Track of the Week

Vampire Weekend - Ya Hey

Ezra Koenig has always been a clever songwriter. Ironically  had it not been for his wit Vampire Weekend would not have been such a comma obsessed controversy to begin with and would have naturally fallen in line with your bow tie wearing, mustache rocking best friend's band with a "New 7 inch coming out soon." But the powers that be had other plans, and in this weeks Track of the Week Ezra pulls up a seat with the very ruler in question. "Ya Hey" is a plaintive discussion of the hardships God must go through on the daily.

Ezra sings "Zion doesn't love you /And Babylon don't love you / But you love everything" Asking, in essence: why go through all the trouble? If everyone is fighting tooth and nail to deny your existence, why love them as you do? It is certainly a weightier discussion than most pop songs care to deal with.

But, far from feeling like a breakup with the Almighty, Ezra is describing the difficulty each of us have in this day and age understanding something so far beyond what we have reference for. How many of us could act with such unconditional compassion for those who have seemingly turned their backs forever? In a way, he is playing ambassador; attempting to find reconciliation with a relationship in transit.

Throughout the hook modulated vocals play with the forbidden name of the Lord. But, if I'm not mistaken Mr. Koenig is a Cohen right? So this shouldn't upset too many religious elitists. In classic Vampire Weekend flare, the title is also a flip on the title of a song by a group whose name may adequately describe the brand of emotion God must be feeling in the 21st century.

Given all of the innuendo and conflicting themes one would think this track wouldn't make much of a radio hit. A problem that plagues a good deal of artists these days. But as with all songs coming out of this group the underlying message is delivered with such ease and catchy pop know-how you can hardly feel the weight.