Star Maps is the second studio album by American alternative rock band Possum Dixon. It was released in 1996 on Interscope Records.
Critical reception
Robert Levine of Trouser Press called the album a "more mature effort [that] lacks some of its predecessor’s raw energy," writing that "though the stylistic expansion is admirable, Possum Dixon can’t disguise the fact that its basic strength remains stripped-down art-punk." Hobart Rowland of the Houston Press wrote that the album "tears down the Southern California myth with a finality reminiscent of L.A.-bashing works such as X's Los Angeles and the Eagles' Hotel California -- though in a context and style more akin to the tense intellect of the Velvet Underground and early Talking Heads." Rick Reger of the Chicago Tribune wrote that the band "garnishes its unassuming rockers with vibes, electric piano and mellotron to generate some unfashionably fun, tuneful bashing." Allison Stewart of CMJ New Music Monthly felt the album was "more of a good time than revisited new wave usually allows for", noting its "so-dark-they're-funny songs" and concluding that it was "an airless and dark, almost eerily self-contained piece that consistently undersells itself."
Spin included the album on its list of "The 10 Best Albums You Didn't Hear in '96," its annual review of relatively below-the-radar releases.
Track listing All lyrics by Rob Zabrecky; all music by Zabrecky, except where noted.
"Go West" – 3:04 "In Her Disco" – 2:43 "Radio Comets" (Zabrecky, O'Sullivan, Chavez) – 4:19 "Party Tonight" – 3:52 "Emergency's About to End" – 2:36 "General Electric" (Zabrecky, O'Sullivan) – 2:39 "Crashing Your Planet" – 3:01 "Personals" – 4:40 "Reds" – 2:07 "Skid Marks" (Zabrecky, O'Sullivan) – 2:18 "Artificial Sunlight" (Zabrecky, O'Sullivan, Chavez) – 3:15 "Apartment Song" (Zabrecky, O'Sullivan, Chavez) – 7:51
Personnel Credits adapted from CD liner notes.
Possum Dixon Rob Zabrecky Robert O'Sullivan Celso Chavez
Additional musicians Rich Treuel – drums Josh Freese – drums Byron Reynolds – drums "Sneaky" Pete Tomlinson – additional percussion
Technical Tim O'Heir – producer, engineer Phil Kaffel – additional mixing Chuck Reed – additional mixing Rob Zabrecky – design Robert O'Sullivan – design Kim Holt – design
References