VWs Batmanglij’s Blockbuster Orchestral Score

Whatever your seasonal preference Vampire Weekend’s eponymous debut belongs in summer catalogue just like the band’s wardrobe, but Rostam Batmanglij seeks to speed towards the fall equinox with his “new” string orchestral edit of “Campus”. With the subtle string arrangements present of VW, it might strike at first an unmixed demo, but after some research it seems like it might be a pre-VW rendition, and it’s damn good. Something for day-walkers i guess.

Rostam Batmanglij-Campus (Edit)

2008 has been a 6-month, non-stop Vampire Weekend with SPIN proclaiming the best band of the year had already been found in March many of us gave a nod of skeptical but subtle approval (as for people crying “solid afrobeat throwback”, that’s a bit more contentious).

From the band’s Mansard Roof EP: Vampire Weekend-Campus

Mid May Mardi Gras.

London has the River Thames + triumphant  rock scene, New Orleans has the Gulf of Mexico + trumpet-ant jazz heritage, regardless of preference we can all agree on sensational Cajun Dance Party(s). Yeah, a five piece rock act from England sounds about as unoriginal as writing your own music blog, but this more inventive act will charm you after some attention.

Combining choruses that stick with non-pop verses  and melodies ensures that what’s on your ipod is waaay more indie than everyone else on the street, allowing freedom to glare at all the those mainstream kids with smug disdain. (Me, considering the pop i solicit.)

Pick up your own pocket (Cajun Dance) Party The Colourful Life at the band’s website, scope their Myspace, and download “Amylase” below as a party favor (no download=party foul).

Cajun Dance Party-Amylase

EDIT: I’ve determined there may be subtle, offensive, but unintentional irony when comparing the last two posts.

Polite Conversation in a Hurricane.

Musical sects as environmentally-friendly as Cloud Cult are uncommon/preferable to most other cults. With a personal recording studio powered by geothermal energy, mass tree-planting based upon album sales, eight total annual albums and an overall green demeanor, the music is more organic than your favorite carbon compound.

Hip-ster not Hip-py, their newest record Feel Good Ghosts (Tea-Partying Through Tornadoes) boasts bouncy rhyme-heavy lyrics and an ominous weather-core sound which echoes that pleasant feeling of sipping EGCG in the calm before destructive high force winds and largely ignored warning sirens. It’s music that makes you content.

Cloud Cult- Journey of the Featherless

Cloud Cult manage to cultivate catchy music while still giving Mother Earth a desperately needed therapy session after thousands of years with too many ignorant children. Sample and download the addictive “Journey of the Featherless” and if you like, still avoid cult formation.

Myspace