Tag: Star Ghost Dog

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Star Ghost Dog – Underdrive EP (2000)


Star Ghost Dog
Underdrive EP
2000

Star Ghost Dog’s Underdrive EP is a hip little CD. The disc was released in anticipation of The Great Indoors. The first 2 tracks are from that record. The slick indie rock of “Underdrive” gets things started before yielding to the beautiful melancholy of “Holiday.”

The other two songs on the EP make it truly special. “The Only One” is a power pop gem, complete with tight harmonies and “bop-badda” backing vocals. This song was previously unreleased and is one of my favorite Star Ghost Dog tunes. Closing out the 4 song package is a remix of “Plus De Vaches” that was previously only available on a 7” single.* Master Cylinder gets his hands dirty to create a ten minute disco epic. “Plus De Vaches (Qui Remix)” is undoubtedly the definitive version of the song. Local radio DJs take note – this remix makes for great bathroom break material.

Star Ghost Dog’s Underdrive EP is worth picking up if you can find it.

Where to get it:

* The original version of “Plus De Vache” appeared on the band’s 1998 release, Happylove.

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Star Ghost Dog – The Great Indoors (2000)


Star Ghost Dog
The Great Indoors
2000

The Great Indoors is easily Star Ghost Dog’s finest work. The record sheds the indie scrappiness of its predecessor to become a polished, twinkling gem. The songs are all top notch and the production is dazzling.

It’s hard to pin down Star Ghost Dog’s sound. At times you may be reminded of Liz Phair, Apples In Stereo, Luscious Jackson or even Stereolab. Overall, however, they’ve managed to create their own sound. Ginny Weaver’s vocals sound detached, but that’s part of what makes them so engaging. Synthesizers manage to add layers that you now realize were missing from their debut, Happylove. The rhythm section of Chris Foley (drums) and Owen Burkett (bass) provide a solid groove on every song.

The opening track, “Underdrive,” is like a sunnier version of Elastica. That’s where the good vibes end, however. A cloud of beautiful melancholy hangs over The Great Indoors. “Knock Down” is a broken love song with a simple keyboard line that anchors the verse until the overdriven guitars jump in during the chorus. “Holiday” became one of the band’s best known songs with it’s slow burn. “Megafauna” continues Star Ghost Dog’s infatuation with near-disco, this time with a super-saturated guitar hook.

The album closes with its haunting title track. Ginny sings “Just pretend we don’t know how it ends . Never heard it all before.” Unfortunately for us, we do know how it ends. The Great Indoors would be Star Ghost Dog’s last album. What a beautiful way to go out.

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Star Ghost Dog – Happylove (1998)

Star Ghost Dog - Happylove
Star Ghost Dog
Happylove
1998

“I guess I’m gonna call in sick today.
I’m feeling way too healthy anyway.”

With those words we’re introduced to Star Ghost Dog. Happylove is choc-full of dark, moody indie rock with bounce. It sounds weird, but it’s true. Star Ghost Dog are masters of dispiriting songs with a spring in their step.

The somber nature of the lyrics can be startling at times. Songs with titles like “Heroin Face,” “Downer,” and “Tell Everyone We’re Dead” probably don’t need to have this mentioned. The title track declares “I love your happy love oh yes I love your happy love love love,” but I’m not buying it. This ain’t bubble gum pop.

Despite the bleakness of the subject matter, there’s warmth to these songs. They sound like pleasantly faded snapshots. They have energy. Guitars fizzle and jump. Boy girl vocal harmonies balance the often deadpan vocal delivery. You can bob your head to songs like “Kite” and “You’re Not There.” Heck, there’s even an indie disco song, “Plus De Vaches.”

On Happylove, Star Ghost Dog are still rough around the edges. By the time of their next record, The Great Indoors, the band will have polished and perfected their sound.

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