Stars of the Lid

fujee · Post by **fujee** » Sat Feb 22, 2014 8:30 am

Chief Mexicola has another convert. Kranky should start paying you mate

That is great, so glad you're enjoying them; that is what good music forums are all about. I am sure you're interest them will only increase from here on. Enjoy Tired Sounds, it's every bit as beautiful as Refinement. Be sure to check out The Ballasted Orchestra too, and all of their other releases. You're uncovering something really special

Mexicola · Post by **Mexicola** » Sat Feb 22, 2014 9:54 am

squid wrote:After becoming aware of this band through this board (it seems to be one of the most popular groups besides BOC here!), I took a look into them and bought Refinement of the Decline (in fact, it was Mexicola's signature that first intrigued me, so props for that!). I absolutely LOVE this album. I've enjoyed some ambient music before (Eno, Aphex Twin), but this album is on another level! The subtlety, the calmness, it's just bliss! The whole album from start to finish is terrific, not a weak track on it. There's almost too many highlights to mention! But I'll try anyway...

Articulate Silences Pt's 1 and 2 are early standouts, so simple, but incredibly gorgeous, especially towards the end of part 2. Even If You're Never Awake is possibly my favourite track of the album, and to be honest, is one of the best songs I can think of in general. Just stunning, and gets me more emotional than any song has in a very long time. Even (Out)+ is the perfect follow up to it. So soothing, like getting an aural massage. And then Daughters of Quiet Minds is beautiful, with a great intro and outro, Tippy's Demise is both tragic and serene, and December Hunting is a terrific drone piece, with an incredible payoff in the last few minutes with those strings...

Actually, even though I just listed way too many songs as highlights, I still feel bad for missing out songs like Don't Bother They're Here, A Meaningful Moment Through a Meaning(less) Process, Humectez la Mouture and That Finger on Your Temple is the Barrel of my Raygun (best title ever, btw).

In short, thank you Twoism! I'll be ordering Tired Sounds shortly!

Go and hunt down their back catalogue - you really cannot go wrong. Even the earlier work is staggering, if slightly less polished.

FUGEE: I can only imagine what the response would be from the infamous 'Mr Kranky' if I suggest he owes me in any way whatsoever. Chicago to Dorset is a long way, but I don't think I'd need a phone

squid · Post by **squid** » Sat Feb 22, 2014 10:11 am

Thanks guys, I'll definitely be checking out more of their catalogue. Discovering really special artists doesn't happen too often, so I'll be savouring every minute

fujee · Post by **fujee** » Tue Feb 25, 2014 6:52 pm

squid wrote:Thanks guys, I'll definitely be checking out more of their catalogue. Discovering really special artists doesn't happen too often, so I'll be savouring every minute

Indeed, they certainly are special. Personally, they belong in a unique group of artists for me. I also quite like the fact they are relatively little known in generic music terms, adds to the appeal. In the least pretentious way possible, I love esoteric music.

blankleader · Post by **blankleader** » Tue Feb 25, 2014 7:18 pm

My cool-story-bro SotL story:

I discovered SotL through SomaFM's Drone Zone a few years ago. I had gotten heavily into ambient music in general because I was working way too many hours and was in front of a computer way too much and had turned to pure drone as a stress reliever all day and into the night as I slept. It was near-constant.

Up to that point, I had been a fan of Tangerine Dream and a few other ancient electronic artists since I was young, but it was Drone Zone that got me into the ambient/drone genre proper.

Over time I was able to discern styles and differences among the artists being played, and I became obsessed with a few of them. SotL was on top. So distinctive. Glorious.

Anyway, I feel like they have embedded themselves in me in some way I can't describe. It looks like many of you can relate. It's good to know I'm not alone. It's lonely music.

"The Daughters of Quiet Minds" is my go-to when I'm under certain stresses, or not stressed and want to take relaxation to the next level.

fujee · Post by **fujee** » Tue Feb 25, 2014 9:41 pm

That genuinely is a cool story, its great to see when music means that much to someone. It sounds as if you're fully embracing the SoTL mantra in slow down. Their music certainly directly and indirectly evokes states of sleep and relaxation. Its also pensive, its thinking music. Above all its really beautiful.

