Vampire Weekend singer Ezra Koenig is set to cover a classic Paul Simon track.
Vampire Weekend have long been dogged by comparisons to Paul Simon. By recruiting African rhythms the band left themselves open to comparisons with ‘Gracelands’ which critics soon seized upon.
Returning with their second album ‘Contra’ the band once more fought off comparison to the American songwriter. Now lead singer Ezra Koenig is set to met the accusations head on for a new project.
Taking part in sessions for a movie soundtrack, the frontman has decided to cover Paul Simon’s ‘Papa Hobo’ reports Pitchfork. A classic first released in 1972, it comes from a classic period in the songwriter’s career.
Set to gain the Vampire Weekend treatment, Ezra Koenig has hooked up with some guest stars for the cover version. Rock legend Van Dyke Parks took part in the session, while Fruit Bats’ Eric Johnson also contributed.
The track is set to be released next year, as part of the soundtrack to the upcoming comedy ‘Ceremony’. Starring Uma Thurman it seems to be the latest film benefiting from a indie soundtrack, starring several other collaborations.
‘Ceremony’ was directed by Max Winkler, who boasts some stellar credentials. Born into a showbiz family, Winkler’s father Henry found world fame as The Fonz in 70s sitcom ‘Happy Days’.
Set to premiere at this year’s Toronto Film Festival, there has been no announcement of a general release.
Meanwhile, Vampire Weekend are still fighting a court case over the cover of their second album. The model on the front of ‘Contra’ has begun proceedings to take both the band and designer to court.
Alleging that the photo was used without permission, the case will be heard later this year.
