Search - Star People :: Genius

Star People - 'Genius' (Hyperspace)

Mike Reed | USA | 04/19/2005

(2 out of 5 stars)

"'Genius' is the band's second effort.Wanting to be fair to ALL disc releases that I review,for several reasons,this band just doesn't do a thing for me.I've seen them as support act for Ozric Tentacles,twice now and to be honest after their third song,I wish I hadn't shown up as early as I did.I do,however notice a Zappa-influence.But that's the only thing I thought they had going for them.Some might refer to this CD as 'lounge jazzedelic'.See what you think.Line-up:Bill Olland-vocals(reminded me of the Big Bopper),Paul Gifford-guitar,Scott Treibitz-keyboards&theremin,Randy Pratt-bass,Lorenza Ponce-violin&vocals and Phil Weiss-drums.Give it a shot."

Definitely from another planet.

D. Tonya | Barber-tucky, Ohio | 09/10/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first heard them mentioned at an Ozric Tentacles concert for whom the Star People had opened. Having arrived late, I missed them, but if the OT guys were calling the SP strange, it had to be something good. Then I was surprised to see them open for the Dixie Dregs / Dream Theater tour in 2001. They blew us away. Stylistically they dress in full penguin suits (tuxedo's) and the knockout Star Girl (violin) in an amazing black evening dress. Musically they are a combination of Lounge Jazz, Psychadelia, and Progressive Rock. And they aren't afraid to change between any one of them during a song. The lyrics are great fun and blast to listen to. The instrumentation is impeccable, clean, and well mixed. In fact, this is one of the best produced cd's I have in my 5,000 cd collection. The bass on this album is about as perfect as ever has been captured. I can't recommend this recording enough, it's just that much fun and so anti-commercial, anti-syrup pop that it puts a smile on your face just listening to it. When I had a band in high school, this was the kind of band we aspired to be. Where I failed, the Star People succeeded wildly beyond anything I could have ever dreamed of!"

Out of this world! (or so they say)

J. KORTSCH | Oconomowoc, WI United States | 03/10/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Now these guys are truly different! In concert they wear tuxedos and act as if they are from another galaxy. Their music is somewhere in the progressive/psych area but has a fun slant based on the outer space story. Powerful guitar with some beautiful violin and not just a little bit of humor. Star People obviously have experience in the studio - the sound is crisp and clean as they tuxedos they wear. I'd recommend "Genius" and their first "...are coming!". This is the kind of band I'd be in if I had any musical ability. If the world wasn't ruled by sludge like Britney and N'sync, Star People and other unique acts would see major play."