must watch video: Black Keys vs Vampire Weekend on Colbert

this made me so unbelievably happy:

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
MeTunes - Grammy Vote - Dan Auerbach, Patrick Carney & Ezra Koenig<a>
www.colbertnation.com
Colbert Report Full Episodes Political Humor & Satire Blog</a> Video Archive

BONUS:
this interview is also quite good.

BONUS X2:

Vampire Weekend announce fall tour dates

they're playing the Greek Theatre in Berkeley. I'm seeing Pavement there on Friday. this is all a little surreal. I first saw VW at an itty bity venue called Rickshaw Stop (where they all signed my copy of their SPIN cover...and I happily chatted up their drummer for a while), but since then, they've played Oakland's majestic Fox Theatre and have had evening slots for Coachella and other similar fests. well done!

they're touring with Beach House, so double yum.

8/27 Vancouver, BC Malkin Bowl *
8/28 Vancouver, BC Malkin Bowl *
8/29 Redmond, WA Marymoor Amphitheater *
8/31 Troutdale, OR Edgefield Amphitheater *
9/1 Eugene, OR McDonald Theatre #
9/2 Salt Lake City, UT In The Venue #
9/3 Morrison, CO Red Rocks Amphitheater *
9/5 Chicago, IL Aragon Ballroom *
9/6 Bloomington, IN IU Auditorium *
9/7 Toronto, ONT Molson Canadian Amphitheater *
9/8 Montreal, QUE Metropolis Theater £
9/10 Rochester, NY Main Street Armory *
9/11 Columbia, MD Merriweather Post Pavilion *
9/12 Boston, MA Bank Of America Pavilion *
9/13 Holyoke, MA Mountain Park *
9/15 New York, NY Radio City Music Hall *
9/16 New York, NY Radio City Music Hall *
9/17 New York, NY Radio City Music Hall *
9/25 Berkeley, CA Greek Theatre Berkeley $
9/26 Los Angeles, CA Hollywood Bowl $
9/28 San Diego, CA Soma $
9/29 Las Vegas, NV The Pearl At The Palms $
10/3 St.Louis, MO Chaifetz Arena $
10/4 Tulsa, OK The Brady Theater $
10/6 Dallas, TX Palladium Ballroom $
10/7 Houston, TX Verizon Wireless Theatre $
10/8 Austin, TX Austin City Limits Festival
10/11 Orlando, FL Hard Rock Live $
10/13 Miami Beach, FL The Fillmore Miami Beach Jackie $

* = with Beach House + Dum Dum Girls
$ = with Beach House + The Very Best
£ = with Dum Dum Girls
# = with Beach House

Vampire Weekend - Taxi Cab [mp3]

Vampire Weekend's Chris Biao to DJ in Oakland

there will be an afterparty following the band's show at the beautiful Fox Theatre on the 19th with music provided by the band's adorable bassist. you can buy tickets HERE

new video: Vampire Weekend - Giving up the Gun

I remember reading a couple of days ago that Joe Jonas was in this video, and I am happy to say that I didn't know which one that was, or what his role is in his "band". in any case, Jake Gyllenhal made me CRACK UP. well done, sir.

does anybody else find it amusing that Rostam has put on weight?



(this is still my favourite track on Contra, followed closely by "Diplomat's Son")

record review: Vampire Weekend - Contra

Vampire Weekend have so many surprises under their sleeve. In early 2008, they stunned the world with a delectable and perfect debut record filled with Paul Simon loving Afro pop, with the delightful string section here and there. Last year, we sampled a few songs from their much anticipated sophomore release, and everything looked right on par. The new songs were sharp and innovative, and the whole world let in a big breath of relief. Well, Contra is here, so prepare to be wowed by Vampire Weekend once more.

