There is hype and then there is H-Y-P-E!!! It is safe to say Vampire Weekend enjoyed a fair bit of the first and a shit load of the latter. Before they even had a release under their belt they had connoisseurs and scenesters alike salivating at the prospect. Fortunately when they released their self titled album it did not disappoint. I don’t completely buy the Afro-pop tag that has been used to label them but there is an individualistic streak to the boys music that sounds like few other bands about. Its this laid back vibe and cultivated lyrics that meant pretty much any track from this album could have been released as a single. Vampire Weekend succeeded in releasing an instant classic that will be eternally linked to the sound of 2008 and honestly “why would you lie about how much coke you had, why would you lie about something dumb like that?”
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One of the few benefits of my daily commute to and from work is that I have been reading loads on the way. One of the books I enjoyed the most last year was the Jim Morrison/Doors biography ‘No One Here Gets Out Alive’. The book details Jim Morrison‘s life commencing with his childhood, going on to the formation of The Doors and his subsequent rise to legendary status (both musically and intellectually). The book doesn’t shy from recounting every detail of Morrison‘s life including his tangles with the law and his untimely death. The writers self confessed fan boy approach often raises Morrison to mythical proportion digging deep into his infamous “Jimbo” persona and romanticising the alcohol abuse and of course the drugs, sex and rock n roll. However, there is suitable coverage of “James” the intellectual, poet and the sensitive soul. Ultimately this was a great introduction to one of the great bands of the last century. After reading this rock n roll roller coaster I had the entire Doors discography on repeat on a daily basis with Five To One becoming my raison d’être; its familiar bass refrain ringing through my head night and day.
If you can make your own opinions without being influenced by the authors’ veneration yet manage to capture their enthusiasm you will enjoy this tale on one of rocks last true greats.
