Hum is an American alternative rock band from Champaign, Illinois, formed in 1989. The band’s longtime lineup consisted of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Matt Talbott, bassist Jeff Dimpsey, lead guitarist Tim Lash and drummer Bryan St Pere.
Best known for their 1995 radio hit “Stars”, the band released four albums, including two on major label RCA – “You’d Prefer an Astronaut” and “Downward Is Heavenward” – before disbanding in 2000. Hum sporadically reunited for shows throughout the 2000s before embarking on full tours in 2015. In 2020, the band surprise-released Inlet, their first album in 22 years. Longtime drummer Bryan St. Pere died unexpectedly in 2021, and after a period of silence, Hum returned to live performances in 2026.
“You’d Prefer an Astronaut” is the third studio album by the American alternative rock band Hum and marked their major label debut with RCA Records
The album’s title comes from a lyric in the song “I’d Like Your Hair Long” It was produced by Keith Cleversley, who had previously worked with The Flaming Lips, The album was recorded and mixed at The Playground in Chicago, Illinois.
The album features several standout tracks: “I Hate It Too” – Recognized for its catchy chorus and guitar hooks , “Stars” – The most popular single, It gained renewed attention after being featured in a Cadillac commercial.
” The Pod” – One of the singles, though less commercially successful. I’d Like Your Hair Long” – Another single and the source of the album’s title.
The album is characterized by a spacey, atmospheric, and heavy sound, blending lush melodies with noisy, distorted guitars. It has been described as melancholic, introspective, and psychedelic, often evoking a sense of longing and existential reflection
Critics and musicians alike have praised its influence; for example, Deftones frontman Chino Moreno cited it as a major influence on their tone, In 2016, it was listed as an overlooked masterpiece.
The Fat Angel Sings 