Domingo 19 Fev 2006, 16h:42

Friday's Stars show got off to a bit of a slow start. Save for Torquil Campbell, who was an engaging presence throughout, most of the band seemed to be either shaking off the effects of a long day on the tour bus or had apparently tipped back one too many beforehand. The guys to my left, thoroughly discouraged, took off after the first four or five songs. I wasn't about to follow their lead but I was feeling a bit disappointed, especially since they've become one of my favorite bands.

Then, appropriately enough, came The Comeback.

It was as if whatever haze the band had been playing through suddenly lifted, freeing them to gel into the first-class live act I'd heard so much about. The rest of their set was excellent. Most of Set Yourself on Fire saw stage time, although they thankfully did throw in a few tracks from Heart that I'd been dying to hear (especially encore standout Elevator Love Letter) along with a faithful cover of Hungry Heart that showcased Amy Millan's heretofore underutilized harmonica chops. Another welcome instrumental addition was a touring violinist; better still was the fact that she didn't contribute solely to songs like Your Ex-Lover is Dead that already feature strings. I'm a sucker for the violin so needless to say I was thrilled with this development.

I hung around after the show to try to nab a setlist. No luck on that front, but I did get to high five drummer Pat McGee. At the merch table I was confronted with one of the more interesting pieces of band memorabilia I've encountered: a Stars pillowcase. Too weird not to buy, I'm sure you'll agree.