Vampire Weekend - Modern Vampires of the City

At the time of its release, Modern Vampires of the City was touted as a "deeper" offering from Vampire Weekend. Though that downplays the equally heartfelt and clever songs on their first two albums, it's undeniable that Modern Vampires is less obviously showy than their previous work. Instead of Contra's bright eclecticism, they opt for a less audacious production style and smaller instrumental palette. Guitar, organ, harpsichord, and the occasional sample combine into a rarefied sound that suggests a more introspective version of their debut, especially on "Obvious Bicycle" and "Young Lion," which bookend the album with some of its most literal and insular chamber pop. Modern Vampires' quieter approach also showcases what might be most enduring about Vampire Weekend's music -- endearing melodies and carefully crafted lyrics. It also fits Ezra Koenig's preoccupations on this set of songs, chief among them the fact that we're all going to die. The band sums up all of this brilliantly o