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. —MLGPATTI SMITH
OUTSIDE SOCIETY
BEN HARPER AND THE RELENTLESS SEVEN
Live From the Montreal International Jazz Festival
ELLIOT SMITH
New Moon
Chris Daniels & the Kings
Stealin’ The Covers
THE NIKHIL KORULA BAND
Music of the New Day
BAT FOR LASHES
The Haunted Man
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