Apples In Stereo
Science Faire
[Elephant Six/spinART]
Rating: 7.7
Here's a collection of various EPs and singles the Apples put out between the summers
of '93 and '95. The thing about these types of collections is that they're usually
comprised of stuff that didn't make it to albums for a reason. Not so, in this
case. It truly is exactly what it claims to be: Lots of good shit you would otherwise
have missed out on.
Most of these songs seem to stem from a fascination with the Beach Boys
circa Pet Sounds. And it's true -- Robert Schneider sounds eerily like
Brian Wilson in some parts of the disc.
The feelgood, happy melodies are quick and catchy, and your first taste of it comes
with "Tidal Wave," a song about splashing in puddles. The trip ends pleasantly
still with the engrossing, body-shaking happiness of "Rocket Pad." Everything in
between is equally charming. Science Faire's going to be taking a permanent
rest in my CD collection somewhere between the Amps and the Archers of Loaf.
Maybe you should check it out, too.
-Ryan Schreiber