Contra (album)

The release of Contra was announced on September 15, 2009,{{Cite web| last = Dombal | first = Ryan | title = Vampire Weekend Announce Everything About Second Album | work = Pitchfork| date = 2009-09-15| url = https://pitchfork.com/news/36492-vampire-weekend-announce-everything-about-second-album| accessdate = 2010-03-14}} and was released in the UK on January 11, 2010. It was released in the US on the next day. "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.{{Cite web| last = Breihan | first = Tom | work = Pitchfork| date = 2009-10-23| url = https://pitchfork.com/news/36898-vampire-weekend-prep-new-single/|title=Vampire Weekend Prep New Single |accessdate = 2010-03-14}} The album was available for streaming on the band's MySpace starting on January 3, 2010.{{Cite web| title = Vampire Weekend On MySpace| website = myspace.com| url = https://www.myspace.com/vampireweekend| accessdate = 2010-03-14}} It was also available for streaming from their [https://web.archive.org/web/20100127132410/http://www.vampireweekend.com/contra/ official website], as of January 5, 2010.

In addition to their established blend of African music influences with indie rock, the album draws from genres such as ska, dancehall, and dance music. It also incorporates the electro-pop and AutoTune found on Batmanglij's Discovery side-project.{{cite web |url=https://www.avclub.com/review/vampire-weekend-emcontraem-36877 |title=Vampire Weekend: Contra |work=The A.V. Club |date=January 12, 2010 |access-date=January 23, 2016 |last=Hawthorne |first=Marc}} The Montreal Gazette stated that the album and its predecessor established the band's hybrid worldbeat-pop style.{{cite web|url=https://montrealgazette.com/entertainment/music/new-music-review-modern-vampires-of-the-city-vampire-weekend-xl|title=New music review: Modern Vampires of the City, Vampire Weekend (XL)|date=May 12, 2013|access-date=August 5, 2019}} The album has been characterized as pop,{{cite web|url=https://www.clashmusic.com/reviews/vampire-weekend-contra|title=Vampire Weekend - Contra|last=Renshaw|first=David|date=January 4, 2010|website=Clash|access-date=May 30, 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2010/01/vampire-weekend-contra.html|title=Vampire Weekend: Contra|last=Killingsworth|first=Jason|date=January 11, 2010|website=Paste|access-date=May 30, 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.avclub.com/vampire-weekend-contra-1798164118|title=Vampire Weekend: Contra|last=Hawthorne|first=Marc|date=January 12, 2010|website=The A.V. Club|access-date=May 30, 2019}} "eclectic, intellectual indie rock,"{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/review/1069812/vampire-weekend-contra|title=Vampire Weekend, "Contra"|date=January 29, 2010|magazine=Billboard|access-date=May 30, 2019}} and "diffident haute bourgeoisie synth pop."{{cite web|url=https://www.uncut.co.uk/reviews/album/vampire-weekend-contra|title=Vampire Weekend – Contra|last=Trousse|first=Stephen|date=January 26, 2010|website=Uncut|access-date=May 30, 2019|archive-date=May 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190530024227/https://www.uncut.co.uk/reviews/album/vampire-weekend-contra|url-status=dead}} 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 Batmanglij as a lead guitarist and more layered drumwork in which fundamental Latin beats are blended with drum machines to create a busier rhythm section.{{cite web |url=http://thewarriorbeat.com/2010/02/09/music-review-vampire-weekends-contra/ |title=Music Review: Vampire Weekend's "Contra" |author=Will Bedwell |website=The Warrior Beat |date=9 February 2010 |access-date=17 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120316162859/http://thewarriorbeat.com/2010/02/09/music-review-vampire-weekends-contra/ |archive-date=16 March 2012 |url-status=dead }}

The title Contra is a Romance language (Latin-based) word meaning "against" or "opposite", and is sometimes given as a one-word interjection, used to indicate objection or opposition to an idea or explanation. Ezra 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 one disagrees with.{{cite web |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/36671-vampire-weekends-ezra-koenig-talks-new-album-confronts-the-haters/ |title=Vampire Weekend's Ezra Koenig Talks New Album, Confronts the Haters |author=Ryan Dombal |work=Pitchfork |date=1 October 2009 |access-date=17 December 2011}} 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 title, openly argues this stigma.{{cite news| url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/rockandpopfeatures/7541984/Vampire-Weekend-interview.html | location=London | work=The Daily Telegraph | first=Andrew | last=Perry | title=Vampire Weekend interview | date=2010-03-31}}

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 Contra war). This refers partially to the controversy surrounding their punk roots. The title "Diplomat's Son" is a reference to a story singer Koenig wrote while in college about boarding school, though the content lyrically talks about a relationship told by Rostam Batmanglij.Eels, J. (2010). "The Semi-Charmed Life of Vampire Weekend", Rolling Stone. 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".

