Contra (album)

Contra (album)
Contra
Studio album by Vampire Weekend
Released January 11, 2010 (2010-01-11)
Recorded 2009
Genre Indie rock, indie pop
Length 36:40
Label XL
Producer Rostam Batmanglij
Vampire Weekend chronology
Vampire Weekend
(2008)		 Contra
(2010)
Singles from Contra
  1. "Horchata"
    Released: 5 October 2009
  2. "Cousins"
    Released: 17 November 2009
  3. "Giving Up the Gun"
    Released: 19 February 2010
  4. "Holiday"
    Released: 7 June 2010
  5. "White Sky"
    Released: 16 August 2010

Contra is the second album by American indie rock band Vampire Weekend, released in January 2010 on XL Recordings. It debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 200. The album title is intended as a thematic allegory and a complex reference to the Nicaraguan counter-revolutionaries, the 1980 The Clash album Sandinista!, and partially to the Contra video game.[1]

Contents

Release

The release of Contra was announced on September 15, 2009,[2] and was released in the UK on January 11, 2010. It was released in the U.S. on the next day. However, the album was already available on January 8 on iTunes.[citation needed] "Horchata" was released as a free download on October 5, 2009 on the band's website. The first single was "Cousins", accompanied by a 7" single, and a music video.[3] The album was available for streaming on the band's MySpace starting on January 3, 2010.[4] It is also currently available for streaming from their official website, as of January 5, 2010.

It is the band's first album to reach number one on the Billboard 200, and the 12th independently-distributed album in history to reach the number one spot on the Billboard 200 since Nielsen Soundscan began recording data in 1991, while also being the first independent artist to have done so without ever having signed with a major label, after already established rock bands Radiohead and Pearl Jam and before Arcade Fire's The Suburbs.[5][6] The album managed to move 124,000 copies in its first week[7] and as of September 2010, has moved 400,000 units in the US alone.

Music and lyrics

The lyrics of "I Think UR a Contra" include the phrase "Complete Control", the title of a Clash single (notably, an influential 1980 triple album by The Clash was entitled Sandinista! after the socialist militancy opposed by the Contras during the Nicaraguan civil war). This refers partially to the controversy surrounding their punk roots. The title "Diplomat's Son" is a reference to a story singer Ezra Koenig wrote about in boarding school, though the content lyrically talks about a homosexual relationship told by Rostam Batmanglij.[8] The song also features a vocal sample from M.I.A.'s "Hussel". "Holiday" begins with the opening lyrics of Fairport Convention's 1969 rendition of Matty Groves.

Koenig has stated in multiple interviews that the album contains lyrical themes of opposition consistent with its title, and feels it is important to understand that the word "Contra" is a fundamental concept of conflict, without any implication that one side is right or wrong. The lyrics of Contra are also meant to express a desire to be compassionate even towards people and things you disagree with.[9] He also states the lyrics of Contra deal with reconciling feeling of privilege and guilt, for which he uses the term "first world guilt". Contra is considered by critics to be instrumental in cementing the cultural significance of Vampire Weekend first formed with their debut record, as Contra deepens and commits to a general attitude of rejecting traditional notions that rock musicians are poor, underprivileged rebels. Whereas their first album brought to light the prejudices against affluence and wealth in rock music, Contra, even in its very title, openly argues this stigma.[10]

The band made an effort to make their second album a natural expansion on the universe created in their debut album, as a result Contra covers a far greater gamut of musical influences than their debut album, drawing inspiration from genres such as ska on "Holiday", synth pop on "Giving Up The Gun", speed rap on "California English" and even rave music on "Run". The production of the album, directed by Rostam Batmanglij, was also different from their former work in that it did not use chamber echo and natural reverb but instead used digital effects to give the album an eighties aesthetic. Other distinguishing features of Contra are the use of backing vocals as textural elements, the debut of Rostam as a lead guitarist and more layered drumwork in which fundamental Latin beats are blended with drum machines to create a busier rhythm section.[11]

