For the last 15 years, pop-rock band, The Apples In Stereo, has been making beautiful (unrelentingly catchy) music.  And last month, The Apples followed suit with the launch of their latest LP, New Magnetic Wonder -- the premier release on Elijah Wood’s newly-formed record label, Simian Records.  (To note, the actor likewise made his directorial debut with The Apples video for “Energy.”)

And, since the (band’s) very beginning, the city of Denver, Colorado has played a significant role.  It was on a bus in Denver that The Apples’ founder and lead singer Robert Schneider first met Jim McIntyre, the band’s original bassist.  Not to mention, the city fostered slews of musical collaborations between local bands (The Apples and Neutral Milk Hotel included); thus the subsequent alliance of the Elephant Six Collective was born.  And, so the story goes.

In light of the fact that the band will be ending its current cross-country tour in Colorado’s capital city, we figured what better time to take a virtual look around. So, we enlisted the help of Eric Allen, bassist (and now the only Denver-based member) of The Apples in Stereo.  Here, he discusses the Elijah connection, the beauty of the Denver-made Breakfast Burrito, and the city’s best-kept secret.  In his own words: 

How does Denver inspire the Apples in Stereo?
When the Apples formed there were many great bands (Felt Pilotes, etc.) and cool clubs / warehouses/art spaces to play in. We had / have an outlet in Denver.

Why did Elijah Wood choose the Apples in Stereo, and why did the Apples in Stereo choose Elijah Wood?
He likes good stuff; we like good stuff.

What's the best thing about living in Denver?
Breakfast burritos.

Worst thing?
Restaurants that stop serving breakfast burritos at noon.

Favorite snowbound activity?
Missing work.

Favorite park?
Observatory Park.

Favorite record/music shop?
Wax Trax. 

Best place for a post-hibernation meal?
Wolfe's Bar-B-Q (333 E. Colfax). 

Best place for a pocketbook-emptying dining experience?
Denver has hundreds of great restaurants that are under $10 a person so I wouldn't bother looking for the best.

Impressions of the new Denver Art Museum?
It is beautiful. It is metallic origami. The only flaw is that it’s crammed between the library and a Libeskind-designed parking garage. That garage eclipses the eastern side of the museum as you approach, but once you get close, the building envelopes you and, you forget about the damn garage.

How has the legalization of the private use of [one ounce or less of] marijuana changed life in Denver?
All of the paranoia associated with pot dissipates once you stop worrying about whether you are a criminal.

Best non-chain hotel in which to crash?
I have no idea about hotels in Denver. I do rent my couch out at $12 a night ($16 if you watch HBO).

After wrapping up a tour in Denver, like you will on April 1st, where will the band be out celebrating?
We might be partying at the SPUTNIK or Smiley's on Colfax [the latter is the world’s largest Laundromat, which opened in the ‘50s, and offers WiFi access.]

Best place to catch up-and-coming bands?
The HI-DIVE and the LARIMER Lounge are safe bets.

Best places to take in a bit of culture?
The Starz Theater at Tivoli has films that only get limited runs. Also, Monkey Mania has incredible bands you won't see anywhere else in Denver.

Best second-hand shopping?
Garage sales.

Hot alcoholic beverage of choice? And, the best place to find it?
Beer at a 4th of July party when there is no more ice. Any party where people are not prepared.

Denver's best-kept secret?
Sorry, but I'm not going to tell you.

 ~Alisa Gould-Simon 

Go There:
Wolfe's BBQ, 333 E. Colfax Ave, (303) 831-1500, Denver
Sputnik, next door to the Hi-Dive
Smiley's, 1080 E. Colfax Ave, (303) 864-9466, Denver

Hi-Dive Photo courtesy of Pinprick via flickr
Larimer Lounge Photo courtesy of Gloryglorycathacory via flickr
Sputnik Photo courtesy of M&S Warbucks via flickr