So That's Why Vampire Weekend Sounds Like That

#03 - Paul Simon's Graceland

I’ll be keeping it short and sweet this weekend because I do plan on writing about this week’s album sooner rather than later! As a major Simon and Garfunkel fan, it’s a great surprise that I had not listened to Graceland (Apple Music, Spotify) earlier, and by extension, no surprise that I adored it. Apple Music’s essay talks about Simon’s creative anxiety going into the album, and describes his inspiration by South African accordion music. It’s certainly a unique inspiration, but who am I to fault Paul Simon? Especially when this was the result.

As I listened through the album, I thought it sounded awfully familiar — the more I listened the more I registered that Vampire Weekend is just a really excellent imitation of Paul Simon. So, the convergence of VW and Simon and Garfunkel really set me up for success. I feel like the identity anxiety was palpable in the album, especially with the title track, I Know What I Know, and Diamonds on the Soles of her Shoes. Also, Crazy Love, Vol. II is so clearly inspiration for lots of Vampire Weekend, to circle back. The instrumentation is innovative and complex, the elevation (and credit, and payment!) of Black artists from South Africa in the 80s is excellent, and the trademark lyricism hits the spot as perfectly as ever. I love you, Paul Simon.

I have more to say (lots to say) and I may add it to next week’s writing (Rocky Mountain High by John Denver!), but suffice it to say that I love this album and I love Paul Simon.