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Contra |  | Artist: Vampire Weekend
Label: XL Recordings
Category: Music
List Price: $14.98
Buy New: $10.08
as of 9/7/2010 19:33 CDT details
You Save: $4.90 (33%)
New (41) Used (13) Collectible (3) from $8.74
Seller: --cdzone-uk--
Rating:  102 reviews
Media: Audio CD
Discs: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.3
Dimensions (in): 5.6 x 4.9 x 0.4
UPC: 634904042929
EAN: 0634904042929
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Tracks:
| • | Horchata | | • | White Sky | | • | Holiday | | • | California English | | • | Taxi Cab | | • | Run | | • | Cousins | | • | Giving Up The Gun | | • | Diplomat's Sun | | • | I Think UR A Contra |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
Like the first album, Contra was produced by keyboardist Rostam Batmanglij and is the realization of a whole and unique musical vision that sees the band stretching out and adding new textures, instrumentation, and rhythms into their sound.Primarily recorded in New York with a springtime sojourn to Mexico, Contra feels altogether fresh, joyous, and like nothing else but is immediately recognizable as the sound of Vampire Weekend.
Album Description
The second album from US eastcoast indie pop band Vampire Weekend. Features the single track "Horchata".
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| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 102
 Excellent follow-up January 12, 2010
Dr. Rock (Chicago)
58 out of 71 found this review helpful
After releasing their debut album, Vampire Weekend seemed to face a dilemma. They could either make another album with more of the same or completely change their sound. Either way, they were bound to receive scorn from critics. But somehow, they managed to evolve while still maintaining their signature sound. Anyway, let's get down to business...
Track by track:
"Horchata" - A great opener that sets the tone for yet another summery, poppy indie release from Vampire Weekend. The use of marimba and kalimba is new yet sounds very fitting. (9/10)
"White Sky" - This song has been played by the band for at least a year before they recorded it. I'm glad to see it was finally recorded. (7/10)
"Holiday" - A straightforward pop song with obvious ska influence. Instantly catchy. (8/10)
"California English" - Interesting use of auto-tune. I never thought someone would use auto-tune in a way that wasn't blatant and annoying. (8/10)
"Taxi Cab" - This is new territory for the band. Ezra sings in a low voice, buried under strings and programmed piano pieces. Very calming track with some of their best lyrics yet. (9/10)
"Run" - Things pick back up with this track which was instantly one of my favorites. The arrangements are very engaging on this one. The choruses are instrumental but quite effective. (9/10)
"Cousins" - When I first heard this song I didn't really care for it because I had only heard it live. Once I heard the recording, I was converted. It seems to capture the spirit of A-Punk but I feel like it lacks a hook. The ending makes up for it though. (8/10)
"Giving Up The Gun" - I was so excited to hear that this song would be on Contra. Ezra's old hip-hop band, L'homme Run, recorded an old version of this song years ago called "Giving Up Da Gun," and I used to listen to it nonstop. Very glad to see that they went back to the well. (10/10)
"Diplomat's Son" - This track is the band's longest song yet and features some vocals done by Rostam during the bridge. I really dig the white-guy-reggae vibe. I found it especially funny when Ezra mentions that he "smoked a joint." (10/10)
"I Think Ur A Contra" - Hands down my favorite song on the album. The band truly ended the album with their masterpiece. Not only are the lyrics in this song their most sincere, but the arrangement they used is among their strongest. The subtle atmosphere paired with their first ever use of acoustic guitar makes the song sound genuinely heartfelt and sets it apart from their repertoire. (10/10)
Overall, I think this album is on par with their debut and I will be spinning it nonstop for months to come.
Vampin' ! March 12, 2010
Linda In Wonderland (New York, USA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Awesome album. I love. Its so nicely done and it puts a smile on my face.
My wife loves Vampire Weekend! March 12, 2010
C. Palmer (Portland, OR USA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I purchased Contra by Vampire Weekend for my wife for Valentine's day. She loves it! She purchased their self-titled album before this one and she really liked it too.
LOVE it!!! March 14, 2010
Sherry Richert Belul (San Francisco, CA United States)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I recently discovered Vampire Weekend and I absolutely love 'em. I listen to "Horchata" whenever I'm feeling low energy and it immediately boosts my mood! But the whole CD is fabulous. Truly.
A wonderful follow-up March 15, 2010
Jesse M (Atlanta, GA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
It's tough to follow-up great albums in general. Expectations are high. What's a band to do? Make something that sounds like their first? Do something different? Somewhere in the middle?
Vampire Weekend, in my opinion finds the middle ground in their second release, "Contra". It's an album with excellent musical merit, wonderful melodies, and excellent instrumentals.
Get it, you won't be disappointed.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 102
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