Apples in Stereo - Her Wallpaper Reverie
This is an EP I’ve been digging lately, It’s one of those records I’ll be obsessed with for about a month and than I'll listen to it a year later and go oh, I remember this album, and think of the good ole times.
The songs on Her Wallpaper Reverie are similar to other Apples in Stereo releases and the whole Elephant 6 label sound in general. So, those catchy Lo-Fi, psychedelic songs and weird noise songs are here as expected. With the nostalgic feel of this EP you may find yourself thinking this album is older that it is really it. Surprisingly it was only just released in 1999
One may find having 16 tracks on an EP a bit too much but really only nine of these songs make it over the two minutes. This leaves lots of time for little side tracks of various noise and mini songs. My track by track review will be of the actual songs that go over two minutes because I really don’t like having to rate the little side tracks. I had quite the difficult time with Olivia Tremor Control’s Black Foliage: Animation Music, when I reviewed it.
The Shiney Sea: This song has a very mellow feel and a very relaxing swirly melody. It’s an appropriate love song that I usually enjoy more while lying down just before going to bed. A great song to daydream away to.
Rating 4.5/5
Strawberryfire: Wow, I love this song, the drums in the beginning are so funky and the groove is fantastic. This song is worthy of matching the psychedelic standard on The Beatles Magical Mystery Tour. The vocals here are the best on the EP.
Rating 5/5
Ruby: Pretty standard 60’s song although I can think of a song to compare it right now. Still quite an enjoyable listen, especially the back up vocals. The song you are most likely to get up and dance to.
Rating 5/5
Questions and Answers: Starts on chord similar to Hard Day’s night and goes quickly to an adorable female singer. Her vocals are so god **** cute I can’t take it, I swell up like when I say a new baby. This song is a winner, I can’t think of anything bad to say about it, just a wonderful tune.
Rating 5/5
Y2K: Cool organ line and strange intro; a very cool song. The only real problem I have with this song is the lyrics; the swearing is unnecessary and awkward. The fuzz bass here is a highlight.
Rating 4/5
Benefits of Lying: Another laid back song with laid back vocals. The swirly wah vocals add a nice touch. Nothing here is repeated from past songs and things are still fresh, a nice addition to the album
Rating 4/5
Behind the Waterfall: The most rocking song on the EP, I love Lo-Fi freak outs like these and how they can seem like they’re the heaviest thing ever but in comparison to any other type of rock it’s wimpy. A great release to a mellow album, but the softer parts in between brings it down sometimes.
Rating 4/5
Everybody Let Up: Back to the normal Lo-Fi Pop song, this time with jingle bells. Nothing to complain about here, it’s a good song
Rating 4/5
Her Pretty Face: The lightest song on the record with bells and on very light drums. Actually this sounds similar to alot ofFun Trick Noise Maker, Another Apples in Stereo album. This song sums up the mood of an album.
Rating 4.5
5/5 With just the songs reviewed (no extra tracks)
4/5 All tracks (includes extras)
Although some of the Side songs are good and flow nicely, others are just annoying and I think it would be just better without them. I’m usually not in the mood to listen to them anyway Either way this is fun little Indie EP that I would recommend to fans of old 60’s pop or anyone else just in to indie or Lo-Fi.