So many bands fail to live up to the expectations following a successful debut album, mostly because of time restraints. They have all of the time in the world before releasing a debut, but only about a year to come up with a second one, and that usually overlaps with the oft exhausting debut tour. But, listening to Ezra’s smooth vocals and the band’s seamless backing instrumentals, it’s hard to believe that they were under any stress at all. Take “Holiday”, for example. It builds their signature clever lyrics over fuzzy percussion and douses them with the fun loving guitars we got addicted to in “A-Punk”.

The best thing about Contra is that it is audibly a post Discovery record. The delicate percussion and almost defiantly lullaby-esque tones on the album flirt with disaster, but come up safely at the other end. You can hear Rostam’s innovative songwriting contributions which derive from his collaboration with a mostly string based band (Ra Ra Riot). On Contra, it’s more subtle and palatable than on LP by Discovery.

Contra is a whisper, a dream, a meadow of bubbles. Its ten songs are soft and warm and full and will satisfy you on every level imaginable. It is the perfect aural manifestation on the lyrics found on "Diplomat's Son": "I could sleep whereever I lay my head...last night I smoked a joint with my best friend, when I woke up, he was gone". It is a slightly confused, but thoroughly enjoyably mellow record.

It has the occasional jolt of energy (“Cousins”), but mostly stands as an ode to the middle ground between shoe gaze and indie pop. And once again (just like with their debut), if you hate this album, you're just lying to yourself.

It’s an extremely well made record, and has earned a huge stamp of approval from me. Especially "Giving Up the Gun". hot damn that song is good.

4/5

Contra officially drops tomorrow in the UK and Tuesday in the States, so make sure you pick it up!

must watch video: Vampire Weekend play the HELL out of "Cousins" on Letterman

this video is such a perfect demonstration of why I love this band.



go, Vampire Weekend, go!!

Letterman has been having a great week. Michael Cera on Monday (watched it 'cause I couldn't sleep...didn't know he was Canadian!), this was yesterday, and tonight, Jules will be on!

Vampire Weekend streaming Contra!

waiting for a leak seems futile at this point, the record gets a proper release in nine days on 12 January, and you can listen to the WHOLE THING right now on their MYSPACE!

remember, the track listing is as follows

1: horchata
2. white sky
3: holiday
4: california english
5: taxi cab
6: run
7: cousins
8: giving up the gun
9: diplomat's son
10: i think ur a contra

let me just say that the rest of the songs are just as delectable as the few we've had to sample these past few months. excellent work, boys.

Vampire Weekend: White Sky

the track, it's so delectable. it's like ice cream cake topped with warm fudge. can you tell I've been eating sweets all day?

Vampire Weekend - White Sky [mp3, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!]
many thanks to Pop Tarts Suck Toasted!

I tried downloading it yesterday, but web sheriff had attacked all of the blogs which posted it.

download it, quick, before he targets MIE too!

new video: Vampire Weekend: Cousins

hahahah list maker. didn't catch that when I heard the song 82 times. this is why I love videos.

Vampire Weekend - New Music - More Music Videos

this song and/or video is on such drugs. I for one think Tomson looks great.

new Vampire Weekend: Cousins

[link to song has been removed]

it's erratic in every good sense of the word. Vampire Weekend are scoffing at sophomore slump like I used to scoff at people taking the LSATs.

I like this song a helluva lot more than I like any of my cousins. and yes, it gets better with every listen. I especially love the pseudo-Christmas-y ending.

Ezra doesn't have time to remember to breathe, he's too busy trying to maintain the aural equivalence of confetti. effect achieved, sir.

Vampire Weekend to play free show in SoCal TOMORROW

their "first-ever skate park show!" will be all ages, free, and take place at 4PM on Friday, November 13 @ Alliance Skate in Lake Elsinore, CA. I have no idea where that is, but check it out if you're in the area!

Vampire Weekend - M79 (daytrotter) [mp3]

Vampire Weekend announce new single + dates [California bonus!]

the new single is a bit too mellow and has a tad too much xylophone for my taste, but it's not awful. the redeeming quality of today's update email from VW? they're playing the Catalyst in Santa Cruz-- a super intimate venue (read on below, the band seems to be favouring California...yay!), andandand it's 16+ so I can take my baby brother! he really likes the band so it works out perfectly

Vampire Weekend - Horchata [mp3]
what do you think of the song? I like "White Sky" better...it's a lot more...Vampire Weekend.

