OK -- a little housekeeping before we get to the first review. Since this is a review, obviously we're gonna judge the record/movie/show/whatever in some manner. We rate on a scale of 100 because... well, there's really no good reason for it -- it's just what we do. Following the rating of a record, you'll find nice little links to the tracks on Lala where you can give 'em a listen for FREE. All it takes is signing up with Lala (which is completely FREE) and away you go. FREE web music -- can't beat it. Also, when available, we'll post a video from the record so you get a little visual stimulation as well. So, without further adieu, we present the first review on The Dirtywhirl Version 2.0. Enjoy.
The indie band the haters love to take a dump on is back with their sophomore effort, Contra. Following on the heels of their self-titled 2008 debut, Contra is the natural extension of VW’s Afro-pop-influenced, Columbia University-educated sound. Do you know what a balaclava is? How about an Aranchiata? Yeah… me neither and I went to college with the fancy booklearnin’ and whatnot. If you’re Vampire Weekend, you go ahead and use them in the first few verses of Contra’s leadoff track, “Horchata,” (which is itself a drink favored by hipsters – smell the elitism) so, yes Virginia, Contra is indeed as hyper-literate as their debut. Without question, however, they’ve graduated to the next level (or progression) of their sound here. First single, “Cousins,” is “A-Punk” 201 while “White Sky” is more expansive than anything found on Vampire Weekend. This is to say nothing of Contra’s standout track, “Giving Up The Gun,” which is as catchy and buoyant as anything the band’s recorded, or the M.I.A.-sampling “Diplomat’s Son”. Look – if you’ve already decided that you loathe Ezra Koenig and company, you’re likely not going to find anything on Contra that you’re gonna dig. Vampire Weekend is as polarizing a band as there is right now. I get that and I respect it. For fans, however, there’s plenty here to get you excited about where the band’s headed. If nothing else, maybe you’ll even learn a new word or two that’ll let you dominate your next Scrabble get-together.
Dirty Rating: 84/100
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