Talk about starting the year off with a bang – Theophilus London debuted his first official music video for “Humdrum Town” on MTV2 today. The video, which was shot in Brooklyn last December, showcases the artist’s unique style and point of view. Watch the video after the jump, and for an added bonus check out a live performance of “Humdrum Town” at CMJ last October.

For all you jet-setters out there, Theophilus will be performing at a Diesel event in Berlin on January 20, and at the World Wide Awards in London on February 2. Click here for tickets.

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Initial impressions of Vampire Weekend’s sound would hardly place them in New York City, where the band originally formed. Lead singer Ezra Koenig and drummer Chris Tomson first joined forces on the comedy rap band L’Homme Run, before creating Vampire Weekend with Chris Baio and Rostam Batmanglij. The influence of African popular music – including Ladysmith, Black Mambazo, and Kanda Bongo Man – can certainly be heard in “Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa” and “Diplomat’s Son”; Koenig has also collaborated with Malawian singer Esau Mwamwaya on the title track of The Very Best’s Warm Heart of Africa.

Contra, Vampire Weekend’s sophomore effort, is a contemplative album that derives from the fun and playful vibes of their 2008 mainstream hit, “A-Punk”. Throw in a bit of ska, baile funk, violins, marimbas, some simple electronic infusions and a smidgen of auto-tune, and the result is a jamboree that has become the signature touch of Vampire Weekend. While many critics have tried to compare their sound to a variety of artists and genres, what they have ultimately proven is that Vampire Weekend has established a unique sound of their own in a remix era where everything is pop.

If their eponymous debut album wasn’t enough evidence of Vampire Weekend’s longevity, then Contra solidifies them as a lasting part of the music scene. While Vampire Weekend established the band’s sound, Contra uses the play of melody and lyrics to showcase a depth in the ballads that makes the album a thoroughly enjoyable listen.

“California English” and “Run” show the brighter side of their youthful pleasantries in a story format that unravels with a somber tenderness of (happy) memories being recalled. While Contra has a preppy tone, its carefree nature is reminiscent of Simon and Garfunkel, especially in the track “White Sky.” On a broad scope, the album has a breakthrough feel like the duo’s contributions to The Graduate. In the embroilment of preppy innuendo, Contra reveals a gem of complications that is foreshadowed by the album’s cover, an image of a Polo-clad blonde with one of her collars standing up.

Overall, Contra is an album that is ‘hot under the collar’. While it may be Vampire Weekend’s sophomore album, its nature shows the band’s ability to follow through on an album concept that is consistent from start to finish, while unraveling refreshing tracks that reveal Vampire Weekend in a whole new light. The whimsical cover of the album couldn’t have made it any clearer as the story within – Contra is a serenade worth falling for.

In anticipation of today’s release, Vampire Weekend has already sold out three performances in New York City. They will appear at the United Palace Theater on January 17th, Webster Hall on January 18th, and the Bowery Ballroom on January 19th. Contra is in stores now, though a stream of the full album has been available on their MySpace page and official website for a few weeks.

Click through for the video for “Cousins” and the the album below.

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Girls & Boys was in full swing last Friday at Webster Hall, where GBH hosted the official Passion Pit concert after party. We knew we could expect great music from Classixx and Holy Ghost!, whom we’ve seen DJ on numerous occasions, but the real surprise came from Passion Pit drummer Nate Donmoyer, also known as Shuttle, who played a strong set to close out the night.

Shuttle delivered a wide range of music in his own distinctive style when he took over the decks at 3 AM. The set included a grimy dubstep remix of “Say My Name” by Destiny’s Child, and a drum & bass interpretation of Aaliyah’s “Are You That Somebody”. Other highlights consisted of Joy Orbison’s “Wet Look”, Emalkay’s “When I Look At You”, and his own remix of “Love Like a Sunset” by Phoenix.

Our one regret was that Shuttle didn’t start sooner; those who left early missed out on a truly unique set. And while Classixx and Holy Ghost! certainly know how to throw a good party, they come around these parts pretty often.