Rikkiebags · Post by **Rikkiebags** » Wed Feb 26, 2014 1:56 pm

Mexicola wrote:
Logan71 wrote:I'd dearly love one of these...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rare-OOP-Stars- ... 7675.l2557
That's gorgeous.

I absolutely adore the print I got from their 2007 tour. Even my good lady (who hates drone) loves it and it hangs proudly in our bedroom. The pic really doesn't do it justice.

fujee · Post by **fujee** » Wed Feb 26, 2014 2:05 pm

Mexicola · Post by **Mexicola** » Wed Feb 26, 2014 8:39 pm

Nips around to Rikkiebags gaff to press nose and hands up against window.

Reminds me, should be about time for a pint soon I reckon??
I know I say this much too often..

jcnporter · Post by **jcnporter** » Wed Feb 26, 2014 9:05 pm

http://www.gigposters.com/band/12138_St ... e_Lid.html

Rikkiebags · Post by **Rikkiebags** » Mon Mar 03, 2014 8:21 pm

Mexicola wrote:Nips around to Rikkiebags gaff to press nose and hands up against window.

Reminds me, should be about time for a pint soon I reckon??
I know I say this much too often..

Definitely, well overdue I reckon. Most times are good by me, guv.

fujee · Post by **fujee** » Mon Mar 03, 2014 11:38 pm

Did someone say pint

Mexicola · Post by **Mexicola** » Tue Mar 04, 2014 11:45 am

fujee wrote:Did someone say pint

If you can make the Willet Arms, Wimborne, a week this Thursday @ 8:30pm, you'll be very welcome.
Open house!

So, me Rikkiebags and Noyvashun it is again then!

fujee · Post by **fujee** » Tue Mar 04, 2014 6:36 pm

Alas, too far for me with no where to kip. How about an all day London twoism pints and more pints day?

IanRedpoint · Post by **IanRedpoint** » Tue Mar 04, 2014 7:28 pm

I'd be up for next Thursday if I wasn't playing a bloomin' gig that night. Harumph!

I'm getting my garage den/arcade sorted in the next couple of months so I'll try to arrange a get-together sometime in the summer - good music, beer, pinball etc.

fujee · Post by **fujee** » Tue Mar 04, 2014 7:52 pm

IanRedpoint wrote:I'd be up for next Thursday if I wasn't playing a bloomin' gig that night. Harumph!

I'm getting my garage den/arcade sorted in the next couple of months so I'll try to arrange a get-together sometime in the summer - good music, beer, pinball etc.

This sounds incredible!

Mexicola · Post by **Mexicola** » Tue Mar 04, 2014 8:39 pm

fujee wrote:
IanRedpoint wrote:I'd be up for next Thursday if I wasn't playing a bloomin' gig that night. Harumph!

I'm getting my garage den/arcade sorted in the next couple of months so I'll try to arrange a get-together sometime in the summer - good music, beer, pinball etc.
This sounds incredible!

I've seen his den. If BOC were into pinball machines and vintage arcade machines, it's EXACTLY what Hexagon Sun would look like.

EDIT: his bookshelf is envy-inducing too incidentally.

fujee · Post by **fujee** » Tue Mar 04, 2014 9:12 pm

Sounds awesome

edit: a bookshelf thread would be cool actually

Rikkiebags · Post by **Rikkiebags** » Thu Mar 06, 2014 10:16 am

That does indeed sound like the best den ever.

celadon · Post by **celadon** » Sat Mar 08, 2014 12:27 am

Rikkiebags wrote:
Mexicola wrote:
Logan71 wrote:I'd dearly love one of these...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rare-OOP-Stars- ... 7675.l2557
That's gorgeous.
I absolutely adore the print I got from their 2007 tour. Even my good lady (who hates drone) loves it and it hangs proudly in our bedroom. The pic really doesn't do it justice.

Got that as well. I got Wiltze to sign it for me and he added "go to sleep" next to his signature