In the Valley of Dying Stars explained

In the Valley of Dying Stars
Type:	Album
Artist:	Superdrag
Cover:	Superdrag-Dying_Stars.jpg
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
Prev Title:	Señorita EP
Prev Year:	1999
Next Title:	The Rock Soldier CD
Next Year:	2000

In the Valley of Dying Stars is the third album by Superdrag, released by Arena Rock Recording Co. in 2000.^{[1] [2]} The Japanese version includes two bonus tracks, "Comfortably Bummed" and "Diane".

Production

The album was produced by Nick Raskulinecz and the band.^[3] It was recorded at Stealth Studios and Woodland Studios, in Tennessee.^{[3] [4]} Sam Powers plays bass on the album, replacing Tom Pappas.

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."^[5] The Washington Post wrote: "This is Superdrag's best album, exuberant pop-rock tempered with a rueful worldview."^[6] 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."^[7] The Boston Globe deemed the album "rich, resonant power pop."^[8] The Tallahassee Democrat called it "a gorgeous example of the new pop sensibility, tough and tight and brimming with brilliant hooks."^[9]

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

External links

• Arena Rock Recording Co.
• Superdrag's official web site
• Steve Lopez presents... a tribute to Superdrag's In the Valley of Dying Stars

Notes and References

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