Stars of the Lid

[auzzie4life010]

Would you guys say that they sound like BoC?

[Goiter Sanchez]

Would you guys say that they sound like BoC?

For the most part no; the pieces are much slower to evolve and usually less dense.
There is one track, 'Anchor States Part 3', which sounds a little BoCesque for the first few minutes:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqWhvoWPFLc

How they get guitars to sound like this is anybody's guess; Wiltzie is an alchemist of the guitar.

[Mexicola]

Would you guys say that they sound like BoC?

They don't sound like BOC, but I'd say their 'feel' draws certain parallels. Much in the same way as BOC don't sound much like MBV, yet you can spot certain touchpoints between the two.

Start with the record 'Avec Laudanum', which is relatively short at around 40 mins long. Some of their more recent works are double-albums and can be daunting to the uninitiated. However, don't expect 'immediate'. Always keep in mind the mantra: 'Slow Down'...

Other stand outs tracks would be:

Requiem For Dying Mothers
Mullholland
Apreludes (in C Sharp Major)
December Hunting For Vegetarian Fuckface (this is a monster live!)
Tapehiss Makes Me Happy
Central Texas
Sun Drugs
Piano Aquieu

Welcome

[fujee]

SOTL, BoC and MbV are great examples of bands which have broken considerable ground in successfully merging genres together, not to mention making guitars sound radically different from their original timbre.

Contrary to what Mex said about where to start with SOTL, I actually jumped in at the deep end and went for Tired Sounds, probably their most expansive release. Admittedly it did take a while to get into them, I think I was bemused by the lack of development at first, but the penny dropped and you come to realise its all about the subtleties as opposed to the sweeping changes. Stars are glacial in pace, but the impact is all the more impressive once it arrives.

Of course it also helped seeing them live to truly appreciate the magnitude of their creativity and accomplished musicianship. I would now rate them as a top 3 band, in the mix with the three bands I mentioned above.

Plus all their artwork is absolutely stunning. I love bands which care about the artwork as much as the music.

[Goiter Sanchez]

To be honest I feel as though I am only just coming around to 'getting' Tired Sounds! I've been rinsing disc 2 for the past two days; 'The Lonely People (Are Getting Lonelier)'.

[Goiter Sanchez]

Wow, Tired Sounds is so amazing... I really hadn't rated it until 3 days ago. Been playing it non stop since then.

When the bass swell comes in at 6:45 into 'Austin Texas Mental Hospital Part 2'...

[Mexicola]

Wow, Tired Sounds is so amazing... I really hadn't rated it until 3 days ago. Been playing it non stop since then.

When the bass swell comes in at 6:45 into 'Austin Texas Mental Hospital Part 2'...

[fujee]

Literally just listened to that song, wow. Just lost for words.

[Logan71]

I'd dearly love one of these...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rare-OOP-Stars-Of-The-Lid-Concert-Poster-Limited-Editiion-1-of-30-/271342154473?nma=true&si=gXwPXutfqW16VpJf%252BbbQIdJl6m0%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

[fujee]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Ub681YQENc

[jcnporter]

Literally just listened to that song, wow. Just lost for words.

Part 3 is literally just a short series of swelling chords on a loop, but I could listen to it forever.

[fujee]

Yeah likewise with William Basinski's disintegration loops - they are just a series of loops for hours on end, but it's some of the most moving music I've ever heard. Subtle minimalist music has power to evoke greater insight.

[Mexicola]

I'd dearly love one of these...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rare-OOP-Stars-Of-The-Lid-Concert-Poster-Limited-Editiion-1-of-30-/271342154473?nma=true&si=gXwPXutfqW16VpJf%252BbbQIdJl6m0%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

That's gorgeous.

[jcnporter]

I fucking love this track to death. Sounds like something Mogwai might come up with as well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-tQEPL0hDk

[Amo Bishop Roden]

I fell into one of those lucid half-sleep nods last night while listening to the Artificial Pine Arch Song through my headphones and had the most intense experience I've ever had in my life while sober. I had these really vivid images from a story I'm writing flash through my mind. I love this music.

[fujee]

That is currently my favouriste SoTL track. In fact I've been listening to The Ballasted Orchestra a lot more recently.

[auzzie4life010]

Well, I've listened to them a bit, and I must say, they are good. My opinion of them will get better as I listen to them more.

[fujee]

Keep at it, they are the most rewarding band.

[Scyye]

The only SOTL track that ever reminded me of BoC is Sun Drugs. Also one of my favorites.
I love Stars of The Lid. Love 'em. Really, what a great band. Glad to have this thread here on Twoism. I started with Tired Sounds by the way, which is my second favorite album after Their Refinement Of The Decline. I think my favorite tracks are uhm not sure I think Requiem For Dying Mothers, Mullholland, Even If You're Never Awake, The Daughters of Quiet Minds, Humectez La Mouture, Sun Drugs and a lot more that don't come to my mind right now. Wow this post got no structure at all. Sorry. I love you all! Stars of the fucking Lid. I should go to sleep now.

[squid]

After becoming aware of this band through this board (it seems to be one of the most popular groups besides BOC here!), I took a look into them and bought Refinement of the Decline (in fact, it was Mexicola's signature that first intrigued me, so props for that!). I absolutely LOVE this album. I've enjoyed some ambient music before (Eno, Aphex Twin), but this album is on another level! The subtlety, the calmness, it's just bliss! The whole album from start to finish is terrific, not a weak track on it. There's almost too many highlights to mention! But I'll try anyway...

Articulate Silences Pt's 1 and 2 are early standouts, so simple, but incredibly gorgeous, especially towards the end of part 2. Even If You're Never Awake is possibly my favourite track of the album, and to be honest, is one of the best songs I can think of in general. Just stunning, and gets me more emotional than any song has in a very long time. Even (Out)+ is the perfect follow up to it. So soothing, like getting an aural massage. And then Daughters of Quiet Minds is beautiful, with a great intro and outro, Tippy's Demise is both tragic and serene, and December Hunting is a terrific drone piece, with an incredible payoff in the last few minutes with those strings...

Actually, even though I just listed way too many songs as highlights, I still feel bad for missing out songs like Don't Bother They're Here, A Meaningful Moment Through a Meaning(less) Process, Humectez la Mouture and That Finger on Your Temple is the Barrel of my Raygun (best title ever, btw).

In short, thank you Twoism! I'll be ordering Tired Sounds shortly!