#328 Vampire Weekend, 'Modern Vampires of the City' (2013)

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A coming of age record for Vampire Weekend, this, their third record, saw the band expanding their sound. They had come to be known for their African-influenced beats and rhythms, a sound influenced by Paul Simon’s ‘Graceland.’ This album explores more adult themes, reflects on growing older, mortality and religion. Lyrics such as “Oh, good God/The faithless they don't love you/The zealous hearts/don't love you” and “'Cause this orthodox girl fell in love with the guy at the falafel shop/And why not?/Should she have averted her eyes and just stared/At the laminated poster of the dome of the rock?/ And that's not gonna change” are just an example of Ezra Koenig, a Jewish man and former teacher’s exploration of his faith. In their bid to explore a different sound, the band worked with a producer for the first time; Ariel Rechtshaid, would would later go on to produce HAIM, and date frontwoman, Danielle.

‘Diane Young’ and ‘Unbelievers’ dominated alternative radio on release. Still such great songs. One thing I noticed about ‘Finger Back,’ which I wouldn’t have a few years ago, is that the refrain from the song was re-purposed in ‘Harmony Hall,’ the lead single from their 2019 comeback album – “I don’t want to live like this, but I don’t want to die.” ‘Modern Vampires Of The City’ went on to win the Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album and was named in multiple lists at the end of 2013 as one of the albums of the year. It debuted at #1 in the States where it’s sold more than half a million records. A couple of years after this release, I had dinner with bassist, Chris Baio in a hidden laneway Asian restaurant in Melbourne. Unassuming, just like him. One of the nicest and most easy-going musicians I’ve ever met.

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