Hum -- You'd Prefer an Astronaut

Let the waves of America's best example of shoegaze wash over you.

Though not personal lyrically or musically, this album stands out as one of a few that was really mine in the sense that none of my music-loving friends ever mentioned it, beyond perhaps a passing mention of the single 'Stars'. And I've never pressed it upon anyone else, apparently preferring to keep the excellence beyond its hit single a secret. It's one of my favorite driving albums and works especially well at night.

Best Song

"I'd Like Your Hair Long"

Released
April 11 1995

Acquired or First Heard
I liked 'Stars' but didn't think much of it until a few years later on a rare Sunday evening off I heard some little-listened-to radio show on 101.9 The Edge, where Hum was being interviewed in promotion of their next effort, Downward is Heavenward (which may in fact be a better album). That was enough for me to go out and buy both albums early in 1998. Many, many years later I listened to Electra 2000 and found it to be similarly awesome. Maybe in thirty more years I'll listen to their debut.

Next Closest
The Drop Nineteens are another American shoegaze band but I never got into them. Do I dare to admit I never really even got into My Bloody Valentine? Sacrilege. Hum shared a drummer, a hometown, and to some degree a sound with Poster Children.

Brush with Greatness (note: may include name-dropping)
none