastic as always!



a nice mix of new stuff from HARMONIES FOR THE HAUNTED and the first self-titled album.

closed with 'my coco', i was a happy man :)


currently enjoying:
the walkmen - there goes my baby
franz ferdinand - this boy
fiona apple - parting gift
radiohead - i want none of this
antony/george - happy xmas, war is over