It’s at this point where I should admit that, unlike the many critics who heaped praise on Vampire Weekend and its even more popular follow-up, Contra (2010), I wasn’t particularly impressed by either record at the time.
All the basic starting points remain the same: “They’re privileged.” “They culturally appropriated Afropop.” “This sounds like Paul Simon for millennials.” “Is this music trying to sell me a Bonobos printed short-sleeve button-up?” No matter one’s angle, by merely invoking Vampire Weekend they will have more than enough fire-starting material to instigate a Twitter debate or overly loud conversation at a music festival.Īlready, the release of Father of the Bride – Vampire Weekend’s fourth LP, and first since 2013’s Modern Vampires of the City – has resulted in an initial wave of thinkpieces, beginning with the sharply written if hyperbolically titled “ The Only Living Band in New York.” Vampire Weekend is blessed and cursed by its status as a buzz band, which is surprising now, given that the very era from which the group emerged has already faded away. No, one must have capital-O Opinions, the kind liable to generate thinkpieces at the drop of a hat.
3.5 stars out of 5 - "They have a suave sound that incorporates ska, New Wave and Afro-pop.Vampire Weekend mostly earn points the old-fashioned way: by writing likable songs you'll be glad to revisit next month.", Ranked #2 in Clash's "The 40 Best Albums of 2008" - "An eclectic mix of upbeat indie, Afrobeat and 21st century baroque.", Ranked #10 in Rolling Stone's 50 Best Albums Of 2008 - "Casual as a cardigan, willfully optimistic, ultratuneful and surprisingly danceable, VAMPIRE WEEKEND is built to last.", "A debut album of quite dazzling brilliance and novelty.These songs are a joy, both intelligent and catchily uplifting.", 4 stars out of 5 - "Vampire Weekend have made a truly fresh, fun, and smart record.They spit witty lyrics on subjects they clearly know.", "Replete with the perky world music beats that would carry the rest of their 2008 self-titled debut, 'Mansard Roof' is a bustling, energetic song that captures the energy of the band’s native NYC.", 4 stars out of 5 - "VW show themselves possessed of great strength of character, unafraid to wear hearts, or intelligence, on their sleeves.", 3.5 stars out of 5 - "Combining elements of ska, reggae and Afro-pop with traditional rock structures, songs like 'Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa' have a carefree energy.", 4 stars out of 5 - "Vampire Weekend's version of globalization is to tightly and smartly woven to be mere dilettantism.", Ranked #14 in Spin's "40 Best Albums Of 2008" - "What really matters is the sheer youthful effervescence and musical ingenuity of these Ivy Leaguers' self-titled debut.", 4 stars out of 5 - "Extremely inventive.Vampire Weekend are the musical equivalent of a Wes Anderson movie.", "A no-dud sleection of instant party starters.With a breezy, endless-weekend sound.Even now, 11 years after Vampire Weekend’s breakthrough with its 2008 self-titled LP, it seems that one can’t just have opinions about the New York City indie outfit.
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