Quick, Before It Melts.

Tomorrow--when Vampire Weekend's self-titled debut album is finally available--marks the official start of the end of 2008. From this point on in the blogosphere, it's going to be fair game to start talking end-of-year lists, and "best of 2008," even though we've only just finished counting down and debating 2007.

A number of its 11 tracks have been available in some form or another for a while now, but familiarity doesn't diminish their impact when placed alongside the newer material. It is truly a record you can listen to from start to finish without ever feeling the need to hit the forward button. The combination of a African influenced pop and city slicker sophistication is so organic in the hands of Ezra Koenig, Rostam Batmanglij, Chris Tomson, and Chris Baio that you wonder why we ever doubted Paul Simon's sensibilities back in the 80s.

Of the new tracks (at least new to me) "One (Blake's Got A New Face)" is quickly becoming my favourite thanks to its plucky little keyboard line which could have been lifted straight off an early New Order record. "M79" expands the VW sound with added strings and harpsichord in it's first 30 seconds. The rush and intensity of "Walcott" stands in contrast to their more familiar laid-back playing; its tempered by a string interlude mid way that puts the brakes on only slightly before revving up full steam ahead for the album's closing track, "The Kids Don't Stand A Chance."

Blog buzz band they may well be, but based on the strength of this album, you can't deny that with Vampire Weekend, the hyperbole is well deserved. If this is any indication of the year to come, 2008 looks set to be one for the ages.

Vampire Weekend "A-Punk" [Vampire Weekend, 2008, XL]