There are lots of great albums, but only a few that defy the norm and manage to capture a unique element of sonic innovation that draws us deep into its artistry. In 2008, we were blessed with two such albums.
On their self-titled debut album, Vampire Weekend captures a distinctive sound by weaving a tapestry of eclectic styles, including Afro-pop, classical, and new wave. This unexpected blend matches the whimsical mood of the lyrics brilliantly to create a masterpiece.
The debut opus "Hold On Now, Youngster..." from Los Campesinos! harnesses a relentless exuberance coupled with witty wordplay to serve up addictive punk-pop melodies at a breakneck pace. The wide array of instrumentation is wild yet fuses into intoxicating melodies that are exhausting, chaotic, and wonderful.