Pitchfork

Imagine the two most syrupy-sweet pop bands you can think of. Now imagine them touring together. No, Apples in Stereo isn't one of them. No, neither is the All Girl Summer Fun band. Damn it all, no, Beatnik Termites broke up years ago! Fine, stop imagining the most syrupy-sweet pop bands you can think of. I'll just tell you: Starlight Mints and Dressy Bessy will be heading out on a month-long tour, bringing each band's special brand of pure pop goodness to fans all over the western half of the country (and even a little bit of Canada).

Dressy Bessy's self-titled third LP was issued via the Kindercore before the label's implosion back in November, though no word has surfaced yet as to with what label the band now resides. Starlight Mints, on the other hand, released their second full length, Built on Squares, way back in May of 2003 on PIAS America. The record garnered many favorable reviews, as well as comparisons to the Flaming Lips, thanks to the saccharine string arrangements and mischievous vocals of guitarist/vocalist Alan Vest. Also, I should mention that, as it turns out, Beatnik Termites did not break up years ago. They released an album last year. Dates:

03-10 Austin, TX - Mercury
03-11 Dallas, TX - Gypsy Tea Room
03-12 Houston, TX - Engine Room
03-16 Columbia, MO - Music Cafe
03-17 Lawrence, KS - The Bottleneck
03-18 St. Louis, MO - Washington University
03-19 Chicago, IL - Abbey Pub
03-20 Milwaukee, WI - Onopa Brewing Company
03-21 Madison, WI - The Annex
03-22 Minneapolis, MN - The Ascot Room at the Quest
03-23 Omaha, NE - Ranch Bowl Entertainment Center
03-24 Denver, CO - Larimer Lounge
03-26 Boise, ID - Neurolux
03-27 Portland, OR - Dante's
03-28 Seattle, WA - Neumos Crystal Ball Reading Room
03-29 Vancouver, British Columbia - Richard's on Richards
04-01 San Francisco, CA - Bottom of the Hill
04-02 San Diego, CA - Casbah
04-04 Los Angeles, CA - Troubadour
04-06 Tempe, AZ - The Clubhouse
04-07 Tucson, AZ - City Limits
04-09 Tulsa, OK - The Venue
04-10 Little Rock, AR - Sticky Fingerz Chicken Shack