In the Valley of Dying Stars

In the Valley of Dying Stars
Studio album by Superdrag
Released	October 17, 2000 (US) April, 2001 (Japan)
Studio	Woodland (Nashville, Tennessee) Stealth Studios (Knoxville, Tennessee)
Genre	Rock
Length	46:21
Label	Arena Rock Recording Co.
Producer	Nick Raskulinecz and Superdrag
Superdrag chronology
Señorita EP (1999) In the Valley of Dying Stars (2000) The Rock Soldier CD (2000)

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic	[1]
The Encyclopedia of Popular Music	[2]
Pitchfork	5.3/10[3]

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".

Production

The 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

The 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

All songs written by John Davis.

1. "Keep It Close to Me" - 3:50
2. "Gimme Animosity" - 3:23
3. "Baby's Waiting" - 3:08
4. "Goin' Out" - 3:51
5. "Lighting the Way" - 3:27
6. "The Warmth of a Tomb" - 5:54
7. "Bright Pavilions" - 4:56
8. "Ambulance Driver" - 4:00
9. "Unprepared" - 3:32
10. "Some Kind of Tragedy" - 3:16
11. "True Believer" - 3:08
12. "In the Valley of Dying Stars" - 3:56

Japan bonus tracks

13. "Comfortably Bummed"
14. "Diane"

Personnel

• 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

1. "AllMusic Review by Josh Modell". AllMusic. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
2. Larkin, Colin (2006). The Encyclopedia of Popular Music. Vol. 7. MUZE. p. 854.
3. "Superdrag In the Valley of Dying Stars". Pitchfork. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
4. "TRUE BELIEVERS: AN ORAL HISTORY OF SUPERDRAG'S "IN THE VALLEY OF DYING STARS"". Magnet. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
5. Kellner, Jason (2 Aug 2002). "Live Music". Reno Gazette-Journal: H4.
6. "Artist Biography by Darren Paltrowitz". AllMusic. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
7. "CRITICS' PICK Observe the 25th Birthday of Superdrag's Regretfully Yours". Nashville Scene. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
8. "Superdrag, with ASD and Children's Audio". Riverfront Times. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
9. "SUPERDRAG "In the Valley Of Dying Stars"". The Washington Post. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
10. "Reviews". CMJ New Music Monthly (88): 70. Dec 2000.
11. Wolff, Carlo (26 Oct 2000). "SUPERDRAG IN THE VALLEY OF DYING STARS ARENA ROCK". The Boston Globe: 8.
12. Schardl, Kati (22 June 2001). "Bright pop pavilions". Tallahassee Democrat: D12.

External links

• Arena Rock Recording Co. Archived 2007-10-20 at the Wayback Machine
• Superdrag's official web site
• Steve Lopez presents... a tribute to Superdrag's In the Valley of Dying Stars