Contra by Vampire Weekend

Sophomore albums tend to be a turning point for any band, and if Contra by Vampire Weekend ($8) is any indication, this Ivy League quartet is headed in the right direction. Expanding upon the collage of different musical influences found on their debut, the band managed the difficult task of retaining their signature sound while broadening their scope, and continues to offer up some of the most interesting lyrics in modern music, including a reference to Tom's of Maine toothpaste.