Tracks of the Decade: “M79” by Vampire Weekend

Vampire Weekend

“M79”

from VAMPIRE WEEKEND

The crowning achievement of a stunning debut, VW’s inconceivably tuneful “M79” comes off as the lyrical equivalent of a scavenger hunt. Esoteric only at the surface, the track combines references to architecture, exotic geography, transportation, minor league baseball players, and racism into one refreshing cocktail. And then there’s the music – lush, airy, light, and bouncy, featuring the most pop-transcendent string section since OMD’s “If You Leave.” It’s a strange little song, the kind of tune you’ll love but never know what the heck it’s all about. That’s okay though, because I’m convinced after a thousand listens that it’s mostly about the joy of the ride.

Vampire Weekend
“M79”
from VAMPIRE WEEKEND

The crowning achievement of a stunning debut, VW’s inconceivably tuneful “M79” comes off as the lyrical equivalent of a scavenger hunt. Esoteric only at the surface, the track combines references to architecture, exotic geography, transportation, minor league baseball players, and racism into one refreshing cocktail. And then there’s the music – lush, airy, light, and bouncy, featuring the most pop-transcendent string section since OMD’s “If You Leave.” It’s a strange little song, the kind of tune you’ll love but never know what the heck it’s all about. That’s okay though, because I’m convinced after a thousand listens that it’s mostly about the joy of the ride.

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