Starcrossed (song)

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"Starcrossed"
Single by Ash
B-side(s)	"Solace", "Cool It Down"
Format	CD, 7", DVD
Recorded	2003
Genre	Alternative Rock
Length	4:52
Label	Infectious
Producer(s)	Nick Raskulinecz
Chart positions
#22 (UK)
Ash singles chronology
"Orpheus" (2004)	"Starcrossed" (2004)	"Renegade Cavalcade" (2004)

"Starcrossed" was the second single released in a physical format from the Meltdown album by the band Ash on July 19, 2004. It was released as a single CD (released as only 1 CD version) as a gatefold 7" vinyl, as well as on DVD format and various promo copies. "Starcrossed" was A-Listed on BBC Radio 1 and was expected to be a major hit for the band, but in fact only made it to number #22 in the charts. However, the song was successful in the long run for the band and is considered one of their most popular songs.

"Starcrossed" is Meltdown's only slow paced song, and is a power ballad "based on 'Romeo & Juliet'. I've always loved that grouping of words that Shakespeare did". (Tim, 2004). Mark has described it as: "Star-crossed - It's the big power ballad, with Tim singing about 2 lovers who are in no uncertain terms 'fucked'". The track is unusual for the band in many ways. One of the most notable ways is the fact that all the guitar work is handled by Wheeler in this video, while Hatherley handles piano duties.

The track was played at every concert on the "Meltdown" tour, but has yet to appear on the tour accompanying Ash's latest album, "Twilight of the Innocents".

The first b-side of the single is "Solace", and appears exclusively on the CD version of the single. The track was written and recorded during the 'Meltdown' album sessions, but missed the final cut. Two versions were recorded, this one which appears on the "Starcrossed" single and another version will be kept to feature on an upcoming film soundtrack. Mark: "This has potential for greatness. It's a bit like a heavy 'I'm Gonna Fall' with one big phat chorus." This track also appeared as a bonus track on the US version of "Meltdown".

The single's second b-side appears exclusively on the 7" gatefold and DVD versions of "Starcrossed. "Cool It Down" is a fast paced, quite short song whic was originally written and recorded for "Meltdown" but Cool It Down eventually missed the cut and was released as the B-side to the Starcrossed single, and as a bonus track on the US version of "Meltdown". Mark: "Fast paced, pounding drums and a chorus as catchy as a world champion frisbee catcher. Destined to be a mosh pit favourite."

The video for "Starcrossed" was again directed by Jeff Thomas. The video is basically a classic Romeo and Juliet tale, filmed on location in Romania, the video see's the band perform the track in an old church with blue neon crosses surrounding them, and Charlotte on the piano.

Mark has commented on the video as follows: "We flew to Romania to shoot this tribute to Romeo and Juliet. The performance was shot in a church in Bucharest. The local priest was pretty cool but he got annoying telling us to turn the music down and blowing out the candles because wax was dripping on his floors! The story is a bit Ghost Whisperer! Oops, hope I didn't ruin the end?... The video's definately our most epic / grand yet. Strongly inspired by Romeo & Juliet, thousands of candles, blue neon crosses, real actors and shot widescreen. Should look very cinematic."

"Starcrossed" was also released as a DVD. It contained "Starcrossed" and "Cool It Down" as audio tracks, the music videos for "Starcrossed" and "Girl From Mars" as well as a trailer for the upcoming "Star Wars Republic Commander" game.

[edit] Track Listing

CD

1. "Starcrossed" (Wheeler)
2. "Solace" (Wheeler)

7"

1. "Starcrossed" (Wheeler)
2. "Cool It Down" (Wheeler)

DVD

1. "Starcrossed (DVD Audio)" (Wheeler)
2. "Cool It Down (DVD Audio)" (Wheeler)
3. "Starcrossed (Video)" (Wheeler)
4. "Girl From Mars (Video)" (Wheeler)
5. "Star Wars Republic Commander Trailer"

Ash
Tim Wheeler | Mark Hamilton | Rick McMurray
Charlotte Hatherley
Ash Discography
Albums: Trailer | 1977 | Nu-Clear Sounds | Free All Angels | Meltdown | Twilight of the Innocents
Live albums and compilations: Live at the Wireless |Tokyo Blitz | Intergalactic Sonic 7″s
Singles: Jack Names the Planets | Petrol | Uncle Pat | Kung Fu | Girl From Mars | Angel Interceptor | Goldfinger | Oh Yeah | A Life Less Ordinary | Jesus Says | Wildsurf | Shining Light | Burn Baby Burn | Sometimes | Candy | There's A Star | Walking Barefoot | Envy | Clones | Orpheus | Starcrossed | Renegade Cavalcade | You Can't Have It All | Polaris
EPs and Fan Club Releases: Get Ready | Barbie | Got A Beautiful Face... Got A Fucked Up Inside | Numbskull | I'm On Drugs | Satellite Transmissions Volume 1 | Commando
Demo Tapes: Solar Happy | Shed | Home Demo | Garage Girl | Pipe Smokin' Brick
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