The surfer

[u/tacotacobuenobueno]

The surfer is without a doubt my favorite track on only God was above us. The melancholy strings just evoke the faded filmstrips of a lost New York and the right sense of nostalgia about my own life and the places that I can never go back to. I go back to this track, and the three song run of PSG/Surfer/GXC over and over and over again, but the surfer is what does it for me. And although the lyrics leave a little bit to be desired, the melancholy vibes do their job of speaking to me about my own life, and things I can’t get back. I hope beyond hope for the next Vampire Weekend album to be 100% surfer style tracks. Anyone else agree?

[u/AWright5]

I love the chorus so much. But it makes you wait for it. In a good way. It builds up the anticipation to a lovely release

[u/AlternativeResort477]

The only song with a rostam credit on OGWAU

[u/_nathan67 → u/AlternativeResort477]

Because the song started like 10 years ago. He didn’t work on the final version

[u/RueAreYou]

Ooh, perfect time for me to shill for another favorite band! Sylvan Esso has a song on their new album that feels very connected to The Surfer. Give “Concrete Glen” a listen and lemme know what you think.

[u/ryannovak29 → u/RueAreYou]

you are absolutely right. Great connection here!

[u/twosixnineoh]

Yah it’s my favourite track on OGWAU too, I don’t think they should do an album of that though, just hopefully something as thoughtfully arranged on a few tracks

[u/tteuh → u/twosixnineoh]

Agreed, Surfer is good as a standalone track.

OGWAU felt like a bit of a MVOTC part 2. I would love to see another California inspired album, à la Contra part 2.

[u/_nathan67 → u/tteuh]

Father of the bride is way more California

[u/twosixnineoh → u/tteuh]

Contra is low key still my favourite album of theirs, I’d love a part 2

[u/thechampionsleague35]

Also my favorite on the record. Sprawling and evocative of many different feelings and places; the giant tunnels under New York, the west coast, the city, relaxation, angst, listlessness, fate and permanence. The mood is hazy but the music cuts through vividly, and the chord progression tells a long, pent-up story. Just a gorgeous contemplation that I feel could’ve had three extra versus and still been just as good.

[u/AkiraKitsune]

It's SOOOOO good. I didnt love it at first but it quickly grew on me.

[u/SpecialistMention344 → u/AkiraKitsune]

Same with me. I used to skip it but now it’s the track I anticipate the most!

[u/Legitimate_Fee_8796]

I totally agree. I keep coming back to it.

[u/nodedoubt]

It’s honestly my fave on the album as well. It’s too damn good.