Taking the bait once again, I took a chance on Vampire Weekend. Hooked!
I try to ignore the shout-outs scattered through my monthly deluge of magazines. We’re talking serious publications here, you know, like Details. But every once in a while when everything from GQ to Wired mentions a new group worth checking out, I figure there must be a reason. Thus, I give a listen to Kanye West or John Legend or The Editors or The Bravery or someone else that I can live without. Usually, I can see why they’ve received such notice: Yes, the guy can really knock out a tune, or yes they really do sound like Interpol. But I don’t care and never spin ’em again. Thankfully, I can jump online for the preview these days instead of dropping 10+ bones on something that I wouldn’t want to have paid for, even through BMG with a free shipping coupon.
But, every once in a while it works out. Vampire Weekend came up again and again as “Prep Rock.” The hell I know what that means. The reviews went on to point out that, yes, even though they are preppy kids from the Nor’east, you should listen to them anyway because they write great garage-y throwback tunes about the most important thing in life: Gettin’ Chicks and Havin’ Kicks.
Can’t say that’s what I found. What I found is what Chris DeVille from the Columbus Alive found. I had detailed notes and everything ready for this post, but Mr. DeVille beat me to it on all fronts. He also covered their recent show on his blog. I was not there. I was heading here instead. Oh, life. ‘Tis full of trade-offs.
But I did learn one thing from these guys that Chris overlooked: The Oxford Comma. I think I’m starting to swoon.
I gave in to the hype as well and am pleased I did. I can’t hear the Strokes refrences but the world-beaty thing I keep hearing on the album is refreshing.
Hey Teddy — Thanks for stopping by!
Strangely, I listened to Vampire Weekend just after digging up Graceland for the first time in a long time. At first I thought my ears were playing tricks on me as I expected more of a Strokes+New Wave sort of sound. “A-Punk” definitely gets close, but overall it’s a step out of line with the current indie scene. And I’m ok with that.
I’m also ok with the fact that they’re possibly pretentious East Coast types who met at Columbia. Reminds me of Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg — a couple of guys that I like just fine.
y’know I heard them while walking through an Urban Outfitters and was really enjoying it. 🙂 Question: do you have that graphic novel you mentioned a few entries ago? I’d like to read it.
Howdy Ms. ‘Manda!
I’m sad I missed the show they played here last week, but I had things to do in South Dakota (which we need to talk about, believe it or not) but I heard they may be back soon.
Anyway… I don’t own Blankets — I think my copy was originally from the library, though it was being passed around some of our mutual acquaintances. I saw Jeff with a copy a few weeks ago. He’s a fairly generous guy, so he might be willing to share. I’d recommend it.
VW just played a sold out show at the Warhol Museum last week. I caught on about it (and them) a bit too late. Bummed.
Hey J —
First this and now Van Halen!! Not looking to be a good spring for shows. The Police are coming to Columbus, but they are charging an arm, a leg, and a firstborn to go. However, Elvis Costello is the opener… maybe I’ll post this on your blog.