One day, many, many years ago (okay, so early 2008?!) I stumbled across a song on a friend's iPod which had me absolutely and immediately captivated - so much so that the friend was soon struggling to wrestle their beloved mp3 player from my grasp as I declared that I absolutely must listen to the entire album! That song was 'Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa' by the incredible Vampire Weekend and before I knew it, I was addicted: their eponymous album became the soundtrack to my summer - it kept me going through the essay-writing and revision sessions of the Summer term and lulled me to sleep on a Valencian beach after one-too-many crazy nights out.
Anyway, fast-forward (almost) two years, and, having seen them live twice and continued to worship at the alter of all things Vampire Weekend, I was understandably excited for the release of their second album 'Contra' in January. And I was really, truly, heart-wrenchingly disappointed. I just didn't get it - it wasn't as catchy as their first album, they certainly hadn't done anything massively new and groundbreaking, yet it failed to live up to the (admittedly high) expectations that they'd already set - however, I couldn't bear to give up on them, after all this was a band that had kept me going through highs and lows, and who I had danced madly round my room to on countless occasions. And s0 I persevered - and with each listen, I liked it a little bit more than the time before. 'Contra' has now been playing on a continuous loop for a good couple of weeks and I've got to say, it's still growing on me; I love it as much, if not more than their self-titled album and think this one may well be my soundtrack to 2010.
The seemingly happy ending has a slight twist to it - only a few weeks after my arrival in Barcelona, Vampire Weekend are performing within spitting distance of my apartment, great no? Wonderful, except for the fact that it's sold out and, alas, I am not in possession of a ticket or the opportunity to declare my undying love for them. In order to make up for this travesty, I implore you to listen to 'Contra' not once, not twice, but at least five times - and if you don't love it by then, I will...erm...eat my hat?! Probably not, but just trust me, you will be amazed!
Photos from here.
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I have to admit I really do not like them but I have tried too :)
ReplyDeleteI like the fact that their style is different and I completely get why people love their songs. Just not my cup of tea sadly. xxx
I've just started to get into their music, and i think they're amaaaaazing! :D I can easily picture myself becoming obsessed!
ReplyDeletehttp://playingdressupwithkellie.blogspot.com/
love there album xx
ReplyDeleteyoure right--it fucking rocks!
ReplyDeleteI bought their first (I think) CD the other day but I've yet to listen, I've heard great things about them though. You've convinced me to put it in my CD player! :) If you get a second, please take a look at my blog @ www.dazedyoungmess.blogspot.com/
ReplyDelete:)
I JUST got into Vampire Weekend thanks to a good friend of mine :*)
ReplyDeleteThey are just ridiculously awesome.
Great post! :*) Hehe
xx
Ally
pinsandroses.blogspot.com
I've actually never heard of them, but I'll definately have to check them out if you're giving them such a rave review! I hope you get tickets by some fantastic chance, too! I'm sure you will! :)
ReplyDeleteSydnie
www.takemeouttotherunway.blogspot.com
it didnt break your computer then?! good!
ReplyDeletei think i've disregarded vampire weekend too quickly, i may have to reconsider x