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Vampire Weekend have heard the Paul Simon comparisons one or two thousand times before, so it makes sense that frontman Ezra Koenig would record a version “Papa Hobo,” from Simon’s self-titled 1972 solo album. Give it a listen here:
Like Simon’s original version of the song, Koenig’s take is a low-key shuffle that features some hearty acoustic plucking and swampy accents from a ramshackle collection of background instruments (there may or may not be a mouth harp in there somewhere). Koenig doesn’t stray far from the original, which wraps a simple melody around a narrative about a kid growing up in Detroit.
Koenig recorded the song specifically for the soundtrack to the upcoming film Ceremony, a new film starring Uma Thurman and Michael Angarano that, based on the trailer, seems to channel the same kind of quirky prep-school energy that informs Vampire Weekend’s whole aesthetic.
The film features score work from Eric Johnson (the mastermind behind indie favorites Fruit Bats) and also contains like-minded tracks from Pete Townshend, Ringo Starr, and Van Dyke Parks.
How does Koenig’s Simon “Hobo” hold up to previous VW covers of Fleetwood Mac and Bruce Springsteen? Tell us what you think in the comments section below.
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I love the original and I love Vampire Weekend so I was excited to hear this, but I’m kind of disappointed. You’re right, he didn’t do to anything new with it which is fine sometimes, but if you’re covering a Paul Simon song you know its not going to be better than the original, so I think its better to make it your own. I think Vampire Weekend is so unique in such a genius way so I wish he could have done something new with it.
I’m definitely partial to the Vampire Weekend cover of Springsteen’s “I’m Goin’ Down,” having heard that live last tour. Ezra’s voice sounds really clear and sweet on this Paul Simon cover though. Good stuff.
Only One word to characterize such a great post “WOW” that was a very interesting read