Even When We’re Nothing We’re More Than Them

Because there are people out there making something cool everyday. Because creativity will always be worth it. Because sometimes it’s about being here just to have something to do. And eventually it becomes your everyday life.

There’s been a lot of talk about Vampire Weekend revamping their sound for Contra by going a darker route. Well, here’s the new single “Horchata” and it sounds … pretty much the same. It’s good – I’ve always been fond of the band’s incorporation of world music themes – and I suppose you could hear a darker tone if you were inclined to do so, but any shift is pretty minimal. So I imagine fans will continue to be satisfied and critics will lob the same “Put on your Izod shirt and go to the Hamptons” barbs.

Vampire Weekend – Horchata
[Off Contra, out January 12th]

Laura Veirs also has a new album out January 12 and has thoughtfully provided the first two tracks available for free download. I’m impressed with the title track “July Flame,” a nicely understated affair with a great guitar riff. It sort of slinks around in a sultry way.

MP3: Laura Veirs – July Flame
[On July Flame, out January 12. Also on the Utne Reader Music Sampler January 2010, out now. Download it free.]

I have a love/hate relationship with Big Beat, due mostly to its utter lack of shelf life. Therefore it’s with great trepidation that I ever post anything from the genre, and if I post a track it’s usually only after I’ve given it a good ten run throughs to make sure I won’t hate myself in the morning. Paqman, as you might guess, passed this test.

[Off December 09 Demo, out now. Download it free.]

Tags: Laura Veirs, Paqman, Vampire Weekend