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Vampire Weekend | 
 enlarge | Artist: Vampire Weekend
Label: Xl Recordings
Category: Music
List Price: $11.98
Buy New: $9.99
You Save: $1.99 (17%)
New (52) Used (12) from $6.97
Rating:  134 reviews
Sales Rank: 112
Media: Audio CD
Discs: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 5.4 x 5 x 0.5
MPN: 40318
UPC: 634904031824
EAN: 0634904031824
ASIN: B0010V4TZU
Release Date: January 29, 2008
Shipping: Eligible for Super Saver Shipping
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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| Tracks:
| • | Mansard Roof | | • | Oxford Comma | | • | A-Punk | | • | Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa | | • | M79 | | • | Campus | | • | Bryn | | • | One (Blake's Got A New Face) | | • | I Stand Corrected | | • | Walcott | | • | The Kids Don't Stand A Chance |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.com
It would take a lot for Vampire Weekend's debut to rise above the stench of privileged hype that surrounds it. A bunch of kids who formed the band in their Columbia dorm room borrow wholesale from Afrobeat and angular '80s stuff, and they quickly become an online buzz band before releasing a single album? Thankfully the record, and the band, are great fun: playful, pop-wise, and smart enough to pull their shtick off with aplomb. Organ and drums are often the focal point of the music, bringing to mind a goofier, happier Clinic (if that group's record-collecting habits were more scattershot). On the excellently named (and better sounding) "Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa," Vampire Weekend asks, "Does it feel so unnatural / To Peter Gabriel too?," immediately disarming--with self-aware brazenness--any criticism of their pomo/postcolonialist borrowing of "ethnic" music. It's clear that these dudes have not only inherited the nerd-rock omnivore's mantle from the Talking Heads, they've actually and already improved upon it. --Mike McGonigal
Product Description
This NY four-piece draw on their diverse backgrounds and interests, experimenting with African guitar music, the Western classical canon, hazy memories of Cape Cod summers, winters in upper Manhattan, and reggaeton. "Equal parts shruggy New York indie strumming and groovy Afro-pop, Vampire Weekend's organ-and-drum runs highlight narratives about relationships, punctuation, and sometimes both" - Spin. Named "Hot New Kids" in Rolling Stone's "Hot" issue. Vinyl contains MP3 coupon.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 129 more reviews...
With A Name Like "Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa," It Has To Be Good October 8, 2008
Right 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.
Indie Pop Perfection September 16, 2008
I'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.
Fun and Happy September 15, 2008
This is the most fun CD I've heard in years! It makes me want to dance on a beach. Very reggae-esk---however, I don't like reggae usually, so don't let that description turn you off. They are extremely creative with a lot of different sounds (one song sounds like an Irish jig to me). This is the best driving music and you just want to sing along and smile. I would give this CD a five star if it wasn't so short...I just feel like it's too short (10 songs---but lots of songs are pretty short)....it's just over too soon. The only bad song "Blake's Got a New Face"---the chorus is just awful....what were they thinking? Every other song is awesome!
Pretty Cool September 15, 2008
TI love this cd! It takes me back to the glory days of The O.C. I really love track 2 and track 8
 I love Vampire Weekend September 2, 2008
I love this CD! I love people like Buddy Holly and the Stray Cats so this music has a very nostalgic sound. I can't get enough of Vampire Weekend. I listen to the CD every night. My favorite song has to be Oxford Comma. Get this CD you wont be disapointed! :)
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