The Music Snob Presents: Set Yourself on Fire - Stars

I'll admit it: I'm a music snob. If a song doesn't sound good to me, then I'll probably never give the musician/band any play time. But if a song sounds good, and the album pleases these ears, I'll be one of the first people promoting a band to people who have similar tastes in music, or I'll try to play match-maker and try to find a friend a good album recommendation. Speaking on the behalf of all self-proclaimed music snobs, I say this: you can't blame me for knowing what I like [or not].

One album that I've been consistently listening to for the past 2+ years is Set Yourself on Fire by the Canadian indie band, Stars. Funny story: anyone who knows me has heard of my love for Daphne Loves Derby. About two years ago, I interviewed the lead vocalist Kenny Choi of DLD for an article in Hanwoori, the Rutgers Korean-American campus magazine that owned my soul. After the interview, I asked Kenny for some music recommendations, and he immediately spoke of Stars. Intrigued, I gave Set Yourself on Fire a listen .. and fell in love. I can honestly say that after recommending Set Yourself on Fire to a few friends, they became fans of Stars.

To say the least, Stars can be categorized as "indie pop" but with amazing, moving instrumentations, topped off with soft, yet powerful vocals. Their earlier albums can be said to have a bit more of a pop edge to it, whereas their more recent albums have been more rock-based. One word to describe Set Yourself on Fire: beautiful.

Give Set Yourself on Fire a listen, especially if you are one of the following:
-a music-lover who is opened to listening all kinds of music
-a fan of Death Cab for Cutie, Broken Social Scene, The Decemberists, The New Pornographers, Feist
-a jazz/instrumental enthusiast
-all of the above

Don't want to purchase the album without a little listen?
Recommended Tracks include:
-"Your Ex-Lover is Dead"
-"Ageless Beauty"
-"Calendar Girl"

"Your Ex-Lover is Dead" - Stars