Alas, here it is:
I first heard Vampire Weekend's second album debut on Letterman, when they performed their funky-sharp, soufully charged single "Cousins" -- a performance executed with perfect delivery and boundless energy. The song highlights the band's transistion to embracing all that is eccentric, all that is brave -- although it's clear that they are still holding on to those pumping Afro beats and ska-inspired tunes, the indie band's sound exhibits a new kind of vitality; it represents a newly born musical life.
Unlike their last album -- which was comftorably sweet and delightful to the ear -- "Cousins" is jarring and fast-paced. It's lacking that sense of leveled control, but in a good way. Lead singer Ezra Koenig speaks of his success, tracing back through his paternal history -- "dad was a risk taker / his was a shoe maker/ you, greatest hits 2006, little listmaker." But his commentary is not arrogant, it's humble. Instead of dwelling on the band's quick rise to power, he is talking of their passion for music and that ambition he feels in his blood: "you were born with ten fingers and you're gonna use them all." Koenig is aware of his gift and he is not afraid of using it.
This sense of modesty is apparent in the band's intelligence. The album kicks off with, "Horchata," a melodic, gentle-sounding tune that sucks you in with a feeling of fairytale, happy holiday cheer (much like their airy/smooth second track, "White Sky"). But more importantly, you are blown away by the lyrics themselves. They rhyme such words as "horchata" with "balaclava," "Aranciata," and "Masada" (wait, what?). And although all you haters out there think these very smart dudes write such lyrics in a snobby, "we-went-to-an-Ivy" kind of way, instead they represent how being nerdy can be so cool. Again their intelligence doesn't come off as self-righteous, but subtle and modest. In fact, the band condemns rich kids' superficial elitism. Such is evident in "California English" -- a track that denounces the fakeness and embraces the basics by concentrating on what's real.
Ultimately, Contra roots for all that is substantial, authentic and creative. This is clear in the beautifully orchestrated "Giving up a Gun"-- a song dedicated to the nostalgia for being young and just jamming on the guitar. This is also clear in the band's embrace of new sounds -- ranging from electronic to reggae to just straight up weird. But most importantly, it is obvious in the way that the band is sticking to what they believe in. In "I Think Ur a Contra," a perfect ending to a great album, Koenig reemphasizes his passion for music and his love for us especially -- "but I just wanted you, I just wanted you."
...Yes, tickets are already sold out for Vampire Weekend's April 5th show at the Ryman. Yes, I bought my tickets right when they went on sale. Ssssss-awree I'm not Sssss-awree!
Here's some fun stuff for this week/weekend:
1. All week- Mercy Lounge will be celebrating their 7-year anniversary bash with a week of free rock shows. Wassaaaaap.
2. Wednesday- Better than Ezra @ the Wildhorse Saloon. AKA I suggest you do NOT go to the Wildhorse Saloon. Maybe check out Wild Funny Wednesdays (standup comedy) @ Corner Bar.
3. Thursday- Pauly D from Jersey Shore @ McFaddens. Am I the only person who has not seen this show? ... Yeah. Also on a more cultural note, Werner Herzog's "My Son, My Son What Have Ye Done?" @ the Belcourt.
4. Friday- Jeff the Brotherhood @ the End
5. Saturday - Harold & Maude, midnight movie @ the Belcourt
(I like @ signs)
Other weekly things to check out:
- Ladies night at Cabana (check)
- Cooking & wine classes at Whole Foods (check, check)
LATA!
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