M/M

I used to be weirded out by Vampire Weekend. Not the band, per se, but the band name. Putting up a band and using 'vampire' to identify you is like being a Cullen -- totally uncool. But that was just me and my judgmental tendencies. If I live my life believing in assumptions and first impressions, I'll never grow up.

At first, I thought they played punk until I took the time to actually search them on YouTube. And I pinched myself for being a wuss. Sorry, guys. I love you.

Their third studio album came out a couple weeks ago and I haven't stopped listening to it since. How does one pick favorites? I have no idea. The entire album is great. Score a copy! Here are my top 5:

1. Unbelievers - I'm not excited / but should I be? / Is this the fate that half of the world has planned for me?

2. Obvious Bicycle - Why don't you spare the world a traitor / take your wager back and leave before you lose?

3. Everlasting Arms - I took your counsel and came to ruin / leave me to myself, leave me to myself

4. Step - Wisdom's a gift, but you'd trade it for youth / age is an honor, it's still not the truth

5. Diane Young - Baby, baby, baby, baby right on time

Here's a video of their concert directed by Steve Buscemi as part of the American Express Unstaged series. Enjoy! (The Philippines got a shout out! <3)