"Vampire Weekend are also pleased to announce several shows, including a very special set of intimate tour dates in California. Fans are asked to pay close attention to the band's website, as there will be daily announcements about impromptu events taking place during the California tour.

10/6 - Montreal, QC Le National
10/8 - Toronto, ON Horseshoe Tavern
10/15 - London, UK King's College (Mailing List Exclusive Pre-Sale)
10/22 - Paris, FR Nouveau Casino
11/02 - Long Beach, CA The Art Theater
11/05 - Pioneertown, CA Pappy and Harriet's
11/07 - Lafayette, CA Town Hall Theatre
11/08 - Santa Cruz, CA Catalyst
11/09 - Visalia, CA The Cellar Door
11/10 - San Luis Obispo, CA Downtown Brew
11/12 - Bakersfield, CA Chencho's
11/14 - Lomita, CA VFW Hall
11/17 - Tokyo, JAP Tokyo Unit (Mailing List Exclusive Pre-Sale)
11/21 - Sydney, AUS Oxford Art Factory (Mailing List Exclusive Pre-Sale)

The California tour dates go on sale Friday October 9."

Vampire Weekend Announce Details for new LP

their sophomore album is called Contra, will be released on 11 January in the UK, 12 January in the US (hey! didn't Ezra say October?) and has the following track listing:

1: horchata
2: white sky
3: holiday
4: california english
5: taxi cab
6: run
7: cousins
8: giving up the gun
9: diplomat's son
10: i think ur a contra

Vampire Weekend: fresh new sound on sophomore LP

the new album is almost done, is set for a September release

lead singer Ezra Koening said: "It's definitely going to be a recognisably Vampire Weekend sound, but there are going to be new sounds. We're trying to challenge ourselves not to use the same bag of tricks that we used on the first album – different instruments, stuff like that."

Vampire Weekend- Exit Music (for a film) (Radiohead cover) [mp3]

in my opinion, if a band can cover Radiohead well, they can do anything.

Vampire Weekend: television debut for "White Sky"

it's a really good performance, but that's just to be expected. damn good band. they're so well rounded. great record, rockin' live shows. I love them. and we can hope for a fall release for their sophormore album, says Ezra! =)

download the mp3 below:

Vampire Weekend - White Sky (live on Jimmy Fallon) [mp3]

Hanan's Top Ten Records of the Year

This is my first year end list, and I have put much thought and deliberation into it. The sad truth is, 2008 was not a spectacular year for music. Therefore, I feel even further obligated to do justice to the handful of solid releases this year. All but two of the albums are debut LPs, that should tell you about the disappointment of returning artists this year. The top 5, I consider essential to everyone's musical library. So, here goes:

10. Little Joy - Little Joy

Fabrizio Moretti's side project was one of the most pleasant surprises of the year. This album is so easy to listen to from beginning to end, bursting with sunshine-y sweet melodies. "Unattainable" is sung by their female band member Binki, and I find myself overlooking my I-hate-female-vocalists thing and really enjoying it.

click here for a -> record review

visit them on MYSPACE

9. Ra Ra Riot - The Rhumb Line

Following the tragic death of their drummer, John Ryan Pike, Ra Ra Riot released a beautiful and often heartbreaking debut with lyrics that often reference their loss. In addition to the standard rock instruments, they incorporate a cello and a violin. This record is GORGEOUS. "Dying is Fine" draws its chorus from a poem by e.e cummings. You might find yourself listening to their cover of "Suspended in Gaffa" on repeat. "Ghost Under Rocks" begins like Mika's "Love Today" but the similarities end there, as it delves into a ballad which unmistakably eulogizes Pike which will give you shivers.

