Miles Raymer,Reader music writer
Vampire Weekend, Modern Vampires of the City (XL) I liked most of the music on Vampire Weekend’s first two albums, but their posh aura of privilege was too off-putting for me to self-identify as a fan. Their third strips away the prep-school precociousness and heavy-handed attempts to incorporate various world musics, replacing them with a much-needed subtlety, both in their sonic borrowing and in their literary references. I’ve listened to the album’s best song, “Step,” about 30 times this week.
Ernest Wilkins, RedEye columnist and party promoter
The Y.N. Rich Kids What started as a Minneapolis after-school program giving kids a chance to rap if they got good grades has evolved into one of the best hip-hop crews in American history. Don’t believe me? Go watch their new videos, “My Bike” and “Khaki Pants.”
She & Him, Volume 3 (Merge) Zooey Deschanel sings like she really means it here—a huge step forward for her music. The production and the vibe on this album totally come together, and she sounds (dare I say it) downright soulful. There’s even a Blondie cover. Good lawd.
