Finland’s Star You Star Me has been putting out minimalistic house grooves for the past couple years now. In 2005, the duo released a trilogy of eps called Star 1, Star 2 and Star 3. This week brought us the end cap to this work — their debut album, Simple Things.

“A Place In My Heart” is the first track on the album, and probably worth the purchase alone. Released originally in 2004, the track features vocals by none other than indie-dance star Erlend Øye. If for anything, you will like this song based on its lyrics alone. Tightly woven and super sensitive, the lyrics are written and sung in a way that only Øye could conquer. The Jori Hulkkonen Remix is a little bit more club-y feeling, but still probably more lounge-y than what most of you are used to hearing. Then again, who am I to assume what you are used to hearing?

Star You Star Me featuring Erlend Øye - “A Place In My Heart” (Jori Hulkkonen Rmx)

Simple Things is a bit of a relief in a time when most retro dance music is channeling heavy synth and loud bass. Certainly not just going for the flavor of the month, Star You Star Me bring us back to the days of Everything But The Girl and Supreme Beings Of Leisure. The album, in its entirety, is a little lukewarm at times, but that may be because it is not totally my cup of tea. Regardless, it is an album worth exploring.

Purchase: iTunes

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