Stars - Set Yourself On Fire

While one great voice is a plus for any band, two is clearly even better. This is especially so when you have one from each sex. For variety is a fickle art, all too often spoiled by mediocre secondary singers. Well I can safely tell you right here, right now, that Stars are band with two great singers, one male, one female and ample variety. Not only this but they have violins. Yes violins. It’s an increasingly popular trend of late but a welcome one nonetheless. Because when add this to the vocal work (and not mention electric guitars, keyboards and other cameo instruments) you have a recipe for great music. It is always pleasant, as you would have already guessed, the vocals ensure this, but perhaps they’re greatest material comes out when the tempo picks up. They lock into a rhythm and proceed to weave their magic. Stars are another of the excellent bands originating from Canada at the moment. In fact with three band members being part of the expansive indie-pop collective, Broken Social Scene, they are not just participating in this Canadian explosion but leading it. Sure, this album may have been released back in 2004 but it’s reasonably new to me and that’s all that counts. Besides, with the extremely high chance that some of you out there have never heard of Stars, there’s more than enough reason to be talking them up.

Reunion – On this track you will get to experience the female vocalist (Amy Millan) in all her glory. It’s just such an eloquent song, floating by seamlessly and bringing joy to all who welcome it.

What I’m Trying To Say – This song had to knock out their hit single (Ageless Beauty (check it out!)) in order to make it here today. But the variety of sounds it incorporates, especially the synthwork (is that a word?), makes it too good to pass by. Not only this but I’ve been singing it non-stop for the last few days, which must mean something.