Even before their ‘big time’ appearance on Saturday Night Live earlier this month, Vampire Weekend was one of the biggest new bands of 2008, if not the biggest new band of the year, at least as far as the ‘buzz factor’ goes.
Weeks leading up to the February release of their debut self-titled album on Beggar’s Banquet, VW had captured the attention of bloggers, music critics and ‘indie’ fans, mostly due to their performances last year in concert, at music festivals and their Feb. 1st U.S. network debut on the David Letterman Show.
Vampire Weekend – Boston
Vampire Weekend – Walcott
Vampire Weekend – A-Punk
(Watch and listen to Vampire Weekend play a 40-minute session clicking the video further down the page)
Many fans were disappointed by VW’s performance on SNL (the string section wasn’t synced with the band). Even the full-length clips of Vampire Weekend performing on SNL have been removed from YouTube; however, they have reappeared on Stereogum.
But, really, you can forget about the SNL show. Without question, it is the band’s 40-minute studio session on KCRW’s Morning Becomes Eclectic this past Valentine’s Day that shows Vampire Weekend at their best. Not only that, but everyone watch it. This is one of the best things about the Internet.
Die-hard fans all around the world who have been unable to see Vampire Weekend in concert should really enjoy this session. It may be the closest many come to see the band in concert, and in some cases, even better.
During the 40-minute studio performance, Vampire Weekend’s band members play almost every song from their debut album. The video and audio quality, and camera work, are superb (unlike most videos on YouTube) – no screaming, background noise or shakiness. See the set list below and some lyrics.
The first set of VW’s KCRW February 14, 2008 studio session features, in order played, Mansun Roof, Oxford Comma, A-Punk, Cape Cod Kawassa Kawassa and Boston. Following the first set, there is a brief and wonderfully conducted interview with the band.
During the second set the guys play Bryn, Campus, I Stand Corrected, The Kids Don’t Stand and M79.
View more Vampire Weekend lyrics at their official website.