The cover of Contra features a candid Polaroid of a woman from 1983. The photo was found by Batmanglij while searching "New York City 1983" on Flickr. Lead singer Koenig 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 becoming 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."

In an interview, Koenig revealed that the woman pictured on the front cover is "now living in Malibu". 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".{{Cite web |last=Montgomery |first=James |date=2010-01-12 |title=Vampire Weekend Reveal Secrets Of Contra's Cover Girl |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1629504/20100112/vampire_weekend.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130129053115/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1629504/vampire-weekend-reveal-secrets-contras-cover-girl.jhtml |archive-date=January 29, 2013 |accessdate=March 14, 2010 |publisher=MTV}} Koenig also referred to the woman as "Kirsten" in a post on Twitter.{{Cite web| last = Koenig | first = Ezra| title = Big ol kirsten in London| via = Twitter| date = 2010-01-15| url = https://www.twitter.com/arzE/status/7801625933| accessdate = 2010-03-14}} 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."

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 woman on the cover, for $2 million for using the photo without her permission.{{Cite web | title = Vampire Weekend being sued by 'Contra' cover star for $2 million | work = NME | date = 2010-07-16 | url = https://www.nme.com/news/vampire-weekend/52066 | accessdate = 2010-07-16}}{{Cite web | title = Vampire Weekend Sued by Cover Model | work = New York Magazine | date = 2010-07-15 | url = https://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2010/07/vampire_weekend_sued_by_cover.html |accessdate = 2010-07-16}} 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 said that the release forms for the photo that were allegedly signed by Kennis herself, were forged.{{cite magazine |url=http://music-mix.ew.com/2010/07/15/vampire-weekend-contra-lawsuit/ |title=Vampire Weekend sued by 'Contra' cover model |author=Simon Vozick-Levinson |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=15 July 2010 |access-date=17 December 2011}} In a statement released by Kennis' lawyer Alan Neigher, Neigher said 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 had the photo for 26 years{{cite web |url=http://exclaim.ca/News/Vampire_Weekends_Contra-versy_Continues_Models_Lawyer_Speaks_Up_Photographer_Responds |title=Vampire Weekend's Contra-versy Continues: Model's Lawyer Speaks Up; Photographer Responds |author=Stephen Carlick |work=Exclaim! |date=16 July 2010 |access-date=17 December 2011}} until Vampire Weekend discovered it on his Flickr page and bought it for five thousand dollars. Kennis' own former agent, Sue Charney, told Vanity Fair, "To me it is very clearly a Polaroid taken at a casting session."{{cite web |url=http://www.pdnonline.com/pdn/news/In-Vampire-Weekend-C-2943.shtml |title=In Vampire Weekend Case, Photographer's Lawyers Petition to Quit |author=David Walker |date=25 May 2011 |work=Photo District News |access-date=17 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120126185812/http://www.pdnonline.com/pdn/news/In-Vampire-Weekend-C-2943.shtml |archive-date=26 January 2012 |url-status=dead }} Koenig later responded on the matter, saying "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."{{cite web |url=https://www.nme.com/news/vampire-weekend/52110 |title=Vampire Weekend: 'Being sued over 'Contra' artwork is frustrating' |date=19 July 2010 |work=NME |access-date=17 December 2011}}

In December 2010, Vampire Weekend filed their own lawsuit against Brody, which argued that he would be liable for any damages Kennis would receive, due to misrepresentation.{{cite web|last1=Bychawski|first1=Adam|title=Vampire Weekend issue lawsuit to 'Contra' photographer {{!}} NME.COM|url=https://www.nme.com/news/vampire-weekend/54077|website=NME.COM|access-date=2 October 2016}}

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.{{Cite web| last = Breihan| first = Tom | title = Vampire Weekend settle with cover model| work= Pitchfork| date = 2011-07-15| url = https://pitchfork.com/news/43537-vampire-weekend-settle-with-cover-model/| accessdate = 2011-09-05}} However, the separate lawsuits against Brody from Kennis and Vampire Weekend were not dropped.

The song "Cousins" was used in various media, such as Peter Rabbit, Tony Hawk: Shred, Pro Evolution Soccer 2011, and The Kids are All Right. The song "Taxi Cab" was used in a scene in the movie Paper Towns.

