The Push Stars, an alternative pop outfit from Boston, feature songwriter, vocalist, and guitarist Chris Trapper at the helm, supported by bassist and keyboardist Dan McLoughlin along with drummer Ryan MacMillan. Their first release arrived in 1996 via the since-shuttered Imago imprint under the title Meet Me at the Fair. The following year the group issued the self-released EP Tonight and placed the track “Everything Shines” on the soundtrack to the popular romantic comedy There’s Something About Mary. Growing interest prompted Capitol to secure the band, which delivered its major-label debut After the Party in 1999; Opening Time arrived in spring 2001. Nearing the age of thirty, the members assumed full creative authority, aligning with the San Francisco-based 33rd Street label and enlisting producer and engineer Greg Collins (No Doubt, Matchbox Twenty, Jewel) in spring 2003 to track the quartet’s fourth album. Matchbox Twenty’s Rob Thomas encountered early mixes, reacted with enthusiasm, and invited the Push Stars to join Matchbox Twenty’s North American fall tour. The resulting effort Paint The Town reached stores in March 2004.