Artwork and lawsuit

The cover of "Contra" features a candid polaroid of a girl from 1983. The photo was found by Rostam while searching through photo archives of that year. The striking quality of the image is what attracted Vampire Weekend to it, and which has made it a topic of such focus and discussion. Ezra states that when he first saw the image, he felt he read "some sort of hesitation" in her face, and that the band discussed at length what her possible age or emotional state could be in the photograph, without ever become certain of either. Koenig believed that "wrapped up in her expression is this question: 'How is she feeling?'" and that "maybe she wasn't even really sure at the time."[12]

In an interview, lead singer Ezra Koenig revealed that the girl pictured on the front cover is "now living in Malibu".[13] Koenig has confirmed that the picture was taken in 1983 (by photographer Tod Brody) and was chosen as a juxtaposition to the debut album's cover which, while taken in 2006, looks as if it "inhabits the same world".[14] Koenig also referred to the girl as "Kirsten" in a post on Twitter.[15] Koenig likens the image to the Rorschach test as multiple meanings can be extrapolated from just a few signifiers, saying, "Some people get very mad when they see a white blonde girl in a Polo shirt."[14]

On July 15, 2010, Vampire Weekend, along with XL Recordings and Brody, were sued by Ann Kirsten Kennis, the woman who identified herself as the mysterious woman on the cover, for $2 million for using the photo without her permission.[16][17] Kennis has said that the photo was taken while she was "a high-fashion model under contract with prestigious agencies in New York City." In addition, Kennis claims that the release forms for the photo that was allegedly signed by Kennis herself, were forged.[18] In a statement released by Kennis' lawyer Alan Neigher, Neigher explains that Kennis discovered herself on the cover when her daughter brought home a copy of Contra and showed it to Kennis. Neigher also mentioned that Brody did not take the photo and said that it was taken by Kennis' mother. Despite this claim, Brody claims that he took the photo and says that he's had the photo for 26 years until Vampire Weekend discovered it on his Flickr page and bought it for five thousand dollars.[19] Koenig later responded on the matter and said that "this is the first time any of us have ever been sued, so we're still learning how it works," he added, "There's nothing we can say about it. We're not trying to be mysterious. I imagine in the next few months there'll be plenty to talk about. Given it's our first time, we just want to do it properly."[20]

Vampire Weekend responded in turn by suing photographer Tod Brody, but by this time Brody had gone missing and courts were unable to serve him his summons. Because no one could find him, the courts allowed his subpoena to be issued via e-mail on November 24, 2010. Brody had until early 2011 to appear in court for these charges.[21] After months without response from Brody, his lawyers petitioned the courts to quit the case, dropping Brody as a client. It has become nearly impossible to reach him by phone or e-mail, his lawyers stating "if and when he finally did respond, his responses became increasingly hostile and exhibited substantial animus toward the firm.".[22] Brody's legal team had to hire a private investigator to locate his residence in order to complete their request to drop Brody as a client.[22]

On August 15, 2011, it was announced that Kennis had dropped her lawsuit against XL Recordings and Vampire Weekend after they paid Kennis an undisclosed sum[23]. Kennis, XL Recordings and Vampire Weekend have continued to pursue their separate lawsuits against Brody, who has now been located and is currently representing himself after being dropped by his lawyers for non-payment[23].

Reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
Source Rating
Allmusic 4/5 stars[24]
Entertainment Weekly (B+)[25]
The Guardian 4/5 stars[26]
Los Angeles Times 3.5/4 stars[27]
NME (8/10)[28]
Pitchfork Media (8.6/10)[29]
Robert Christgau (A)[30]
Rolling Stone 4/5 stars[31]
Spin 4/5 stars[32]
The Tune 3.4/5 stars link
Uncut 4/5 stars[33]

