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. —MLGVANESSA CARLTON
Rabbits On the Run
TRAVIS
Ode to J. Smith
R.E.M.
Unplugged 1991&2001 The Complete Recordings
THE HOOTERS
TIME STAND STILL
PERSEPHONE'S BEES
Notes From The Underworld
David Leask
The Clarke Hill Sessions
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