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. —MLGBRANDI SHEARER
Close To Dark
Martina Topley-Bird
Anything
CANASTA
The Fakeout, The Tease, and The Breather
THE KOOKS
Konk
SHAWN LEE AND CLUTCHY HOPKINS
Clutch of the Tiger
TOMMY GUERRERO
From the Soil to the Soul
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