"In Our Bedroom After the War" by Stars

Canadian band Stars doesn't try to hide their love of The Smiths—their debut full-length, Night Songs, treated listeners to a splendidly low-key version of "This Charming Man." Several albums and side projects later, the Canucks are still digging on the Moz. Stars' newest album, In Our Bedroom After the War, boasts one of the band's best Smiths homages yet. On "Take Me To the Riot" lead singer Torquil Campbell croons like a young Morrissey circa "Bigmouth Strikes Again." "Riot" pumps out well-calibrated synth-pop riffs alongside harmonic lyrics about cells, pills, cash and neon lights—proof that the band is well-versed in the same subtle darkness that makes teenagers want to don "Meat Is Murder" shirts. While Bedroom gives Stars the opportunity to perfect their Smithsian sound, the album also finds the band exploring new ground as well. On the ballad "My Favourite Book" vocalist Amy Millan murmurs sweet nothings against a background
	Published: 2007-09-28 Provider: Artist Direct