{{Music ratings

| ADM = 7.6/10{{cite web |url=http://www.anydecentmusic.com/review/1427/Vampire-Weekend-Contra.aspx |title=Contra by Vampire Weekend reviews |publisher=AnyDecentMusic? |access-date=October 6, 2019}}

| MC = 81/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/contra/vampire-weekend |title=Reviews for Contra by Vampire Weekend |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=July 27, 2010}}

| rev1 = AllMusic

| rev1score = {{Rating|4|5}}{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/contra-mw0000836109 |title=Contra – Vampire Weekend |publisher=AllMusic |access-date=June 5, 2012 |last=Phares |first=Heather}}

| rev2 = The A.V. Club

| rev2score = A−{{cite web |url=https://www.avclub.com/review/vampire-weekend-emcontraem-36877 |title=Vampire Weekend: Contra |work=The A.V. Club |date=January 12, 2010 |access-date=January 23, 2016 |last=Hawthorne |first=Marc}}

| rev3 = Entertainment Weekly

| rev3score = B+{{cite magazine |url=https://www.ew.com/article/2010/01/07/contra |title=Contra |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=January 7, 2010 |access-date=January 17, 2011 |last=Greenblatt |first=Leah}}

| rev4 = The Guardian

| rev4score = {{Rating|4|5}}{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2010/jan/07/vampire-weekend-contra-cd-review |title=Vampire Weekend: Contra |work=The Guardian |date=January 7, 2010 |access-date=January 17, 2011 |last=Simpson |first=Dave}}

| rev5 = Los Angeles Times

| rev5score = {{Rating|3.5|4}}{{cite news |url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2010/01/a-lover-of-words-in-all-their-ambiguity-vampire-weekend-frontman-ezra-koenig-makes-for-an-unlikely-sloganeer-i-see-a-mans.html |title=Album review: Vampire Weekend's 'Contra' |work=Los Angeles Times |date=January 8, 2010 |access-date=January 23, 2016 |last=Wood |first=Mikael}}

| rev6 = MSN Music (Consumer Guide)

| rev6score = A{{cite web |url=http://www.robertchristgau.com/xg/cg/cg2010-03.php |title=Consumer Guide |work=MSN Music |date=March 2010 |access-date=January 23, 2016 |last=Christgau |first=Robert |author-link=Robert Christgau |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090608004702/http://music.msn.com/music/consumerguide/?photoidx=24 |archive-date=June 8, 2009 |url-status=dead }}

| rev7 = NME

| rev7score = 8/10{{cite journal |url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/vampire-weekend/10998 |title=Album review: Vampire Weekend – 'Contra' (XL) |journal=NME |date=January 8, 2010 |access-date=January 23, 2016 |last=Stokes |first=Paul |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303170334/http://www.nme.com/reviews/vampire-weekend/10998 |archive-date=March 3, 2016}}

| rev8 = Pitchfork

| rev8score = 8.6/10{{cite web |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/13807-contra/ |title=Vampire Weekend: Contra |work=Pitchfork |date=January 11, 2010 |access-date=January 23, 2016 |last=Powell |first=Mike}}

| rev9 = Rolling Stone

| rev9score = {{Rating|4|5}}{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/album/31250414/review/31633406/contra |title=Contra : Vampire Weekend |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=January 21, 2010 |access-date=January 23, 2016 |last=Dana |first=Will |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100107044942/http://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/album/31250414/review/31633406/contra |archive-date=January 7, 2010}}

| rev10 = Spin

| rev10score = 8/10{{cite journal |url=http://www.spin.com/2010/01/vampire-weekend-contra-xl/ |title=Vampire Weekend, 'Contra' (XL) |journal=Spin |date=January 15, 2010 |access-date=January 23, 2016 |last=Dolan |first=Jon}}

}}

Contra received acclaim from music critics. Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, reported an average score of 81 based on 39 reviews, described as "universal acclaim". Spin{{'}}s Jon Dolan wrote that "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." AllMusic critic Heather Phares praised the album's "inspired juxtapositions," stating that the band "make Auto-Tune and real live guitars, Mexican drinks, Jamaican riffs and Upper West Side strings belong together."{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/contra-mw0000836109 |title=Contra – Vampire Weekend |publisher=AllMusic |access-date=June 5, 2012 |last=Phares |first=Heather}} Paul Stokes of NME described Vampire Weekend as "one of the most unique bands on the planet." Dave Simpson of The Guardian stated that the 10 tracks of Contra "will probably be among this year's most played and most joyful tunes." The A.V. Club called it "a career statement, one that’s letting the world know that these Columbia University preps have more than just a fleeting interest in world music," and added that the band "continues to be Talking Heads’ heir apparent, with a good amount of Smiths-like literate pop thrown in."

