New Magnetic Wonder by The Apples in Stereo
I have to admit that I have never listened to these guys before. But I downloaded their newest album from eMusic.com and have found it to be an addictive package of lovely tunes. I don’t know what the band sounded like previously, but on this album they seem to be channeling the ghosts of many 70’s pop icons. You can hear Beach Boys and Beatles influences, especially George Harrison-esc turns of phase on songs like “Energy.” There are lush Electric Light Orchestra moments complete with vocoder chorus in “Same Old Drag,” that will make my friend Steve (an old ELO fan) swoon with nostalgia.
But for all the classic pop influences, the Apples still manage to make the album feel fresh and not just derivative. There are a lot of tracks on the album because there are 12 “link tracks” between the more conventional tunes, so if you are paying by the song for downloads skipping these short tracks might save some money. But I found the whole collection worthwhile, fun and groovy.
And it’s got a great beat and you can dance to it…4 out of 5 stars for this gem.
I have to admit that I have never listened to these guys before. But I downloaded their newest album from eMusic.com and have found it to be an addictive package of lovely tunes. I don’t know what the band sounded like previously, but on this album they seem to be channeling the ghosts of many 70’s pop icons. You can hear Beach Boys and Beatles influences, especially George Harrison-esc turns of phase on songs like “Energy.” There are lush Electric Light Orchestra moments complete with vocoder chorus in “Same Old Drag,” that will make my friend Steve (an old ELO fan) swoon with nostalgia.
But for all the classic pop influences, the Apples still manage to make the album feel fresh and not just derivative. There are a lot of tracks on the album because there are 12 “link tracks” between the more conventional tunes, so if you are paying by the song for downloads skipping these short tracks might save some money. But I found the whole collection worthwhile, fun and groovy.
And it’s got a great beat and you can dance to it…4 out of 5 stars for this gem.
1 comment:
if you like the apples, note they are the founding members of a collective known as Elephant 6, which also includes of Montreal, Olivia Tremor Control (if you like experimental don't miss "Black Foliage"), and many more great bands. and a tribute at the E6 townhall was recently made, by fans for fans, go here to download it for free: http://www.e6townhall.com/viewthread.php?tid=8716
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