So one of my Rocktoberfest pledges was to discover new music this month. I’ve been putting my plan into action by buying a new CD each week this month.

My first album this month was Vampire Weekend’s Vampire Weekend album, because there’s been plenty of buzz about it and because Suzy Trotta recommended Walcott for The MG’s summer musical mission and I freakin’ loved it.

Having had a week to digest it, I can say it’s OK but unlikely to become one of my favorites. Their Afro-pop, Talking Heads-style music is fun — and I love music that’s different. But several of the songs sound dangerously alike. I also haven’t found a song on the album that I love more or even as much as Walcott (which is strange, because the band hasn’t pushed that song at all).

There are several songs I do enjoy though aside from Walcott, and will encourage you to try out:
1. Oxford Comma. Who gives a fuck about an Oxford comma? Certainly not me. I hate and never use them.
2. A-Punk. Everything Vampire Weekend is about is shoved into this song. It’s almost too much, but I can handle it. Can you?
3. M79. It makes me feel like putting on my argyle sweater and lounging on the quad.
4. The Kids Don’t Stand a Chance. Oh, I don’t know. I think they do, but we’ll wait for their sophomore effort.

Incidentally, Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa, which is one of the songs that’s been heavily promoted, makes me want to claw my eyes out because it gets in my head, stays there and torments every fiber of my being. And it had so much potential.

On tap for the rest of the month are (I think) The Killers, The Break and Repair Method and Okkervil River. I’m open to other suggestions.

And in other Rocktoberfest celebrations, I will be attending Knoxville’s Brewers Jam festival tomorrow to drink lots and lots of beer and celebrate The Modern Beau’s passing of the bar exam. If that isn’t Rocktoberfestastic, I don’t know what is.

P.S. The Rocktoberfest blogroll grows, so check out the new additions.