Pitchfork

One of the original triumverate that eventually led to the now-defunct Elephant 6 collective, The Apples in Stereo, are striking out on a headlining tour this winter. After basking in their European popularity for the last couple weeks, The Apples are back to see if Americans still love them if they aren't opening for the Radiohead-endorsed hype juggernaut Clinic. Supporting their latest McOpus, The Velocity of Sound, The Apples are going with a fruity theme for this jaunt, toting psychedelic noise-poppers Oranger along for the ride, perhaps in an effort to lure in even more three-year-olds with hypnotizing primary and secondary colors. Tour dates:

01-28 Nashville, TN - The End
01-29 Memphis, TN - Hi-Tone
01-30 New Orleans, LA - Howlin' Wolf
01-31 Tallahasee, FL - Club Downunder
02-01 Orlando, FL - The Social
02-03 Atlanta, GA - The Earl
02-04 Chapel Hill, NC - Cat's Cradle
02-05 Washington, DC - Black Cat
02-06 Hoboken, NJ - Maxwell's
02-07 New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom
02-08 Philadelphia, PA - Theater of Living Arts
02-09 Boston, MA - The Middle East
02-11 Buffalo, NY - The Continental
02-12 Cleveland, OH - Grog Shop
02-13 Cincinnati, OH - Southgate House
02-14 Chicago, IL - Abbey
02-15 Indianapolis, IN - Birdy's

The band's profile has been leering into the mainstream lately with appearances on the Heroes & Villains: Music Inspired by the Powerpuff Girls CD, a guest host stint on MTV2's 120 Minutes, and a scheduled appearance on Last Call with Carson Daly for January 27th, during which they'll perform their song "Please". If, however, all this crossover publicity is irking your indie sensibilities, consider the following anecdote (parental discretion is advised):

According to The Apples' publicist, singer Robert Schneider had to cancel a show in Belgium this fall after being deported by the Belgian authorities. Schneider, who had the misfortune of not being a natural-born American citizen (he was born in South Africa), had an issue with his visa application. He was then sent to London, where he spent 12 hours in a holding cell. Luckily, he was able to get his papers worked out just before the Belgian consulate closed for the weekend. A tip for Bob: next time marry a Belgian showgoer! Hilarie'd get a kick out of it.