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 - An instantly recognizable pop classicThe impressive thing about new band Vampire Weekend's debut album is not its consistency or eclectic flavor, but instead its immediacy. Instead of any attitude that this weekend will be a weekend that we will remember for the rest of our lives, or that we will get smashed and do things that can't be erased, this weekend resonates of a straightforward, fun, in the moment attitude. It has been a long time since I have heard an album this shamelessly happy, and a long time since that kind of happiness has not been distracting or aggravating. Part of this might be due to the simple, warm instrumentation. The drums are propelling yet anything but tough. The guitars almost sound hushed. And everything else seems to be produced to be comfortable. That isn't to say that the album is boring, however. Although the aim might be comfort and happiness, the sheer consistency of the album keeps it unique and compelling. To say that the band are smart would be an understatement. This kind of utilization of stringed instruments suggests classical training, and anyone who even knows what an Oxford Comma is can't be a chump. Vampire Weekend seem to have discovered the alchemy to make pop gold. Arpeggiations dot songs beautifully throughout, most notably on the string laden M79, which makes use of hooks from a guitar, string section, and harpsichord (or at least the harpsichord setting of someone's keyboard). This song is not lonely in its appeal. In fact, even a new listener could go through the album and never have any even remote desire to switch songs. The fact that they hold attention while flipping through an ocean of variety is that much more pleasing and impressive. From loud Little Richard esque piano pop (Walcott), to African rhythms over simple chord progressions and pleasing switchups (Cape Cod Kwassa), to glowing Mark Mothersbaugh esque chamber pop (Campus), and to giddy electro fun (Blake's Got a New Face), there is not a corner of this album that feels unnecessary or able to be improved upon. This album gets the highest regards for the simple fact that every song is great, and it will appeal to people who listened to The Beatles in high school as well as people who remember the Rugrats theme song fondly. Rating: - A CD that's actually musical?I picked this CD because my local independent CD store owner suggested it to me. This is how I choose most of my music and I am rarely dissapointed, however I also rarely fall so completely in love with a band as I have with Vampire Weekend. Having never heard one of their songs I put the record into my stereo expecting some sort of Emo-garage band sound to come out, heavy on the guitars and depressing lyrics (with a name like Vampire Weekend do you blame me?) and light on the melody. Imagine my joy when a melodic sound is emitted from my poor kia's admittably questionably speakers. It isn't hard to tell that someone in that band studied composition seriously. And the pure variety in the instruments used, for someone like me who grew up with an opera singing mother and a rock obsessed father, it's pure heaven to see a band actually take not only lyrics seriously but the entire feel and sound of a song. And as I've spent every summer of my life in Cape Cod I can't help but laugh at some of the lyrics (Walcott is a great song but Hyannis is the farthest thing from a ghetto in the world). All in all this CD has been on loop in my player for close to a week now, and I've yet to get bored of it. A miracle considering my short attention span. Rating:  - Better Than A Pint Of AB NegativeI listened to this album without any expectations and was pleasantly suprised. It is exactly the kind of indie pop/rock that I get into. Everyone's tastes vary so listen to the samples before buying, but if you like upbeat alt rock like Fountains of Wayne, then this is probably to your tastes as well. I can hear a blend of influences from the Postal Service to other hard to name 80's bands and more. The lead vocalist espcially reminds me some 80's singer, but I can't put my finger on it. The harmoies are good, intrumental playing well done and production is excellent. Some orchestal instrumention is smattered into the tracks, but I don't find it overdone. And it is catchy. Very, very catchy. I've had it spinning about 6 times through today and still have not gotten bored with it. Standouts for me are: * Mansard Roof (no idea what that is but this song makes me want to Google it) * Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa - with a title like that, it has to be good * Bryn - nice welsh sound to it * One (Blake's Got A New Face) - good for you Blake ol boy! * Walcott (Get out of Cape Cod tonight!) * The Kids Don't Stand A Chance - slow builder and a great closer to the album Is this a classic in the making? Perhaps, perhaps not. Most of all it is a fun album, and should be listened to with that in mind. Please to enjoy. Rating: - With A Name Like "Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa," It Has To Be GoodRight out of New England comes the College Rock sensation Vampire Weekend, and in tow they bring textbooks and lots of hype, complete with some afro-pop. What kind of combination is this? Well, being in the album's target demographic, I would say it's a great mix of smart lyrics and original rock that make for one heckuva indie pop rock album. Songs like "Oxford Comma" point out the ridiculousness of the English Grammar system saying, 'Who gives a frak about an Oxford Comma?' It's easy to breeze by the lyrics on songs like these, but if you blink, you might miss a great piece of smart and witty lyrical poetry. You can bet you'll spend many a minute delving into the linear notes. Between all the preppiness and college insider songs, you have fun and quirky dance songs like the immensely popular "A-Punk." "Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa" (love that name) also provides for some fun, and highlights the infectious reggae guitar beats of the band. I just want to know what Peter Gabriel thinks of the song. In fact, I could only find one real quibble on this album, and that's the shout-back vocals on "One," which sounds the old Pizza Hut pizza mascot from the old commercials. You know, that incredibly annoying piece of pizza that was their mascot back in the 90s I think it was? Anyways, that's what those vocals sound like. Another minor quibble might be the length, since the whole album clocks in at 30 minutes, but hey, the album is cheap enough and I'm not complaining. Overall, while I don't see much appeal for the album outside the indie rock or college arena, I do see a fun and quirky indie pop rock album with smart originality and flair. Call it nerd rock, call it frat rock, call it a college radio station's dream, I'm calling it a Vampire Weekend, and I hope this weekend never ends, because everybody hates Mondays. Rating: - Indie Pop PerfectionI've really had enough of people criticizing this band because of how simple and "poppy" their sound is. Creating quality, ridiculously catchy pop songs is an art in itself. These guys write infectious pop songs, and they keep things interesting musically too by adding beautiful string arrangements, synths, and quirky, creative drumming. This is a solid album that, as with any truly good album, does not necessitate the use of a "skip" button. I've listened to this record dozens of times and it still holds my interest with every listen. This band is not the most innovative indie band on the scene, but that's obviously not what they are going for. If you want music that is more unique sounding, or less accessible, or whatever, then that's fine, it is out there. This, however, is just solid, fun, catchy music that really holds up over repeated listens. This band is light years away from the run of the mill pop-rock bands out there, and they have truly established their own voice in a flooded market.
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