"Applewine"

2007 Ectoplasmic Records
Score: 8 (of 10) 

In 2001 Alex Arrowsmith moved from his hometown of Hood River, Oregon to Portland, Oregon in an attempt to refine his music.  Since then the 24-year-old has released numerous albums on his own label, Ectoplasmic Records, many of which (such as Wharfless and The Albatross Project) are available through outlets like CD Baby and iTunes.  Applewine is his latest record. 

A musician comparing their sound to The Beatles is a long-standing tradition, but saying that a musician sounds like “The Beatles if they had been brainwashed in a CIA prison by They Might Be Giants and Ween,” is more quirky and original.  Listening to Applewine this statement makes an odd kind of sense.  It is obvious that Arrowsmith is a talented popsmith, as well as a bit of an oddball.  His songs a satisfying mixture of pop, singer-songwriter and indie rock, with catchy melodies. 

Arrowsmith’s vocals are well done; his voice has a nice even timbre that goes well with his mellow music.  Lyrically Applewine is filled with gems that display both Arrowsmith’s talent and odd humor.  The lyrics range from standard faire (“You can hurt me anytime you want, as long as you apologize”- “Plains Of Mostly Still Life”) to a bit zany (“It was a sad dark day/ I woke up, leaned over, then burped/ And I turned on the radio, and heard that Coldplay got eaten by piranhas”- “Coldplay Got Eaten By Piranhas.”) 

Overall:  A fun, well-done album from a quirky (possibly genius) pop singer-songwriter.