1. Vampire Weekend's “Ya Hey”
This song, which was titled to sound like Yahweh, draws on the book of Exodus, in which Moses asks God to tell him His name.
“Through the fire, through the flame, you won't even say your name; only, I Am that I Am,” lead singer Ezra Koenig sings during the chorus. Fun fact: Koenig is a (non-practicing) Jew.
2. My Morning Jacket – “Gideon”
“Religion, should appeal to the hearts of the young,” My Morning Jacket singer Jim James cries out during the band's U2-style rocker/its response to the Pew survey.
3. Beck – “Nicotine and Gravy”
“I think we're going crazy/Her left eye is lazy/She looks so Israeli/Nicotine and gravy.” Beck, showing that he's not just a musical icon, but a philosopher on the level of The Ramham.
4. Mountain Goats – “This Year”
“There'll be feasting and dancing in Jerusalem next year,” lead singer John Darnielle sings on this angsty anthem. I'll see you there, John, provided I ever make it off of Birthright's waiting list.
5. The Notwist – “One With the Freaks”
What is a crowded shul, anyway, if not a bunch of freaky peeps coming together, trying to feel a connection with each other? Am I right?
Stay tuned. Indie-Goes-Jewish Vol. 2 coming soon.
More news and opinions than at a Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.