Tom Lynch

Every year there’s a new band that sets the Internet ablaze with hype and buzz so early that by the time the band releases a record, the backlash is potent and aggressive. Brooklyn’s gang of snotty Columbia grads, Vampire Weekend, have experienced this, but none of the detractors actually discuss the music. On its self-titled debut record on XL Recordings, the band blends indie-pop with afro-pop so smoothly and assuredly that, yes, you kind of do hate them a little. But the skill is undeniable, a blending of sugar-high, smart pop with Paul Simon "Graceland"-era tones. Each song, its own bracing entity, overflows with young, heartfelt adoration for life, love and longing. (No one can tell me they don’t like "Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa," a song that, I’m convinced, is impossible not to like.) The string arrangements reach levels of unexpected sublimity, even as the piercing vocals become slightly unbearable. There’s even a little Mark Mothersbaugh instrumental influence (think the scores for the Wes Anderson films). No band really ever lives up to overwhelming hype, and Vampire Weekend is no exception—they’re an imperfect group of kids who are probably too smart for their own good, but must be commended for making a record that’s so accessible and yet so strange.

Vampire Weekend plays April 6 at Metro, 3730 North Clark, (773)549-0203, at 9pm. $15. (2008-04-01)

Also by Tom Lynch

Death Knell
Robert Moore and Neil Simon’s 1976 film "Murder by Death" is a spoof on the traditional whodunit, not unlike "Clue," which stars Peter Sellers, David Niven, Peter Falk and, oddly, Truman Capote. Bloomington, Indiana band Murder by Death takes its name from that reasonably obscure film and has sculpted four theatrical and conceptual full-length records since its 2000 creation, most recently this month’s "Red of Tooth and Claw," the most penetrating rock ‘n’ roll record of the group’s catalogue
(2008-03-25)

Tip of the Week
Cryptacize’s debut, "Dig That Treasure," is gorgeously befuddling. Built from clean, unpredictable guitars, a harp, some strings, sporadic percussion and Nedelle Torrisi’s pretty, sometimes haunting voice (and, later, what sounds like a slightly broken harmonica), the band seemingly intends to drive you absolutely crazy
(2008-03-25)

Garbage Man
As difficult as it is to believe Pavement’s that last record, "Terror Twilight," came out nearly a decade a ago, it’s equally surprising to consider that front man Stephen Malkmus has put out four albums since, none with quite the impact of his previous band’s work. Don’t be mistaken, the reaction to Malkmus’ "solo" work has been almost universally positive since the release of his self-titled debut in 2000, but since then, the enigmatic songwriter has progressively drifted further and further from his famous Pavement sound and closer to a prog-rock, seventies-guitar-marathon revival
(2008-03-18)

Tip of the Week
British Sea Power’s newest record, its third, titled "Do You Like Rock Music?" begins with a chorus chanting, "We’re all in it and we/We’re all in it and we/We’re all in it and we close our eyes," set against the backdrop of a penetrating organ, a steady beat and feedback. It’s a warning, and a promise
(2008-03-18)

The Turn of the Century
(2008-03-18)

Soundcheck
(2008-03-11)

Tip of the Week
(2008-03-11)

Soundcheck
(2008-03-05)

Tip of the Week
(2008-03-05)

Tip of the Week
(2008-03-05)

Tip of the Week
(2008-02-26)

Tip of the Week
(2008-02-19)

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