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The world-famous Apples in Stereo have just confirmed a week-long string of dates opening for The Strokes in late May, and have confirmed a show at the ATHENS POPFEST in August. Elephant 6 fans take note: Olivia Tremor Control and Sunshine Fix frontman Bill Doss will be joining the Apples original onstage lineup, playing keyboards and singing backup. In addition, The Apples in Stereo are completing the recording of their fifth studio LP next month, to be titled New Magnetic Wonder. Having completed a ten-year run with New York label spinART Records, the band is finalizing a deal with a well-known independent label to release the album, which is slated for early 2007. Apples frontman Robert Schneider has described the new album as the "poppiest Apples record ever, a futuristic production somewhere between Fun Trick Noisemaker [first Apples LP] and The Electric Light Orchestra [popular 70's group known for lush orchestration and sci-fi subject matter]." In other news, the band's website - applesinstereo.com - is set to unveil a new design by artist Steve Keene. This will be a welcome change for Apples fans, who have long lamented the band's lack of effort regarding their internet presence.

The Apples in Stereo (opening for The Strokes):

5/20 Richmond, VA Innsbrook Pavillion
5/22 Memphis, TN Orpheum Theater
5/23 Birmingham, AL Sloss Furnace
5/25 Charleston, SC Center Stage At The Plex
5/26 Asheville, NC Thomas Wolfe Auditorium
8/12 Athens, GA 40 Watt Club Athens Popfest

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So it looks like their album has been delayed until 2007, which is kind of a disappointment, although it will certainly be worth the wait. Any speculation on the "well-known independent label"?

Thanks to Zaby for sending this along.