Artist Vampire Weekend

Vampire Weekend’s Contra seems to have aspirations beyond just making a good impression in 2010: It’s a career statement, one that’s letting the world know that these Columbia University preps have more than just a fleeting interest in the jubilant rhythms of West African music, that they’re still aiming to impress (but aren’t always going to take the easy route, as seen in its lush orchestration), and that sophomore slumps are for suckers who only had one good album of material in the first place.

Updated 08/25/2010