We are moving backwards in time

This is a band I had actually seen live before I even knew anything about them. Turns out they are from my neck of the woods too. They kind of have this psych-rock/indie rock sound that just makes them really enjoyable to listen to. The band is Apollo Sunshine. When I first heard them they were an opening band for Matisyahu at the Hatch in Boston with Atmosphere (two of my favorites). I remember they had like 5 die-hard fans just singing all their lyrics-they even had this great guitar solo where, lead guitarist Sam Cohen, gets on his knees and plays off of the feedback of the amp. At the time I was like-this is piss poor-but now I've kind of gotten in to them and would really enjoy seeing them again.

The song that I just recently heard though was "Hot Air Balloon" off of their album Katonah. It has a really weird vibe to it shifting really quickly-in a styalistic sense. Some of the melodies are a little out their and I can see some being really turned off by it but it is just so good. Parts are heavy on the electronic-almost Gameboy-like synth. Others are layered with marimbas and guitar. The vocals that in my opinion make them who they are are almost absent on this track. But this entire song is just this crazy journey that I really dig. The intro is one of the catchiest melodies I've heard in a while and really just sucks you in. Enjoy!

"Hot Air Balloon" by Apollo Sunshine from Katonah (2003) (Sorry I could only find a sample-this song is probably worth seeking out harder)

-S

It's just that time of year

Regardless of the weather outside, this song really just makes me feel happy.

"Sunshine" by Atmosphere is the story of overcoming triumph...in this case, a hangover (hey, everyone has their own hurdles). This is such a feelgood song, especially when Spring/Summer-time are rolling around. Slug flows on:

"If I could I would keep this feeling in a plastic jar
Bust it out whenever someone's actin hard
Settle down, barbeque in the backyard
The kids get treats and old folks get classic cars
Every day that gets to pass is a success
Every woman looks better in a sun dress"

Now how can that not make you smile?

— S