VAMPIRE WEEKEND-Contra
Posted on January 22nd, 2010 by ekko
I have a question. But before I ask it, I want to make one thing clear: I’ve listened to Vampire Weekend’s debut album quite a few times (I’ve played the song “A-Punk” 13 times, according to iTunes) and I enjoy it. I also enjoyed Contra quite a bit. But now that that is out of the way, here’s my question: Does anyone really love Vampire Weekend? And by “love” I mean, does anyone feel an emotional connection to their music? Does it move you? Does it speak to you? I find the music catchy and clever, and it definitely makes me tap my toes, much like The Talking Heads but without the R&B influence. But David Byrne’s disaffected, disenfranchised pop still managed to connect–with moments of humanity (“Stay Up Late”), vulnerability (“Memories Can’t Wait”) and rebellious alienation (“Burning Down the House”). I don’t get that from VW. In fact, I often feel like they think they’re better than me–like they don’t want to connect, they just want to show how hip they are. Like some of the kids I used to resent in college who never fought for anything but, nevertheless, had their own particular talents. If I’m writing about it, I must have liked it enough to recommend it, so don’t take this all the wrong way. The band is a lot of fun. I guess I would have liked a little more substance to the whole thing, since the individual members clearly have so much talent.
That said, Contra is much like the band’s eponymous debut: It’s a collection of infectious, toe-tapping, perfectly timed and crafted pop songs. There’s a little more Elvis Costello here than Paul Simon, making this album a little rougher (but only a little) and, in that regard, a little more interesting. But if there’s one word to sum up the album it would be “cute.” Very cute, charming pop.
BONUS VAMPIRE WEEKEND!
Exit Music for a Film (Radiohead cover)-VW (mediafire)
Pina Horchata (Rupert Holmes vs. Vampire Weekend) (mediafire)
Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa (Vampire Weekend Cover)-Peter Gabriel and Hot Chip (mediafire)
Comment By: jethronh
January 22nd, 2010 at 3:38 pm
i love the song Bryn…. its the one song I think effects me.
But i see where you’re going with this… They are very two-dimensional. Theres not much “soul” in their music.
Comment By: Hanan
January 22nd, 2010 at 11:34 pm
“There’s a little more Elvis Costello here than Paul Simon, making this album a little rougher (but only a little) and, in that regard, a little more interesting. ”
very true. good call.
I know what you mean about “does anybody really love VW?” I listen to them a lot, but they aren’t life changing.
love the photo you posted. great review
Comment By: ekko
January 23rd, 2010 at 7:58 am
Thanks!
Comment By: SFCritic
January 25th, 2010 at 2:03 pm
“Does anyone really love Vampire Weekend?” Good question. Might be in the same light of:
“Does anyone really like Snooki?”
Comment By: ekko
January 26th, 2010 at 5:24 am
What the fuck is Snooki?
Comment By: SFCritic
February 3rd, 2010 at 1:21 pm
Dude, you clearly aren’t up to date on the coolest trends AKA Jersey Shore.
Comment By: Simon Wilcox
February 5th, 2010 at 11:42 am
great review – very honest
Comment By: Bo
May 11th, 2010 at 10:30 pm
i just googled “snooki”
and if you know who she is then you dont deserve to listen to Vampire Weekend.
I already wish I could delete that oompa loompa slut from my mind..
i love vampire weekend. their sound is so original and seeing them live.. their stage presence is amazing.
they bring the crowd into it so much. its so fun listening to them and theyre so chill after a show too.
theres nothing i dislike about them.
Comment By: News in Music Blogs : SFCritic
May 28th, 2010 at 3:15 pm
[...] Berkeley Place wrote a really great, and critical review of Vampire Weekend’s Contra album. [...]