SOUNDTRACK: VAMPIRE WEEKEND-Contra (2010).
I absolutely loved Vampire Weekend’s debut album (and still do). It was my favorite record of last summer and always makes me think of summer fun and hijinx. Critics trotted out the “world/ethno/Paul Simon” vibe when discussing the album. But I really didn’t hear it. I mean, yes I suppose it was there but the album felt more like a punky ska album of fun.
On this, their follow up, it’s as if they took all those critics to heart and decided to make the album that everyone was describing. This disc emphasizes all of the ethnic music sounds, and downplays the guitars and more rock elements. I was a little disappointed by this on the first listen or two. However, subsequent listens showed me that the songwriting was still there and it was just as strong.
There’s still lots of rocking elements, it’s just that they are hidden under the other divergent influences. But for the most part, the album is still bouncey and full of fun summer tunes. There are three songs that slow down the pace, “Taxi Cab” and “Diplomat’s Son” (at 6 minutes, it’s a little long). And the final song “I Think Ur a Contra” is a bit too divorced of beats (it works as an end to the disc, but I’d never listen to it on purpose).
The rest of the disc however, is very enjoyable, and I find that the 7 other songs work just as well as anything off the debut. “Horchata” is a delightfully fun world music treat (I hear Paul Simon, yes, although come on, Graceland came out 24 years ago!). “White Sky” has delightfully catchy falsetto screams. “Holiday” is practically classic ska and “Cousins” has a delightfully tricky guitar riff.
This feels like a band who has matured and experimented and yet not lost track of who they are. I’m really looking forward to their next release.
[READ: Week of April 12, 2010] 2666 [pg 702-765]
Last week I concluded that
It almost seems as though Bolaño is saying that even Nazi Germany is better than Santa Teresa.
Oh how wrong I was. Despite the fact that I found the bulk of this section enjoyable and fascinating (twisted and dark certainly, but fascinating nonetheless), the ending killed me. The opening’s entire writers among writers, within writers, with communist party members and secret diaries was completely captivating. And then it is all shattered by the reality of WWII. (more…)
I Just Read About That... 