Here is one of the best bands in the world. From the Pacific Northwest, with 4 boys and 1 chick. As far as I know they only have two records out. This particular record, their second, came out in 1995. How'd I hear about Green Apple Quick Step? Walking thru The Haight one Saturday afternoon I noticed a flyer on a street lamp pole advertising their gig that night. And I guess I was bored cuz I tore off the flyer, put it in my pocket and ended up at the show 5 hours later. I went searching for their music the day after that show. Ty Willman has an intriguing voice. It's unique and heavy and unlike any other I've ever heard or have heard since. Maybe it ain't even his voice that is so cool, maybe it's his breathy delivery. Maybe it's the sadness I hear in the ballads and the out-of-control element I hear during the explosive songs.
"Underwater" is one of the quieter, softer, pensive tracks and probably my favorite. With lead vocals by Mari Ann,"Los Vargos" is a frantic one to close your eyes to and flail around like a Dead Head high on carrot juice. You may have heard "Dizzy" on the soundtrack to the movie "The Basketball Diaries". Ty Willman is a lyrics freak...meaning I don't know what he's singing about half the time. Ambiguity at it's best. An obscure point of view. Or, simply, certain words and phrases just sound good thrown together on top of some equally spacey yet well-executed guitar work.
The band returned to San Francisco a year after my initial introduction to it. I was sitting at the bar when the singer walked up to order a drink. I took the opportunity to tell him that I'd been listening to 'Reloaded' every day since I last saw the band. Ty smiled and said "I know what you mean. I have favorite records that I've listened to nearly every day for years and years. I'm glad and I'm flattered that our music makes you feel the same way." I wanted to be his best friend forever that night. But, he had a show to do. I'm just glad he wasn't a dick.

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The Band: Ty Willman-vox, acoustic guitar, organ
Mari Ann Braeden-bass, vox
Danny K.-guitar
Steve Ross-guitar
Bob Martin-drums