Expo

Apples in Stereo masterbrain Robert Schneider began the solo project known as Marbles in 1992, just before forming the Apples in Stereo, and recorded a few lighthearted sides that were eventually 1997. After launching Apples in Stereo into the indie-pop stratosphere, Schneider pushed forward with the stripped-down Ulysses project, made music for commercials and eventually came full-circle, recording Expo as Marbles late last year. Intent on making a record that sounded like "a cross between ELO and Gary Numan," Schneider has succeeded. There's plenty of Pet Sounds here, too, and a healthy dose of Schneider's own melodic mastery. - alibi