Yesterday, NY Times told us three-fourths-Brooklyn group Vampire Weekend is the breakout indie success of the year. Today, RedLasso clips their performance on last night's thoroughly dismal episode of Saturday Night Live. Below, "A-Punk" and "M79" from the condom endorsing fresh-scrubbed foursome, featuring a smiley as ever Ezra. At least someone enjoyed the show.
Posted at 4:23 PM in Video
Tags: Amy Adams | Saturday Night Live | Vampire Weekend
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meh
Score = -3
"Yesterday, NY Times told us three-fourths-Brooklyn group Vampire Weekend is the breakout indie success of the year. Today, RedLasso clips their performance on last night's thoroughly dismal episode of Saturday Night Live. Below, "A-Punk" and "M79" from the condom endorsing fresh-scrubbed foursome, featuring a smiley as ever Ezra. At least someone enjoyed the show."
Did all of that fun upset the grumpy blog curmudgeon?
Score = 2
Still think the record is just alright but MAN is that singer a hyperdouche.
Score = -4
It was a terrible episode. That was probably the worst digital short they've done to date.
Score = -3
Nowhere near the worst digital short they've done, though possibly the weakest song-centric one. Overall a fairly lackluster episode though which always seems to be the case when there's musical guests I'm interested in (Jonah Hill/Janet Jackson next week, so hopefully that trend will work in my favor).
Score = 0
so....the backlash is complete, then?
seriously people, get over yourselves. the songs are fun.
Score = 2
"the songs are fun."
-fed-ex pope
Amen, the songs are most definitely awesome. Vampire Weekend are so good. If their the ones who bring more people into the independent music realm I'm not angry.
Score = 2
omg Ezra is not a hyperdouche!
How could you say that?
Score = 0
Ezra was fine, but the sound was awful--with the light textured guitar and keyboard work drowned out by a string quartet that obviously could not hear themselves.
I think the album is a stunner, but whether this music translates to live venues like this is a question mark.
Score = 1
"smiley as ever ezra"...?
why, stereogum, are you taking this derisive tone? he was not smiley, and ezra is not some asshole sellout, if that's the implication.
Score = -1
I agree vw were fine on an otherwise lame episode. Amy Adams is cute still
Score = -1
um I think by "smiley" they meant HE WAS SMILING. No need to b so goddamn defensive.
Bands should smile more.
Score = 2
This episode was far better than last weeks with that girl from Juno. Amy Poheler turned out many great performances and Tim Calhoun was great as well. I did fall asleep during the last VW song, though that may have been cause of the clocks changing.
Score = -1
weird, i thought this episode was pretty good...at least it started strong with the hillary phone call commercial and i thought the digital short was one of the best yet! amazing! longest, most elaborate build up for one extremely basic joke that they stretched to its limits. love love loved it.
Score = -1
Meanwhile, last night, The Stills tore up the Bowery Ballroom. Great show.
Score = -1
Couldn't make out word. but i did enjoy Ezra's little voice crack during A-punk.
Score = -1
Ezra is sooo cute! Great album too.
Score = 0
Even more dismal than the episode?
Staying home on Saturday night
or
This blog.
It blows shit.
Score = 2
I MISSED TIM CALHOUN!?!?!?!?! holy shit, he was the funniest character since chris farley was on the show.
Score = -2
So I guess that's what would happen if Steve Jobs from the 80's wrote a Paul Simon song... I'm glad someone figured that out.
Score = -1
Someone definitely forgot to mic the string section...
Score = 0
this is a case where I just can't get past the band's image. if I met these guys in a bar, I'd want to kick their asses. I liked them more before I ever had to look at them. and I don't feel shallow for thinking this - VW make their image a part of their music to such an extent that it's impossible to overlook.
Score = -2
I think it is so pathetic how petty some people on this blog are, with their little snide comments about the band. You sound like such snobs. I'm sure you are all fine people, but the damn comments are too much some times.
Give VW some credit. Good for them that their record is damn good and blowing up and they are all over the place.
Score = -2
I TOTALLY agree!!!
Score = 0
This was the worst SNL I've seen in a while. The marriage counselor sketch was okay.
Score = -2
This band is about as exciting as picking out socks for the week- sad state of affairs- if this is what exciting blogs and music press these days- where's the soul?
Score = 1
wow SNL's writers are SOOO creative - not one but TWO classroom skits in the same episode - where do they come up with these awesome original and hilarious ideas?!?!
