Ape School

Alternative/ Psychedelic/ Rock
Artist: Ape School
Album: Remixes
Tracks: “That’s Ok (Fog Remix),” & “Wail to God (Pollination Remix)”
Street Date: December 8, 2009
Label: Counter Records

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Ape School’s latest album is a collection of impressive remixes of tracks from his self-titled debut album released earlier this year.

If you’ve read the review of Ape School written earlier this year by Matthew Perpetua of Pitchfork Music, then you would perhaps agree that the criticism (and rating) is a bit on the harsh side. But remember to take it with a grain of salt seeing as Pitchfork writers have a knack for over-exaggerating – i.e. awarding Animal Collective’s new single off Fall Be Kind EP, “What Would I Want? Sky,” with a perfect ten and claiming that the track “sounds as natural as something that grew out of the earth.” Don’t get me wrong; I enjoy most of what Animal Collective releases but contrary to what Pitchfork believes, natural things that grow from earth have 23085749834 times less reverb than “What Would I Want? Sky.” (Was that an exaggeration?)

With that said, Ape School’s new album entitled Remixes, is worth a few (if not many) listens. Having the advantages of working with the earliest Moog analog synthesizers, Michael Johnson (aka Ape School) creates an airy, mellow atmosphere layered with light beats and free-flowing vocals. The Philadelphia University music professor (yes, professor) performs with students and also incorporates them into his albums as well. Combining a various soundscapes with slinky melodies, Johnson demonstrates his extensive technical and musical abilities and will probably catch the ear of any non-Pitchforker.