I realize that we’re well beyond the halfway point of 2010, and that other blogs have already chimed in with the record’s they’re loving this year, but I was thinking about my favorite albums of the year today and decided to put them out here for everyone to see. There’s plenty of year left, so it will be interesting to see which albums stick with me until the end of December. So here goes, in no particular order, my favorite releases (thus far) from 2010.
Frontier Ruckus | Deadmalls and Nightfalls (buy)
Video: Frontier Ruckus – “How Could I Abandon?”
Strand of Oaks | Pope Killdragon (buy)
MP3: Strand of Oaks – “Bonfire”
Breathe Owl Breathe | Magic Central (buy)
MP3: Breathe Owl Breathe – “Own Stunts”
Titus Andronicus | The Monitor (buy)
MP3: Titus Andronicus – “Four Score And Seven” (Part One)
MP3: Titus Andronicus – “Four Score And Seven” (Part Two)
The National | High Violet (buy)
MP3: The National – “Bloodbuzz Ohio”
Juniper Tar | The Howl Street EP (buy)
MP3: Juniper Tar – “Birds In Trees”
Arcade Fire | The Suburbs (buy)
Video: Arcade Fire: “Ready to Start”
Sam Quinn | The Fake That Sunk A Thousand Ships (buy)
MP3: Sam Quinn – “Suite Motown”
MP3: Sam Quinn – “Gun”
Phosphorescent | Here’s To Taking It Easy (buy)
MP3: Phosphorescent – “The Mermaid Parade”
MP3: Phosphorescent – “It’s Hard To Be Humble (When You’re From Alabama)”
Conrad Plymouth | Conrad Plymouth EP (buy)
Free Download: Conrad Plymouth EP
Delta Spirit | History From Below (buy)
Video: Delta Spirit – “White Table”
Damien Jurado | St. Bartlett (buy)
MP3: Damien Jurado – “Arkansas”
Broken Social Scene | Forgiveness Rock Record (buy)
Video: Broken Social Scene – “Love Sick”
Nathaniel Rateliff | In Memory Of Loss (buy)
Video: Nathaniel Rateliff – “Shroud”
Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy & The Cairo Gang | The Wonder Show of the World (buy)
Video: Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy – “The Sounds Are Always Begging”
The Tallest Man On Earth | The Wild Hunt (buy)
MP3: The Tallest Man On Earth – “Burden of Tomorrow”
MP3: The Tallest Man On Earth – “King of Spain”
Roadside Graves | You Won’t Be Happy With Me (buy)
MP3: Roadside Graves – “Liv Tyler”
Ben Sollee & Daniel Martin Moore | Dear Companion (buy)
MP3: Ben Sollee & Daniel Martin Moore – “Something, Somewhere, Sometime”
Common Loon | The Long Dream Of Birds (buy)
MP3: Common Loon – “Dinosaur vs. Early Man”
Discuss: What are your favorite releases of 2010? What’s yet to be released that you’re anticipating? How does this year’s releases stack up against 2009?
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By Tyler Fassnacht
Ever since I saw Titus Andronicus open for No Age back in 2008, they have been in the running for my favorite live band. Each time I have seen them grace a stage with their energy and stage presence, it has been better than the last, and this concert was no exception. When it was announced that they would be playing the Project Lodge, one of my favorite intimate venues, I bought my ticket immediately, especially because this would be my first time seeing them as a headliner.
Local Madison group His and Her Vanities opened and started the evening off a great foot. They are able to mix jangly and catchy with dissonance and elements of math-rock, into their art-rock sound. Their set did a good job of getting everyone excited for the headliners, but was also memorable in their own right. Since this band doesn’t play too many shows, I would suggest seeing them if you ever get the chance, or just pick up last year’s awesome The Mighty Lunge.
Titus Andronicus came out on a stage covered in American flags, to a cheering, completely packed audience and jumped into the opening track from their near perfect new album, The Monitor. As soon as the song began, the front of the crowd went crazy and continued throughout the rest of the show. It had been a while since I left a concert so sweaty. Something that makes this band so great live is that in almost every song there is opportunity to dance, pump your fist or shout along with big choruses and memorable lines (I have never heard so many people shout “FUCK YOU” in unison). Playing mostly tracks from their new album, they tore through all the epic songs, even the magnum opus, fourteen minute long, “the Battle of Hampton Roads.” They also threw in a handful of tracks from their amazing debut album; so older fans were made happy as well.
There was some trouble with the mics turning off at some points, but they were fixed pretty quickly. My one complaint with the sound, however, was how the vocals seemed a little muddy, but with front man Patrick Stickles growls and yelps, it wasn’t too noticeable.
After more than an hour of playing, they put down their instruments and left the stage. The audience applauded and chanted “one more song!” until Stickles came out to say that they actually didn’t know how to play any more songs. That was the sad realization that the night was over. Though after the comical banter, the moshing, the raging guitar solos and the scream a longs, I was completely satisfied. Yet again, Titus Andronicus blew me away with their live show, which is something I think everyone should experience at least once in their life.
Previously: Video: Titus Andronicus – “A More Perfect Union”
Previously: Review: Titus Andronicus :: The Monitor
Buy: Titus Andronicus – The Monitor
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MP3: Titus Andronicus – “Four Score And Seven” (Part One)
MP3: Titus Andronicus – “Four Score And Seven” (Part Two)
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A More Perfect Union<object width="425px" height="360px"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><param name="movie" value="http://mediaservices.myspace.com/services/media/embed.aspx/m=103846998,t=1,mt=video"><embed src="http://mediaservices.myspace.com/services/media/embed.aspx/m=103846998,t=1,mt=video" width="425" height="360" allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent"></embed></object>Titus Andronicus MySpace Music VideosHere’s the wintry official video for Titus Andronicus’ “A More Perfect Union” that‘s been going around since yesterday. Though significantly abbreviated from the album version, this song and video still kick all sorts of ass. If you haven’t yet checked out The Monitor, I have no idea what the hell you’re waiting for. MP3 :: A More Perfect UnionMP3 :: Four Score And Seven (Part 1)MP3 :: Four Score And Seven (Part 2)(from The Monitor. Buy here)------------------------------------------------------------
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Titus Andronicus tore the Beauty Bar in Austin up during SXSW. Simply put, they are a live band that is absolutely not to be missed should they pass through your city. Above, catch the video for “A More Perfect Union” from their fantastic new album, The Monitor. “Tramps like us, baby we were born to die!”
Coming Soon: Titus Andronicus will be playing the Project Lodge in Madison on April 6th. This band puts on one of the best live shows I’ve ever seen, so I suggest that no one misses out on this, as it is likely a concert that will be remembered.
Previously: Review: Titus Andronicus :: The Monitor
Buy: Titus Andronicus – The Monitor
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MP3: Titus Andronicus – “Four Score And Seven” (Part One)
MP3: Titus Andronicus – “Four Score And Seven” (Part Two)
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By Tyler Fassnacht
“As nation of free men, we will live forever, or die by suicide.” This is the end of the quote by Abraham Lincoln that kicks off Titus Andronicus’ sophomore album, The Monitor. Through our actions and sacrifice, we will be the cause of our own demise and without surrender, without compromising our integrity, we will keep fighting, even though it will most likely end in failure and defeat. Hints of this message ring throughout the entire album, which focuses more on the enemy and hate than victory.
Right from the explosive, seven minute opener, “A More Perfect Union”, its apparent that the band has come back, full force, with a higher production value, louder vocals in the mix and a beefed up tone. Yet, even with the cleaner advancements, Titus Andronicus still keep the majority of their signature reverb soaked guitars and gritty vocals, often yelled. I mean we are still dealing with the same lovable lo-fi, shoegazy DIY punk band. One new thing for this album that is quickly noticeable is the variety of instrumentation used. Heard throughout The Monitor are fiddles, piano, brass horns and even a bagpipe.
On their first album, we got used to some longer songs, but this time around they have really expanded on that. Five of the ten songs clock in at more than seven minutes, with the epic closer “The Battle of Hampton Roads” at a massive fourteen minutes. Actually I would consider almost all the songs epic on this album. Building up from quiet guitar picking to mammoth, shout along choruses and sprawling solos reinforced with a wall of buzzing distortion, Titus Andronicus really know how to fluctuate through different sounds and write an engaging song. Even though the album runs at approximately sixty-five minutes, it seems to go by like a bullet.
