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. —MLGTHE REAL LAZY GENIUS
Dreamy
Rustic Overtones
Light at the End
SHANNON WHITWORTH & BARRETT SMITH
Bring It On Home
WAR CHILD-16 Of Todays Biggest Artists
HEROS
Wonderbelly
The Away Team Is Dead
The Damnwells
Air Stereo
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