4.3.07

The Apples In Stereo – New Magnetic Wonder

The Apples In Stereo is an American indie rock band associated with the innovative Elephant Six Collective, a group of bands also including Neutral Milk Hotel, of Montreal and The Olivia Tremor Control. The band is largely a product of lead vocalist/guitarist Robert Schneider, who writes the majority of the band's music and lyrics. The Apples In Stereo have been a prominent band in the indie rock scene since the early 90s and have only proven to be more impressive as time goes on with their latest release. “New Magnetic Wonder” is about as upbeat and fun as music comes, taking full advantage of the electronic wonders the modern music world has to offer. This being their first release in 5 years it makes sense that they are willing to shake up their style, adding vocoder vocals, piano and catchy beats to nearly ever song. Every song on this CD blends together amazingly and it makes for an extremely refreshing example of a older band doing modern music right. “New Magnetic Wonder” is currently my most listened to album of 2007.

The Apples In Stereo - Same Old Drag
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Ed Harcourt

Ed Harcourt is an English singer-songwriter from Sussex who as of 2006 has released six albums and has a relatively small but very enthusiastic fan base. Harcourt's primary instrument is the piano, but he also plays several less common keyboard instruments as well as the guitar. Harcourt is simply piano rock at its very best, he’s not afraid to make fast paced songs as well as slow piano ballads. Along with wonderfully composed instrumentation Harcourt also has an extremely original voice, deep and soothing with a definite old-style American jazz sound to it.

Ed Harcourt - Visit From The Dead Dog
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Carey Ott

Carey Ott is a solo-male guitarist and is about as "poppy" as music gets without being completely ridiculous. As strange and “girlish” as his music may be at times Carey Ott seems to be the real deal. His first release “Lucid Dream” is as solid as it needs to be with all the songs blending well together. “Lucid Dream” seems the kind of CD where 10 different people could listen to it and all pick out a different favorite song.

Carey Ott - I Wouldn't Do That To You
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The Bird And The Bee

The Bird And The Bee is an indie/pop music musical duo from Los Angeles, consisting of musicians Greg Kurstin ("bee") and Inara George ("bird"). Kurstin is a producer and keyboardist who has worked with Beck and Red Hot Chili Peppers and is also a member of the band Geggy Tah. The Bird And The Bee offers soft female vocals with calm and fast paced electronic instrumental backup, which might seem unoriginal with music today but this is pretty impressive stuff.

The Bird And The Bee - Again & Again
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