Listen to Shuttle’s remix of “Love Like a Sunset” below, and be sure to check out the photos from the night by Oliver Correa.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FULL ALBUM

Phoenix – “Love Like a Sunset” (Shuttle Remix)

Next Wednesday, Trouble & Bass is bringing us the first “No Escape From New York” of the new year. The celebrated monthly party is moving to The Studio at Webster Hall to accommodate No Escape’s growing audience and an impressive roster of hard-hitting acts.

Each month at No Escape, the Trouble & Bass crew, headed by The Captain, Drop the Lime, AC Slater and Star Eyes, will continue to spread their signature “heavy bass” style while bringing us noteworthy local and global acts.

The first event is staying true to its name with Brooklyn-based artists Uproot Andy and Ninjasonik. Originally from Columbia, Andy Gillis (aka Uproot Andy) blends his signature cumbia beats with electro-basslines, resulting in a global style that ranges from laid back tunes to dance floor thumpers. Uproot Andy puts a refreshing spin on the style we’ve come to expect from Trouble & Bass events; and while he might seem like an unusual choice, listen below for a subtle hint of wobble-wobble in his remix of “Manuelita”, a traditional-style Columbian bullerengue song:

Uproot Andy & Geko Jones – “Manuelita” (remix)

After seeing Ninjasonik at the Mercury Lounge last weekend, it would be difficult to capture their infectious energy in a written description. What we can tell you is that Ninjasonik is not for the faint-hearted. Led by Reverend McFly, Telli Gramz, and DJ Teenwolf, Ninjasonik storms the stage with a crew in tow, delivering a performance that includes both original songs and popular beats, not to mention constant crowd-surfing by band- and audience-members alike.

The HiFi Cartel is giving away two pairs of tickets to the show. Enter the contest after the jump or purchase advance tickets here.

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So much for a relaxing weekend. With everything that’s going on for New Year’s Eve, some of you might be planning to take the weekend off. For all you die-hards out there, here’s what’s on the menu for the first weekend in 2010:

On Friday, GBH and Girls & Boys are getting right back into the swing of things with a special New Year’s Day Party at Webster Hall. Andy Butler of Hercules and Love Affair will be spinning, and admission is only $1 before midnight if you RSVP.

This Saturday, The xx, one of 2009’s top breakout acts, are doing a special DJ set at Le Poisson Rouge. Given the laid-back nature of their music, we’re curious to hear what they’ll bring behind the decks. VHSorBETA will also be spinning, tickets are $5 in advance or $8 on the day of the show. Be sure to catch The xx when they tour with Hot Chip this spring. Click here for tickets and info.

Over at the Mercury Lounge, Brooklyn-based trio Ninjasonik will take the stage for one of their signature high-energy performances. DJ Cobra Krames will open. Click here to purchase tickets, which are $12.

This New Year’s Eve, there’s so much going on that we have to break it down for you in a more organized fashion. So without further ado, we present The HiFi Cartel’s Official Guide to New Year’s Eve… after the jump.

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If the Grim Reaper had to sing, he would probably sing about death. Cage, the New York-bred rapper and indie-rocker may not meet the reaper’s demise in song but gives him a run for his money in a fashion reminiscent of Charlie Daniels’ Johnny in “The Devil Went To Georgia.” In such a case, the Reaper should have been at BB King in New York City this past Friday for the “Depart From Me Round 2″ tour.  With Shinobi Ninja and Tame One setting the stage, Cage’s appearance was met by fans who were eager for his story-driven lyrical journeys. Backed by DJ Chauncey, he spewed over beats in the familiar form that garnered acclaim in the New York underground and independent hip-hop scene. With a cult status following, the audience responded to every single jagged and jilted word in his lyrics.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PHOTO GALLERY

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Featuring Nick Catchdubs, Max Glazer, The Brothers Macklovitch, Just Blaze

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Featuring Star Eyes, The Captain, AC Slater, Udachi

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Last Friday, GBH decked out Webster Hall to celebrate the holidays. Mark Ronson headlined the event with support from Aaron LaCrate and Girls & Boys residents Alex English, Rekles, Gavin Royce and Kids with Snakes. The evening had a great turnout that included Theophilus London, Spank Rock, Prince Terrence (of HEARTSREVOLUTION), DJ Treats, Dances with White Girls and The Chainsmokers.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FULL ALBUM