In the Valley of Dying Stars is the third album by Superdrag, released by Arena Rock Recording Co. in 2000.[4][5] The Japanese version includes two bonus tracks, "Comfortably Bummed" and "Diane".
In the Valley of Dying Stars | ||||
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Studio album by | ||||
Released | October 17, 2000 (US) April, 2001 (Japan) | |||
Recorded | Woodland Studios, Nashville, Tennessee, and Stealth Studios, Knoxville, Tennessee, by Nick Raskulinecz | |||
Genre | Rock | |||
Length | 46:21 | |||
Label | Arena Rock Recording Co. | |||
Producer | Nick Raskulinecz and Superdrag | |||
Superdrag chronology | ||||
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Review scores | |
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Source | Rating |
AllMusic | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
The Encyclopedia of Popular Music | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Pitchfork | 5.3/10[3] |
Production
editThe album was produced by Nick Raskulinecz and the band.[6] It was recorded at Stealth Studios and Woodland Studios, in Tennessee.[6][7] Sam Powers plays bass on the album, replacing Tom Pappas.[2]
Critical reception
editThe Riverfront Times wrote that Superdrag's songs "have some lyrical bite but musically are as sweet as (non-boy-band) popular music gets these days."[8] The Washington Post wrote: "This is Superdrag's best album, exuberant pop-rock tempered with a rueful worldview."[9] CMJ New Music Monthly thought that the band drives the songs "into overdrive, framing ironic shots (largely at the band's former label) in complex, almost Queen-like arrangements."[10] The Boston Globe deemed the album "rich, resonant power pop."[11] The Tallahassee Democrat called it "a gorgeous example of the new pop sensibility, tough and tight and brimming with brilliant hooks."[12]
Track listing
editAll songs written by John Davis.
- "Keep It Close to Me" - 3:50
- "Gimme Animosity" - 3:23
- "Baby's Waiting" - 3:08
- "Goin' Out" - 3:51
- "Lighting the Way" - 3:27
- "The Warmth of a Tomb" - 5:54
- "Bright Pavilions" - 4:56
- "Ambulance Driver" - 4:00
- "Unprepared" - 3:32
- "Some Kind of Tragedy" - 3:16
- "True Believer" - 3:08
- "In the Valley of Dying Stars" - 3:56
Japan bonus tracks
edit- "Comfortably Bummed"
- "Diane"
Personnel
edit- John Davis – vocals, guitars, piano, organ, bass (except on tracks 1, 4, 11, and 12)
- Brandon Fisher – guitars
- Sam Powers – bass (on tracks 1, 4, 11, and 12), vocals
- Don Coffey, Jr. – drums
References
edit- ^ "AllMusic Review by Josh Modell". AllMusic. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
- ^ a b Larkin, Colin (2006). The Encyclopedia of Popular Music. Vol. 7. MUZE. p. 854.
- ^ "Superdrag In the Valley of Dying Stars". Pitchfork. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
- ^ "TRUE BELIEVERS: AN ORAL HISTORY OF SUPERDRAG'S "IN THE VALLEY OF DYING STARS"". Magnet. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
- ^ Kellner, Jason (2 Aug 2002). "Live Music". Reno Gazette-Journal: H4.
- ^ a b "Artist Biography by Darren Paltrowitz". AllMusic. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
- ^ "CRITICS' PICK Observe the 25th Birthday of Superdrag's Regretfully Yours". Nashville Scene. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
- ^ "Superdrag, with ASD and Children's Audio". Riverfront Times. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
- ^ "SUPERDRAG "In the Valley Of Dying Stars"". The Washington Post. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
- ^ "Reviews". CMJ New Music Monthly (88): 70. Dec 2000.
- ^ Wolff, Carlo (26 Oct 2000). "SUPERDRAG IN THE VALLEY OF DYING STARS ARENA ROCK". The Boston Globe: 8.
- ^ Schardl, Kati (22 June 2001). "Bright pop pavilions". Tallahassee Democrat: D12.