Top Ten Tracks On The Elbo.WS Chart Reviewed In 50 Words Or Less (12/14/07)

Bi-monthly, MFR reviews the Top Ten tracks on music-blog aggregator Elbo.WS in 50 words or less. For the weeks of November 30th through December 14th, here are the ten most popular songs:

Destroyer


Destroyer - "Foam Hands"

After the relaxed, sinuous arrangements which characterized the best parts of 2006's Rubies, one might be a bit hesitant to embrace the more direct, Dylan-incorporates-doo-wop, melancholy of "Foam Hands". However, even the most benumbed listener would melt once the song ascends to its triumphant conclusion. Stunning, indeed.
Grade: B+

Download: Destroyer - "Foam Hands"

Destroyer MySpace Page

Beach House


Beach House - "Gila"

Beach House's "Gila" positively recalls both the gentle harmonies of The Beatles Sgt Pepper-era and the hazed out atmosphere of Lou Reed when he's mellow. Ultimately though, the song's soft wistfulness and faint electronic beats only inspire faint palpitations. That's only disappointing because Beach House promised Devotion.
Grade: B-

Download: Beach House - "Gila"

Beach House MySpace Page


Black Mountain



Black Mountain – Tyrants

After two weeks, "Tyrants" still sounds like a clusterfuck of 60s psychedelic and rock influences, despite the impressive, Sabbath-esque opener. Like Mr. Burns' diseases on "The Simpsons", the heavy riffing, spacey keyboards and the folk intimacy all sort of cancel each other out, quality-wise. The grade remains the same.
Grade: C+

Download: Black Mountain - "Tyrants"

Black Mountain on MySpace

The Raveonettes


The Raveonettes – Aly, Walk With Me

As the listens of "Aly, Walk With Me" increase, the anticipation for The Raveonettes forthcoming effort grows higher and higher. Here's hoping that the album is bathed this much in washed-out white noise and trance-inducing sexiness. I know why Lust is used three times. Like hearing this track, once is nearly not enough.
Grade: A-

Download: The Raveonettes - "Aly, Walk With Me"

The Raveonettes on MySpace

Bob Mould


Bob Mould - "The Silence Between Us"

For his first record on Anti-, the legendary Husker-Du songsmith attempts to return to his power-pop Sugar days. Mould isn't breaking new ground, but one can always appreciate a well-penned melody, a few of which "The Silence Between Us" possesses. The gratuitous electronic flourishes don't do the song any favors, though.
Grade: B-

Download: Bob Mould - "The Silence Between Us"

Bob Mould MySpace Page

Yeasayer


Yeasayer - "2080"

Lord knows what will be going down in the year "2080". However, the soothing indie-melodicism and David Byrne-esque anxiety should provide enough stimulation for listeners engaged with the world as they know it today. Who knows how we'll all feel then, but judging by this track, Yeasayer's 2008 should be just fine.
Grade: B

Download: Yeasayer - "2080"

Yeasayer On MySpace

The Dodos


The Dodos - "Fools"

The Dodos put together bouncing vocal melodies, manic guitar strumming on a single, guitar drone chord, and a pulse that would make a freight train cower. This makes one feel like they are being whisked through a delirious journey that, at the end, you'll comprehend barely at best. I say: on with the ride.
Grade: A

Download: The Dodos - "Fools"

The Dodos' MySpace Page

Robbers On High Street


Robbers On High Street - "Seasons Greetings"

There's a vague Van Morrison quality to this track which, along with kitschy sincerity of Fountains Of Wayne, makes "Seasons Greetings" somewhat appealing. This track is pretty unremarkable, but the sentiment is appreciated all the same. 'Tis the season, after all.
Grade: B-

Download: Robbers On High Street - "Seasons Greetings"

Robbers On High Street MySpace Page

Louis XIV


Louis XIV - "Guilt By Association"

Speaking of novelty, a band whom names itself after French royalty is probably bound for a chuckle or two. But even the Bon Scott-inspired talking orchestral breakdown (complete with harpsichord) can't save a song riddled with neo-garage-rock clichés. Meh. At least I don't have to feel guilty about anything.
Grade: C

Download: Louis XIV - "Guilt By Association"

Louis XIV MySpace Page

Evangelicals


Evangelicals - "The Last Christmas On Earth"

If you plan on spending the holidays tripping on acid and sitting near a lava lamp, then this is your soundtrack. Evangelicals obviously worship at the church of shoegaze, and "The Last Christmas On Earth" is a pleasant enough amalgamation of Christmas Carol and Funeral Dirge. It's a Very Slowdive Christmas, Charlie Brown.
Grade: B-

Download:"The Last Christmas On Earth"

Evangelicals MySpace Page

(Jonathan Graef)