APPLES IN STEREO 2/6, METRO The title of Tone Soul Evolution, the most recent album from kaleidoscopic popsters the Apples in Stereo, might just refer to the technological leap they made in recording it–leaving behind their beloved bedroom studio for 24-track luxury, the better to housebreak their unruly pet sounds. And their recent swiping from the indie Spinart by Sire means they’ll most likely be indulging their audiophilia further in the future. Luna, a band that could sure use a shot of whatever the Apples are on, headlines.
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FRED ARMISEN Y SU MENSAJE DE CARACAS 2/6, SCHUBAS On a tape recorded live at the Fireside last fall, the former Trenchmouth drummer’s compact salsa group–the six core members include Cuban flutist Manny Bances, Cuban conga player Heriberto Dominguez, and percussionist Debbie Winston, who also plays with Malukosamba–lays down long, mellow jams with the occasional burst into flame. They haven’t yet released a record, so you can say you saw them back when.
BALTIMORES, pasted on 2/7, EMPTY BOTTLE The debut album from the Baltimores, Plastico del Mundo (on Kingsize Platters, the label run by the Pulsars’ Dave Trumfio), comes in a most unappealing package, with a crude cover shot of some weenie animal in a frying pan. But what’s inside is lively, occasionally folky Cuisinart rock, a la mid-career Camper Van Beethoven–no surprise, since at least one band member has played in the wildly eclectic ska-core outfit Blue Meanies. First on the four-band bill are Pasted On, who at the very least have solid influences–I can hear the Yo La Tengo beating.
Art accompanying story in printed newspaper (not available in this archive): Mark Federighi photo by Betsy Boyle.
