The Minders: Hooray for Tuesday CD

Ever since the Apples (In Stereo) made their self-recorded splash on the indie music scene, a lot has been said in praise of Robert Schneider and his Pet Sounds Recording Studio and we here at Tape Op have been no exception with that praise. The funny thing is, I think this is the best example to date of his recording/production prowess - it is more focused than the kitchen sink Neutral Milk Hotel records and more psychedelic/poppy than the Apples have become (yet). The Minders are pure English pop (leader Martyn is English) and while there are nods to the Kinks, Zombies and XTC, the record sounds more like a well-recorded Television Personalities, which around here is about the highest praise we can give. (SpinArt, P.O. Box 1798, NY, NY 10156) -