Apples In Stereo: Electronic Projects For Musicians

Label: Yep Roc

B-sides compilations can be spotty – full of curiosities and outtakes, intended for superfans and completists only – but as Elephant 6 Brian Wilson-worshippers Apples In Stereo proved once, with 1996’s Science Faire, a carefully-curated b-side collection can be a terrific album: with Electronic Projects For Musicians, they’ve done it again. Collecting tracks from 1995-2006 that include Japanese bonus tracks, songs that originally appeared on promotional flexidiscs, label compilation tracks, split seven-inch sides, the band’s website theme song, and one ode to a comedy talk-show host, the collection showcases the best of the Apples’ sunny, fuzzy, harmony-soaked guitar pop. Starting off with the 1996 gem “Shine (In Your Mind)” – how was this a b-side?? – the compilation remains strong throughout, finishing with the much-anticipated and lovely “Dreams,” a previously unreleased outtake from 1997’s Tone Soul Evolution. Even the “novelty” tracks retain the clever lyrics, impeccable hooks and sugary melodies that have carried throughout the Apples’ fifteen-plus-year career to earn them a spot in the indie-pop pantheon. While Electronic Projects For Musicians is essential for fans, it’s also an excellent introduction to this well-loved band.
(Anna)