You’d Prefer an Astronaut was originally released in 1995, and I was only seven years old for most of that year. Sometime between ’95 and ’06, I’d heard the song and it was eternally tucked away in my head. It was one of those small memories that you have no recollection of until someone triggers it.
One day in 2006 I heard “Stars” on the radio and I instantly recognized the song, but I still don’t know why to this day. All I know is that I’ve been obsessed with listening to “Stars” and the album it came from since then. I’d heard Space rock before, but it was Hum that captured me and held me hostage. I believe that it has something for everyone, vocally and through guitars and drums.
Here I am a few years later and I’m still an avid Hum fan. They broke up around the year 2000, but they’ve gotten back together a few times every now and then to perform shows. I’m actually going to see them perform this coming Monday at Millennium Park here in Chicago. After all the shows I’ve missed, this one is a no brainer. In a true throwback sense, I’m going to give you a simple rundown of why I love this album so much without giving too much away so you can experience the music for yourself.
“Little Dipper” – An amazing opening, giving a taste of what the next 40+ minutes of the album will sound like. “We won’t let them take you, we won’t let you die.”
“The Pod” – I simply love the drumming, guitars, and vocals in this song. There is really no other for me to say it.
“Stars” – My favorite song on one my favorite albums by my favorite band. The solo is to die for. For emphasis, THE SOLO IS TO DIE FOR.
“Suicide Machine” – “I’m lonelier than God.” That’s one of the few lyrics of the word that actually gives me the chills along with a line in “Truly Madly Deeply” by Savage Garden. Also, there’s mention of the zebra that’s on the album cover.
“The Very Old Man” – A guitar, the non-electric kind, and vocals. Very soothing, very summer night.
“Why I Like the Robins” – This feels very green and earthy to me. I always think of trees and how they can see more in their lifetimes than we possibly will.
“I’d Like Your Hair Long” – This is the track that the album get its title from, and I don’t at all think that this is “a waste of a song.”
“I Hate it Too” – Starting of slowly, “tidal waves of love” are sent your way after about two peaceful minutes.
“Songs of Farewell and Departure” – I’m just going to say “holy shit” still, after all these years. There’s one line in the song that simply blew me away. I’m definitely not going to spoil it, but you’d have to listen to the entire album for it to have the same effect on you that it did on me.
You don’t have to be an astronaut, you just need an open ear or two and Hum does the work when it comes to taking you to space. Give the album a chance. You won’t regret it any time soon, I promise.
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