Plunk, Plunk, Plunk: Grizzly Bear Sounds Like M.I.A. Sounds Like Lauryn Hill?

So, Grizzly Bear has a new album, Veckatimest, and people are freaking out about it almost as much as they'd freak out about, like, an actual grizzly bear. We just heard it clocked in at #8 on the Billboard chart for its first week of sales, 40% of which came from the Internet. Paste's own Matt Fink called it "a masterpiece" in his review last week. By all means, it's shaping up to be one of the biggest albums of the year—although when it comes time for the Paste staff to duke it out for our Best of 2009 list, we might have a real fight on our hands. The general consensus seems to be that it's a lovely piece of work, though Web Warrior Austin has made no secret of his disinterest in the band. Rawr.

As for me, I'm still feeling it out. For an album that's been so highly praised for its originality, what I like most about it so far are the parts that remind me of music I already like—the swipes at Pet Sounds and glances at Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. But then that kinda just makes me want to go listen to the things that it reminds me of. Usually I do not consider this a good sign, but somehow I still like this album. We're just taking it slow, Veckatimest and me. No rush.

My favorite track by far happens to be the kinda-single "Two Weeks," which also happens to be the song that reminds me most intensely of another one—M.I.A.'s "Paper Planes." It's the very first part, the insistent, plunking beats just before the vocals come in. Uncanny, right?


I pulled up both tracks to get a second opinion from some co-workers. Austin, Mr. Haterade himself, agreed that they sound similar. "But it actually sounds like another song," he said. "Some Lauryn Hill song."    

And yeah, it's kinda there too—at least to our ears.

But what do you think? Do you hear what we hear? Even if you don't in this instance, how do you feel about songs that so closely recall other tunes? Do you just chalk it up to friendly tribute—or synchronicity—maybe make a little playlist, and enjoy it regardless? Or does it make you want to pull a Satriani? Discuss. If you need me, I'll just be over here listening to "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes."

Edit: Those iMeem embeds are just 30-second clips, and not of the first few bars in question, so you'll need to click on "Play full song here" for the whole effect.