It’s kind of funny that the week that I’m finally able to go back and listen to all the great releases that have been sitting in a box next to my bed is also the week that I have a few tests and papers due. Oh the joys of college! Still, when you stumble across gems like Elk City’s New Believers, it makes it all worth it.

MP3: Elk City – You Got Me
I can’t lie: I went straight to this song, hoping it was some kind of wacky take on the Kinks’ “You Really Got Me.” I didn’t have time to be let down when I learned that it was an original composition, mainly because there’s little to nothing to be let down by in this song. The song is mostly piano and vocals, with choruses rocking the fuzzed-out guitar; but the real winner is the lyrics. They’re simple, but in the way that a lot of good pop songs are simple. Interesting to note that they double down on the loneliness in the pre-chorus: “if you’re feeling lonely and alone, put down your sorrows and pick up the phone.” Cute.

Elk City on Myspace

Frank, the only blogger I know with a copy of the National’s new album, shares some youtube and MP3-age from the group’s upcoming record.