This album slaps, but even I'm not a big fan of the beatles and think that comparing VW to them and implying they're better is pushing it a little too much lol
I disagree the second half the album is the best with songs like Hudson, Hannah Hunt, Worship you, and in my opinion one of their best songs YA HEY. That song is the best song I have heard in a few years. I give the album an easy 9/10
I agree with you. Ya Hey is one of their beautifully crafted songs. These lyrics captivated me "America don't love you, so I could never love you, In spite of everything" I also love the fact that they used a calmer (yet somewhat alive) musical approach, because it perfectly fits with the song lyrics, which talk about the relationship of religion and society.
I loved the ending to Finger Back. I love the "I don't wanna live like this, but I don't wanna die" lyric and I love the intensity the song picks up right at the end.
I would disagree with your interpretation of "Obvious Bicycle" as "sunshiny". On the contrary I would say that it is the most sullen and defeatist song on the LP. It talks about impotence in a modern, impersonal world, backed by slow and almost resigned pianos. Lyrics like "spare your face the razor because no one's gonna spare the time for you" show that the narrator has given up trying to work and conform in a modern workforce.
C'mon this is one of my all-time favorite, and the best one of the year, and Finger Back is one of the greatest tracks here. This album should receive at least 8/10.
7Seconds of Winter Yeah, it's one of my most favorite pop records. And a friend bought me it for my birthday! I'm like, the happiest man in the world now :P
Eyal Elmakies Ha, I love getting albums for presents, especially on vinyl. Its not that expensive, but its like really thoughtful and enjoyable. If I get money, thats what I spend it on anyway...
I don't think that "Everlasting Arms" is boring at all. It may not make a huge statement, but that's what I love about it- it's simple and ingenuous. It's exactly the type of song that I love hearing around the middle of albums that I'm already enjoying.
Tbh I was thinking that too. I definitely understand finding finger back annoying cuz that was my first impression of it too, and worship you I understand too, but from the first listen I always really liked everlasting arms for being a simple but subtly powerful song
I saw them live when this album first came out in Boston, M.A. It took place at B.U.; the management said it was the loudest concert they have ever had. It was amazing, fun and "fan-friendly". They played both new and old songs. I would definitely see them again.
honestly, i think vampire weekend sounds just like themselves without the chipmunk'd vocals. i don't think that song really added anything unique to the track. the lyrics, melody, and ezra's voice were quite enough. the chorus vocals themselves at a normal pitch would have been fine. *shrugs*
Anthony talked about every song on this album except for the one song that in my opinion, is the best off of this LP. Hannah Hunt, fucking amazing song. Nice low beat tempo, beautiful piano crescendo around 2:40, and Ezra's vocals are very strong through the entire track.
I love the album! It’s on my top 10 albums of the decade! 1. The Suburbs 2. To Pimp A Butterfly 3. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy 4. Lonerism 5. A Moon Shaped Pool 6. High Violet 7. good kid, m.A.A.d. city 8. Teen Dream 9. Modern Vampires Of The City 10. Bon Iver
+Martin Medrano yeaaaaa, i'd say as a whole their 3rd album is my least favorite. I still loved it, and I def can say my favorite songs are on this album, but some song are a little annoying
I thought this was a very good album, maybe an overall 8.5/10. The tracks "Obvious Bicycle", "Unbelievers", and "Hannah Hunt" are my favorites. The beautiful instrumentation and vocals just suck you in immediately. I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks the chipmunk vocals on "Ya Hey" are incredibly annoying, though. And I really don't get "Young Lion" at all. Kind of pointless and anticlimactic, in my opinion, especially right after a great track like "Hudson".
I really agree with this review. I think the first half of the album is just so incredibly solid and completely carries the whole thing. Then after Hannah Hunt, which is probably one of their best songs ever written, it just starts falling flat and going randomly berserk. I love the verses of Ya Hey but those annoying sounds in the chorus make me go wtf? Even though he second half could be a lot better, The first half itself is enough to carry this album to an 8-8.5 for me.
Just bought this album today, it's almost like their first album, but with a darker twist in my opinion, that's why I bought the album! I loved the first album. This time around (which is worth mentioning) is the work they put into the album design: Has an outer sleeve, nice thick booklet, good art style that's consistent. That's something that unfortunately you don't see very often these days.
Finger Back is really reminding me of that new Animal Collective single, Floridada. But I like Floridada lol. Also, that Ya Hey chorus really grew on me.
Step always makes me feel nostalgic and slightly sad. It reminds me of a song my dad would listen to and I haven't heard it in so long and I wish I could find it again or that my dad would remember what it was bc whenever I listen to Step it brings back such a specific memory. I love that song so much; I love the way it affected me the first time I heard it. Incredible song.
