2008-01-29
Pull together classical music, Paul Simon’s Graceland, sound clips from a Nintendo game, a weathered drum set, and a dictionary, and you have Vampire Weekend’s self-titled debut. Vampire Weekend’s music is full of variation, playfulness, and intelligence. Do I know what their lyrics mean half the time? No. Does it matter? Not at all. Just try to count the instruments used on the CD without looking at the liner notes. Try to keep the choruses from running through your head. The four former Columbia University students have generated an early buzz by opening for the Shins and Animal Collective. Don’t be surprised if they sell out a tour of their own. I’m already making plans to see them in Ann Arbor in February. —MLGSHAWN LEE AND CLUTCHY HOPKINS
Clutch of the Tiger
THE EXPLORERS CLUB
Grand Hotel
Kerosene Stars
Burn The Evidence
ATLANTA RHYTHM SECTION
With All Due Respect
A FINE FRENZY
One Cell In The Sea
MAS YSA
Worth EP
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