The Apples in Stereo, “Travellers in Space and Time”(Yep Roc)
Former Denverites the Apples in Stereo continue carrying the torch of upbeat indie-pop into the 21st century and beyond with their knowingly titled seventh album, “Travellers in Space and Time.”
The title refers to singer- songwriter Robert Schneider’s endearing retro- futurism as much as the cosmic themes permeating his lyrics. And while Schneider has always flirted with soft- rock cliches, here he nakedly embraces them.
Don’t worry — it’s not exactly the “ELO-ification” of the band some critics have warned of, though much like Jeff Lynne’s ’70s soft-rock titans, guitars and organic sounds take a back seat to synth lines and heavily compressed vocals.
The album’s undisputed highlight comes early in “Hey Elevator,” a Hall & Oates-style pop number that’s almost as satisfying as that act’s own melodic genius. “Travellers” is not the most rockin’ Apples album, but it does prove Schneider’s well of ideas is as enthusiastically sweet as it is deep.
John Wenzel
Carole King and James Taylor, “Live at the Troubadour”(Hear Music)
In advance of their large-scale tour together, Carole King and her longtime friend/collaborator James Taylor will release “Live at the Troubadour” next week, bringing the duo back to the famed Hollywood room that gave them their start.
So before they play the Pepsi Center on July 14, fans can hear King and Taylor take on soft-rock standards such as “It’s Too Late,” “Something in the Way She Moves” and “Carolina in My Mind.” The songs have changed a bit over the years, but not a lot — and fans will pay for that kind of familiarity.
Taylor has a way of crafting songs that are like good friends — always there for you, helping you through the tough times. A few of his songs in this collection date to his work with the Beatles’ Apple Records, including “Carolina” and “Something in the Way She Moves.” But the most memorable cut here is Taylor’s nuanced interpretation of “Fire and Rain.” This version, with King on piano and Taylor on acoustic guitar, has Taylor playing with his emphasis and rhythms. It’s kind of magical. Ricardo Baca
Roky Erickson, “True Love Cast Out All Evil”(Anti-)
Legends rarely live up to close scrutiny, as is the case with psychedelic-rock godfather/schizophrenic Roky Erickson.
That’s not to discount Erickson’s unpredictable, frequently brilliant way with melodies and words. It’s just that the Austin, Texas, native is not as essential as his supporters would contend.
That’s especially apparent on “True Love Cast Out All Evil,” an album as filled with desperately rootsy arrangements as it is solid, unassuming songwriting. Austin indie rockers Okkervil River do a fine job acting as Erickson’s backing band, framing his dry, cracked vocals with spare acoustics, electric guitars and just enough production fuzz to communicate the songs’ immediacy.
But the album makes sense only in the context of Erikson’s well-documented rise, fall and recent recovery. Otherwise, it feels a bit like the last two, inferior entries in Johnny Cash’s “American” series: respectable but ultimately strained attempts to recast a fading legend. John Wenzel