Metacritic, which assigns a normalised rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, reported an average score of 81 based on 38 reviews, described as "universal acclaim".[34] The Guardian awarded the album four out of five stars, stating that "[Contra] will probably be among this year's most played and most joyful tunes."[26] Spin praised the album, calling "the balance of classical, rock, and world instrumentation, cagey rhythms, and stunning prettiness isn't just architecturally resplendent, it's reassuringly sweet and strangely moving."[32] NME gave the album an 8 out of 10, and described Vampire Weekend as "one of the most unique bands on the planet."[28] Consequence of Sound named it the best album of 2010. On December 1, 2010, it was announced that Contra was nominated for a Grammy for "Best Alternative Music Album".[35] This album was number 6 on Rolling Stone's list of the 30 Best Albums of 2010.[36] Pitchfork placed it at number 6 on its list "The Top 50 Albums of 2010".[37]

Track listing

All lyrics written by Ezra Koenig, "Horchata" and "Diplomat's Son" co-written by Rostam Batmanglij, all music composed by Vampire Weekend except "Taxi Cab" and "I Think UR a Contra" by Rostam Batmanglij and Ezra Koenig.

No. Title Length
1. "Horchata"   3:26
2. "White Sky"   2:58
3. "Holiday"   2:18
4. "California English"   2:30
5. "Taxi Cab"   3:55
6. "Run"   3:52
7. "Cousins"   2:25
8. "Giving Up the Gun"   4:46
9. "Diplomat's Son"   6:01
10. "I Think Ur a Contra"   4:29
iTunes bonus tracks
No. Title Length
11. "Giant"   2:50
12. "California English: Part 2" (Pre-order only; also a B-side to "Cousins") 2:57
'Contra Megamelt' bonus disc
No. Title Length
1. "Contramelt A"   6:11
2. "Contramelt B"   4:36
3. "Cousinz (Toy Selectah Mex-More Remix)"   3:20

Personnel

Vampire Weekend

Additional musicians

  • Mauro Refosco - marimbas, rebolo, zabumba, shekere, shakers, auxiliary percussion on "Horchata"
  • Marcus Farrar - shekere, auxiliary percussion on "Horchata"
  • Libby Gery - background vocals on "Giving Up the Gun"
  • Anne Donlon - background vocals on "Horchata" and "Giving Up the Gun"
  • Nat Baldwin - double bass on "Horchata", "Taxi Cab" and "Giving Up the Gun"
  • Jonathan Chu - violin, viola on "Horchata", "California English", "Taxi Cab" and "Diplomat's Son"
  • Hamilton Berry - cello on "Horchata", "California English", "Taxi Cab", "Giving Up the Gun", "Diplomat's Son" and "I Think Ur a Contra"
  • Seth Rosenfeld - cello on "Giving Up the Gun"
  • Jesse Novak - additional instrumentation on "Giving Up the Gun"
  • Jeff Curtin - hand drums on "Giving Up the Gun" and "I Think Ur a Contra", shakers on "I Think Ur a Contra"
  • Shane Stoneback - shaker on "I Think Ur a Contra"

Production

  • Rostam Batmanglij - producer, mixer, audio engineer
  • Justin Gerrish - mixer, except on "White Sky"; audio engineer
  • Shane Stoneback - mixing assistant, audio engineer
  • Fernando Lodeiro - engineering assistant
  • Tito Fuentes - audio engineer on "Cousins"

Chart performance

Charts (2010) Peak
position
Australian Albums Chart[38] 2
Canadian Albums Chart[39] 1
French Albums Chart[40] 15
French Digital Albums Chart[40] 2
Irish Albums Chart[41] 4
Italian Albums Chart[42] 98
New Zealand Albums Chart[43] 12
Polish Albums Chart[44] 90
UK Albums Chart[citation needed] 3
UK Indie Chart[citation needed] 1
U.S. Billboard 200[45] 1
U.S. Billboard Independent Albums 1

Year-end charts

Chart (2010) Position
UK Albums Chart[46] 64
US Billboard 200[47] 72

Chart procession and succession

Preceded by
Conditions by The Temper Trap		 UK Independent number-one album
23–30 January 2010		 Succeeded by
The Betrayed by Lostprophets
Preceded by
Animal by Kesha		 U.S. Billboard 200 number-one album
30 January 2010 - 6 February 2010		 Succeeded by
Hope For Haiti Now by Various Artists
Canadian number-one album
30 January 2010 - 6 February 2010

