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. —MLGNEIL DIAMOND
The Bang Years 1966-1968
Waco Brothers
Going Down In History
THE DANDY WARHOLS
Earth to the Dandy Warhols
RUSSELL HOWARD
City Heart
BEAR IN HEAVEN
Time Is Over One Day Old
FUJIYA & MIYAGI
Artificial Sweeteners
The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.