Vampire Weekend Enter US Charts at Number One

New York quartet Vampire Weekend have debuted at number one on the US charts with the release of their second album, 'Contra.' With sales of 124,000 copies, 'Contra' has become the first album released on a British independent label to gain pole position since Paula Abdul's 'Spellbound' album topped the American charts in 1991 on the then-indie Virgin Records.

'Contra' has become some of a global phenomenon since its release almost two weeks ago. It entered the chart at number one in Canada and number two in Australia and secured a top three placing in the UK.

Their eponymous debut album has so far sold over a million copies worldwide and achieved gold status in the U.S. (500,000 copies) and platinum status in the U.K.

Richard Russell, head of Vampire Weekend's label XL Recordings, said, "We've always seen Vampire Weekend as a band with limitless potential. They've now reached number one in the world's biggest market with an original, inventive, self-produced album. They have toured tirelessly and built a loyal fanbase. As a completely independent label we are proud to have given such an independently spirited band a platform to achieve this great success without compromise."