“1612” is not only one of Vulfpeck’s most popular songs, it is also perhaps the one that most accurately captures what their fans love about them. While seemingly a simple and repetitive pop song, with a catchy hook and nonsense lyrics, the form of the song is anything but standard and the lyrics actually betray the extensive musical background of those involved. Beyond the admiration expressed for greats like Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway (probably not the go-to idols of most of today’s popular acts), the silly, nonsensical lyrics actually call to the forefront the incredible musical talent of those involved by showing that they can even make the most ridiculous thing sound amazing.

The video for “1612” was submitted to NPR’s first ever tiny desk contest.