Score = -2
at first i was kind of mad that i was at the super smash bros brawl midnight release instead of watching this, but i'm kind of happy that it ended up being a shitty episode anyway. last week's was pretty bad too :/
Score = -1
I thought Digital Short was worth it, but last week's was fantastic. Nicolas Fehn was best part of last 3 episodes. Also, constant Obama-bashing on SNL is getting tiresome.
Score = 0
funny, I feel like they put Obama up on a pedestal....
Score = 0
personally i agree it was a sub-par episode,
however that moms at the bar thing where they were doing that dance over and over was pretty hilarious despite how snobby and pretentious i'd like to sound
as for VW, i told the people i was watching it with that they were really good before the episode and felt kind of embarassed after...and i really like the album
Score = -1
I enjoy music!
Score = 1
The Keyboarder's sweater was ridiculus. That was proof that they are trying to push the prep image too far.
Score = 0
the vw bashing is getting old. this seems to go on every time they are even remotely mentioned in any blog post. let it go. they're as good as any other band you listen to.
that said, their SNL performance was a bit a bit subpar--the sound was off, i think. but they were fine on letterman, so i'm thinking it was a one time thing.
Score = 0
why the nut sack is everyone turning on these guys. Is it cause they are blowing up and now you can't keep them to yourself? Or are you just douches?
Score = 1
I dunno, I'm a nut sack and I'm not sure why I found that performance lame, I guess cuz it sort of sounded bad and the lead singer looks really arrogant and annoying....
but I"m after all just a nut sack....
so I don't know much
Score = -2
Ezra is a total douchebag in an OK band on a really bad SNL episode with a drawn out digital short
Score = -2
Tim Calhoun killed it!
Score = 0
all i'm saying is Jean K. Jean was downright hilarious and shows the greatness these guy can pull through on sometimes, if you thought he was talking nonsense than you aren't smart enough to get it. INCREABLE
Score = 0
increable!
Score = -1
INCREABLE
Score = 1
"increable" was the best thing keenan's done in that show in three years. it made me very happy. otherwise sketches on that show made me very sad.
Score = 0
vampire weekend is 2008's haircut 100
Score = 0
My guess is that their outfits weren't found at a thrift store, but throughout their mansions' wardrobe closets. I don't see a band working hard; I see trust fund babies who are smiling 'cause there is no way they'll ever worry about failing. They'll never worry about money problems.
Boy, I wish I was in that position in life. I'm so lower middle class...
Score = -2
I don't see what all the fuss is about Vampire Weekend. I bought the record when it came out, and it's okay. It's not amazing, but it's not terrible. Just okay.
Check out "The December Sound". I got their record at the same time, and it blows it away.
Score = -1
It's funny you know... apparently they pulled out of their Glasgow Gig because they were 'ill'... poor guys... have struggled by and attended the NME awards and numerous TV appearances... God love them...
Lets just say they better not show their faces in Glasgow again... they left tons of people with non-refundable tickets for Young Knives!!!???
There's a chibbing waiting for them over here...
Score = -1
"vampire weekend is 2008's haircut 100"
If only...
The sad--and pedictably pathetic--thing is, all of you breathlessly defending VW won't even remember these hype-driven merchants of schlock a year from now, just like you did with Crap Your Pants, Say Yeah. C'mon, admit it.
Score = 0
Tim Calhoun was pretty funny. I'm mostly indifferent to the whole Vampire Weekend thing...I don't think they really deserve the hype OR the backlash, it just is what it is...however, their SNL performance was a total snooze-fest. Surprisingly, I was more annoyed by Ezra's really odd/creepy facial expressions than I was by the fact that the band looked like prep extras from "Caddyshack"'s boat scenes.
Score = -1
please bring the strike back.
Score = -1
ImprovMFr, Boo Hoo.
Score = 0
That's the best thing about the internet. You don't need to suffer through bad television. The good parts end up on the internet the day after the event.
I love Vampire Weekend, for the record.
http://www.musicemissions.com/artists/albums/index.php?album_id=7967
Score = 0
Who cares about VW or SNL? The *real* TV gold this weekend was the new episode of King of the Hill: "Hipsters Invade Arlen". It was awesome! Required watching.
On topic, of course VW was bad on SNL. Other than the obvious reasons in this case, most bands on SNL sound pretty bad. It's a singer/songwriter venue. At least it's built and mic'd that way.
Score = 0
vampire weekend owes everything to this site
Score = 0
I agree with Music Critic--it is very rare that a band "sounds" good on SNL, because the acoustics and/or sound system are not meant for amplified rock n roll. That said, VW fell flat purely in their delivery. It was amateurish; they seemed nervous and the singer's smiley-ness looked forced and awkward.
