Search - Apollo 440 :: Dude Descending a Staircase

Easily one of the most underrated albums in recent years

Sir Grand Citizen | Earth | 12/02/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Such a shame really. More people need to hear this double-album and have a chance to absorb it's beauty. There are so many gems on this double-disc, and so much variety - from hard disco/funk, to electronic beats, to chill-out bliss, it's one giant mash-up with a hard-rock edge always threatening to bust-out from the sidelines.

I guess it never received a domestic-release in the U.S., which seriously limits who will hear it. Shame.

If you're a fan of their previous work (esp. "GETTING HIGH ON YOUR OWN SUPPLY"), then you will not be disappointed. Likewise, if you are a fan of playful, skillfully-created dance/funk/rap hybrids (ie. PROPELLERHEADS), indulge yourself.

Personally, I truly hope the band return soon with another masterpiece."

Apollo 440 shows two sides

Geopainter | New York | 11/27/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

""Dude Descending a Staircase" successfully straddles the fence between the ambient and the exciteable styles that Apollo 440 has previously shown. Fans of the former often point to "Millenium Fever" and much of "Electroglide in Blue" as proof that the band can create lush, atmospheric, complex electronic music. The other camp, those that dig much of "Gettin' High on your Own Supply" know that @440 can rock, with big beats, brash vocals and when necessary, power guitar. Their latest work, indeed underappreciated (and unreleased in the US...found mine in Holland just this year!), generally keeps these styles separated between two discs.

The first CD showcases the party tracks, starting with the title cut, featuring the Beatnuts on vocal. yes, it's a bit corny and the hip-hop flavor doesn't really suit the band. Luckily, the rest of the tracks shine. "Hustler's Groove" is funky, with soaring 70's guitar and a great dance beat. "Disco Sucks", "Civil Disobedience" and "1,2,3,4" are in the mold of the "Gettin' High" LP- singalong shouty vocals and that synth bass bubbling that features prominently on many of that LPs tracks. Another gem on the first dis is "Escape to beyond the planet of the super ape" which, despite it's silly title, is a great space jam. It should be noted here that the 3 primary musicians (the Gray brothers and Noko) are all accomplished multi-instrumentalists and producers, which comes through especially well on "Escape..."



The second LP is the more downtempo side. Beginning with a looped acoustic guitar over Jack Kerouac's beat poetry on San Francisco, "Diamonds in the Sidewalk" has atmosphere to spare. "something's Got to Give" and "Christiane" each feature Elizabeth gray, who's voice will be familiar to fans of the "Electrolide in Blue" LP. These tracks, and indeed, all of those on the second disc are jazzy, sultry, evocing 70's funk and soul, plenty of guitar and bass, some horns, and swirling string stabs. The highlight, perhaps is "Rope, Rapture and The Rising Sun", a 7 minute chillout of a track with so many layers coming and going, all of which integrate very well.



Overall, "Dude Descending a Staircase" showcases a mature sort of electronic band...one that knows how to have a good time and craft meaningful, emotive songs at the same time. Well worth tracking down."

Its, nice but its not worth 40 bucks

Benjamin V.S. | Suprise, AZ USA | 11/18/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Unless your a big fan, I don't recommend shelling out the dough for this two disc set as nothing really stands out about this cd to validate the price."