2009 was in my opinion, a little thin on good new music, which is why I'm thankful that 2010 is jumping out the gate early with a couple of great new albums. While perhaps not revolutionary in ideas, the latest releases from Ok Go and Vampire Weekend are full of music that is easily accessible and just plain fun.
I'm not going to go through an in-depth analysis of Vampire Weekend's "Contra" simply for the fact that this has been one of the most highly-anticipated and pined-over releases in the last 6 months, and has been examined under a microscope by countless blogs, magazines and what have you. I will say however, that it is a highly enjoyable album giving it's fans more of what they enjoyed on the first album for the most part but with more polished production values. Some may argue that the more polished feel is to the album's detriment, but I am a big proponent of bands looking for little ways to change their sound, and this does just that. While to say that Vampire's sound is derivative of Paul Simon's Graceland-phase would be oversimplifying, there is some definite truth to that description. And that phase certainly wasn't all bad. Highlights on this record include the 80's influenced, "Giving Up the Gun," the island jam "Horchata", and the crazy-paced song, "Cousins." Good party music for a warm day sitting outside with an umbrella drink.
Ok Go's second album, "Of the Blue Colour of the Sky" is possibly even more gratifying in that it introduces new sounds and experiments to the mix while still bringing the Ok Go hooks that make them so fun. The album starts off with quite the kicker in "WTF" a dirty, funky 4/5 beat complete with singer, Damian Kulash, Jr's recognizable falsetto. Halfway through, the track breaks down to an irresistibly raw 808 beat complete with cowbell. These guys must have been listening to Prince's 1999 and Purple Rain...a lot. Despite the obvious influence, they rock that old 80's Minneapolis funk sound without loosing their identity and keeping their indie sensibilities intact. The result is influential rather than imitation which makes this a real gem of a party record. White Knuckles(listen below), reaches pure funk bliss and was by far my personal favorite. Ok Go also get influence from Flaming Lips producer Dave Fridmann in the psychadelic slow burner "Back from Kathmandu". One great departure is the folk ballad, "Last Leaf" giving depth and heart to the album. Ok Go is no one-trick-pony, and people who wrote them off as a YouTube novelty need to think again and realize the talent these guys possess. Of the Blue Colour of the Sky is a great third chapter for Ok Go, full of evolution and promise for the future.
Ok Go's "White Knuckles"
Until next time!
C&I
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