visit them on MYSPACE

8. Liam Finn - I'll Be Lightning

The son of the acclaimed New Zealand musician Neil Finn, Liam quickly establishes that his father is not the only one in the family with talent. A genius in the making, Liam's live performances are simultaneously breathtaking and energizing, leaving the audience in awe and dancing along. Each of these songs is a GEM, but the energy of the songs diminishes as the record comes to a close. The last few songs are slow and beautiful, "Wide Awake on the Voyage Home" (the second to last track) being my absolute favourite, made even more special by the fact that Liam played it after I requested it before his show.

visit Liam on MYSPACE

7. MGMT - Oracular Spectacular

It's really a good thing that they included "spectacular" in the title, I cannot find a more fitting word for this incredible record. I had initially thought this would be an album of a few lead singles and some filler but I was shocked to find that the entire album is a masterpiece. Ever wonder where the future of psychedelic rock lies? Look no further than Oracular Spectacular. While their live performances are not mind blowing, they still are a lot of fun and the duo's energy more than makes up for their lack of bravado.

click here for a -> record review

visit the band on their WEBSITE

6. Delta Spirit - Ode to Sunshine


I don't know how this band isn't famous yet. They excel at something which a lot of bands have attempted to do: combining the Americana, folk and rock genres BEAUTIFULLY. Originally self released with the grey album cover and later rereleased by Rounder Records in August with a new version of "Streetwalker", this is a rare band that manages to pull off a very Bob Dylan-y vocalist. I have nothing bad to say about this band, either on record or live. They blew me away this year. Do check them out.

visit the band on MYSPACE

5. The Virgins - The Virgins

For a band that pretends to be sexually inexperienced, these songs are a bit out of place: they are oozing with sex sex sex. Hailing from NYC, comparisons to The Strokes are inevitable, and the band doesn't seem to mind too much. Their bass player Nick demands your attention in lead single "Rich Girls" and all over the rest of the record. The ultimate dance record of the year, The Virgin's debut is a winner on all levels. They will chew you up and spit you out like the gum on their album cover, but you will come back begging for more. These guys are AMAZING live too, so catch em when they swing by your neck of the woods.

visit them on MYSPACE

4. The Killers - Day and Age


The Killers came back more powerfully than ever before with their third album, drawing from equal parts of 80's and futuristic sounds. A joy ride indeed, this album will leave you dazzled and confused and dying for more. The bonus tracks then step in and oblige.

for a song by song analysis of why this record owns you, click HERE

visit the boys on MYSPACE

3. Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend


do you remember getting hyped up on sugar as a kid? if that feeling had a musical manifestation, it would be Vampire Weekend's amazing debut record. These boys compensate for being over-educated by providing songs that anyone can dance too. Why all the haters? Because this band was hardworking and successful and produced excellent songs that brightened up the rainy season. This was going to be album of the year for a while, but it was recently replaced by two better crafted records. It still remains one of my favourite records of all time, sweet perfection from start to finish. Vampire Weekend's goals were to play classical music with rock instruments, but they throw in some African beats too. If you buy this record and don't enjoy it, I will reimburse you and then punch you in the face for being musically and human-ly retarded.

click for a -> concert review

visit Vampire Weekend on MYSPACE

2. Wild Sweet Orange - We Have Cause to be Uneasy

This debut from the Birmingham based band is heartbreaking in every sense of the word. The lyrics express the childhood anguish which is more or less universal. The guitar riffs from "Either/Or" will be stuck in your head indefinitely, and the lyric "All the things I've hated, I've been before" reminds me of "Between the Bars" by Elliott Smith: "people you've been before that you don't want around anymore". If the opener, "Ten Dead Dogs" doesn't get you hooked, nothing will. The lead singer's voice will penetrate your soul but the music will distract you from the lyrics. Sometimes I have to double back and listen to the words again, and then I am left breathless again. The album presents the ugliness of the human race in the most beautiful way possible. In a way, they redeem us for the cheating, lyric bastards that we are.