On December 1, 2010, it was announced that Contra was nominated for a Grammy for "Best Alternative Music Album".[http://www.grammy.com/nominees Nominees and Winners] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20140128191740/http://www.grammy.com/nominees |date=2014-01-28 }} Grammy Awards. Note: reader must define "Year" parameter as 2010. Contra was ranked number 6 on Rolling Stone{{'s}} list of the 30 Best Albums of 2010."[https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/30-best-albums-of-2010-20101213 The 30 Best Albums of 2010]". Rolling Stone (December 25, 2010). Retrieved 2011-01-18. Pitchfork placed it at number 6 on its list "The Top 50 Albums of 2010".{{cite web |url=https://pitchfork.com/features/staff-lists/7893-the-top-50-albums-of-2010/5 |title=Staff Lists: The Top 50 Albums of 2010 |author=Ryon Dombal |work=Pitchfork |date=16 December 2010 |access-date=20 February 2020 |archive-date=14 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120114053530/http://pitchfork.com/features/staff-lists/7893-the-top-50-albums-of-2010/5/ |url-status=dead }} Consequence of Sound named it the best album of 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.{{Cite web| last = Caulfield| first = Keith | title = Vampire Weekend Lands First No. 1 Album| website = billboard.com| date = 2010-01-20| url = https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/959680/vampire-weekend-lands-first-no-1-album| accessdate = 2010-03-14}}{{Cite web| last = Phillips | first = Amy | title = Vampire Weekend Hit Number One | website = Pitchfork| date = 2010-02-20| url = https://pitchfork.com/news/37633-vampire-weekend-hit-number-one/| accessdate = 2010-03-14}} The album sold 124,000 copies in its first week{{Cite web|last=Thesing |first=Aaron |title=A Sophomore Album That Doesn't Suck |work=RUSE the.magazine. |date=2010-01-27 |url=http://rusemag.com/Pages/News.Politics/Entries/2010/1/27_0105.html |access-date=2010-03-14 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101129022806/http://rusemag.com/Pages/News.Politics/Entries/2010/1/27_0105.html |archive-date=November 29, 2010 }} and was awarded Gold by the RIAA on November 21, 2011, which means it has sold over 500,000 units in the US alone.{{Cite web| url = http://riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?content_selector=gold-platinum-searchable-database| title = RIAA Gold and Platinum database | website = Recording Industry Association of America | accessdate = 2012-06-02}} In 2010. It was awarded a diamond certification from the Independent Music Companies Association which indicated sales of at least 250,000 copies throughout Europe.{{cite web |url=http://www.impalamusic.org/arc_static/docum/04-press/2009/PR%20-%2020100127.htm |title=color |website=www.impalamusic.org |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814015751/http://www.impalamusic.org/arc_static/docum/04-press/2009/PR%20-%2020100127.htm |archive-date=2017-08-14}}

{{Track listing

| all_lyrics = Ezra Koenig, except where noted

| all_music = Chris Baio, Rostam Batmanglij, Ezra Koenig and Christopher Tomson, except where noted

| headline = Standard edition

| total_length = 36:40

| title1 = Horchata

| lyrics1 = {{hlist|Koenig|Batmanglij}}

| length1 = 3:26

| title2 = White Sky

| length2 = 2:58

| title3 = Holiday

| length3 = 2:18

| title4 = California English

| length4 = 2:30

| title5 = Taxi Cab

| music5 = {{hlist|Koenig|Batmanglij}}

| length5 = 3:55

| title6 = Run

| length6 = 3:52

| title7 = Cousins

| length7 = 2:25

| title8 = Giving Up the Gun

| length8 = 4:46

| title9 = Diplomat's Son

| lyrics9 = {{hlist|Koenig|Batmanglij}}

| length9 = 6:01

| title10 = I Think Ur a Contra

| music10 = {{hlist|Koenig|Batmanglij}}

| length10 = 4:29

}}

{{Track listing

| headline = Japanese edition bonus tracks

| total_length = 43:32

| title11 = Ottoman

| note11 = B-side to "Holiday"

| length11 = 4:02

| title12 = Giant

| length12 = 2:50

}}

{{Track listing

| headline = Japanese limited edition bonus tracks

| total_length = 61:08

| title13 = California English, Pt. 2

| length13 = 2:57

| title14 = Cousins

| note14 = Toy Selectah Mex-More remix

| length14 = 3:20

| title15 = Contramelt B

| length15 = 4:36

| title16 = White Sky

| note16 = Basement Jaxx club mix

| length16 = 6:43

}}

{{Track listing

| headline = iTunes bonus track

| total_length = 39:30

| title11 = Giant

| length11 = 2:50

}}

{{Track listing

| headline = iTunes pre-order bonus track

| total_length = 42:27

| title12 = California English, Pt. 2

| note12 = B-side to "Cousins"

