Vampire Weekend

When I discover a new band or album that really captivates me, I can become somewhat monomaniacal about it. When I get the CD, I listen to it continuously for a period of time. Sometimes I spin it so relentlessly, I'm surprised the plastic doesn't melt. 

I've been doing that this week with Vampire Weekend (or at least whatever the digital equivalent is—VW's myspace page is melting just a little due to my repeated plays). This band, out of New York, has captured my musical attention. Their instruments could have been picked up in their parents' basements (drums, bass, hollow body electric guitar, and what looks/sounds like the casio keyboard I had when I was 12). They look like your average mediocre group of friends who obviously think they are better than they actually are. 

But their swagger is writing checks that their music can cash.* Youthful confidence and nonchalance is backed up by a keen melodic sense and catchy, quality songs that bear repeating. Musically, the songs are made up of many great elements, but none are more basic to the success of this album than the band's rhythmic sensibility. Every moment of their songs is permeated with some sharp, infectious, face-melting rhythm. Rhythm in music, to me, is much more basic than melody or harmony. VW's rhythms (and their songs along with them) can get into your head and never leave—the kind of ohrwurm that you don't want to get rid of. And bands that get creative with rhythm (Jimmy Eat World is another that comes to mind) seem to always be on my listen list.

I'm aware that I'm riding the VW wave kinda late—their debut album came out in early 2008—and you might know all of this already. But if you are a late-comer like me, you might want to check out their music (and some worthwhile music videos) on their myspace page or the band's website. 

*This blog has never had a Top Gun reference, and I thought it was high time for one.