Customer Reviews

010

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Albums about break ups are about a dime a dozen. Actual break up albums, however, are as rare as it gets. A truly great break up album spans the emotional chutes and ladders that have us crying under the covers, punching walls, partying with our friends or writing way too long letters that should probably never be sent. Ulysses' 010, not only completes the test, but it completes the test in about a half hour. Former Apples in Stereo frontman Robert Schnieder accomplishes the feat by following The Smiths formula, without sounding anything like the Morrissey vehicle for sadness. Ulysses delivers bitter and miserable lyrics ("inside of pissed off prostitutes/i try to get my mind off you") while keeping the music uptempo enough to allow our bleeding hearts to keep beating with hope for the future. Schnieder's messages span the gamut, wanting her back, wanting her to go away forever, before finally just wanting her to be happy. It's a simple set of messages and true to great album form, the music mirrors this simplicity. Recorded at Pet Sounds studio in Lexington, Kentucky, the album is minimalistic, allowing the lyrics and guitar heavy melodies to coexist wonderfully. Ulysses' 010 is worth ruining your perfect relationship, just to wallow in its beautiful sadness.

Ulysses' debut set is a wonderfully crunchy and catchy collection of Indie-rock tunes that seems heavy and light all at the same time. Ulysses is led by Robert Schneider of Apples in Stereo fame, who wrote all the songs for this album. And, although, this is ostensibly NOT an Apples album, with ".010," Robert finally finds a meeting point between the early Apples in Stereo sound and the aesthetic marking their most recent output, Velocity of Sound. That last album marked a departure for the group in terms of song speeds and structures, as well as the overall signature Apples sound. It come off as Lo-fi without sounding murky like early Apples, and Robert's songs are by far his strongest and most even since Fun Trick Noisemaker. his lyrics also show a depth lost on his material since "Discovery of a World inside the Moon." Every song on this album is infectious. You will find yourself humming the melodies to "Falcon," "Push you Away," and "Television" if not the entire album. What's more amazing is the mention in the liner notes of the album being recorded on only one mic in a garage. The sound quality is Astounding. If you were a fan of early Apples, only to sidle away with "Velocity," prak your car in Ulysses' garage and let Robert and The Gang blow you away with some wonderful Indie-Rock for the 21st Century.

Schneider's honest, simplistic approach is spellbinding. I was sucked in right from "Push You Away." His soul is bared in every single song, and you can't help but listen to his voice and feel what it is he has to say. This album is great!

This album is actually the demo for the album, Robert liked to put out the demo and never record the actual album because he felt it suited the songs more. It was probably written regarding his divorce from Hilarie.

Robert Schneider has done it again! A GREAT breakup record full of raw pop straight out of the garage. This may not be for every Apples in Stereo fan, because it is a slight change of pace. All of the lucious pop layers are replaced with roaring guitars and sloppy drums. But his pop sensibilities are retained and you will be singing along in no time. As I understand the entire record was recorded live into one microphone and it sounds classic! My current favs are 'push you away' and 'television'. It's nice to have such a ballsy and consistent record come out right when you need it!