Top Ten Jumpstart: a lexicographical approach

David and I will post our top ten albums of 2008 list tomorrow, but I'll offer a sneak peak today by announcing that Vampire Weekend's album is on my list (won't say exactly where...)

One of the things that I love about Vampire Weekend are the obscure references that they tuck into their lyrics. I've learned a thing or two by listening to VW. So here's a brief dictionary of some of Vampire Weekend arcana to celebrate the whitest band on Earth and one of the best bands of 2008.
______________

Crowther, Jackson (b. 1976) A right handed pitcher who played for the Expos' farm system from 1999 to 2001 and for the New Jersey Jackals (in the independent Northeast League) from 2003-2004. He has a career ERA of 4.33 over 305.2 innings pitched and a record of 18-16, not to mention 230 Ks.

Dharamsala The town in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh where the Tibetan government in exile sits and where the Dalai Lama lives.

Gabriel, Peter (b. 1950) British singer and flautist who has sung about Heracleum mantegazziani, restrictions on humanoid height, and urban ovine repose.

Hyannisport, Provincetown, and Wellfleet Towns on Cape Cod.

Keffiyeh A traditional headdress worn by Arab men. The black-and-white keffiyeh is a Palestinian national symbol.

Kefir A yogurt-like fermented milk drink originally from the Caucasus region.

Kwassa kwassa A dance from Congo that was popular in the late '80s. The name is thought to come from the French quoi ça? which means "what is it?"

Mansard roof A roof with two slopes on all sides, the lower slope steeper than the higher one. Like this. Popularized by the french architect François Mansart (1598-1666).

Oxford Comma Also known as the serial comma, it's the controversial comma that comes before the word "and" in lists: e.g. reggae, disco, funk, and bluegrass. Many Brits leave it off while Americans tend to use it.