As for the backlash, it was inevitable. A bunch of rich ivy league kids in cable-knit v-neck sweaters cannot coast into indie stardom without a collective cry of foul. Call it reverse classism or whatever. The fact that they play-up their affluence and pedigree only adds fuel to the fire. As a fan of music find this bands song boring and incidental, but as a person of modest means, I find their image outrageously annoying.
Score = 2
To all these negative posts about the band... why do you even post? It doesn't make you sound any cooler by knocking on VW just because people seem to enjoy them. And to the posts about them being only about image or douches, I met them back in July and they were very freindly and just happy that 10 people had showed up to see them open for a local Atlanta band. Great guys, and they deserve the success.
Score = 0
I disagree. I think everyone who posts something funny about not liking a band is automatically 17 points cooler than the people who can't come up with *anything* funny to say in defense of said band.
There.
Score = -1
VAMPIRE WEEKEND: Cornershop 2008
Score = -2
about VW...aren't the "strings" in a-punk a mellotron? I always thought they were. plus that kind of sound wouldn't come from a live quartet...soooo is the quartet aping to a tape? as ze purple one said: controversy
Score = 0
If I were a more prinicipled person, I feel like I'd hate Vampire Weekend. It seems they're overly image-conscious. Kind of white and boring. Very precious. I bet they catch cold easily -- thus, sweaters.
Anyway, I don't hate them, against my better judgement. Their songs are catchy and satisfying, even if the lyrics bring back memories of being on campus and wanting to choke every single person in the English department with their scarves and smack 'em around with whichever Pynchon book they were pretending to read that week. ASIDE FROM THAT, I like Vampire Weekend, and I'll tell you why:
They recall a glorious era in which white people could listen to upbeat pop music without ONCE feeling compelled to dance.
So, sure, they do appeal to me in a throwback kind of way. When I hear a hoppin' tune I just like to tap m' toes, and I'm sick of people moving about and having a good time when I just want to bob my head and listen to live music as though I were alone. Jee-SUS, is that so much to ask?
So Vampire Weekend is my answer. Their songs are ok and good for the occasional spin. I doubt very much that I'll be listening to them a year down the road, but I like them enough to put their album on, say, when all my friends are going to a Girl Talk concert. Or when they're having sex. Vampire Weekend is what I do instead of sex.
So bravo, Vampire Weekend. You are my hypothetical partner's vagina.
Score = 2
@ Drunk 1:50AM:
Post of the Week!
You know, I just realized that I *worked* at Comlumbia at the same time these guys were in school there. I wonder if I ever sold them ice cream. Or pot...
Maybe they were one of those bands that practiced in the basement of Lerner (?) Hall, where I stored the iced-style cream. (If they were, then I probably *did* sell them some pot) Weird. Columbia students were weird. And oddly enough, they were all incapable of counting change...
Anyway, fuck Tasti D-Lite.
Score = 1
VW is terrific live!
I just saw them in Atlanta the night following the SNL appearance.
One of the best CDs that I have heard since The Strokes debut - period!
Score = 0
You seriously need to see the humor in people comparing their debut to The Strokes. It's HILARIOUS.
Oh and whoever said it was way easier to enjoy Vampire Weekend before you actually SAW them is 100% on the money. I mean...LOOK AT THEM.
Score = 1
VAMPIRE WEEKEND IS AWESOME [PERIOD]!
Score = 1
i dig their Fred Perry sweaters.
Score = 1
These guys are so safe. Another middle white middle class fav. I think they are a good band and enjoy their songs OK. If their lead singer had acne and wasn't so pretty I wonder if they'd have gotten as far as they have. Does anybody remember Haircut 100, "Love Plus One" was their hit. I think they have a lot in common with VW, ESPECIALLY the Sweater look.
In regards to "drunk's" comment about wanting to listen to upbeat pop without feeling compelled to dance. Well, this seems like your band. It's safe music that doesn't require you to dance. That is why I'm not a fan. It's kind of neutered pop/rock.
'Drunk', If you don't already live in Seattle, you might consider moving there. That is where you would find a large populace of suburban hipster transplants who are too self conscious and cool to dance.
I think if music has dance rhythms and is palatable in that sense, you shouldn't be irritated with people who want to express themselves through dance when a band is playing live music. As a person who writes and plays dance music, i know that it is much appreciated to play to a crowd dancing to your music vs. a crowd that wants to dance but doesn't have the gumption to pull it off, it's constipating. If you don't want to be where the dance is, go sit in the balcony or somewhere on the side of the room where you won't be bothered.
Vampire Weekend. Congratulations really. I'm glad you are playing music and people are diggin' it. Expression is good on any level. That is what I believe our world needs more than anything. Not repression. From people the making music and those receiving it.
