Known as erudite lads, Vampire Weekend formed in 2006 while Ezra Koenig, Chris Baio, Rostam Batmanglij, and Chris Tomson were attending Columbia University. It didn't take too long for the band's following to spread beyond the campus' boundaries. The band's Ivy League image combined with its Afro-pop inspired sound -- for which they coined the term "Upper West Side Soweto" -- quickly caught the attention of the top indie music blogs and publications. The band already had a large following eagerly awaiting the release of their self-titled debut album in early 2008 and the group broke out of indie-rock obscurity when their second single "A-Punk" made its way onto the pop charts. With their sophomore album Contra already gaining lots of buzz there should be no doubt that Vampire Weekend are here to stay.
Few bands have adapted their sound to MTV Unplugged with as much ease as Vampire Weekend. They use the performance to try out new, and in their words more "accurate," arrangements of their songs. The addition of a small string section, flutes and Batmanglii's upright piano add a chamber-pop sheen to favorites like "A-Punk," "Oxford Comma" and "M79." Their new album Contra is well represented with "White Sky," "Run" and the high-energy single "Cousins." Fans of the band and the show will love this newest addition to the MTV Unplugged canon. MTV Unplugged is the ultimate stripped-down-to-the-core musical performance show. Established in 1989, the series has over the years featured striking performances by the biggest and best names in music. Everyone from Eric Clapton and Neil Young to Nirvana and R.E.M. to Alicia Keys, Jay-Z and LL Cool J have Unplugged, reinterpreting their music in our intimate, acoustic setting with stunning results.
In the 21st Century, MTV Unplugged has re-emerged with a selection of today's biggest and brightest stars taking the stage and peeling away the trappings of their music to reveal the essence at its core. From established heavy-hitters like Korn to rising stars like R&B singer-songwriter Ne-Yo and the sexy, soulful Joss Stone, Unplugged remains the hallmark of intimate, exclusive concert performances that can't be seen anywhere else.
Plus, MTV Unplugged gives fans the V.I.P treatment with up- close-and-personal artist interviews and extra footage from Unplugged concerts. And you can start, stop, pause and e-mail MTV Unplugged videos to your friends, so you control what you watch and when you watch it.
From classic metal anthems set to exotic orchestrations, brilliant B- sides, emo made even more expressive, and even more righteous R&B, MTV Unplugged gives you a whole new approach to musicians and the music they make. It's your favorite music like you've never heard it before, and you won't hear it anywhere else but MTV Unplugged.-->
