Contra (by Vampire Weekend, Alternative Rock)

CONTRA is the second record from indie-rock darlings Vampire Weekend, who became the apples of the critics' eyes with their debut, self-titled album. On this album, the quartet of four guys from New York do what young adults do: explore their emotions and try to figure out who they really are. It's no surprise, then, that the song lyrics range from some fairly heavy introspection ("unsentimental, driving around, unsure of myself, sure of it now") to wanting to escape the world ("it struck me that the two of us could run worlds away from cars and all the stars and bars"). Through it all, however, Vampire Weekend keeps the lyrics clean, with nothing questionable beyond one mention of pot smoking.

Paul Simon, Velvet Underground, Weezer, and even Men Without Hats (remember "Safety Dance"?) come to mind when listening to this multi-layered CD. Of course, these influences will be more familiar to parents than most kids, but Vampire Weekend's overall sound will appeal to both age groups. Though this second record isn't quite as mesmerizing as the first, its creative leaps from straight-up alt-rock to afro-beats and beyond keep your attention locked throughout the album. 

Released on: January 12, 2010
Genre: Alternative Rock