click here for a -> concert review

visit them on MYSPACE

1. Frightened Rabbit - The Midnight Organ Fight

I was first exposed to this band via the blogosphere, first hearing the songs "The Modern Leper" and "Poke" . I subsequently purchased this Scottish band's second full length album. I listened to it once, it didn't strike me as particularly amazing. Once more, I thought. Nope, no avail. I put it on my shelf, shrugging off another meh record. A fellow blogger mentioned that it was his favourite album of the year thus far, which got me to pick it back up and listen to it meticulously, poring over each note and lyric. Then it started getting under my skin. I started listening to it ENDLESSLY, on the BART, at the gym (and this is NOT your average work out album), in bed, everywhere. This album is a reality check to how modern life has alienated us from one another, but the music itself may help us come together and fix ourselves. Please please please take my advice, go out, buy this record and listen to it through five times. They don't have to be consecutive. Just make sure you give it a chance. This album surprised me, and I'm sure you'll love it too.

visit the band on MYSPACE

honourable mentions:
Beck - Modern Guilt
Ben Sollee- Learning to Bend
The Raconteurs - Consolers of the Lonely
Panic at the Disco- Pretty. Odd
Albert Hammond Jr - Como Te Llama
The Dodos- Visiter
The Last Shadow Puppets - The Age of Understatement
The Morning Benders - Talking Through Tin Cans
Margot and the Nuclear So and So's- Animal
Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin - Pershing

clips of the Treasure Island Festival available on SPIN.com

watch them HERE

the last video, of Vampire Weekend, is adorable. Ezra looks all intimidated...
I saw them at Rickshaw Stop, a really cool small venue in the city. They connected with the audience really well, everyone was dancing and having a great time. I don't know if they have the makings of big, fetsival/arena size gigs. Once again, I'll reiterate that drummer Chris Tomson is the friendliest musician that I have ever encountered. He rocks.

Vampire Weekend - I Stand Corrected (daytrotter session) [mp3 HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!]

Ottoman - a new Vampire Weekend track...

...that rocks as much as the new Killers song sucks. (translation: A LOT.)

tis playing on repeat. me thinks you should give it a listen. NOW.

Vampire Weekend - Ottoman [mp3 HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!]

it's off the soundtrack for that new movie, Nick and Norah's infinite playlist.

videos galore!

there seems to be a plethora of new music videos floating around now...

first off, The Kooks' "Do You Wanna"



everytime I hear that song I smile, because I remember a friend's incredibly confused expression at my singing "do you wanna make love to me" a couple of days after Konk was released. twas priceless.

The Kooks - Young Folks (Peter Bjorn and John Cover) [mp3]

next...

The Virgins - Rich Girls



now, I just got the Virgin's record a few days ago and was SHOCKED to realize that they had a different virgin (haha pun! yes I know how to spell version.) of "Rich Girls" on their record (the one you hear in the video.)

compare it to this:
The Virgins - Rich Girls (EP version)[mp3]

I really prefer the earlier (EP) version. I know that comparisons of this band to IS This It era Strokes are everywhere, but I can't help but think of the original EP version of Last Nite, which I prefer to the more well known one.

The Strokes - Last Nite (EP version) [mp3]

The Strokes - Last Nite (ITI version) [mp3]

oh what the hell, I'll embed a live version too. hot damn I love those guys.



lastly, Vampire Weekend have abandoned their preppy look in favour of goth. good stuff.

VW - Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa
Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa


Vampire Weekend - M79 [mp3]

New Vampire Weekend Video for "Oxford Comma"

upon my first listening to their eponymous debut album, this was my favourite song. I still love it, but M79 is now my favourite.

anyhow, the video is pretty good. I'm glad I got a glimpse of Baio. In all honesty, when I went to see the band, Ezra and Rostam were a bit distant and didn't talk to fans; Tomson was shy but friendly, but Baio was great. Good to know some people can still be down to earth and accessible after they get famous.

watch the video below:



Vampire Weekend - M79 [mp3]