Titus Andronicus created a really unique musical experience with their second album; it is hard to compare it against other recent albums, even with band’s first album. The Monitor is not so much about songs and singles, but a message that needs to be heard in its entirety and that also happens to kick ass.
SIDENOTE: Titus Andronicus will be playing the Project Lodge here in Madison on April 6th. This band puts on one of the best live shows I’ve ever seen, so I suggest that no one misses out on this, as it is likely a concert that will be remembered.
Buy: Titus Andronicus – The Monitor
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MP3: Titus Andronicus – “Four Score And Seven” (Part One)
MP3: Titus Andronicus – “Four Score And Seven” (Part Two)
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If you’re a fan of indie rock, 2010 looks to be a landmark year. Already Spoon, Frightened Rabbit, and Ted Leo & The Pharmacists have put out new records, and the coming months will see highly anticipated releases from, among others, The Hold Steady, Drive-By Truckers, The National, The Walkmen, Band of Horses, The Strokes, and The Black Keys. In any given year that’s full house of solid Top 10 contenders, but this is going to be a more competitive year than usual it seems. I’ll tell you what though, it’s going to take a lot to match what is easily the best rock album I’ve heard so far this year - Titus Andronicus’s shot at the brass ring, The Monitor.Released this week, The Monitor follows the Jersey band’s critically acclaimed 2008 debut, The Airing of Grievances. A step forward from that solid beginning in every imaginable way, the new album is just a non-stop guitar-rock assault that mixes punk rock’s sheer force with horn sections, martial drums, E Street Band keys, and lead singer/songwriter Patrick Stickles’ angsty growl. Stickles has written a concept album that’s loosely held together by themes of missed opportunities and feeling out of place in this world. Though the album takes place in modern times, the backdrop of the American Civil War looms large in the song titles, artwork, and through a series of spoken word interludes drawn from, among other sources, speeches by Abe Lincoln and a Walt Whitman poem. Like Greetings From Asbury Park, NJ or Marah’s Kids In Philly, Titus Andronicus make it clear that this is a rock album in which a vividly depicted setting is crucial to the viability of its songs. New Jersey, long romanticized in song and pretty much nowhere else, is brought to life as an empty, soul-sucking place from which the only thing one can do is escape. So yeah, Born To Run for a new generation of disaffected youth.Though never offering anything resembling an easily followed narrative, The Monitor was named after a great Union warship that fought to a veritable stalemate in the real Battle of Hampton Roads (there’s a song called that) against the Confederates’ equally impressive battleship, The Virginia. Rather than shame itself by surrendering, The Virginia blew itself up. The Monitor wound up sinking nondescriptly soon thereafter. The fates of these two ships act as a sort of metaphor for the theme of the album, as Stickles said recently, “These two terribly beautiful war-making machines, the best from each side, couldn't kill each other so they just killed themselves.” Sort of the anti-Romeo and Juliet.Over-arching themes and historical connections aside, The Monitor works best as a fun, balls-to-the-wall rock record. Kicking off with the awesome battle cry “A More Perfect Union”, the album begins by throwing out references to Abraham Lincoln, “Born To Run”, Billy Bragg‘s “A New England”, “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”, John Brown, the friggin' Constitution of The United States of America, and, I’ve read that it’s in there but still haven’t heard it, The Dark Knight. They should sell this thing with some kind of decoder ring, as the deep and varied references just keep piling on (my favorite - “I’m going back to New Jersey, I do believe they’ve had enough of me” in 14-minute epic closer “The Battle of Hampton Roads”). Lyrically, Stickles reaches high, but much more often than not he hits his mark. I mean, “you ain't never been a virgin kid, you been fucked from the start” is rock & roll poetry of the highest order, no?Named after Shakespeare’s earliest tragedy, a blood-filled story of revenge, Titus Andronicus has never shied away from violence, self-loathing, and revenge in their songs. The Monitor takes these bleak motifs and turns them into loud, glorious excuses to bang your head, play air guitar, and shout along. Working best as a series of cathartic anthems that will no doubt soon be shouted in unison by thousands of fans on upcoming tours, these ten songs barely let up over the 60+ minutes running time. I dare you not to get caught up in the impassioned cries of “rally around the flag”, “the enemy is everywhere”, “you will always be a loser”, and especially “it’s still us against them”. This is impassioned stuff, and if you trust my usual tastes around here, then don’t hesitate to buy this record. It's a goddamn masterpiece.MP3 :: A More Perfect UnionMP3 :: Four Score And Seven (Part 1)MP3 :: Four Score And Seven (Part 2)(from The Monitor. Buy here)------------------------------------------------------------
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With so many high-profile albums out this week (and this month for that matter), it once again makes for an increasingly difficult task of figuring out what to spend your hard-earned cash on. First off is Broken Bells, the highly anticipated collaboration between James Mercer, lead singer and guitarist of The Shins, and Brian “Danger Mouse” Burton. I’ve yet to hear this one myself, but there’s more than enough reason to give this one a shot just solely on the talent involved alone.
There are also some new albums from the likes of The Knife, Gorillaz, The Besnard Lakes, jj, Jason Collett, Ted Leo, and a bunch more just too numerous to mention. Though, personally I’m excited about two albums in particular — one being The Morning Benders’ Big Echo and a debut solo effort from former Beulah frontman Miles Kurosky.
As usual, let us know what you’re exciting about this week, as there is more than enough to satisfy any music fan.
Aloha
Home Acres
full album stream
Besnard Lakes
Besnard Lakes Are the Roaring Night
full album stream
MP3: “Albatross”
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
Beat the Devil’s Tattoo
full album stream
Broken Bells
Broken Bells
full album stream
Epstein Y El Conjunto
When Man Is Full He Falls Asleep
MP3: “A Lost Animal (ft. School of Seven Bells)”
Gorillaz
Plastic Beach
full album stream
Jason Collett
Rat a Tat Tat
full album stream
MP3: “Love Is A Dirty Word”
jj
no 3
MP3: “Let’s Go”
Josh Rouse
El Turista
full album stream
Judson Claiborne
Time and Temperature
MP3: “Song For Dreaming”
The Knife
Tomorrow, In A Year
full album stream
MP3: “Colouring of Pigeons”
Lay Low
Farewell Good Night’s Slee
MP3: “By and By”
Lemonade
Pure Moods
MP3: “Lifted”
Liars
Sisterworld
full album stream
Method Actors
This Is Still It
MP3: “Do the Method”
MP3: “Bleeding”
Miles Kurosky
The Desert of Shallow Effects
full album stream
Morning Benders
Big Echo
full album stream
MP3: “Promises”
Pavement
Quarantine the Past: The Best of Pavement
full album stream
MP3: “Gold Soundz”
The Pharmacy
Weekend
MP3: “Coldest Morning Light”
MP3: “WAYDWYL”
Pretty Good Dance Moves
PGDM EP
MP3: “Leave Me Alone (ft. Bjorn Yttling & Angelina Lucero)”
Seabear
We Built A Fire
full album stream
Tanlines
Settings
MP3: “Real Life”
Ted Leo & the Pharmacists
Brutalist Bricks
full album stream
MP3: “The Mighty Sparrow”
MP3: “Even Heroes Have to Die”
Thrushes
Night Falls
MP3: “Crystal”
Titus Andronicus
The Monitor
full album stream
MP3: “A More Perfect Union”
MP3: “Four Score and Seven (part one)”
MP3: “Four Score and Seven (part two)”
Via Audio
Animalore
full album stream
White Hinterland
Kairos
MP3: “No Logic”
MP3: “Icarus”
Zeus
Say Us
MP3: “Marching Through Your Head”
Zola Jesus
Stridulum EP
MP3: “Night”
Related posts:The Besnard Lakes :: “Albatross”
The Weekly Graboid
The Weekly Graboid
The Weekly Graboid
The Besnard Lakes Are the Dark Horse
