Name: Vampire Weekend
Brand: Vampire Weekend

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

XLLP318

Colour

Black

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2020-04-14

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

PIAS

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

634904031817

Total Cap

1 / Extended format: No / LP / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No / black

XLCD318

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634904031824

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1 / CD / Extended format: No / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No

Artist

Vampire Weekend

Genre GB

Alternative / Modern

Label GB

Our curated collection of essential albums on vinyl, CD, and tape at Rough Trade.

Rough Trade Essential

Vampire Weekend is an American indie rock band that was formed in New York City in 2006. Known for their unique blend of indie rock, pop, and world music influences, the band has gained a loyal following with their catchy melodies and clever lyrics. With their distinct sound and energetic live performances, Vampire Weekend continues to captivate audiences around the world.
Since their debut album release in 2008, Vampire Weekend has been recognized as one of the most influential bands of the indie rock genre. Their music seamlessly combines elements of African rhythms, classical chamber pop, and catchy guitar hooks to create a truly original sound.
With multiple Grammy nominations and critically acclaimed albums under their belt, Vampire Weekend has proven themselves to be a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to their music, exploring Vampire Weekend's discography is sure to be an exciting journey through innovative sounds and thought-provoking lyrics.

An independent record label, XL Recordings was launched in 1989 by Richard Russell and his team. Originally an off-shoot of City Beat Records, XL quickly became known for releasing rave and dance music. Over the years, XL has grown to become one of the leading labels in the industry, managing a roster of talented artists including *Leah Riches*, *a6001996*, and *a60243*. In 1996, XL officially incorporated and became the copyright-holder of its releases. To celebrate their 15th anniversary in 2004, XL launched their XLXV series of re-issues. Today, they continue to thrive as a pioneering force in the music world.

Back In Stock

With the Internet able to build up or tear down artists almost as soon as they start practicing, the advance word and intense scrutiny doesn't always do a band any favours. By the time they've got a full-length album ready to go, the trend-spotters are already several Hot New Bands past them. Vampire Weekend started generating buzz in 2006 -- not long after they formed -- but their self-titled debut album didn't arrive until early 2008. Vampire Weekend also has just a handful of songs that haven't been floating around the 'Net, which may disappoint the kind of people who like to post "First!" on message boards. This doesn't make those songs any less charming, however -- in fact, the band has spent the last year and a half making them even more charming, perfecting the culture collision of indie-, chamber-, and Afro-pop they call "Upper West Side Soweto" by making that unique hybrid of sounds feel completely effortless. 

So, Vampire Weekend ends up being a more or less official validation of the long-building buzz around the band, served up in packaging that uses the Futura typeface almost as stylishly as Wes Anderson. At times, the album sounds like someone trying to turn a Wes Anderson movie back into music (it's no surprise that the band's keyboardist also writes film scores); there's a similarly precious yet adventurous feel here, as well as a kindred eye and ear for detail. Everything is concise, concentrated, distilled, vivid; Vampire Weekend's world is extremely specific and meticulously crafted, and Vampire Weekend often feels like a concept album about preppy guys who grew up with classical music and recently got really into world music. Amazingly, instead of being alienating, the band's quirks are utterly winning. Scholarly grammar ("Oxford Comma") and architecture ("Mansard Roof") are springboards for songs with impulsive melodies, tricky rhythms, and syncopated basslines. Strings and harpsichords brush up against African-inspired chants on "M79," and lilting Afro-pop guitars and a skanking beat give way to Mellotrons on "A-Punk." Fully realized debut albums like Vampire Weekend come along once in a great while, and these songs show that this band is smart, but not too smart for their own good.

Music GB

Discover Vampire Weekend by Vampire Weekend on vinyl and CD formats from XL label. A charming blend of indie, chamber, and Afro-pop music.