Enchanted Ape are an organic roots-rock band out of the Twin Cities, and I have included a highlight from my conversation with Chris on MySpace – I asked him about how he's been influenced by The Grateful Dead – give the clip a listen!  (You can hear the full interview at KAXE.org, then click on Centerstage Minnesota on the left).

Their sophomore CD from earlier this year is called Off the Ground, which is a solid album with some outstanding songs.  I managed to squeeze five of the songs into the interview (they have a few long-running cuts, which is great), but it was HARD to pick which ones.  When I would be driving home (which takes about an hour) I would listen to the entire CD, and each song would make me think, "This one should be in the interview."  I ended up picking 27 Miles, Pine Tar Jack, Whisper, Red Eye River and Heat Waves…5 of the first 6 songs on the CD – I guess the point I'm trying to make is all 12 songs are great.

But, to be a little more superficial about the whole thing – I was pumped to listen to the CD just by its cover.  I know you shouldn't "judge a book by its cover," but there is definitely something to be said for presentation (plus, any image with a "hidden" peace sign is alright by me ;).

So anyway, give the highlight a listen and check out Enchanted Ape at:

Enchanted Ape!

I'm sure I haven't heard the last of Pine Tar Jack – which is a very good thing :D

-Doug MacRostie