The Apples in Stereo: an appreciation

The Apples in Stereo are one of Denver's greatest exports, in my opinion. The group started off as simply The Apples in the mid-1990s, part of a small but vibrant pop scene in Denver that also included neighbors (and good friends) The Christines.

Before long, The Apples had changed their name (under legal duress) to The Apples in Stereo, been discovered by SpinART Records, become Japanese popstars, and even penned a tune for the official Powerpuff Girls soundtrack. You can't make this stuff up.

Anyway - this is a collection of some of my favorite songs by the now-defunct band. Enjoy the music.

Song of the day: Bailter Space/"Shadow"

People who know me know I'm obsessive about looking for new music to check out. This obsession often brings me to San Francisco's Amoeba Records, the best record store I've ever been to and one of the top reasons I question ever leaving the Bay area. I always find good stuff, and cheap, in the bargain bins at Amoeba.

One of my recent favorite finds was the album Wammo by New Zealand cosmic rock band Bailter Space. I'd heard about this band in the late 1990s, but never gave their music a chance, but recently was turned back onto them by my friends Hill and Donna. I found the now out-of-print album for $2.99 last month at Amoeba.

While poking around Rhapsody today, I realized that Wammo is now available in Rhapsody, as is more or less the band's entire catalogue. Taking full advantage, I was listening to the band's other releases tonight, and discovered the song "Shadow" on their 1994 album Vortura. Take a listen -- it's pretty (and dreamy) good stuff.

Song of the day: The Wedding Present/"My Favourite Dress"

More than 5,000 new songs were added to Rhapsody today, including a bunch of classic releases from Echo & The Bunnymen and --happily-- the Wedding Present album George Best. Click here to check out one of my favorite songs on that album, "My Favourite Dress." Enjoy!