

“A-Punk” — Vampire Weekend
21 snips Aug 20, 2025
Chris DeVille, managing editor at Stereogum and author of 'Such Great Heights,' dives into Vampire Weekend's influence on indie rock. The discussion highlights 'A-Punk,' exploring its catchy riffs and rich lyrical themes that reflect wealth and culture. DeVille shares personal concert memories, underscoring music's emotional connections. The talk also examines the band's fashion statements and their evolving identity over time, revealing how Vampire Weekend's innovative sound bridges indie and mainstream music while shaping listener experiences across generations.
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Bjork Show Memory
- Rob Harvilla recounts standing 70 feet from Bjork at Housing Works and feeling life-changing awe when she hit vocal swoops.
- He also jokes about grabbing a disruptive 'woo' guy, blending reverence with comic bravado.
Brooklyn As Cultural Idea
- Harvilla contrasts 'Brooklyn the idea' with physical Manhattan and notes cultural coolness shifts between them.
- He argues some shows feel simultaneously like internet Brooklyn and real-life cultural moments.
White Sky Evokes NYC Walks
- Harvilla describes Vampire Weekend's Contra era and how 'White Sky' evokes walking around New York City.
- He links the song's Afro-pop bounce to the city's mix of awe, intimidation, and practiced indifference.