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Titus Andronicus came around at just the right time back in the spring of 2008, when a rash of lo-fi garage rock bands began to rise in stature. You could readily call the band part of that class, though they seemed to be operating at a higher level than most with their catchy brand of music that was a mixture of styles and often featured funny lyrics. The title of their debut album "The Airing of Grievances" was based on the great Festivus episode of "Seinfeld," in which George Costanza's father makes up a holiday that's an alternative to Christmas. There's a frame of reference for you if you have no idea what that means and are looking for more context. Where the band would go from there was anybody's guess, but I think very few expected the wild end product for their second record, "The Monitor," which is out this week via XL Recordings.Simply put, "The Monitor" is what one might call a "high functioning" concept album. The theme is the American Civil War, and the album's title refers to the first ironclad warship commissioned by the U.S. Navy. If you're thinking that it's not exactly the same level of humor that "The Airing of Grievances" brought forth, you'd be right on. Titus Andronicus are searching for something more, and their newfound sense of maturity comes not only in the album's title and concept, but both lyrically and instrumentally as well. Not only that, but the album's final track "The Battle of Hampton Roads" is a 14-minute homage to the actual battle between the U.S.S. Monitor and the C.S.S. Virginia that took place from March 8-9, 1862. The band purposely chose to release the record yesterday (March 9th) to commemorate the 148th anniversary of that battle. History! No messing around there. They also aren't messing around when it comes to recruiting friends to help them out on songs for this album. You can hear instrumental contributions all over "The Monitor" from great bands like The Hold Steady, Vivian Girls, Wye Oak, Ponytail and Deer Tick, among others. So while Craig Finn or Cassie Ramone might not be lending their talents to the album behind the microphone, their presence is still felt in some of the stellar guitar work (assuming you know what to listen for).At their heart, Titus Andronicus are a punk rock band that don't always stick to their stylistic guns for the sake of variety and the constant attempts to shake labels attempting to easily define their sound. While "The Airing of Grievances" was somewhat static in its lo-fi punk/garage style, "The Monitor" feels like an entirely new animal in a very good way. Shaking off the low production values of their debut, not only are the songs much cleaner and avoidant of hyped trends, but there's also serious adjustments in influences that are challenging and exciting. The band isn't unrecognizable from their previous album, but given the use of everything from bagpipes to violins and cellos to trombones, these songs are more intricately constructed and by all accounts more brilliant as a result. Of course when you've got a 65 minute record that spans 10 tracks, with an average song length of over 6 minutes, variety is the spice of life. There are multi-part songs, honky tonk piano breakdowns, horn sections that surge, spoken word intros and outros, and plenty of pieces that wouldn't sound out of place as two opposing forces prepare to do battle on a hillside. All the while many of the lyrics discuss the perils of war, both from a soldier's perspective in the Civil War era, and also reflecting back on things as older, wiser men.Perhaps the thing that I love the most about "The Monitor" is how it is such an epic and hard-hitting album while never once getting boring or settled. There's always something new around every corner, and one minute Titus Andronicus will sound like Against Me! crossed with The Thermals, and the next they'll be channeling The Replacements and The Pogues. More than once I thought I was also listening to Flogging Molly, given the occasional bagpipe and reference to getting drunk or drinking, but I don't think Flogging Molly have ever done a 14 minute song. You look at this album versus something like Green Day's modern-day classic "American Idiot" and think that Titus Andronicus are functioning on a whole other level above what might have been the ceiling for a punk rock concept record. The bar has been raised, my friends, and Titus Andronicus have managed to exceed what I think almost anybody might have expected out of them.If I have a gripe about "The Monitor," and on the surface I really don't, it's that there's nothing on the album you might be able to consider a technical "single". With only 2 songs clocking in at under 5 minutes long and both of them feeling more like interludes anyways, picking a track to try and sell this band to those unfamiliar can be a little tough. And while the longer songs are nothing short of exciting from start to finish as well, they're also slightly less catchy than the stuff on "The Airing of Grievances," mostly because you're dealing with so many multi-part suites rather than your typical verse-chorus-verse structure. I like it because it's different, but if you're not up for 5-8 minutes of conceptual punk rock with a twist, I can understand how this album might be a little challenging to get into. Still, the brilliance of Titus Andronicus can no longer be denied, and "The Monitor" is the greatest evidence to date that this is a band you need to be paying attention to. If loud guitars and screamed vocals are something you like and can stand for 60+ minutes, this is an album you absolutely need to pick up. Really though, I'd like to recommend this album to everybody no matter what types or genres of music you might prefer. It is, quite simply, a great record and one of the finest things released in 2010. You'll be hearing me rave about it again in December, that's virtually a guarantee.Titus Andronicus- A More Perfect UnionTitus Andronicus- Four Score and Seven (Part One)Titus Andronicus- Four Score and Seven (Part Two)Buy "The Monitor" from Amazon
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Who: A New Jersey-bred quartet who’ve gone from playing Brooklyn warehouse parties to opening up for acts like Vampire Weekend. After releasing their debut in 2008 — an album that earned them no shortage of Bruce Springsteen and Bright Eyes comparisons — Titus Andronicus are gearing up to return March 9th with The Monitor, an ambitious, kick-ass, so-geeky-it’s-cool concept record about the Civil War. “When we weren’t on tour or whatever, I got really obsessed with Ken Burns’ documentary on the Civil War,” says frontman Patrick Stickles. “I would stay up and obsessively watch it all night.”
Sounds Like: The Monitor may be a concept record, but any trace of scholarly snobbery is hidden by the group’s thrilling country-punk racket, powered by bar-band guitar riffage, violins, bagpipes, horns and what sounds like any other instrument the band could get their hands on. There’s also a track called “Theme from Cheers,” a raucous drunkard’s anthem that features shout-along lyrics like “Give me a kegger on a Friday night!”
Vital Stats:
• For The Monitor, Titus Andronicus rounded up a cast of indie-rock hot-shots to make guest appearances, including members of the Vivian Girls, Ponytail, Wye Oak and the Hold Steady. “When it was time to make the record, I wanted the most proficient cast available to me,” says Stickles. “But I also wanted people I felt knew what the band was about and that we could hang out it. None of them are hired guns or anything.”
• Stickles — who says the band has rotated through a whopping 18 band members since he started the group in college — freely admits he was something of a loner while going to Ramapo College of New Jersey. He spent most of his time hanging out on weekends with his dad, swilling beer at a bar called the Glen Rock Inn. (The bar would later serve as the inspiration for “Theme from Cheers.”) “One night, I came stumbling home after being at the Inn,” says Stickles. “My mom started getting on my case about drinking too much and I felt really conflicted. I was a house divided against itself.”
• Titus Andronicus may be hipster-identified, but that doesn’t necessarily sit so well with the band. Last October, they were hired to play at Vice Magazine’s blowout Halloween bash at a warehouse in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. But Stickles was bummed out by the gig and took to his blog to eviscerate the party promoters for getting man-handled by the burly security guards. “That night was such a drag,” says Stickles. “We indie-rockers thing of ourselves as being so civilized, and that we take pains to separate ourselves from meatheads or whatever but then parties like this show there’s every opportunity to get our asses kicked. There was so much posing going on and this too-cool-for-school image. We could all do a little better.”
Get It Now: Click above to watch Titus Andronicus’ video for “Landscape With the Fall of Icarus.”
Plus, download “Four Score and Seven” (split into two tracks) here:
Download “Four Score and Seven” Part One (Right click and choose “save as”)
Download “Four Score and Seven” Part Two (Right click and choose “save as”)
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Buying albums might be ever so passé, but that doesn’t mean there still aren’t quality new releases worthy of your dinero. Continuing with our theme of 2010, we have identified 35 albums you’ll probably want to buy over the next 365 days. Of course, since only about 1/4 of the albums that will be released in 2010 have actually been announced, this list is certainly heavily biased toward the first few months — though we tried to take into account some of the more realistic possibilities at the end — and subject to sudden change. But based on their creators’ track records and some early samples, we’re pretty confident in our selections. So with all that in mind, let us present you with 35 albums you should buy in 2010.
