The Apples In Stereo Album: “The Discovery Of A World Inside The Moone”

This April 2000 release of the Elephant 6's most prominent band is quite accessible, especially poppy, and downright enjoyable. The funkiness (especially of the bass line) of the tenth track, "The Bird That You Can't See" is a little unexpected and very infectious. The overall mood of the album continues the band's practice of tipping the hat to the Beatles. The harmonies still are suggestive of Beach Boys. Perhaps the dissappointment of the album lies in its unexperimental and totally straight-ahead foci. Of course, the Apples in stereo aren't quite as exotic-seeming as the Olivia Tremor Control, for instance, but some different sounds a la Her Wallpaper Reverie would be interesting. Overall, the record is good as a fairly coherent pop statement. I think it is recommended in the least for listening if not for purchasing.

Let's take a trip back to the days when The Beatles just started using marijuana, making their music a little more psychadelic. Sort of a mix between Beach Boys, The Beatles and everything inbetween, 'The Discovery of a World' is a psychadelic masterpiece (or something close to one) that you won't put down for a while. From the little jam in 'Go' to the 'yeah yeah's of 'The Rainbow', The Apples In Stereo do a fine job of recreating the 60's/70's feel of music. Yes, it was created in 2000.

They all play such a variety of instruments! I hear a bongo, a flute, and a brass section in 'Go' alone! One of my favorites is 'The Rainbow' with a great catchy chorus that is reminiscent of sugar-pop, as I like to call it. 'Stream Running Over' is good too, with hand claps and acoustic guitar that will help you 'clear your mind' during a bad day at work! '20 Cases Suggestive Of...' is a bit heavier, a bit more distorted, and a bit less innocent than the previous 3 songs. It didn't lose a bit of greatness, though. If you're looking for music reminiscent of Beatles, look no further than 'Look Away'! It's catchy, with pianos and guitars and Ringo-esque drums and it's oh so sweet! Another goodie is 'I Can't Believe', another rocker piece on this great record. And guess what 'Submarine Dream' sounds like? Yep, you guessed it: The Beach Boys. (Sarcasm.)

Overall, it's a great, full album that you won't be putting down. Apples In Stereo aren't the most popular band, but the least popular bands are usually the best. If you like it, check out bands like the Beach Boys and the Beatles. If you haven't heard of those bands, well, that's your mistake for drowning in the crap you people call 'the music of today'.

*2 THUMBS UP FOR 'DISCOVERY OF A WORLD INSIDE THE MOONE'*

I've had the same problem with the Apples In Stereo that another reviewer had--great sugary sweet songs that are ultimately forgettable. While I would heartily recommend the Apples two previous full length efforts, both Fun Trick Noisemaker and Tone Soul Evolution tended to run together. Sure, there were exceptions--great songs like "Glowworm", "Tidal Wave" and "Seems So"--but after awhile your mind started to wander. But great bands grow, and AIS are a great band. The Discovery Of A World Inside The Moone is more fuzzed out that the previous two full length offerings, at times recalling Robert Schneiders production work with Olivia Tremor Control. These are the strongest, most consistent Apples songs yet, not a clunker in the bunch--even the slow tempo songs ("Stay Gold", "The Afternoon"). But it's the crunch of songs like "Go", "Stream Running Over" and "I Can't Believe" that make this album soar. It doesn't always work--"The Bird That You Can't See" strays dangerously close to Squeeze territory--but overall this disc doesn't miss. It's a four car crash between Brian Wilson, Syd Barrett, Phil Spector and John & Paul. It's that good.

It's nowhere as spaced-out as "Black Foliage" from the Olivia Tremor Control, but the Apples' new effort definitely brings the E6 influence in full force. The 60's psychedelia/Beatles influence is obvious (consult "Submarine Dream" in both title and sonics), but not overwhelming in the sense that this record sounds like a nouveau-hippie rehash: "Go" leads the record off with an absolutely smile-inducing horn section hook, while "20 Cases Suggestive Of..." gets a nod for sounding so much like that Madonna song from the 'Austin Powers' sequel (I mean that in a good way). There isn't a whole lot of variation in the songs - most are either 'rock' songs or slower ballad-esque pieces - but it doesn't necessarily hinder the record to my ears (more diehard Apples fans may disagree). "The Discovery..." is a good pop record and a great place to start your journey into the Elephant 6 Collective.

As a big fan of psychedleic pop music, including the Olivia Tremor Control, I picked up this disc merely because the Apples are a part of the famed Elephant 6 collective. Unfortunately, the Apples, like most of the Elephant 6 bands, merely remind me that you can't improve on perfection (Beatles, Kinks, XTC/Dukes of Stratosphear, and the entire Nuggets box set, to name a few). I haven't heard the Apples' other albums, but this disc did not impress me enough to go out and buy the others.

First, it just makes me want to turn it off and put on a Let's Active record. (Let's Active = a truly great pop outfit in the mid-to-late 80's on IRS records.) Second, it fills me with a dull, hollow longing. Because it's ALMOST good. So close, but so far away. Third, it's TOO darn happy, and it's overproduced. It's really kind of grating, actually. What made the Beatles great were those occasional touches of "darkness," like Eleanor Rigby or Mr. Kite. Maybe it's called an "edge," but I don't want to sound cliched. Of course, the Beatles are gone, and this will just have to do for now. But, like processed cheese, it's too sticky and leaves behind the tase of artificial preservatives.