| length12 = 2:57

}}

{{Track listing

| headline = 'Contra Megamelt' bonus disc

| total_length = 14:07

| title1 = Contramelt A

| length1 = 6:11

| title2 = Contramelt B

| length2 = 4:36

| title3 = Cousins

| note3 = Toy Selectah Mex-More remix

| length3 = 3:20

}}

Vampire Weekend

• Ezra Koenig – lead vocals; guitar (tracks 3, 4, 6, 7); keyboard (track 1); piano (track 10); programming (track 8)
• Rostam Batmanglij – piano; background vocals; vocal harmonies; keyboards; harpsichord; VSS-30; drum; synth; sampler programming; lead vocals (bridge of track 9); guitar (tracks 2–5, 7–10); shakers, hand drum, snares (track 9)
• Christopher Tomson – drums
• Christopher Baio – bass; background vocals (tracks 2, 4); additional synth (track 4)

{{col-begin}}

{{col-3}}

Additional musicians

• Mauro Refosco – marimbas, rebolo, zabumba, shekere, shakers, auxiliary percussion (track 1)
• Marcus Farrar – shekere, auxiliary percussion (track 1)
• Libby Gery – vocals (track 8)
• Anne Donlon – vocals (tracks 1, 8)
• Nat Baldwin – double bass (tracks 1, 5, 8)
• Jonathan Chu – violin, viola (tracks 1, 4, 5, 9)
• Hamilton Berry – cello (tracks 1, 4, 5, 8–10)
• Seth Rosenfeld – cello (track 8)
• Jesse Novak – additional instrumentation (track 8)
• Jeff Curtin – hand drums (tracks 8, 10); shakers (track 10)
• Shane Stoneback – shaker (track 10)

{{col-3}}

Production

• Rostam Batmanglij – production; string arrangements; mixing; engineering
• Justin Gerrish – mixing (tracks 1, 3–10); engineering (tracks 1–6, 8–10)
• Shane Stoneback – mixing assistance {{small|(track 2)}}; engineering (tracks 1–6, 8–10)
• Fernando Lodeiro – engineering assistance (tracks 1–6, 8–10)
• Tito Fuentes – engineering (track 7)
• Melchor M – engineering assistance (track 7)
• Emily Lazar – mastering
• Joe LaPorta – assistant mastering engineering

{{col-3}}

Release

• Tod Brody – cover photograph
• Chris Tomson – band photograph
• Rostam Batmanglij – design
• Asher Sarlin – design

{{col-end}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

{{col-2}}

{{col-end}}

{{certification Table Top|caption=Certifications and sales for Contra}}

{{certification Table Entry|type=album|region=Australia|artist=Vampire Weekend|title=Contra|award=Gold|certyear=2010|relyear=2010|access-date=26 April 2019}}

{{certification Table Entry|type=album|region=Canada|artist=Vampire Weekend|title=Contra|award=Gold|certyear=2010|relyear=2010|access-date=26 April 2019}}

{{certification Table Entry|type=album|region=United Kingdom|artist=Vampire Weekend|title=Contra|award=Gold|certyear=2010|relyear=2010|access-date=26 April 2019|id=8570-2267-2}}

{{certification Table Entry|type=album|region=United States|artist=Vampire Weekend|title=Contra|award=Gold|certyear=2011|relyear=2010|salesamount=541,000|salesref={{cite web|url=http://www.hitsdailydouble.com/sales/sales_ur.cgi?111009|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130426141822/http://www.hitsdailydouble.com/sales/sales_ur.cgi?111009|url-status=dead|title=Upcoming Releases|publisher=Hits Daily Double|archive-date=April 26, 2013|access-date=August 2, 2020}}}}

{{Certification Table Bottom | nosales=true}}

{{Portal|Rock music}}

• List of number-one independent albums (U.S)

{{Reflist|30em}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20100107172728/http://www.mtv.com/videos/news/468453/vampire-weekend-explain-contra.jhtml#name=news&id=1629066 VW's Track-by-Track]
• [https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=122213523&sc=fb&cc=fp Stream of the album at NPR]

{{Vampire Weekend}}

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Category:2010 albums

Category:Vampire Weekend albums

Category:XL Recordings albums

Category:Albums produced by Rostam Batmanglij

Category:Synth-pop albums by American artists