Vampire Weekend - Contra
What’s not to expect? Contra just might be the most anticipated followup since Nirvana tackled In Utero, or perhaps when the Arcade Fire delivered us Neon Bible. Either way, the hype is off the charts for this one, namely because some folks consider the boy’s debut to be a one trick pony. However, judging from “White Sky”, “Run”, and the recently delectable “Cousins”, it might be safe to say that those folks are more or less… wrong. What a surprise, right? -MR
Due Out: January 12th via XL Recordings
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Eels - End Times
On Eels’ official website, End Times is described as “the sound of an artist growing older in uncertain times.” That description can fit Mark Oliver Everett, the lead singer/guitarist/keyboardist/creator of the band, perfectly. Being around for 15 years now, Eels has always met big philosophical issues head on and their upcoming release is no exception. Produced by Everett (aka E), the album is the story of a divorced artist who equates his personal loss with the loss of integrity in the world he’s living in. End Times is in someways a companion piece to last year’s Hombre Lobo, which deals with the desire that starts everything. Eels’ new record is the flip side of that coin. As we start a new decade, End Times is E’s way of taking one last mournful look back at what’s been lost along the way. -JM
Due Out: January 19th via Vagrant Records
Check Out:
“That Look You Gave That Guy”
Spoon - Transference
When Britt Daniel sits down to record something, the result is typically out-of-this-world. With 2007’s Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga, Spoon carved out intrinsic indie-pop that rocked, rolled, and… chilled. It was short, and if it were any other band, we’d probably complain. But simplicity is king with these folks, and while that’s a formula we’ve come to enjoy and they’ve managed to successfully employ, new tracks like “Written in Reverse” suggest we might actually be in for a surprise. Oh, expect stars to paint this one highly. -MR
Due Out: January 19th via Merge
Check Out:
“Written in Reverse”
Surfer Blood - Astro Coast
Hype is a devious thing. Sometimes it works, sometimes it explodes… bad. When Pitchfork Media put these Florida beach kids on their proverbial shoulders, the indie blogosphere kept their eyes peeled on ‘em. Considering the band’s premiere single “Swim” snagged listeners who still have yet to hear anything else from ‘em, it’s hard to ignore this release. Expect, well, just be sure to write down the album’s release date. This one could be this year’s hottest commodity, or it could be another Black Kids situation. We’re betting on the former. -MR
Due Out: January 19th via Kanine
Check Out:
“Swim (To Reach the End)”
Beach House - Teen Dream
If you’re not hip to Victoria Legrand’s vocals, then you’ve gotta ask yourself, “What the fuck have I been doing for the last decade?” Simply put, they’re alien. It’s hard to imagine someone who sings like that, let alone actually know that person exists. But, for the past six years, this Baltimore duo has “blessed” the world with unbelievable dream pop. Now, 2008’s Devotion is every vinyl collector’s modern fantasy, with spooky-yet-sweet instrumentation (thanks to Alex Scally) that haunts and swoons, and if things sound as promising and as daring as new single, “Norway”, then we’re really going to sleep well in 2010. -MR
Due Out: January 26th via Sub Pop
Check Out:
“Norway”
Charlotte Gainsbourg - IRM
One word: Beck. For her third full-length, the French electronic pop singer teamed up with Mr. Beck Hansen, and when we say teamed up we’re talking total collaboration! He wrote the album’s music, co-wrote the lyrics, produced, and mixed the whole thing. And based on a few early listens (hear below), it appears as if IRM will further prove that anything Beck touches turns to gold. -AY
Due Out: January 26th via Because
Check Out:
“IRM”
Los Campesinos! - Romance Is Boring
Romance Is Boring marks the Welsh outfit’s third effort in just two short years and final with founding member Aleks Campesinos!. Not surprising a culmination of emotions will be on display — “It is a record about the death and decay of the human body, sex, lost love, mental breakdown, football and, ultimately, that there probably isn’t a light at the end of the tunnel,” the band says of the album. Depressing, yes, but the end result should be the Los Campesinos!’s most captivating and developed work to date. -AY
Due Out: January 26th via Arts & Crafts
Check Out:
“The Sea Is A Good Place To Think Of The Future”
The Magnetic Fields - Realism
Frontman Stephin Merritt describes his band’s eighth studio album as “my folk album.” This is not surprising considering the effort is said to replace the Psychocandy fixation of the band’s last album, 2008’s Distortion, with a sound informed by “late 1960s/early 70s orchestral and psychedelic folk.” In doing so, Merritt and Co. used no electric instruments in the studio, instead choosing to go with everything from accordions and violins to tubas and nontraditional percussion instruments like tabla and, seriously, tree leaves. Seriously. -AY
Due Out: January 26th via Nonesuch Records
Check Out:
“Everything Is One Big Christmas Tree”
Midlake – The Courage of Others
Tim Smith seems to be somewhat of a musical chameleon. With Midlake, he has created two records with two distinct sets of respective influences. 2004’s Banman and Silvercork was an Elephant 6 style exploration through the kaleidoscope of psych-folk, while 2006’s The Trials of Van Occupanther was a Thom Yorke’d out journey through the 70’s, with hints of Neil Young and America blended in. So what color will Smith and the rest of the Denton, Texas quintet assume with their latest, The Courage of Others? Well, according to an interview Smith did with Pitchfork, we can expect hints of some the addition of some old British folk to their jazzed out rock: “We got into British folk. We started listening to Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span, and Pentangle; those are the three biggies. Strawbs, Amazing Blondel, a lot of more obscure bands: Yellow Autumn, Windy Corner. A lot of Pentangle. I had never listened to that stuff before. Just like before the previous album, I had never checked out Neil Young or Joni Mitchell or anything. So the same thing sort of happened, but with British folk.” So, this thing is going to be like a depressing meet and greet between Thom Yorke and Nick Drake with some occasional shredding and some weird time changes. Sounds good to me! -DL
Due Out: February 2nd via Bella Union
Check Out:
“Acts of Man”
The Soft Pack - The Soft Pack
We all miss The Strokes. We want back the musical hope they generated back in 2001/2002. And while we may never get that back for a variety of reasons, San Diego rockers The Soft Pack are assuring us that the future of music is sure to be bright. Formerly The Muslims, the surf/garage rock of the foursome is undeniable catchy while maintaining a level of craftsmanship beyond their years and level of experience. The lead single, “Answer To Yourself”, with its sharp guitars and groovetastic bassline, coupled with a message of individualism, all hark back to something way old and something that music needs to move toward. While they’ve already broken big in the UK, the band is gaining notoriety in the States. And expect their debut LP to cause even bigger waves. -CC
Due Out: February 2nd via Kemado
Check Out:
“Answer to Yourself”
Sade - Soldier of Love
10 years is an eternity in the music industry. Heck, even anything more than a few years and your fans can begin to think you’ve dropped out of the world. But if there’s one act that deserves to wait 10 years between album’s, it’s Sade Adu. Her new album, Soldier of Love, will be the follow up to 2000’s Lovers Rock, and if you think that time has widdled away at her musical prowess, think again. The album’s first single, the title track, is a six minute epic, punctuated by strings and a menacing guitar, with a dance-y, sorrowful vibe that is powered by the sheer agony and lioness tone that is Sade. We’re not usually ones with a great deal of patience, but we’re glad we had a little for Ms. Adu. -CC
Due Out: February 8th via Epic Records
Check Out:
“Soldier of Love”
Massive Attack - Heligoland
Robert “3D” Del Naja and Grant “Daddy G” Marshall pulled out all the stops for their first album in six years. Not only did they round up the likes of Blur’s Damon Albarn, Elbow’s Guy Garvey, TV on the Radio’s Tunde Adebimpe, Hope Sandoval, Horace Andy, and Martina Topley-Bird to serve as guest contributors, but they teased Heligoland’s release with the stellar Splitting the Atom EP. Ah, the life and times of perfection. -AY
Due Out: February 9th via Virgin
Check Out:
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Hot Chip - One Life Stand
One Life Stand is billed as Hot Chip’s most complete work to date, which is certainly saying something given the fact it will be following up 2008’s critically acclaimed Made in the Dark. To accomplish this feat, the English electro outfit combined soul, modern R&B, “golden age” soul, and “the sounds of Arthur Russell, Prince and Theo Parish.” Eclectic to say the least. -AY
Due Out: February 9th via Astralwerks
Check Out:
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Yeasayer - Odd Blood
