Horchata

This joyous afro-pop confection is the opening track on New York indie rock band Vampire Weekend's sophomore album Contra. The song was originally released as a free download on October 5, 2009 on the band's website.

Frontman Ezra Koenig explained what Horchata is for a European audience to the British musical publication, the NME: "It's always been one of my favourite drinks." he declared. "I don't know if you can find much Horchata in England, it's a sweet Mexican rice drink, usually served cold."

Koenig told The Sun December 11. 2009: "I actually wrote that song in New York and then took it on the road with us and worked on it. Horchata actually reminds me of New York as I drink it all the time back home but it's easier to get in New York than in California."