Edie Brickell & New Bohemians - Shooting Rubberbands At The Stars (1988)



“Shooting Rubberbands at the Stars” is the debut album by the American alternative rock band Edie Brickell & New Bohemians, released in 1988.

As debut albums by young bands go, Shooting Rubberbands at the Stars is nearly flawless. With a slight southern twinge in her voice, the 22-year-old Brickell churned out brilliant lyrics and captivating vocal performances, backed by the solid and innovative players that comprised the original New Bos Kenny Withrow, Brad Houser, John Bush, and Brandon Aly. Twisting words like putty, Brickell wraps herself up in phrases and melodic lines with layers of meaning not easily grasped at first listen. Her simple observations offer deep contemplations for the willing disciples of her musical philosophies. The catchy breakthrough hit "What I Am" is the perfect example: "I'm not aware of too many things/I know what I know, if you know what I mean." Zen and the art of songwriting. On other fronts, Brickell's fascination with actress Edie Sedgwick turned itself into "Little Miss S.," while strained friendships inspired "Circle." Every song on this record hits its mark and is worthy of special attention. How well does "Nothing" capture the frustration of a non-communicative partner? Very well, indeed. Then there's "The Wheel," "She," and "Air of December." Highlights, one and all. Rather than an overblown big rock finish, Shooting Rubberbands at the Stars closes with a solo acoustic performance of "I Do," a quiet plea for a partner who's equal and true, complete and steady; yet another testimony to the simplicity and thoughtfulness that this album and this band offer. "What I Am" did more than kick off a record, it jump-started a career amidst the clamor of the late-'80s folk-rock scene.

01. "What I Am"   (Edie Brickell, Kenny Withrow)  - 4:54
02. "Little Miss S."   (Brickell, Withrow, Brad Houser, Brandon Aly, John Bush)  - 3:37
03. "Air of December"   (Brickell, Withrow, Houser, Aly, Bush)  - 5:54
04. "The Wheel"   (Brickell, Withrow, Houser, Aly, Bush)  - 3:53
05. "Love Like We Do"   (Brickell)  - 3:13
06. "Circle"   (Brickell, Withrow)  - 3:11
07. "Beat the Time"   (Brickell, Withrow)  - 2:58
08. "She"   (Brickell, Withrow, Houser, Aly, Bush)  - 5:06
09. "Nothing"   (Brickell, Withrow)  - 4:49
10. "Now"   (Brickell, Withrow, Houser, Aly, Bush)  - 6:00
11. "Keep Coming Back"   (Brickell)  - 2:42
12. "I Do"  (Hidden track)  (Brickell)  - 2:00

Credits

The New Bohemians
Edie Brickell - vocals
Kenny Withrow - guitar
Brad Houser - bass
Brandon Aly - drums (fired from the band by the label during the sessions)
John Bush - percussion

Additional
Robbie Blunt - guitar
John Henry - background vocals
Chris Whitten - drums
Paul "Wix" Wickens - keyboards
(Both Chris Whitten and Paul "Wix" Wickens were/are members of Paul McCartney's Band)

Production
Producer - Pat Moran
Engineer - Pat Moran
Mastering - George Marino
Design - Terry Robertson
Cover - illustration: Edie Brickell
Photograph - Bob Cook

Notes
Recorded at: Rockfield Studios, Wales (U.K.)
Genre: Folk Rock
Length: 48:22

© 1988 Geffen Records