Yeasayer is no stranger to musical experimentation. But with their newest album, they’re controlling the surge of loops, effects and massive ambiance to deliver an effort that is as streamlined as can be without losing that spirit of innovation. Expect big things for the single “Ambling Alp”. While the video is a NSFW tour de force of naked people, the song itself is pure pop magic. Singer Chris Keating sounds like some voice ripped from an ’80s tape deck, with a beat from an old Big Country track that’s been mutated by heavy synth and effects that feel both artificial and wholly warm and organic at the same time. And despite being a “Middle Eastern-psych-snap-gospel”, the song’s message is way too universal to not appeal to even the most mainstream of tastes. So while the album may have leaked in early December, it shouldn’t do anything to the impact Odd Blood will have on 2010. -CC
Due Out: February 9th via Secretly Canadian
Check Out:
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Local Natives - Gorilla Manor
While the debut album of Local Natives was already released in the U.K. back in November, the Los Angeles indie sensations are looking to bring success stateside this coming February. Gorilla Manor’s namesake proved to a huge influence over the band the last couple years; besides being the source of chaotic energy for them, the house was also where most of the record was written. Featuring the jungle rhythm of first single, “Sun Hands”, and a cover of the Talking Heads’ “Warning Sign”, the end result is an effort that explores obsession with both the miraculous and disastrous. With any luck, Local Natives will return from Europe to find as much fortune in Gorilla Manor as they found within that house. -JM
Due Out: February 16th via Frenchkiss Records
Check Out:
“Sun Hands”
Erykah Badu - New Amerykah, Part II: Return of the Ankh
Badu’s New Amerykah Part I: 4th World War was a huge hit and on the top 10 lists of many critics for 2008. With the pressure on to deliver something even bigger, the Texas born musician is doing away with her sharp wit and socio-political message and making Part II all about what’s going on in her head. “‘Part I was the left side of my thoughts — it was more socially political and my thought process was more analytical,” Badu told Billboard in December. “This time there wasn’t anything to be concerned with — the album is more emotional and flowy and talks about feelings.” Expect lots of live instrumentation and everything from a harp to a Theremin as the album explores songs that Badu has said will also have an underlining rumble to them and will “feel like a hug.” That’s one embrace we’re anxiously awaiting. -CC
Due Out: February 23rd via Universal Motown
Mumford & Sons - Sigh No More
Spilling the beans on Arcade Fire’s upcoming project (see below) isn’t the only reason this British folk rock outfit is making headlines these days. Not only was their debut album produced by Markus Dravs (Arcade Fire, Bjork), but it has already been embraced by our friends across the Atlantic as evident by the #11 debut chart position and the slew of glowing reviews. Plus, we really liked it as well. Needless to say, a U.S. release is a longtime coming. -AY
Due Out: March 2nd via Glassnote Records
Check Out:
“Little Lion Man”
The Ruby Suns - Fight Softly
Different will be the theme of this New Zealand outfit’s third full-length. “With this new album, I just wanted to do something different because doing the same thing would just be boring to me. It’s probably the opposite of what I did for the last one,” explained singer/songwriter Ryan McPhun. As he went on to note, that different is apparently something on the realm of Michael Jackson’s Dangerous. “In the last year or two, I had a break from guitar music. I’ve just been appreciating pop music.” Color us interested. -AY
Due Out: March 2nd via Sub Pop
Gorillaz - Plastic Beach
The latest installment in Damon Albarn’s acclaimed project has been in the works since September of 2008. Along the way, he tapped the likes of Snoop Dogg, Lou Reed, Mos Def, Bobby Womack, Barry Gibb, and The Horrors to help out. Aside form that (and the sample below), however, we don’t know much more about Plastic Beach, but, according to the band’s unofficial website, we’ll know something come March 8th — the day the album is scheduled to be released. -AY
Due Out: March 8th via Parlophone
Check Out:
“Electric Shock”
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The Besnard Lakes – The Besnard Lakes are the Roaring Night
Last time they were a dark horse, now they’re a natural, yet hyperbolic, state of being. Whatever the roaring night may sound like, the Canadian prog-rock masters are sure to deliver something grandiose with their third full-length. The press release for the thing makes it sound like a Bond movie told through harsh strums: “On March 9th, Jagjaguwar will release The Besnard Lakes Are the Roaring Night, a twisting chronicle of spies, double agents, novelists and aspiring rock gods turned violent. Loyalty, dishonor, love, and hatred are all seen through the eyes of two spies, communicating through short wave in code and fighting a war that may or may not be real.” What? Yeah, exactly. With a description like that it’s hard to know what to expect sonically, but either way, this thing could be up for an Oscar when it’s all said and done (get it, cause it’s like a movie?). -DL
Due Out: March 9th via Jagjaguwar
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Beat The Devil’s Tattoo
For their fifth studio album Beat The Devil’s Tattoo, their first full length, non-instrumental since 2007’s Baby 81, San Francisco’s dark garage rockers Black Rebel Motorcycle Club are releasing the effort on their relatively new Abstract Dragon record label. That means the band is going to be under even closer scrutiny regarding the success or failure of the album. And making matters even more tense, it’s also the first album for new drummer Leah Shapiro. But worry not, as Beat The Devil’s Tattoo is surely going to be a rocking good time — we’re certain of this because the album was written and recorded at The Basement Studio, the same Philadelphia music spot where Howl came to life. And if you’re up to date on your BRMC history, this is the effort that saw the band move in that great new direction. Rock on, folks, rock on. -CC
Due Out: March 9th via Abstract Dragon
Broken Bells - Broken Bells
Earlier this year, James Mercer fired keyboardist Marty Crandall and drummer Jesse Sandoval from the Shins for “aesthetic” reasons. Though it was a pretty dick move on his part — a decision which prompted a lot of head scratching and some reevaluation of Mercer’s character for fans — Mercer may be winning back some listeners with his latest collaboration with super producer/Dark Night of the Soul colleague Danger Mouse. And while Broken Bells may not be the new Shins that Mercer did the firing for, it’s shaping up to be a pretty cool warm-up for what’s to come. Current single “The High Road” has all the uplifting pop qualities of any Shins tune, with some Dangermouse-y anolog synth thrown on top, and if it’s any indication of the rest, we’ll have quite the record. So Mercer, while it may take some time to forgive your egotistical behavior, I can’t say I am not going to listen to your music anymore. Broken Bells may be too good to let grudges get in the way of. -DL
Due Out: March 9th via Columbia
Check Out:
“The High Road”
Frightened Rabbit – The Winter of Mixed Drinks
If you could only use the Scottish quintet’s album titles to describe them (or at least their most recent), alcoholism would certainly be a start. 2008’s The Midnight Organ Fight is surely a reference to late night intoxication, and their forthcoming The Winter of Mixed Drinks can’t really be any more direct. So they like to drink and produce some pretty dreary, yet nonetheless beautiful music. “The theme I’m going for is pushing yourself out to the edge of things and being alone, feeling lost and not knowing where you are, which is how I’ve felt recently. It’s not all fun and games, but hopefully it’ll just be less obviously personal and brutal than the last record. Less oppressive,” explained leadman Scott Hutchinson in an interview with Qmunicate. If we’re lucky, what’s not so fun for these guys will make for one hell of listen for us at home. -DL
Due Out: March 9th via FatCat
Check Out:
“Swim Until You Can’t See Land”
Ted Leo & the Pharmacists - The Brutalist Bricks
Mr. Leo & crew rely on the past for their Matador Records debut. “It certainly sounds like guys of a certain age who used to be in hardcore bands,” Leo told Rolling Stone. “For better or for worse, I really don’t get mellower politically — it winds up leaving me sometimes to just want to play hardcore. I’m ultimately a better singer than I am a screamer.” Whatever its basis may be, Matador is already proclaiming it’s Leo’s “most confident, kinetic and varied work” to date. -AY
Due Out: March 9th via Matador Records
Check Out:
“Even Heroes Have To Die”
Titus Andronicus - The Monitor
New Jersey’s favorite lo-fi rockers return with a sophomore studio album that sticks to one particular theme: the Civil War. So, chaos with historical context! Plus, The Monitor will feature some familiar faces, many of whom will be doing some spoken word parts.The Hold Steady’s Craig Finn as Walt Whitman? Vivian Girls’ Cassie Ramone as Jefferson Davis? Need I say more? -AY
Due Out: March 9th via XL Recordings
Check Out:
“Four Score and Seven (Part Two)”
Goldfrapp - Head First
Goldfrapp is one of those bands that has always been well received if nothing else. The only catch is that the Alison Goldfrapp-led electro group has worked under the radar of many people, which is for the best for their unique sound and public image. But after collaborating with Christina Aguilera on her new album, Goldfrapp and Co. are surely going to gain even more attention than before. And there’s no better way to parlay that then with a new album entitled Head First. Described in press releases as “Goldfrapp’s most powerful trip to date, a speedy rush of synth optimism, euphoria, fantasy and romance”, the album’s first single, “Rocket”, drops in early March. And with this being third third album in five years, on top of an always heavy touring schedule, Goldfrapp could have a truly golden 2010. -CC
Due Out: March 23rd via Mute Records
Jónsi Birgisson - Go
Being the lead of the Icelandic post-rock group Sigur Rós, Jónsi Birgisson has the weight of the indie music world on his shoulders as he prepares to release his new solo album, Go. But like the collaborative efforts that have marked his career, Birgisson isn’t going this alone. To begin with, the album’s production work is in the capable hands of Peter Katis, a man who sports names like The National and Interpol on his resume. Plus, Birgisson has enlisted his boyfriend and part-time collaborator Alex Somers, who, as a visual artist, is sure to add a unique visual aspect to the album. The sound of the album, though, should be able to handle the pressure all on its own. According to a May 26, 2009 post on the Sigur Rós site, the album will feature string and acoustic compositions and arrangements by composer Nico Muhly. Sounds like music to our ears. -CC
Due Out: March 23rd via XL Recordings
Check Out:
“Boy Lilikoi”
She & Him - Volume Two
Indie’s favorite boy-girl duo returns for the much anticipated followup to 2008’s Volume One. On this particular endeavor, M. Ward and Zooey Deschanel took a similar “organic approach,” but came up with a different type of sound. “I think that the dark shades that were on the last record are maybe a little bit darker on the new record, and the brighter shades on the last record are a little bit brighter on the new record,” Ward told Paste Magazine. “I think that people are going to hear more contrasts.” Of course, nothing can be too dark when Ms. Deschanel is involved. (Queue obligatory wink.) -AY
Due Out: March 23rd via Merge
LCD Soundsystem - TBA
We know about as much about LCD Soundsystem’s third LP now as we did back in October. So, we’ll just re-paste what we wrote then: The yet-to-be untitled affair will apparently hit stores sometime in March, feature the artistic talents of Ruvan Wijesooriya, graphic designing of Mike Vandino, and mastering of Shellac’s Bob Weston, be supported by an extensive world tour, and be headed by a single that will be available as both a digital download and vinyl. As for a description of the actual content, frontman/creative genius James Murphy noted to goldcoast.com.au it is “different than Sound Of Silver and certainly different than the first one … It still sounds very much like us, like James. It’s maybe slower and it’s kind of got some more rock stuff back in it. It also has a bunch of disco influences.” -AY
Due Out: March via DFA
Interpol - TBA
There’s no title, release date, or even YouTube videos of new songs. But the boys of Interpol have confirmed that their fourth LP will see light sometime in early 2010. And based on recent comments, we have absolutely no idea what to expect. “The new record falls back towards the first,” drummer Sam Fogarino explained to Paste in November, an assessment which would be shot down by frontman Paul Banks just a few weeks later. “What we’ve worked on is a real step forward and just very different and very relaxed in what we’re doing,” Banks told BBC before noting “I don’t even know what [Fogarino]’s talking about.” Just make it good, boys. -AY
Due Out: Early 2010 via Capitol
U2 - Songs of Ascent
Considering how packed 2009 was for U2 and how much is already on the plate for this coming year, one would think Bono and Co. would take it easy when it comes to new projects. Well, I guess someone forgot to remind the acclaimed Irish outfit of this. Tentatively titled Songs of Ascent, the album is believed to be more meditative than it’s predecessor, last year’s No Line On The Horizon, and will be made up of leftover material from the last album’s sessions as well as new songs currently being worked on in New York. According to Bono, the release will be headed by its first single, a surging anthem titled “Every Breaking Wave”. Hopefully, it’ll give U2 the hit that eluded them last year. Plus, at the very least, the album should be a treat to fans used to long waits between records from the Irish rockers. -JM
Due Out: Mid-2010 via Mercury/Interscope
The Thermals - Double Negative
Despite nearly 10 years as a band and the recent finalization of its lineup as a trio, don’t expect The Thermals fourth studio album (which is under the working title Double Negative) to be anything less than energetic and confrontational. In fact, this time around they’re going after the ruiner of lives and the creator of pop music: Love. “It’s hard to be in love with someone. If there’s a theme to this record, it’s that,” lead singer and guitarist Hutch Harris told Paste Magazine back in December 2009. “A lot of the songs are pretty brutal lyrically. It’s really negative thoughts about love and relationships.” And while the chaos and fury that is their bright and energetic form of power-punk is sure to remain, the band also promises to kick it hard ala Thin Lizzy and ZZ Top. Take that, love. -CC
Due Out: September 7th via Kill Rock Stars
Red Hot Chili Peppers - TBA
They already have a new guitarist and, soon enough, the acclaimed rock outfit will have a new album as well. Back in October, drummer Chad Smith told Clash Magazine that the yet-to-be-titled followup to 2006’s Stadium Arcadium “could be finished “Some time next year, maybe this time [next year].” Yeah, it sounded too good to be true at the time, but the band is said to be currently held up in the studio, meaning, that fantasy seems to be becoming more and more like a reality. -AY
Due Out: Late 2010 via Warner Bros.
Eminem - Relapse 2
2009 was a big year for Eminem. Relapse was his first record since 2004’s Encore, and while 2009 could have also seen the release of yet another Eminem record in the form of Relapse 2, we’re not even the slightest bit upset its been pushed back into the void of 2010. Of course, how could we not be upset? Em has promised this record to be a more “emotionally driven” effort than Relapse was. Despite this being in the public eye for the longest time, there’s not too many details to get excited about. Expect “The Warning”, a Mariah Carey diss track, a collabo with 50 Cent and production by the likes of Dr. Dre and Just Blaze. Even without too many details, we still can’t wait for Mr. Mathers to pour his heart out and undoubtedly rock us while scaring the crap out of us. Just don’t keep us waiting too much longer, please. -CC
Due Out: 2010 via Shady Records
Arcade Fire - TBA
Little is known about the year’s most awaited new album. All we do know is that it is due out sometime in 2010, Neon Bible’s Markus Dravs will again be handling the production, and that it will probably be quite good. “I keep asking Markus how it’s going and he’s like, ‘Yeah, it’s okay’,” Mumford and Sons’ Marcus Mumford explained in a recent interview. “And I’m like, ‘What are the songs like?’ And he goes, ‘Better’.” -AY
Due Out: 2010 via Merge
Other Albums You’ll Probably Want to Buy:
Of Montreal - False Priest: It’s been in the works for a while now, so expect that “psychedelic” album sometime in 2010. Perhaps as soon as August or September.
The National - Vintage Rifles (?): The band teased us last summer by debuting material off the much anticipated 2007’s Boxer. Spring 2010 looks to be the time that anticipation will turn into reality.
The Dead Weather - TBA: Jack White’s new crew spent the holidays recording the followup to last year’s Horehound. According to frontwoman Alison Mosshart, the yet-to-be-titled effort, which will be a self-produced and self-recorded affair, will likely come out sometime soon.
Fleet Foxes - TBA: According to frontman Robin Pecknold, the Seattle outfit’s third full-length will “definitely” be out in 2010.
The Avalanches - TBA: Word on the street is that 2010 will finally be the year the acclaimed electro outfit follows up 2000’s Since I Left You.
Sufjan Stevens - TBA: Stevens’ label, Asthmatic Kitty, says there are no plans for a 2010 release, but if his Fall 2009 tour was any indication, a new studio album is on the way. He was debuting songs for pete’s sake!
Cat Power - TBA: Ms. Chan Marshall is working on a brand new effort all by herself.
Joanna Newsom - TBA: Another album we know nothing about other than that it is coming.
The Strokes - TBA: The band hasn’t even confirmed that a new album is coming, but we can still hope.
R.E.M. - TBA: Michael Stipe and Co. are currently hauled up in the studio working on album #15.
Kanye West - TBA: As he revealed just yesterday, the Chicago rapper is working on something.
Nine Inch Nails - TBA: “Sorry I haven’t been around much lately, I’ve been working on not working for a couple of months, which for me is hard work. 2010 has a number of things planned including new material from nine inch nails.”
Radiohead - TBA: - Duh.
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DOWNLOAD: Titus Andronicus - Four Score And Seven (part one) (MP3)
DOWNLOAD: Titus Andronicus - Four Score And Seven part two (MP3)
Titus Andronicus @ Mercury Lounge, New Years Eve (more by Zach Stern)
As we were saying, openers for each of Vampire Weekend's three NYC shows on January 17th, 18th and 19th have been announced. The first night at United Palace Theater has Titus Andronicus. The second at Webster Hall features Holly Miranda. And the third show at Bowery Ballroom will be opened by Dirty Projector Nat Baldwin. All three nights are sold out.
Titus Andronicus's new record, The Monitor, comes out March 9th on XL Recordings (same label as Vampire Weekend and Holly Miranda), and new track "Four Score and Seven" is streaming on their Myspace in full, or you can download it in two parts above. Art, more info and the tracklist for the Civil War themed concept ("sort of") record are below.
The band plays an album release show on March 6th at Bowery Balloom. Tickets go on presale Wednesday at noon. General sale starts Friday, January 8th at noon. The show will be part of a bigger TBA tour that also includes SXSW in Austin later that month,
Titus's last NYC show was at Mercury Lounge on New Years Eve. All future dates and album stuff below...
Continue reading "Titus Andronicus announce NYC shows & new album (MP3)" at BrooklynVegan.com
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(via inlog.org)
Adam Green - What Makes Him Act So Bad
Basia Bulat - Gold Rush
Beach House - Norway
Broken Bells - The High Road
Citay - Careful With That Hat
Efterklang - Modern Drift
Field Music - Measure
Final Fantasy - Lewis Takes Action
Get Well Soon - 5 Steps / 7 Swords
Harlem - Friendly Ghost
Jaga Jazzist - One-Armed Bandit
Jónsi - Boy Lilikoi
Liars - Scissor
Local Natives - Sun Hands
Midlake - Acts of Man
Oh No Ono - Helplessly Young
Pantha Du Prince - The Splendour
The Red Krayola - Portrait Of Wile E. Coyote
Retribution Gospel Choir - Hide It Away
Serena-Maneesh - Ayisha Abyss
Scout Niblett - The Calconation Of Scout Niblett
Shearwater - Castaways
Shout Out Louds - Walls
Spoon - Written in Reverse
Surfer Blood - Swim
Ted Leo & The Pharmacists - Even Heroes Have To Die
Tindersticks - Black Smoke
Titus Andronicus - Four Score and Seven (part two)
Toro Y Moi - Blessa
Vampire Weekend - Horchata
Yeasayer - Ambling Alp
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As I get ready to ring in the new year by drinking my face off tomorrow night I wanted to get together the final edition of PHW’s monthly mix series for 2009. Much of December was spent looking back at the best 2009 had to offer, but interspersed throughout a lot of those kinds of posts were a bunch of excellent songs from albums coming out in early 2010. Here’s the best of the bunch, as well as a few older songs that I didn’t get to earlier. Vic Chesnutt’s “Flirted With You All My Life” starts the playlist off, and it’s a song that has really hit me hard over the past few days since his untimely passing. Unfortunately, while he was alive Chesnutt was always an artist on my periphery, so I can’t put together the kind of eloquent memorial that An Aquarium Drunkard or Muzzle of Bees posted. I knew a few songs from over the years and liked them, but I never jumped in like I now wish I had or like I now intend to do. “Flirted…” is an almost scarily prescient song about always feeling death standing so close to you. As a final artistic statement (from his final LP - At the Cut), it’s simply mind-blowing. MP3 :: Flirted With You All My Life/Vic Chesnutt (original post)MP3 :: Even Heroes Have To Die/Ted Leo & The Pharmacists (original post)MP3 :: Burning Holes/Why Write? (original post)MP3 :: Left It Alone/Banjo Or Freakout (original post)MP3 :: Castaways/Shearwater (original post)MP3 :: Scissor/Liars (original post)MP3 :: Four Score Part OneMP3 :: Four Score Part Two/Titus Andronicus (original post)MP3 :: Hide It Away/Retribution Gospel Choir (original post)MP3 :: Holding Hands/We Are WolvesMP3 :: Time/Beach FossilsMP3 :: Boy Lilikoi/Jónsi’s (original post)MP3 :: We Talk Like Machines/Savoir Adore (original post)MP3 :: My Proud Mountains/J. Tillman (Townes Van Zandt cover) (original post)Happy New Year everyone, see you in '10------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------See also: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, & November.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Local Natives - "Sun Hands"; At some point next year you're going to wonder how many more times you can possibly listen to the fantastic debut record from Local Natives. Gorilla Manor will be out in February, but after getting the first taste with this fantastic, sing-a-long worthy first tune from the record we're pretty much ready to anoint them as the best new band of next year. We don't wanna be too premature but you're probably gonna love this.Grade: AWe Are Wolves - "Holding Hands"; We Are Wolves are back with their third album in the past four years and once again they are cranking up the volume and cranking out some energetic indie rock. The record won't be out till February so hopefully this tune will suffice for now, but if you feel the need to listen to some more of this type of addictive rock check out their last two highly underrated records.Grade: B+Vampire Weekend - "White Sky"; At this point we are ready for the new Vampire Weekend record to land in our mailbox and not leave our record player for a long, long while. We've already been treated to few fantastic tunes from the record and this might be our favorite to hit the web so far. It captures the essence of the sound from their last record while adding even more playful little layers to it, namely that little keyboard that plays subtly in the background of the whole song. This is devilishly addictive and we're starting to twitch waiting for this record!Grade: A+Alex Bleeker (with Molly Sarle) - "Oh, Boy" (Girls Cover); My Twitter blew up the other day when Alex Bleeker happened to cover Girls during a live show the other day. The live rendition of the song immediately made it to the web and we were able to enjoy the subtle sounds of the cover, featuring Molly Sarle of Mountain Man on the track. We don't normally post live tracks but this really is a great version of a solid tune.Grade: B+Elliott Smith - "Cecelia/Amanda"; Posthumous releases have always bothered me a little bit. I suppose I feel that someone shouldn't be profiting from someone who has passed on, but sometimes people genuinely need to hear the music. I think that's the case with this tune from Elliott Smith, a song that was originally recorded for his high school band Stranger Than Fiction and re-worked and recorded in 1997. It's a solid song, a little different from Smith's normal style but still full of a lot of what we loved so much about Smith.Grade: A-Jukebox the Ghost - "Temptation" (New Order Cover); Jukebox the Ghost has always done an amazing job of incorporating cover songs into their live sets. Their amazing residency at Pianos a year or two ago notoriously debuted a new cover song each week including one of They Might Be Giant's "Birdhouse In Your Soul" and a tune from The Nightmare Before Christmas. They've decided to end the year by sending out a cover of New Order's "Temptation", a choice that may not seem obvious at first but which they totally own as soon as they launch into it. We're really excited to hear some new music from this band, but we can wait a little while with this playing in our ears.Grade: B+Moon Duo - "Stumbling 22nd St."; Earlier this year Erik Johnson and Sanae Yamada of Wooden Shjips formed a new duo aptly called Moon Duo and released a 12" and an EP that had some truly promising fuzzy, lo-fi sound. The band will be releasing their debut full length on Woodsist early next year and this first taste of the album is pretty damn epic. Touting bands like as diverse as Silver Apples, Royal Trux, Moolah, Suicide, and Cluster as influences Moon Duo is a pretty wild combination. This may drone on a bit long but there's a lot in there to really like a lot.Grade: BTitus Andronicus - "Four Score and Seven Part One" & "Four Score and Seven Part Two"; If you were expecting a straight forward punk follow-up to The Airing of Grievances you will be pretty shocked by the Civil War themed sophomore release from Titus Andronicus. With spoken word parts, acted out by members of The Hold Steady, Vivian Girls, Double Daggers, and more, this is not going to be your standard album. "Part One" shows a lot more of the Springsteen influenced side of their sound, a little less abrasive but no less fun, while "Part Two" picks up the pace to the more punk rock sound the band did so well last time around. It is a little weird to think of Titus Andronicus as the makers of a concept album but to each there own and we're still pretty excited to hear the whole thing!Grade: B+/A-R.E.M. - "Crazy Like A Fox"; Welcome back Bill Berry! The retired drummer of R.E.M.'s storied past has returned for the latest holiday single from the band. Normally the holiday single is only distributed to R.E.M. fan club members but thankfully this rare appearance hit the web a few days ago. The song isn't particularly special, it's actually missing Michael Stipe and Peter Buck (they don't appear on "Santa Baby" either) but this cover of Lenny Kaye is a solid little token to fans that have stuck with the band for decades now.Grade: B-Track of the Week:Efterklang - "Modern Drift"; Efterklang have pretty much everything working for them in this first tune off their forthcoming album Magic Chairs. The song follows in the uplifting style the band has perfected over there last two albums, but features a much more pop oriented structure that immediately hooks you. The song is carried by the gentle harmonies and lush melodies set up here. There are so many fantastic layers on this song that this one will be playing a lot for us the next few weeks.Grade: A+<script type="text/javascript">
