The Starlight Mints

styles: indie pop, snot rock
others: Pixies, Blur

The Dream That Stuff Was Made Of
SeeThru Broadcasting, 2000
rating: 7.3
reviewer: mr p

The word "wacky" comes to mind when listening to the Starlight Mints. Instantly lovable pop handed down by the pop Gods themselves. The Dream That Stuff Was Made Of serves you helping after helping of snotty hooks and melodies. Full of punkish attitude at half the tempo, The Starlight Mints immediately draw you into their brand of pop. The quintet use their instruments to their fullest. Loud scratchy guitars, heavy basslines, distorted drums, and sweeping string arrangements give the album a distinct sound. Various bleeps and pops fart out of nowhere and falsetto harmonies accompany Allen Vest's quirky vocals. The lack of variety is a problem though. It takes many listens just to distinguish song from song. Most of them are moderate in tempo and drag their broken legs to the finish. But when you finally distinguish between the songs, you'll find yourself singing the song loud and out of tune. The Starlight Mints guarantee a goofy smile on your face by the end of the album or your money back.

1. Submarine #3
2. The Bandit
3. Sir Prize 
4. Blinded by You
5. Valerie Flames
6. Sugar Blaster
7. Cracker Jack
8. Matador
9. The Twilight Showdown
10. Margarita
11. Pulling Out My Hair