Stars Like Fleas is a Brooklyn-based band formed by multi-instrumentalist Shannon Fields and vocalist Montgomery Knott in the winter of 1998. Frequently compared to later Talk Talk and Robert Wyatt, their music blends avant-jazz and free improvisation with electronic textures and several overdubbed murmured vocal lines.Couture, François. "[ Sun Lights Down on the Fence]." Allmusic.
History The band started in 1998. On their albums and in live performances, Fields and Knott have recruited a host of other musicians, including members and ex-members of Other Dimensions in Music, TEST, No-Neck Blues Band, Papa M, Out Hud, Gold Sparkle Band, At the Drive-In, Beirut, Tall Firs, TV on the Radio, Celebration, Fiery Furnaces, The Silent League, and Mercury Rev.Burns, Todd. "Sun Lights Down on the Fence." Stylus Magazine January 5, 2004.
Members Shannon Fields - producer Montgomery Knott - vocals Ryan Smith - piano, synthesizers, laptop, many other things Ryan Sawyer - drums, percussion Matt Lavelle - bass clarinet, flugelhorn, trumpet, cuica Sam Amidon - fiddle, banjo, voice Jon Natchez - reeds, brass, strings, keys, etc. Gerald Menke - pedal steel, dobro resonator, guitars Shelley Burgon - harp, laptop, baritone guitar Tianna Kennedy - cello Shayna Dulberger - bass Laura Ortman - violin
Discography Took the Ass for a Drive (1999; digitally re-released by File 13 2007, downloadable at iTunes) Sun Lights Down on the Fence (2003, Praemedia)Sounds, Paths, Radios: Notes on Stars Like FleasStylus Magazine Review of Sun Lights Down on the FencePitchfork Review of Sun Lights Down on the Fence The Ken Burns Effect (2007, Talitres Records in Europe) (May 20, 2008 Hometapes, distribution via Absolutely Kosher/Misra)
References
External links Official site (Hometapes) Official site (Praemedia) Official Site (Talitres Records) MySpace Page [ Allmusic Guide Entry]
Interviews from Splendid eZine Interview with Shannon Fields and Montgomery Knott by Mike Meginnis