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dub und noise rock sind nur zwei gewürze der scharfen sosse, die die texaner anrühren, eine neue single (dazugehöriges album: fever) gilt es zu begrüßen, die kommt etwas geruhsamer als üblich daher:the laughing - help methe laughing - runnerbei "loneliest generation" handelt es sich um das debut dieser band aus new york (auf baby jackal records), fett produziert und was das ansinnen angeht, mein gott, die wollen mehr und greifen dabei ganz tief in die mott..., ähm traditionskiste, digital jetzt, als tonträger im april erhältlich:harper blynn - christmas ain't no good without youharper blynn - centrifugal motioneine single liess sich noch aus dem letzten release pressen, "notes to an absent lover" (monotreme records) hat es schließlich auch vielfach zu guten bis sehr guten bewertungen gebracht:barzin - look what love has turned us intobarzin - nobody told to medas dazugehörige album heißt wie die band sich nennt, auf tapete:anajo und das poporchester - franzi +2beim label bleiben wir, die musik hat etwas mehr verve, am 27.11. erschien bereits "halt's maul - mach musik", hören wir mal rein:rantanplan - peking bordellein digitaler release als gruß an die welt, die ep heißt "does anyone love me now":blue roses - doubtful comforts"the monitor" heißt das neue album, es kommt am 09. märz und gehört, zumindest was den namen angeht, zu den weniger spannenden neuerscheinungen des kommenden jahres:titus andronicus - four score and seven (part one)titus andronicus - four score and seven (part two)"conquest" kommt am 12.01., geht flott voran, auf ardent music:the scruffs - treasure girlsals rausschmeisser ein freejazz trio, das sich an hammond, double bass und perkussion die kante gibt, auf bo'weavil mit zwei aktuellen release, "the deep" und "spirit", bewegliche, royale nummern fast:decoy - outside in (sample, from: "spirit")decoy - first call (sample, from: "the deep")
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Today's free and legal mp3 downloads:
Elizabeth and the Catapult: "Christmas with the Jews" [mp3] (zipped)
other Elizabeth and the Catapult posts at Largehearted Boy
Kittens Ablaze: "Gloom Doom Buttercups" [mp3] from The Monstrous Vanguard
other Kittens Ablaze posts at Largehearted Boy
Lay Low: "By and By" [mp3] from Farewell Good Night's Sleep
other Lay Low posts at Largehearted Boy
Mason Porter: "Joaquin Murietta" [mp3] from Thunder in the Valley
other Mason Porter posts at Largehearted Boy
Nana Grizol: "For Things That Haven't Come Yet" [mp3] Ruth (out January 12th)
other Nana Grizol posts at Largehearted Boy
Oh No Ono: "Helplessly Young" [mp3] from Eggs (out January 26th)
other Oh No Ono posts at Largehearted Boy
Pepper Rabbit: "Red Wine" [mp3] from Shakes EP
other Pepper Rabbit posts at Largehearted Boy
Six Star General: "Paint Throw" [mp3] from Take Your Teeth Out
other Six Star General posts at Largehearted Boy
Titus Andronicus: "Four Score and Seven (part one)" [mp3] from The Monitor (out March 9th)
Titus Andronicus: "Four Score and Seven (part two)" [mp3] from The Monitor (out March 9th)
other Titus Andronicus posts at Largehearted Boy
Free and legal mp3s of live performances at other websites:
Bouncing Souls: Daytrotter session [mp3]
other Bouncing Souls posts at Largehearted Boy
Mat Kearney: LaundroMatinee session [mp3]
other Mat Kearney posts at Largehearted Boy
Nana Grizol: 2009-12-03, Athens [mp3]
other Nana Grizol posts at Largehearted Boy
O'Death: 2009-12-09, Broooklyn [mp3]
other O'Death posts at Largehearted Boy
also at Largehearted Boy:
previous free and legal mp3 daily downloads
2009 Bonnaroo downloads
other music festival downloads
online "best of 2009" book lists
online "best of 2009" music lists
best of the decade (2000-2009) online music lists
Try It Before You Buy It (mp3s and album streams from weekly CD releases)
weekly CD release lists
tags: music download indie mp3
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Titus Andronicus' großartiges Debütalbum The Airing Of Grievances wird zwar hierzulande noch in den diesjährigen Jahresbestenlisten auftauchen, da es aber ursprünglich bereits Mitte 2008 erschien (und auch da auf meiner eigenen Liste zu finden war) ist es kein Wunder dass im März nächsten Jahres in den USA (und hoffentlich nicht wieder mit so großer Verzuögerung auch bei uns) schon der Nachfolger ansteht.
Auf The Monitor, das neben höchst lesenswerten Blogeinträgen über eklige Vice-Parties mit einer Decemberistsch anmutenden Bürgerkriegsthematik (und "Curb Your Enthusiasm"-Referenzen) klar macht dass die Herren aus New Jersey zumindest keine ungebildete Saufband sind, findet sich neben den bereits von ihren Liveauftritten bekannten Titus Andronicus Forever, No Future Part Three und To Old Friends And New auch das nach balladesk läutendem Beginn in der zweiten Hälfte zum Punkmarsch mutierenden Four Score And Seven zu hören, hier gezweiteilt:
[MP3] Titus Andronicus - Four Score and Seven (Part One)
[MP3] Titus Andronicus - Four Score and Seven (Part Two)
Auch von der transäquatorial gegenüberliegenden Seite des Globus gibt es gute Frühjahrsneuigkeiten, Eddy Current Suppression Ring planen mit ihrem dritten Album Rush To Relax zu zeigen dass auch australische Garagen nicht nur zur Fahrzeuglagerung genutzt werden. Anxiety bleibt seinem Titel treu und rollt unruhig zwischen seinen Spannungspolen hin und her, zum Schluss gibt es dann einen Endlauf der nicht wenig an das Finale von Future Of The Lefts Arming Eritrea erinnert. Gibt schlechtere Referenzen.
[MP3] Eddy Current Suppression Ring - Anxiety
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New Jersey heavy hitters Titus Andronicus will be dropping their Civil War-themed sophomore album The Monitor, named after an ironclad Union battleship, on March 9 through XL Recordings. Judging from the sounds of the first available track, “Four Score and Seven”, which is split into Part 1 and Part 2 below, the band hasn’t lost any of their edge since the cathartic The Airing Of Grievances blew out my speakers early last year. “Four Score and Seven” will be released as a 7” single prior to the album‘s release - that’s why it’s split, so each part could fit on a side of vinyl. Much more detail was revealed earlier today over at Pitchfork. The list of upcoming 2010 releases to be excited for just keeps growing. But for now, just listen up:MP3 :: Four Score And Seven (Part One)MP3 :: Four Score And Seven (Part Two)(from The Monitor. Info here)---------------------------------------------------------
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We’ve been on the Titus Andronicus bandwagon for sometime now, and rightfully so. The New Jersey natives’ debut, Airing of Grievances, proved to be one of our favorite albums of 2008, while their live performance also brought much delight. So, it’s quite exciting to report that the the band has already completed its second full-length and reveal it next March.
Titled The Monitor and due out on March 9th (via XL Recordings), the 10-track affair promises another round of lo-fi shoegaze excellence. But this time around, the theme will stick to one particular subject: the Civil War.
Per frontman Patrick Stickles:
“It doesn’t take place in olden times, nor does it necessarily feature any characters that participated in that conflict. Really, it is a record about how the conflicts that led our nation into that great calamity remain unresolved, and the effect that this ongoing division has on our personal relationships and our behavior and how they’re all out to get us (or maybe not?) and yadda yadda yadda.”
The album will once again feature the production talents of Kevin McMahon, who worked with the band on Airing of Grievances. Guests include members of The Hold Steady, Wye Oak, Ponytail, and Vivian Girls. As for other specifics? Well, The Monitor will feature some rather long songs, including the first single “Four Score and Seven”, which runs nine minutes.
Speaking of the single, it will be released as a double A-side 7″ on February 9th. Given its length, the song will be split into two parts so it’ll fit on the vinyl. You can stream both parts below (via P4k).
U.S. tour dates are still forthcoming, but the band has confirmed an appearance as next year’s South by Southwest.
Check Out:
“Four Score and Seven (Part One)”
“Four Score and Seven (Part Two)”
The Monitor Tracklist:
01. A More Perfect Union
02. Titus Andronicus Forever
03. No Future Part Three: Escape From No Future
04. Richard II
05. A Pot in Which to Piss
06. Four Score and Seven
07. Theme From “Cheers”
08. To Old Friends and New
09. …And Ever
10. The Battle of Hampton Roads
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