See also

Musical note nicu bucule 01.svg Alternative music portal
  • List of number-one independent albums (U.S)

References

  1. ^ Michaels, Sean (2009-11-11). "Vampire Weekend name new album after videogame". guardian.co.uk. http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2009/nov/11/vampire-weekend-new-album-videogame. Retrieved 2010-03-14. 
  2. ^ Dombal, Ryan (2009-09-15). "Vampire Weekend Announce Everything About Second Album". Pitchfork Media. http://pitchfork.com/news/36492-vampire-weekend-announce-everything-about-second-album. Retrieved 2010-03-14. 
  3. ^ Breihan, Tom (2009-10-23). "Vampire Weekend Prep New Single". Pitchfork Media. http://pitchfork.com/news/36898-vampire-weekend-prep-new-single/. Retrieved 2010-03-14. 
  4. ^ "Vampire Weekend On MySpace". myspace.com. http://www.myspace.com/vampireweekend. Retrieved 2010-03-14. 
  5. ^ Caulfield, Keith (2010-01-20). "Vampire Weekend Lands First No. 1 Album". billboard.com. http://www.billboard.com/news/vampire-weekend-lands-first-no-1-album-1004060383.story#/news/vampire-weekend-lands-first-no-1-album-1004060383.story. Retrieved 2010-03-14. 
  6. ^ Phillips, Amy (2010-02-20). "Vampire Weekend Hit Number One". Pitchfork Media. http://pitchfork.com/news/37633-vampire-weekend-hit-number-one/. Retrieved 2010-03-14. 
  7. ^ Thesing, Aaron (2010-01-27). "A Sophomore Album That Doesn’t Suck". RUSE the.magazine.. http://rusemag.com/Pages/News.Politics/Entries/2010/1/27_0105.html. Retrieved 2010-03-14. 
  8. ^ Eels, J. (2010). "The Semi-Charmed Life of Vampire Weekend", Rolling Stone.
  9. ^ http://pitchfork.com/news/36671-vampire-weekends-ezra-koenig-talks-new-album-confronts-the-haters/
  10. ^ http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/rockandpopfeatures/7541984/Vampire-Weekend-interview.html
  11. ^ http://thewarriorbeat.com/2010/02/09/music-review-vampire-weekends-contra/
  12. ^ http://pitchfork.com/news/36671-vampire-weekends-ezra-koenig-talks-new-album-confronts-the-haters/
  13. ^ Dombal, Ryan (2009-10-01). "Vampire Weekend's Ezra Koenig Talks New Album, Confronts the Haters". Pitchfork Media. http://pitchfork.com/news/36671-vampire-weekends-ezra-koenig-talks-new-album-confronts-the-haters/. Retrieved 2010-03-14. 
  14. ^ a b Montgomery, James (2010-01-12). "Vampire Weekend Reveal Secrets Of Contra's Cover Girl". MTV. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1629504/20100112/vampire_weekend.jhtml. Retrieved 2010-03-14. 
  15. ^ Koenig, Ezra (2010-01-15). "Big ol kirsten in London". Twitter. http://twitter.com/arzE/status/7801625933. Retrieved 2010-03-14. 
  16. ^ "Vampire Weekend being sued by 'Contra' cover star for $2 million". NME. 2010-07-16. http://www.nme.com/news/vampire-weekend/52066. Retrieved 2010-07-16. 
  17. ^ "Vampire Weekend Sued by Cover Model". New York Magazine. 2010-17-15. http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2010/07/vampire_weekend_sued_by_cover.html. Retrieved 2010-07-16. 
  18. ^ http://music-mix.ew.com/2010/07/15/vampire-weekend-contra-lawsuit/
  19. ^ http://www.exclaim.ca/articles/generalarticlesynopsfullart.aspx?csid1=145&csid2=844&fid1=48150
  20. ^ http://www.nme.com/news/vampire-weekend/52110
