Remember your prom theme, or the song that was playing during your very first kiss, or that tune that was popular when your baby was born? Hear those songs now and you are transported back to the moments and emotions that ... more »they captured. The tracks contained on the Push Stars' After the Party are capable of evoking those same nostalgic feelings upon first listen; the essence of this album lies in its familiarity. Tracks such as "Minnesota," "Cadillac," "Meet Me on Main Street," and "Any Little Town" could be any little songs, containing narratives of feelings we've all felt, loves we've all lost, places we've all been. The Push Stars hail from Boston, a town famous for producing edgy guitar bands like the Pixies and Galaxie 500. But unlike either of those bands, the Push Stars' music never reaches beyond the listener's comfort zone. Leader Chris Trapper is a solid if not entirely inventive songwriter, but sometimes it is nice to listen to a CD that's nothing more than instantly enjoyable. After the Party is the perfect accompaniment to sunny days, open windows, and good moods. --Beth Massa« less
Remember your prom theme, or the song that was playing during your very first kiss, or that tune that was popular when your baby was born? Hear those songs now and you are transported back to the moments and emotions that they captured. The tracks contained on the Push Stars' After the Party are capable of evoking those same nostalgic feelings upon first listen; the essence of this album lies in its familiarity. Tracks such as "Minnesota," "Cadillac," "Meet Me on Main Street," and "Any Little Town" could be any little songs, containing narratives of feelings we've all felt, loves we've all lost, places we've all been. The Push Stars hail from Boston, a town famous for producing edgy guitar bands like the Pixies and Galaxie 500. But unlike either of those bands, the Push Stars' music never reaches beyond the listener's comfort zone. Leader Chris Trapper is a solid if not entirely inventive songwriter, but sometimes it is nice to listen to a CD that's nothing more than instantly enjoyable. After the Party is the perfect accompaniment to sunny days, open windows, and good moods. --Beth Massa
Alan O. (fiftypercent) from NASHVILLE, TN Reviewed on 11/13/2009...
This is a fantastic, fantastic album by a wonderful group. Chris Trapper and co seem to hit it out of the box every time. Check out "Too Much Pride" for the highest standard of contemporary pop loveliness.
1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
CD Reviews
Desert Island Must-Have!!
amarble | Alexandria, VA United States | 05/10/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I only had to hear this album's first track, "Any Little Town", once on the radio before knowing it would be a great CD. That was back in 1999. Two years later, it's still one of my favorites. I wouldn't be stranded on a desert island without it!Chris, Dan and Ryan have done great things since "After the Party", but this one has such a great mix of intelligent, meaningful and fun songs that it will be hard to top. Listen to "Any Little Town", "Too Much Pride" or "Cadillac" and I promise you'll be hooked! And if songs like "Everything Shines" or "Minnesota" don't make you smile, nothing will!This is the perfect CD for car rides, summer afternoons, or anytime! Give these boys from Boston a try, and I'm sure the Pushstars will become one of your favorites too!"
An Absolute Favorite
Kate V | Boston, MA | 05/11/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I first heard the Push Stars perform at the WBCN River Rave, where their melodic music and intelligent lyrics were somewhat lost on the hard-rockin' crowd. It took me some time to actually buy the album, but once I did, I was not disappointed. From the very first track, Chris Tapper's slightly scratchy voice and their guitar and percussion combination bumped this album up to insta-favorite status.
Each song is upbeat and catchy, but the sound is rich and warm, unlike some mass-produced artists out there. "After the Party" is definately the Push Stars best album. I bought Meet Me at the Fair, and found it good, but with a few wrong notes-- an album where I have to hit skip more than once.With the exception of track 2, the album is consistently good throughout, especially "Any Little Town," "Everything Shines," "Minnesota," and "Back to the Party." Strangely, though the same "standing in line for you" metaphor appears in three songs!
Buy this album and see the band in concert if you can! You won't be disappointed. The songs stay meaningful and won't get tired after a few months unlike some fly-by-night pop sensations. Fans of Goo Goo Dolls, Barenaked Ladies and Belle and Sebastian will enjoy."
Well, dang!
J. Michael Abernathy | 10/28/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Push Stars have taken their already-infectious music to a whole new level with After The Party. With amazing composition and identifyable lyrics, Chris Trapper and The Push Stars are going to make waves with this release on Capitol... The disc supercedes all my expectations for an enjoyable listening experience."