Dim Stars

Formed in New York in 1991, Dim Stars is an occasional project featuring Richard Hell (b. Richard Meyers, 2 October 1949, Lexington, Kentucky, USA; vocals/bass), Don Fleming (ex-Velvet Monkeys; B.A.L.L. ; guitar/vocals) and two members of Sonic Youth, Thurston Moore (guitar/vocals) and Steve Shelley (drums). A live three-single pack, Dim Stars, was issued that year on Sonic Youth’s Ecstatic Peace! label. It included a lengthy version of ‘You’ve Got To Lose’, first featured on Richard Hell And The Voidoid’s classic Blank Generation. Three Songs, an EP credited to ‘Richard Hell’, ensued, although this featured the Dim Stars’ line-up. The quartet’s eponymous album was an informal, but exciting, set, combining Hell’s visionary lyrics with the debauched ease of the Rolling Stones’ circa Exile On Main Street. Guitarist Robert Quine, formerly of the Voidoids, and Jad Fair assisted the proceedings, the highlight of which was a memorable take of Howlin’ Wolf’s ‘The Natchez Burning’. Prior commitments to Sonic Youth preclude Dim Stars from becoming a permanent fixture, but the album proved to be an excellent reiteration of Richard Hell’s talent. ~ Rovi