Sleeping Star
1994 studio album by Epic Soundtracks
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Sleeping Star is the second album by the English musician Epic Soundtracks, released in 1994.[2][3]
| Sleeping Star | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | 1994 | |||
| Recorded | May 1993 and January 1994 | |||
| Studio | Chiswick Reach, London; Wake the Dead | |||
| Label | Bar/None[1] | |||
| Producer | Epic Soundtracks | |||
| Epic Soundtracks chronology | ||||
| ||||
Soundtracks supported the album by touring with Evan Dando.[4][5]
Production
Sleeping Star was produced by Soundtracks, who had long wanted to move from the noisy rock of his previous bands to a more classical pop sound.[6] Luke Haines contributed to the album, as did Kim Gordon, J Mascis, Will Pepper, and Henry Olsen.[7][8][9]
Critical reception
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |   [10] |
| Calgary Herald | A−[11] |
| The Encyclopedia of Popular Music | [8] |
| Entertainment Weekly | B+[12] |
| MusicHound Rock: The Essential Album Guide | [13] |
Trouser Press wrote that the album "often approximates the warm, jamming feel of a vintage Band record—an impressive feat when you consider how much of the project is essentially solo."[14] Entertainment Weekly thought that Soundtracks "continues to stake out a territory where Brian Wilson, Laura Nyro, Brill Building pop, and Hunky Dory-era David Bowie converge."[12] The Calgary Herald deemed the album "an unassuming gem," writing that "Soundtracks' songs wear hope, sadness and longing in many colors."[11]
The Washington Post determined that "Waiting for the Train" "gets awkwardly overwrought, but the album's most effective tunes employ a slow-burn style that rewards repeated listenings."[15] Stereo Review advised: "Think a less sodden Alex Chilton, or a post-modern version of Bread, and you've got it."[16] The Boston Globe praised the "gorgeous pop feel and emotional tug" of the songs.[17]
AllMusic wrote that "'Emily May' has a rolling piano line and up-tempo rhythm that makes it the highlight of the disc."[10]
Track listing
All tracks are written by Epic Soundtracks.
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Something New Under the Sun" | |
| 2. | "There's Been a Change" | |
| 3. | "Don't Go to School" | |
| 4. | "Tonight's the Night (Rock'n'Roll Lullabye)" | |
| 5. | "Waiting for the Train" | |
| 6. | "Emily May (You Make Me Feel So Fine)" | |
| 7. | "Baby I Love You" | |
| 8. | "Hear the Whistle Blow" | |
| 9. | "There's a Rumour" | |
| 10. | "Tired Eyes" | |
| 11. | "I'll Sing a Hymn" | |
| 12. | "I Believe" |
Personnel
- Epic Soundtracks - acoustic and electric guitar, bass, drums, piano, organ, lead and backing vocals
- Will Pepper - bass; guitar on "Emily Man (You Make Me Feel So Fine)"
- Harry Georgeson - middle 8 guitar solo on "Something New Under the Sun", guitar on "I Believe"
- Anthony Thistlethwaite - saxophone on "There's Been a Change" and "Waiting for the Train"
- Julia Palmer - cello on "Hear the Whistle Blow" and "I'll Sing a Hymn"
- Anne Ahem - violin on "Hear The Whistle Blow" and "I'll Sing a Hymn"
- Asyam Kael - backing vocals
- Claudio Pinto - hand claps on "Emily Man (You Make Me Feel So Fine)"
- Henry Olsen - string arrangements