Album Info
| Artist: | Vampire Weekend |
| Album: | Vampire Weekend |
| Released: | US, 2015 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | Mansard Roof | 2:07 |
| A2 | Oxford Comma | 3:15 |
| A3 | A-Punk | 2:17 |
| A4 | Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa | 3:33 |
| A5 | M79 | 4:14 |
| B1 | Campus | 2:55 |
| B2 | Bryn | 2:12 |
| B3 | One (Blake's Got A New Face) | 3:11 |
| B4 | I Stand Corrected | 2:38 |
| B5 | Walcott | 3:39 |
| B6 | The Kids Don't Stand A Chance | 4:03 |
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Description
Anybody who thought the seemingly bottomless well of musical breakouts from New York would have dried up by winter 2008 got a shock from the rapturous reception given this impressive debut. Foregoing hipster Brooklyn for the more collegiate Upper West Side campus of Columbia, the quartet's music follows suit. This is hardly the loft-party lysergia of their counterparts across the East River; rather, it's a catchy cocktail of ethno-rhythms, psych-lite instrumentation, twee sensibilities, and an Animal Collective-style, anything-goes spirit. Instead of feigning street cred, the band wear their upbringing on their sleeves (literally), with songs about Cape Cod and the polo shirts and deck shoes to match. While Paul Simon's man-child melodies appear all over VAMPIRE WEEKEND, cuts such as the stand-out single "A-Punk" recall another quartet of infamous Africa-plundering, New York preppies: the Talking Heads. With guitarist Ezra Koenig's intricately inventive lines, Chris Tomson's ever-shifting grooves, and Rostam Batmanglij's faux-melodica keyboard melodies, Vampire Weekend have the musical muscle to merit the fever-pitched hype.
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Vampire Weekend's self-titled debut album, released on January 29, 2008, is a delightful blend of indie rock and Afro-pop influences that took the music world by storm. The band, formed by Ezra Koenig, Rostam Batmanglij, Chris Baio, and Chris Tomson, crafted a sound that was both fresh and nostalgic, drawing on a wide array of influences that set them apart from their contemporaries.
The album opens with "Mansard Roof," a track that immediately showcases the band's penchant for catchy melodies and clever lyrics. The song's upbeat tempo and jangly guitars set the tone for the rest of the album, which is filled with infectious hooks and a sense of youthful exuberance. "Oxford Comma," another standout track, is a perfect example of the band's witty lyricism and playful approach to songwriting. The song's title references a punctuation debate, but it's the clever wordplay and catchy chorus that make it memorable.
One of the most talked-about aspects of Vampire Weekend's debut was its incorporation of African musical elements, particularly in tracks like "Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa" and "A-Punk." The former features a guitar riff inspired by Congolese soukous music, while the latter is a fast-paced, energetic anthem that became one of the band's signature songs. These tracks highlight the band's ability to blend different musical styles into something uniquely their own.
Critically, the album was a massive success. It received widespread acclaim from major publications, with Rolling Stone praising its "smart, fun, and refreshingly different" sound. Pitchfork, known for its discerning taste, gave the album a glowing review, noting its "effortless charm" and "impeccable craftsmanship." The album's success was not just limited to critical acclaim; it also performed well commercially, reaching number 17 on the Billboard 200 chart.
Vampire Weekend's debut was nominated for several awards, including a Grammy nomination for Best Alternative Music Album. Although it didn't win, the nomination was a testament to the album's impact and the band's rising prominence in the music scene. The album's influence extended beyond just awards, as it played a significant role in shaping the sound of indie music in the late 2000s.
The production of the album was handled by band member Rostam Batmanglij, who brought a polished yet organic feel to the recordings. The band's decision to self-produce their debut was a bold move that paid off, allowing them to maintain creative control and develop their distinctive sound. The album was recorded in various locations, including a barn in upstate New York and the band members' apartments, which contributed to its intimate and personal feel.
One of the fun facts about the album is its cover art, which features a Polaroid photo taken at a party in Columbia University, where the band members met and formed the group. This connection to their college days adds a layer of nostalgia and authenticity to the album, as many of the songs were inspired by their experiences during that time.
Overall, Vampire Weekend's debut album is a remarkable achievement that introduced the world to a band with a unique voice and vision. Its blend of diverse musical influences, clever lyrics, and infectious energy make it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners today. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to their music, this album is a must-listen that captures the essence of what makes Vampire Weekend so special.