The culmination of nearly forty years worth of adventure and songwriting, ‘Shelf Life’ is the diverse debut album from Massachusetts-based act Waxy Shellac And The Tasteless Apples. To attempt labelling the record would just be a complete waste of time…and even band founder Fred Meltzer admits that “multiple genres in the age of keywords is a tough sell”.
That being said, there is undoubtedly something for everyone to love on the thirteen-track record. Whether it be a quirky social commentary on the side effects of prescription drugs (‘Prescription Song’) or a cautionary political tale, (‘History Repeats Itself’) there’s no subject that Waxy Shellac shies away from.
With influences ranging from Todd Rundgren and Steely Dan to “Weird Al” Yankovic and Barenaked Ladies, it’s no wonder ‘Shelf Life’ is such a sonically diverse and eclectic album. That’s what makes it so special though! You’re never too sure what to expect next, but you’re constantly engaged and on your toes.
“These songs have been written over forty years and encompass everything from hormonally driven desires of young adulthood to observational parodies of how people vote and why they dance,” says Fred. All I can say now is enjoy!
Serious album alert! Enjoy ‘Shelf Life’ on Spotify now:
