Recorded over the course of a year, one Monday evening at a time, Star is the solo debut from local pop singer-songwriter Todd Hunter. Released toward the end of 2009, the 10 songs on the record are based on a period of Hunter’s life when he faced a mystery illness that doctors could not diagnose. From Sit Around – a short, simple song about being too tired to do anything – to Do That, a joyous song about embracing one’s life – Hunter chronicles his experience from health to sickness and back again. Standout tracks include You Are a Star, with its dance floor pulse and spacey keyboard break, and the aforementioned Do That, a triumphant song that would have come off as cheesy in the hands of a lesser artist. Produced, engineered and mixed by Mike Petkau, Star is essential, local listening.

Published in Volume 64, Number 21 of The Uniter (March 4, 2010)