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1. The Olivia Tremor Control: “Jumping Fences”
The Olivia Tremor Control expertly fused elements of psychedelic experimentation with pure pop melody. Led by the longtime friends Will Hart and Bill Doss (who sadly passed away in 2012), the band produced the timeless 1996 debut album, “Music From the Unrealized Film Script: Dusk at Cubist Castle,” which stands as one of the defining works of the Elephant 6 scene. The captivating and tuneful “Jumping Fences” from this album left an indelible mark on me during my college years, as it did for many others. (Listen on YouTube)
2. The Apples in Stereo: “Glowworm”
Fronted by Robert Schneider and formed during his temporary stay in Denver, the Apples in Stereo exemplify the sugary sweetness inherent in the Elephant 6 bands. Their infectious tunes evoke the sunny pop sound of the 1960s, adorned with layers of charming tape hiss. Among their repertoire of singles and EPs, “Fun Trick Noisemaker,” their 1995 debut album and the first full-length LP bearing the Elephant 6 stamp, features the bouncy fan favorite “Glowworm.” (Listen on YouTube)
3. Elf Power: “Jane”
In 1999, the dream-pop group Elf Power ventured to New York to record “Jane” under the guidance of accomplished producer Dave Fridmann. This song encapsulates the imaginative spirit of small-town life, from which many Elephant 6 bands emerged. As frontman Andrew Rieger sings, “Jane was the one who would always have her fun when she’s lying on her bed, making visions in her head.” It seems like Jane is on the verge of starting a band herself. (Listen on YouTube)
4. Neutral Milk Hotel: “Song Against Sex”
Neutral Milk Hotel burst onto the scene in 1996 with their debut album, “On Avery Island,” overflowing with ideas, lo-fi resourcefulness, and feverish energy. The opening track, “Song Against Sex,” showcases Mangum’s signature surrealist musical style, while majestic horn blasts and crashing percussion contribute to the song’s exuberant maximalism. (Listen on YouTube)
5. The Olivia Tremor Control: “A Peculiar Noise Called ‘Train Director’”
The Olivia Tremor Control delved even deeper into psychedelic territory with their acclaimed second album, “Black Foliage: Animation Music Volume One,” released in 1999. “A Peculiar Noise Called ‘Train Director'” exemplifies the band’s ability to seamlessly blend captivating melodies with textured cacophony, resulting in a mesmerizing musical experience. (Listen on YouTube)
6. The Apples in Stereo: “Please”
Here we have a delightful fuzz-pop gem from the Apples in Stereo’s 2002 album, “Velocity of Sound.” As one of the longest-running Elephant 6 bands, the Apples have had notable forays into popular culture, including appearances on “The Powerpuff Girls” and “The Colbert Report.” Unexpectedly, frontman Robert Schneider is now a mathematician teaching at Michigan Technological University, while still making a profound impact as an influential indie musician. (Listen on YouTube)
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