Cheers- Jordan Rain/Yogoman (Yogoman Burning Band)
Score = 0
"That is where you would find a large populace of suburban hipster transplants who are too self conscious and cool to dance."
I might be going out on a limb here, but couldn't it be that just *MAYBE* some people don't like to dance? I'm just saying. Dancing's not a universal thing, regardless of what some DJs have told you.
Score = 0
"If their lead singer had acne and wasn't so pretty I wonder if they'd have gotten as far as they have."
Mmmmm, you have a good point. They'd probably just be playing shows with Yogoman Burning Band.
Score = 1
First, the episode pretty much sucked... i agree with the "worst digital short ever" comment.
Second, did anyone notice the creepy looks the violinist was giving ezra? what was up with that
Third, how do you upstage Wilco's appearance? You can't. That was the shiz
Score = 0
very true.
im from ny, but i went to chicago to see Wilco play the riviera feb 15th and 16th. incredible.
Score = 0
Douchebags. the strings in the second song were great, other than that, just really annoying lyrics and vocals. There are so many great indie musicians who write songs that are worlds better. My friend charlie wadhams for example. search him on myspace music. I think he should be the one playing on snl, not these stupid hipsters.
Score = 0
some good shit
Score = 0
It's about time we have a new NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK.
Score = 0
I will admit that I've streamed their album a handful of times, and there will most likely be a few more rounds to come, but I can't help feeling like I'm already watching a Video Hangover.
Score = 0
I liked them better the first time around when they were called Haircut 100.
Score = 1
I don't know, i like a few of there songs, and I guess you could call them the breakout Indie success of the year, nut I wouldn't give them much else. I guess I just don't really like Indie, Indie rock isn't too bad but Indie in general isn't that good, to me anyways.
Score = 0
I don't know, i like a few of there songs, and I guess you could call them the breakout Indie success of the year, nut I wouldn't give them much else. I guess I just don't really like Indie, Indie rock isn't too bad but Indie in general isn't that good, to me anyways.
Score = 0
I don't understand why everyone thinks their SNL performace was so lame - I thought it was ok. I mean, obviously they're much better in a crowded, sweaty club full of people who love to dance but I think they did ok with what they had.
In general, I love them - they have come a long way and I think they deserve everything they have; however, I don't think that means there aren't so many other bands out there who aren't just as great who couldn't do exactly what they're doing. I think the acclaim need to be given to their label for the breakout...
Score = 0
vampire weekend does not owe everything to this site. they owe everything to derek davies, and i'll bet there's not a band out there that doesn't owe something to someone for getting them where they are.
most of you who are hating on the band probably just hate on them because they're super popular right now. so who cares? let them have their fame, because you know what? they created a sound with their record. big deal. that's more than you've probably done in your life.
Score = 0
lead singer should have clipped those guitar strings off at the headstock... having those strings flapping around in every shot makes them look amateurish.
Score = 0
lead singer should have clipped those guitar strings off at the headstock... having those strings flapping around in every shot makes them look amateurish
Score = 0
I like them, they just make fun little songs. The cynical kids who are just going with the inevitable backlash to a hyped band should shut up and start thinking for themselves. Its a shame they chose M79 though, that song is a bit much for me.
Score = 0
i LOVE vampire weekend!! i think theyre unique and interesting... and the music is catchy and just GREAT! what im wondering is... why does the way they dress affect so many people's opinions about them? i think thats shallow and ridiculous... very high school. why cant they rock indie and dress preppy? who really cares....
Score = 0
Vampire...Great Fun Music, PLAY IT AND PLAY IT LOUD
Score = 0
Is the SG fueled Vampire Backlash over yet?
Score = 0
Blah Blah Blah. These guys kick ass and put on a good show. Keep it up. quit you complaining.
Score = 0
Blah Blah Blah. These guys kick ass and put on a good show. Keep it up. quit you complaining.
Score = 0
I really LIKE the band, but I found the lead singer to be annoying too, like a big dweeb. AND what is that thing that he keeps doing with getting up on his tip toes at the microphone? WeIrD
Score = 0
wow. so you all are pretty much judgmental. music is music. it's all different. if everything else is the same, then there would be no diversity in the world. so what if they dress a certain way? it shouldn't matter. the fact that they're out there playing music and doing something they love is something to admire.
now a question of their character is not something you should decide until you get to know them or anyone. just sit back and enjoy the music. if you don't particularly like this kind, then just ignore them. go listen to your own music and leave VW to do their own thing for people who like them.
Score = 0