With the fullest and upmost honesty, I will admit, that with listening to Vampire Weekend, you could say I’m fresh off the boat. As a newbie, I automatically fell head over heels for their music. Listening to this album made me realize that all my life I’ve been missing out on genuinely good music.
I compared Modern Vampires of the City to their earlier albums, such as Contra and their debut album, and concluded that although their other albums gave off the same indie-type, enjoyable music as Modern Vamps, it couldn’t compare to this one humorous yet meaningful album. However the difference between this album and the others’ is the time period Vampire Weekend was in at the time. Yes, this album was released no more than a few weeks ago, but most of its music was inspired by the 60s. “Diane Young” for example has a 60s style to it and contrasts with the modern music of the time. It’s ironic how the MODERN vamps chose this style in their song. But the song’s fun play on words such as “Diane Young” and “dyin’ young” adds humor to the album and brings the 60s back to life. .
It would be fair to say that these four vampires reached out to me while avoiding making their album an overly-sentimental cliché. Actually, in a strange yet satisfying way the band insulted the listener while still remaining deep and wise with their lyrics. “Ya Hey” demonstrates this rebellious yet sensitive side of the band. In the song the vamps are trying to tell a girl to give up her faith and love for everything, because sadly nothing will ever love her. However she “just lets it go.” There were two things I learned from this song; to not always have so much hope and to not be that girl that let go of the vamps’ words or even let go of the vamps’ overall. The band also devotes a song to another girl who also aggravates them. In “Everlasting Arms” they demonstrate their lack of understanding the girl, yet they still seem to want her around.
The album has a balance of romantic yet adventurous sounds and lyrics. You could say that the band is somewhat enlightening and definitely intelligent and knowledgeable. Months before their release of the album, the vamps set off on a cottage retreat to Martha’s Vineyard. The purpose of the trip was to explore and experiment on something new and exotic. Sure, their music sounded somewhat foreign but that is what the band was aiming for overall. Although the tone and beat of the vamps’ music is catchy, their lyrics are the real deal. “Step” is just another example of the album portraying the deep and hidden, foreign references and puns which the band wisely comes up with. The vamps mention everything that’s bothering them in life and all the flaws and dilemmas in the world.
The band has successfully upgraded its music; something fresh yet simple, something foreign yet meaningful and something deep yet non-sentimental. As a newbie; I approve of the band and especially their run in the city.
