September 14 2006: Mates of State, the Starlight Mints – Pearl Street Clubroom, Northampton MA

Went with Ben to see some rock and roll. We concluded that it wasn’t the greatest rock and roll we’d ever seen, but that it was both competent and a reasonable way to spend a thursday evening. And I got in free, so no complaints.

The Starlight Mints were pretty good, but they didn’t play for long and they didn’t play the first song off their first record, and it was so dark I could hardly see them. And they’re definitely a group I associate with light.

And Mates of State apparently have a huge following. I never would have guessed. But the place was packed. They played well, “Fraud in the 80’s” probably being the highlight. And they covered Bowie’s “Starman” and Nico’s “These Days” back to back, which was interesting.

So yeah, reasonable way to spend a thursday evening.