  21. ^ http://blog.muchmusic.com/vampire-weekend/
  22. ^ a b http://www.pdnonline.com/pdn/news/In-Vampire-Weekend-C-2943.shtml
  23. ^ a b Breihan, Tom (2011-07-15). "Vampire Weekend settle with cover model". Pitchfork Media. http://pitchfork.com/news/43537-vampire-weekend-settle-with-cover-model/. Retrieved 2011-09-05. 
  24. ^ Allmusic review
  25. ^ Greenblatt, Leah. "Entertainment Weekly - Contra Review". http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20334768,00.html. Retrieved January 17, 2011. 
  26. ^ a b The Guardian review
  27. ^ Los Angeles Times review
  28. ^ a b NME review
  29. ^ [1]
  30. ^ [2]
  31. ^ Rolling Stone review
  32. ^ a b Spin review
  33. ^ Uncut review
  34. ^ "Vampire Weekend : Contra (2010)". Metacritic. http://www.metacritic.com/music/artists/vampireweekend/contra. Retrieved 27 July 2010. 
  35. ^ [3]
  36. ^ "The 30 Best Albums of 2010". Rolling Stone (December 25, 2010). Retrieved 2011-01-18
  37. ^ http://pitchfork.com/features/staff-lists/7893-the-top-50-albums-of-2010/5
  38. ^ http://www.australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Vampire+Weekend&titel=Contra&cat=a
  39. ^ "Charts History - Contra - Vampire Weekend". Billboard. http://www.billboard.com/album/vampire-weekend/contra/1311066. Retrieved 2010-01-28. 
  40. ^ a b "Tops : rien ne semble déranger The Black Eyed Peas". Chartsinfrance. http://www.chartsinfrance.net/Black-Eyed-Peas/news-69299.html. Retrieved 2010-01-19. 
  41. ^ "Ireland Albums Top 75 Week 02/2010". acharts.us. http://acharts.us/ireland_albums_top_75/2010/02. Retrieved 2010-12-25. 
  42. ^ "Classifica settimanale dal 01/03/2010 al 07/03/2010" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana. http://www.fimi.it/classifiche_artisti.php. Retrieved 2010-03-14. 
  43. ^ "Charts History - Contra - Vampire Weekend". RIANZ. http://rianz.org.nz/rianz/chart.asp. Retrieved 2010-01-18. 
  44. ^ "Official Retail Sales Chart - Top 100" (in Polish). Polish Music Charts. ZPAV. http://zpav.pl/rankingi/listy/top100/index.php?idlisty=2. Retrieved 2011-10-20. 
  45. ^ Caulfield, Keith (2010-01-20). "Vampire Weekend Lands First No. 1 Album". Billboard. http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/content_display/charts/chart_alert/e3ic7ff1e2a32aab449d319594d10dc892f. Retrieved 2010-01-20. 
  46. ^ "End Of Year Charts: 2010". UKChartsPlus. http://www.ukchartsplus.co.uk/UKChartsPlusYE2010.pdf. Retrieved 2011-08-10. 
  47. ^ "Best of 2010 - Billboard Top 200". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. http://www.billboard.com/#/charts-year-end/top-billboard-200?year=2010. Retrieved 2010-12-31. 

External links

v · d · eVampire Weekend
Ezra Koenig · Rostam Batmanglij · Chris Tomson · Chris Baio
Studio Albums
Vampire Weekend · Contra
Mixtapes
Vampire Weekend (2007) · The Kids Don't Stand A Chance (2008) · The Myspace Transmissions (2008)
Singles
"Mansard Roof"  · "A-Punk"  · "Oxford Comma"  · "Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa"  · "The Kids Don't Stand A Chance"
Contra
"Horchata"  · "Cousins"  · "Giving Up the Gun"  · "Holiday"  · "White Sky"  · "Run"
Other songs
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