http://slyoyster.com

The guys are giving away a track from its new album Contra for free at VampireWeekend.com.  Say what you want about these guys, but they really make some sweet, sweet pop music and have the musical chops to back it up.  Just wish they’d stop flaunting their image at us. 

All in all though, I rather enjoy the tune “Horchata.”

For those scratching their heads Kwassa Kwassa was a dance craze in the Congo during the 80’s. So I’m not really sure how that relates to the uppercrust on Cape Cod, but this video seems to take place on Nantucket instead. Still, who’s counting?

I guess it’s easy to hate on Vampire Weekend and you’d get no arguments from me, however, I think some of their tunes have merit. The reason I’d excuse them (note, I didn’t say defend) is the band has a subtle sense of humor. Sure, they are full of rich kid posturing, but they strike me as a bunch that knows how to take a piss. As evidenced in this video that’s part John Hughes comedy and part Lost Boys via Robert Smith of the Cure.

Those condom loving kids from New York took to the stage for SNL and renditions of “A Punk” and “M79″ this past Saturday, in what may have been the worst episode of Saturday Night Live … ever? Seriously, it was a pretty bad episode. Not even the digital short was mildly amusing.

So much for paying those writers what they’re worth. But the band looks lovely, which is key, because they were just featured in a NY Times Sunday profile. Aren’t those sweaters groovy. All very fashionable.

But back to the music. Can’t say these performances really knocked my socks off. What’s the word I’m thinking of? Oh yeah. Meh.

“M79″ after the jump. MORE »

We’ve sort of largely avoided writing about Vampire Weekend.  Not because we don’t marginally enjoy their debut eponymous album, but because it felt so superfluous to do so.  They’ve been interviewed, hyped, backlashed more than any band in recent memory.

Whether it’s because bandmates Ezra Koenig, Rostam Batmanglij, Christopher Tomson and Chris Baiothey come from wealthy families and don’t try to hide that, or they went to Columbia, or that they seem to rip off Paul Simon or co-opt African pop music or whatever the reason you’ve got to wonder why everyone on the internets is so passionate about the band.

Their debut is a fine collection.  It’s innocuous pop music, that certainly borrows heavily from reggaeton, ska and African rythmes.

Anyway, the reason I’m writing this is because the band just shot a PSA for MTV regarding Safe Sex.  It’s sort of funny in a way.  They drop several references for condoms that would make Juno McDuff proud and the girl on the bus looks like she’s ready to pounce.  I’ll be honest and admit I never knew condoms could be called a “Huckabee.”  But I think that’s my prefered nomenclature from now on, given how <sarcasm>awesome</sarcasm> Mike Huckabee is.

The PSA actually makes me want to forget all the crap flung at the band and really give them a chance, it shows they have a decent sense of humor and are also concerned with what is no doubt a serious issue for young kids.  That whole unprotected sex thing.

The song in the background of the PSA is “M79″ which actually sounds like a song from The Royal Tennenbaums soundtrack, but I can’t place it.  Anyone know?

Also, “A Punk” is one of the best songs of the year.  I don’t care what anyone else says.   And the video ain’t bad either.

Mp3: Vampire Weekend – “M79″
Mp3: Vampire Weekend – “Boston”

Vampire Weekend is out now via XL Records.