It is important not to get caught up in the afro-pop influence of Vampire Weekend, yes, it adds a fresh dimension to the music industry, but the indie-pop sensibilities are all there.

THe standout tracks often come when they manage to get the right mix between THe Strokes and a steel band, these come in the shape of "Mansord Roof", "Oxford Comma" and "A-Punk", all brilliant tunes. BUt there is plenty in their more conventional side, "I stand corrected" has a very Strokesy feel to it, and it is a great mid tempo apology, it goes with the theme of social awkwardness, snobbery and phoney's ("Why would you lie about how much coal you have"-Oxford Comma. "How am I supposed to pretend, I never wanna see you again"-Campus.) add that with the escapist story telling of "A-Punk" and "WAlcott" and you have an interesting lyricist in Koening.

The guitar is quite abstract, the drums are excellent, some really great production is at work, and the orchestral arrangements are refreshing… more »

It is important not to get caught up in the afro-pop influence of Vampire Weekend, yes, it adds a fresh dimension to the music industry, but the indie-pop sensibilities are all there.

THe standout tracks often come when they manage to get the right mix between THe Strokes and a steel band, these come in the shape of "Mansord Roof", "Oxford Comma" and "A-Punk", all brilliant tunes. BUt there is plenty in their more conventional side, "I stand corrected" has a very Strokesy feel to it, and it is a great mid tempo apology, it goes with the theme of social awkwardness, snobbery and phoney's ("Why would you lie about how much coal you have"-Oxford Comma. "How am I supposed to pretend, I never wanna see you again"-Campus.) add that with the escapist story telling of "A-Punk" and "WAlcott" and you have an interesting lyricist in Koening.

The guitar is quite abstract, the drums are excellent, some really great production is at work, and the orchestral arrangements are refreshing (especcially on "M-79") and it makes this a really fresh debut.

THey have made a brilliant pop album, I overplayed it and listened to it about 4 times everyday for a week (No overstatement) but it wore off quite quickly, so maybe not a classic but certainly essential as I suspect it could still sound great in a few years.

A debut of this calibre hasn't been released since the strokes first pop at the industry. Vampire Weekend have successfully infused brilliant upbeat indie with a hint of what can only be described as Baloo and Mowgli jamming in the jungle, you simply can't help tapping your feet in tandem and smiling. Thank the heavens, a band has finally managed to change the indie scene into something universally enjoyable.

From the winter delights found on the chorus of 'A-Punk' to the remarkable lyrics of 'Oxford Comma' who could say no to this album? At first glance this may seem to be one of those wafer-thin, one-trick-pony bands you've been hearing so much about, but I truly believe this is a talented quartet that is definitely here to stay. The likes of 'M79' and 'Bryn' may require a few listens to fully appreciate but to follow them up there are hidden gems such as 'The Kids Don't Stand a Chance' and 'Walcott' which slowly wind down the album so well that there is no beginning or end… more »

A debut of this calibre hasn't been released since the strokes first pop at the industry. Vampire Weekend have successfully infused brilliant upbeat indie with a hint of what can only be described as Baloo and Mowgli jamming in the jungle, you simply can't help tapping your feet in tandem and smiling. Thank the heavens, a band has finally managed to change the indie scene into something universally enjoyable.

From the winter delights found on the chorus of 'A-Punk' to the remarkable lyrics of 'Oxford Comma' who could say no to this album? At first glance this may seem to be one of those wafer-thin, one-trick-pony bands you've been hearing so much about, but I truly believe this is a talented quartet that is definitely here to stay. The likes of 'M79' and 'Bryn' may require a few listens to fully appreciate but to follow them up there are hidden gems such as 'The Kids Don't Stand a Chance' and 'Walcott' which slowly wind down the album so well that there is no beginning or end to this 11 track musical masterpiece.

I strongly recommend this album if you have any interest in Indie music, Caribbean music and/or generally being happy. How a couple of New York college seniors smashed the shackles of Indie is beyond me. Vampire Weekend + Sunshine = Pure Unfiltered Happiness.