What we have here is a solo version of Vampire Weekend’s “Campus” performed solely by the band’s keyboardist and string arranger, Rostam Batmanglij, that is currently streaming on his MySpace. This version removes the afro-pop bounce of the original, and replaces it with a stately string arrangement that sounds like Street Hassle-era Lou Reed.
If anything, the track proves Batmanglij is more than second fiddle to VW lead singer Ezra Koenig, both are talented in their own right.
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7.5 out of 10
Much better than the original |
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7.5 out of 10
I like the feel of this version better. |
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5.0 out of 10
i'm all about string sections but...dudes, boat shoes, cardigans, cape cod....now this? it's like adding a bowtie. ridiculously awesome at first but then just a tad much. |
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7.5 out of 10
I'm definitely not into their image. I try to block that out... |
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5.0 out of 10
it's hard to block out when it's their schtick. i just think the whole, "yeah, i'm an inbred white boy. and wha?!" movement is rather weak. i mean, i own cardigans and boat shoes too. and i actually like v dubs. but there's a fine line between being classy about it and just straight up rubbing benjamins in my face. this version, i feel, represents the latter. |
Rostam Batmanglij »
Didn't expect this to sound so good