Star Maps is the second studio album by American alternative rock band Possum Dixon. It was released in 1996 on Interscope Records.
Robert Levine of Trouser Press called the album a "more mature effort [that] lacks some of its predecessorâÂÂs raw energy," writing that "though the stylistic expansion is admirable, Possum Dixon canâÂÂt 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.
All lyrics by Rob Zabrecky; all music by Zabrecky, except where noted.
Credits adapted from CD liner notes.
Possum Dixon
Additional musicians
Technical