Modern Vampires Of The City (studio album) by Vampire Weekend

I love the sound of this record. Melodic and rhythmic, but reminiscent of being in a giant closet. Sounds are sometimes distorted or echoing. The drums in particular sound like they’re hit crisply but recorded under water. It works.

As another commenter wrote, the lyrics are literate. Charming wordplay married with thoughtful considerations of the mortal and immortal. A couple songs drag, particularly in the back half of the record, but this is great listening.

From VictorVale 11/11/2021 22:48

Irretocável! Uma coisinha boa de Paul Simon.

No me dice mucho

From teague 10/02/2021 17:40

Starts off a bit generic sounding, but they really switch it up on tracks 3-6. Overall, pretty great album, aside from the interminable hell that is Ya Hey.

From planetneutral 01/03/2021 15:54

Literate lyricism and pop sensibilities are generally a good formula for me.

From Timestarter 09/13/2020 10:13

Fav. Tracks: Step, Diane Young, Don't Lie, Ya Hey, Hudson.

From DriftingOrpheus 05/26/2020 03:33

The halls of Columbia University birthed Vampire Weekend, a baroque pop outfit with a pension for utilizing world music. They were critically lauded soon after, but in the eyes of those who equate surroundings to people, they were little more than privileged rich boys who gained the favor of those with power in the industry. The band shrugged such ridiculous claims off and just kept on keeping on. In other words, they kept making some of the best pop music of the decade. Nevermore was their genius more validated than with 2013's Modern Vampires of the City. Sporting a crystalline sheen and drastically more sinister tone, Vampire Weekend concocted its best collection of tracks to date.

Seemingly alternating between uptempo, positively-charged romps and sentimental, breezy ballads, Modern Vampires of the City prioritizes balance far more than the band's prior work. The first landmark comes in the form of third track Step, which twinkles triumphantly leaving Rostam Batmanglij's production as the hallmark of the sweepingly gorgeous cut. The album soon receives an adrenaline shot in the form of Diane Young, a full-gear stomper which emphasizes a desire to live life at its fullest, with no regrets about being rebellious or young for that matter. One of the album's most audacious excursions comes in the form of tenth track Ya Hey. Frontman Ezra Koenig's vocal delivery is in stark contrast to the rest of the album, invoking religious fervor at a subdued pace.

As convention would have it, Modern Vampires of the City is indeed a pop record. It's one that takes risks, nudges away stereotypical classification and entrenches Vampire Weekend as a prominent force in modern music. Provocatively written, skillful executed and exquisitely produced, the album is a testament to the blossoming creativity of a young group on the rise, with much success predicted to follow. The album has a warm quality and has effectively become a comfort piece for me, calling back to better times. It's a record for those with youthful flesh and minds with temperaments far beyond their years.

"Ancestors told me that their girl was better
She's richer than Croesus, she's tougher than leather
I just ignored all the tales of a past life
Stale conversation deserves but a bread knife"

-Step

Standout Tracks:

1. Step
2. Finger Back
3. Don't Lie

99.6

Favorite Tracks: Unbelievers, Hanna Hunt, Everlasting Arms

It's just not for me I guess, the songwriting is weird and I don't care for the vocalist. Good production though.

From DriftingOrpheus 03/31/2020 07:52

Not only one of the top 3 records of the decade, one of my absolute favorite albums of all time...Masterwork!