A Vampire Weekend in Manhattan
Joe on June 23rd, 2010 | Filed under Travel
There are few bands that have moved so quickly into the top of their game as Vampire Weekend . With the possible exception of Band of Horses, no other group seems to have caught the attention of a very discerning music community. It might not seem like the perfect formula for success, where their unusual blend of soul and classical make their sound something that’s hard to hear from anyone else. But it could be said that the Talking Heads did much the same, when they started taking African rhythms and blending these into their own version of contemporary music.
With Vampire Weekend, it’s a bit different. The sounds have a similar cleanness and technical perfection, but the blend is a bit more slick, and the electronics are more finely tuned. Perhaps it’s just a symptom of the age, where the ability to manipulate sound is easier than it’s ever been, and audiences are coming to expect nothing less than precision. However, it’s very hard to do this and still get the people to perk up and take notice, and this band seems to be doing it. Their first album came out in 2008, and made lists for one of the top 100 records of the decade. This is no small accomplishment in a time when releasing music is easier than ever before.
At the same time, connections matter. The White Stripes company, XL, picked them up early on, and that’s made a world of difference. In terms of pure irony, though, where the Talking Heads were sometimes making music about music, this does seem to take itself more seriously, even when it’s obvious the talents are having a lot of fun. It might be a time where post-irony is leaving to make room for earnest ideas, but there needs to be exit music, and these guys know how to make it.
They play in their hometown, Manhattan, pretty frequently, but this fall will see an exceptional 3-night run at Madison Square Garden , no less. It’s the perfect time to go ahead and book the boutique Manhattan hotel , and prepare for a show.
No related posts.
Leave a Comment