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 - People trying to sound too smartSo a lot of people are saying that this is overhyped, not memorable, or a rip off of old music. Well I think you guys need to stop trying to categorize music into something you recognize. VW has come along with a new, catchy, and quite enjoyable CD that is good for listening. If you believe that what other musicians have done should affect what this CD is about, get a life. Music is simply for entertainment, and this album comes through there for sure. Rating: - Definitely Worth a ListenVampire Weekend is a relatively new band from New York City and have had much hype recently with their self-titled release. They are much talked about on the internet and have done a great David Letterman appearance, adding to all the buzz about them. They have a relaxed sense with their afro-beats and rhythms that's gaining fans daily. Ezra Koenig's vocals are sweet in a charming and laid-back way with his lyrics about the typical relationships, girls and cheating. What makes them stand out among tons of other bands doing the same thing is their use of a variety of instruments that fluff up their catchy tunes. They almost remind me of a modern version of the Beach Boys done with an eclectic twist and more interesting with the use of the numerous instruments. Definitely worth listening to. Rating:  - Great New Band, Solid CDVampire Weekend's name, which is also the name of their debut CD, is in no way indicative of their music style. The name screams dark goth synthesizers being overlayed by screeching a-melodic guitars and pounding drums. The actual music though, is pure reggae-rock beach-chair relaxation. And the lyrics are what you'd expect from 4 Columbia University graduates. [...] Rating: - A Good Album That Wont Grow On YOuThis is a really good CD, Vampire Weekend has a neat style that reminds me of Indie meets India for some reason. I would buy another CD by them but this CD gets old after a few listen tos. I don't know why, its catch, bouncy, and they are really talented but it gets old real quick. Rating:  - Shelf life unknownI don't quite know what to make of this stuff. Fun, light airy African/pop-influenced music made by the half-shaven (or unshaven), young-looking guys you see at 24-hour coffee establishments wearing sweaters and skinny jeans. I'm probably "supposed" to like it this year but by next year regard it as a passing fad. But do I actually like it? The short answer is "yes." The long answer is "maybe," which may be why its taken me a while to offer my thoughts on it. Initially this is very appealing music, great stuff for parties and hanging out. It has the feel of Talking Heads without some of the quirkiness and polyrhythmic complexity, or Peter Gabriel (who is actually - and smartly - namechecked in one of the songs) without the heavy moodiness. But it has a sort of unquantifiable air of disposeableness about it too, as if its shelf life may expire at any time within the next year or so. The songs are fine on their own but all together are samey. There is one central idea here and, although it's clever and certainly well-executed, the impact is dulled as the band repeats it over and over. I am finding that these songs work better on mixes, split up amongst other things, rather than together in the album context. For me that's a warning sign. Not timeless stuff, but adequate for its purposes. What I am wondering is what will happen next for this band. Where is there to go? They do one thing very well. Will they try two or three things on their next album? Focus more on songwriting than sound (that is what I'd probably suggest for these boys)? Do the same thing again and get lambasted by critics? Your guess is as good as mine. While it will be interesting, I have some doubts as to whether I'll even care by the time phase two is rolled out. Then again, I have been proven wrong plenty of times before...
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