Poi Dog Pondering – ‘Everybody’s Got a Star’ (album stream) (premiere)

Led by founder and multi-instrumentalist Frank Orrall, Poi Dog Pondering have been a mainstay in the Chicago music scene for more than two decades. Featuring a perpetually evolving sound and a revolving collection of contributors, their eclecticism is all part of their charm, and that’s on full display on the ebullient experimental pop of their eighth album Everybody’s Got a Star, which will be released 18 September and can be listened to in its entirety below.

“Growing up in Honolulu, we really only had one good Live Music/Disco/ club: The Wave,” Orrall says. “It was Punk Rock/New Wave kids from 9 to 2 a.m., then a Gay Disco from 2 a.m. to 4 a.m.. Everybody mixing it up & having fun. You could hear everything from Iggy Pop’s ‘Lust For Life’, to Loose Joints’ ‘Is it All Over My Face’. I’m super thankful for that eclecticism. Music for dancing is like an elliptical orbit, it’s always been around me, sometimes it swings in real close and sweeps me along full force for a while.

“For me, this record is about trusting and following the spark of an idea. The thought that kept running through my head while working on this album, was… ‘if it excites you, follow it / Let the song be what ever it wants be / let the album be what ever it wants to be. Realize each idea, & keep moving’.”