Rounder Records Album Club

January 2010

This month we bring the second album from Vampire Weekend, who alternately surprised and delighted the Rounder cynics when their debut album appeared in 2008.

The members of the band met while attending Columbia University, and have described their sound as “Upper West Side Soweto”, citing their influences as western classical music and Congolese soukous music.

Everything on paper about this band is wrong – preppy Americans doing songs about punctuation with an afro beat meets indie meets Paul Simon's Graceland twist is just not on – yet it works. Hackles give way to cackles of pleasure.

So can they do it again? Contramaintains the constituent parts of their debut whilst added a slightly more electronic edge to proceedings – keyboards gently ebb and flow in the background. Lyrically and atmospherically Contraseems a little less joyous than the debut, more reflective, but then this is not an album made by callow youths fresh out of college.

Like this? Then obviously the band's debut is your first destination, and if the sounds of afro beat and rock appeal, we can point you in the direction of several excellent compilations on the Soundway label. Just pop in and ask.

Introducing the Rounder Records Album Club:

Every month, the finest release of the month, chosen by Brighton’s oldest and best independent record shop, posted free to you door. Every month something different, be it indie, electronica, nu-folk, hip-hop, or just something brilliantly genre defying – every month thepick of that month.

All you have to do is sit back and enjoy.

If you really don’t like our choice, send it back and we’ll swap it for something you would prefer.

It’s that simple.

It costs just £10 a month, with no minimum subscription. A great CD every month, posted free to your door. Would also make a great gift as well!

Just drop us a line, or call us on 01273 325440