50 words or less: Top Ten Tracks on Elbo.ws
(Lali Puna, at #9)
1. *MP3:
Yeasayer - “Ambling Alp (Alan Wilkis Remix)”
This may seem strange, given my opinion on the original, but you gotta respect this remix for bringing out the ’80s synth-pop in “Alp” that was seemingly repressed beforehand. If you’re gonna own the ’80s, then own the ’80s.
Grade: B
2. *MP3:
The Radio Dept. - “Heaven’s On Fire”
Destroying the bogus capital process destroying youth culture is all well and good (hi, Thurston Moore!) and everything, but if “Heaven’s On Fire” has any pretense of musical revolution, it’s more Che Guevara co-opt than louder than bombs call to arms.
Grade: C
3. *MP3:
The Tallest Man on Earth – “King of Spain”
I didn’t realize that Paul Westerberg’s early Aught renaissance included a visit to an actual renaissance fair, but the propulsive open-string folk-drone of “King of Spain” suggests such a scenario. A distinctive vocal delivery keeps ears perked, though the pace doesn’t allow for true transcendence.
Grade: B
4. *MP3:
Stone-cold, wobbling synth-bass line support a cool, collected, but utterly futuristic blue-eyed soul. Like Off The Wall, as re-imagined by Gigalo Joe.
Grade: A-
5.*MP3: The Golden Filter - “Hide Me”
Ethereal to the point of translucence, “Hide Me” almost does exactly that, but is given more concrete appeal in the form of rock-steady disco drumbeats and appealingly gauzy vocal work.
Grade: B-
6. *MP3:
Like “Ambling Alp”, “O.N.E” deftly juggles syncopated rhythms, counterpointing melodies, and a multitude of diverse musical styles from across the globe. So what’s different (i.e. better?). The vocal work and melody here hints at an ocean of melancholy, revealing a true blue sadness which allows for greater harmonic depth.
Grade: B
7. *MP3:
Felix Cartal - “Popular Music”
Like pretty much any other dance track in popular music that one could possibly hear — in ways good (good luck resisting the temptation to dance) and bad (what distinguishes this from, say, everything else?)
Grade: C+
8. *MP3:
The Album Leaf - “Falling From The Sun”
A patient track which slowly revels itself over multiple listens. Best for late night listens, or when utterly exhausted. Not startlingly compelling by any means, but there’s enough here for a satisfactory listen.
Grade: B
9. *MP3:
Ghostly sound manipulations and indie-tronic boy-girl sing-along dynamics make for a musical letter that could have been mailed directly by the Postal Service itself. A clipped pace holds the listener’s attention, but “Remember“‘s hushed intimacies don’t ultimately coalesce into a truly satisfying whole.
Grade: B-
10. *MP3:
Post-Post Pavillion sound collages ease into electro-afro pop rhythms which reveal a strong depth and sophistication in arrangement, but with artificial blue-eyed soul melodies that would give Phil Collins pause. Why do I keep seeing the world in pastel after hearing this?
Grade: C+
Bonus:
*MP3: Drive-by Truckers - “This Fucking Job”
A dogged anthem for the chronically underemployed. You could stand these Southern-tinged riffs against the gates of hell, but the weary defiance of the Eagles-esque harmonies suggest no backing down will be had. But DBT might be tired of the fight. (Who wouldn’t be after living on fast-food wages?).
Grade: B+
*MP3: Beach House – “Norway”
Swirling, echo-laden reinterpretation of core dream-pop sound emphases genre’s more lyrical, celestial tendencies while retaining the Baltimore-bands original organ-tinged dirge. Warm soundscapes and cold singing mix together to form a calming sonic tornado. Still stunning.
Grade: A-
*MP3: Joanna Newsom - “81”
At this point, Joanna Newsom could fart on a snare drum, and I’d still be digging for my old college music theory textbooks to pinpoint what it is she’s doing and why it amazes me. Joanna Newsom for president of the world.
Grade: A
(Jon Graef)
