Christina Apeles - Versus, Belle & Sebastian, Gomez, Creeper Lagoon, Idlewild

Top 5 - Christina Apeles

1) Versus, Ten Cents Plus Tax_(Caroline). I just couldn't get enough of this CD, especially what I consider to be the single of my 1998 year, "Crazy-Maker (I'm Still In Love With Your Eyes)," a bittersweeet ballad which is Versus' trademark drawn out song on this particular album. Guitar, guitar, guitar and of course, the unique voice of Richard Baluyut with Fontaine Toups adding harmonies to songs that for the most part, rock. Seeing them play a tight, vivacious live show this year at the Encounter Restaurant at L.A. International airport, with planes departing and arriving in the backdrop, sealed their place among my favorite bands period.

2) Belle & Sebastian, The Boy with the Arab Strap (Matador). One of the most refreshing releases this year, this band appeals to a certain taste in music from the negative reactions of my tasteless roommates (strictly on the music front) upon hearing them. Belle & Sebastian have an early European pop sensibility that produces sounds that are cheery and light, yet with somber undertones. You'd have to hear them to understand that The Boy with the Arab Strap consists of a melange of feelings, musical influences, and storytelling that are evocative, therefore memorable.

3) Gomez, Bring It On (Virgin). The one major label band on my list, Gomez' music has a bluesy feel coupled with seventies rock'n'roll rhythms. This release is all about swayin', mainly good feeling tunes, generally categorized as Americana using instruments like fuzz guitar, tubas and cellos to boot. I admit I am partial to bands with two mail vocalists, especially when their voices are so distinct, generating a flavor of melodies that are all the more pleasing. Bring It On offers a collection of charming songs that deserves a listen and then some.

4) Creeper Lagoon, I Become Small and Go (NickelBag). Inspirational and optimistic is how I would term this release. Everyone needs a little positive vibe in their life and I don't know any band that can get away with using whistles (you'd otherwise expect in a house song) in an indie rock ballad, but Creeper Lagoon does, and then you wonder why whistles haven't been used before. Okay, maybe not, but this is that breed of music that you can leave in your CD changer for months, if only to let a little sanguine sentiment into your day.

5) Idlewild, Captain (Deceptive Import). These hotly-tipped Scottish nineteen-year-olds with Husker Du fixations, have the punk aesthetic down with agressive, curt melodies merged with weighty guitar riffs and yes, a fair share of wailing. Discovered by Steve Lamacq who also discovered female rock sensations Elastica, Idlewild are rumored to be signed with Capitol USA in the near future. My music journalist friend predicts Idlewild is on their way to stardom, and I definitely concur.