Like everybody else, I nabbed a copy of Vampire Weekend when it first came out. And regardless of how any of us feel about it now, there are times when all I want to do is cue up “Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa,” throw open the windows and just relax in the summer air. For some reason, the rest of the album never quite did it for me. Well, to get the summer rolling, I’ve found the perfect replacement, the perfect upgrade even. They’re even from New York, and the Ivy League… sorta.

If you remember back in 2006, a band called This is Ivy League released a single called “London Bridges” that wowed critics and audiences alike…and then disappeared. Well that band is back, this time with a full self-titled release, which includes a reworking of “London Bridges” and this gem “The Richest Kids” (which, I assume, coming from New York City means a lot). In the song, which you can download below, the band effectively cross a Belle & Sebastian melody with an element of bliss found in acoustic guitars, handclaps and shakers. Like I said, it’s open-window music. Hell, you might even want to remove the screen.

The album came out about a month and a half ago now, but give yourself a chance to warm up to your new favorite band this summer, trust me you won’t be regrettin’ it come August.

As always, grab the tunes after the jumposaurus.

This Is Ivy League - “The Richest Kids”

This Is Ivy League - “London Bridges”

This is Ivy League is out now on Twenty Seven Records.

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