Some people thought they were appropriating their sound and that's not cool for educated white people to do. Of course people who say and believe such things are morons.
this review doesn't get into the meat of the album- the point of the album is the struggle between the secular world and Ezra's innate knowledge of something more. Every song can, and I think should, be viewed through this filter.
and "Finger Back" is annoying in and of itself but no track of this album is meant to be taken by itself, it is a concept album made to be consumed in one, intense, meditative setting.
this is the most cohesive album of the decade, with the exception of maybe Kendrick's first two records. top to bottom, this album is an exquisite reflection upon what it means to believe despite the fact that "the world will disagree." Also, while I'm here, "Young Lion" is almost certainly a reference to the Book of Revelation, the final book of the Bible, where Jesus refers to himself as a lion. Final track on the album, final book of the Bible, "Take your time young lion" is pretty much a summary of the thesis of the album: I want you, God, but I want this Earth as well. So take your time.
I almost completely agree with you, im just genuinly surprised you didnt mention "Young Lion" because in my opinion, that is the strongest song on the album, even though it may be the shortest. The vocal harmonies in this are something that was completely unique to them and came out as well as Fleet Foxes. Over all, Obvious Bicycle, Young Lion, Step, and Hudson and my favorites.
Fair review I'd say. This is probably my favourite Vampire Weekend record and they've really improved on their sound. Songs like 'Obvious Bicycle', 'Unbelievers', 'Diane Young', 'Step' and 'Hudson' are brilliant. However as mentioned, they've still got a few tracks on here that are quite annoying melodically to listen to. Still one of my favourite bands right now though
Seriously? You think "Diane Young" is brilliant? That "Bae-by, Bae-by, Bae-by, Bae-by Ride-on, Bae-by, Bae-by, Bae-by, Bae-by Ride-on... Time, Time, Tai, Tai, P-Ta-Ta?"
JapB01 Diane Young is actually a very cleverly song lyrically talking about terrorism in Ireland. It does sound like nonsense but there is an underlying meaning and purpose to it
Anthony ... do you still on repeated listens think 'Everlasting Arms' sounds like wallpaper? I think some cheese fell into your ears when you were reviewing it. It's one of the standout tracks. Agree fully with light to decent 7, but do feel the band have got more interesting doth each LP. Review pretty much on the money apart from the wallpaper error. Keep on keepin on Review Interpol's 'El Pintor' please, sire?
Personally, I found "Hannah Hunt" to be the best song on this album yet it didn't get a mention? "Ya Hey" will defiantly grow on you. Great review as always.
Their first album had some greats (A-Punk, Campus, Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa) but there seemed to be a lot of filler. Contra didn't have as many super memorable songs, but at the same time was a much stronger and more developed album. Modern Vampires is amazing, every track fits the mold. It's a lot darker than the other two albums, and has much more replay-ability. Overall, I think they improved with each record.
+LeoBoyer filler? There is not one half-assed or bad song on their debut. By far their best stuff they've put out. I think MVotC is only their 3rd best because it's good, but not great, like the self-titled album and Contra.
ok... I don't understand this review at all, have your ears gone bad? How can you not hear the afrobeat influences on this album? I don't get it... Also, I will say that Vampire Weekend has ALWAYS been more influenced by afrobeat and gospel than anything else, personally I don't think there has EVER been a ska or reggea influence on any of their stuff. It's obvious that you aren't familiar with afrobeat, which I feel like you should be, especially with the sort of hip-hop you like.
you crazy Anthony Fantano, you crazy. "Finger Back" captures all the youthful exuberance of Panda Bear's best work in under three and a half minutes. And the bridge? When they get into those harmonies that sound like Ladysmith Black Mambazo vocals acting as a game of whack-a-mole, man that shit's so fire to me bro. You crazy Anthony. Loco.
This is a well-reasoned and well thought-out critical counterpoint to the mountain of praise that's being heaped on this album. This is an excellent review that has actually made me more interested to hear it. Thanks for the good work. It's reviews like this that keep me coming back to your channel.
The weird pitch-shifted vocals on "Ya Hey" bothered me at first, but I've grown to love them. Same goes for "Finger Back" and "Worship You"--though they're certainly not my favorites on the album, I think they have their place. I also wish you'd said something about "Hannah Hunt", which has to be one of their very best to date.
I actually thought the last half of the album was the best. Yes, I guess "finger back" didnt stand out as much, but the song, along with "Worship You" keep the album moving. For me, "Ya Hey" is the climax of the album both musically and philosophically, then it kind of drains into despair with Hudson, and takes it out with the final track. My favorite song, and probably the best of Vampire Weekend was Hannah Hunt. That song is soooo beautifully orchestrated and written.
Think Don't Lie is massively understated. Even though it doesn't contain much of the clever and ambiguous poetic lyrics of a 'typical' VW track, a more obvious track from Ezra does increase its impact somewhat. And loved Everlasting Arms, but all subjective I guess!
ya hey is my favorite song on the album. the high pitched ya hey's are so great to me. the drums and bass hit so hard and there's just this feeble wine in the back. i dont know i love it.
