Posted on Monday 14 December 2009
By Pete Donahue
Last year, I wrote a piece for Muzzle of Bees listing my biggest musical anticipations for 2009. Some things never happened, like that new Fleet Foxes album, while others, like the Cribs with Johnny Marr album, happened, but were incredible disappointments. But new music from bands we all love is part of what makes music great. The eager wait for anything relating to the release, be it a leaked low-quality mp3, lead single release date, or various rumors about what the release will or won’t have, gives us some kind of hope that we’re waiting for the next great record. The one that only comes along every several years and stays in your playlist until you die. 2010 will see releases from some of my favorite bands, so here’s to finally getting that next great album. In no special order, here’s what I’m looking forward to:
01. Iron & Wine’s new album – According to Iron & Wine’s website The Shepherd’s Dog studio follow-up is due out in the spring. On top of its predacesor being one of my favorite albums of all-time, I’m anxious to hear whether Sam Beam goes back to the stripped down sound on The Creek Drank the Cradle, or continues experimenting with new sounds and lush layers that makes The Shepherd’s Dog so special to me. But whatever Beam choses, I have full confidence it will not disappoint.
02. Black Rebel Motorcycle Club’s Beat the Devil’s Tattoo – I am a huge B.R.M.C. fan and have been looking forward to Baby 81′s proper follow-up, especially after their incredible Turner Hall Ballroom show in May of 2007. The show was so good that I remember somehow mentally taking myself away from the performance mid-song for a moment and telling myself how incredible the experience was. With new drummer Leah Shapiro in the lineup, it’ll be interesting to see how the band dynamic effects their music. Whether they go back to a mellow, stripped-down approach like Howl or they embrace the psychedelic sound of Take Them On, On Your Own, Beat the Devil’s Tattoo will probably be played to death by me. I’m looking forward to loving every minute of that, too.
03. New Interpol album – Drummer Sam Fogarino recently revealed the band are hard at work on their fourth LP and have been going back to the sound of their amazing Turn on the Bright Lights LP. Considering their first album is one of my all-time favorites, Interpol LP4 is already taking a step in the right direction for me.
04. New Fleet Foxes album – Having read a recent interview in which front man Robin Pecknold assures readers their second album will come next year, he’s managed to instill a certain level of anticipation that may be unhealthy for casual music fans. Their self-titled debut album is incredible and having heard some new songs live, I have a great feeling about the new songs.
05. New MGMT album- I’ve read their new album is called Celebration and is due out sometime in 2010. If the release year is correct, then I’m officially stoked. Considering how big they got of their lone album, Oracular Spectacular, I think MGMT fans are really looking forward to its follow-up. With all the headlining shows they done with a limited number of songs, a new album will likely enhance MGMT’s live experience even more.
06. The Strokes finally recording their fourth LP – I was looking forward to First Impressions of Earth’s follow-up last year, but alas, it never arrived. Singer Julian Casablancas gave us a worthy effort with his solo album, Phrazes for the Young, but it’s nowhere near what the Strokes can do. Bassist Nikolai Fraiture released a solo album, The Time of the Assassins, in January, but I consider it a disappointment. As much as I love drummer Fab Moretti’s Little Joy project, ultimately, I don’t want side projects – I want a new Strokes album. It’s been almost four years, but the good news is apparently they are going to get together and record in early 2010.
07. Arcade Fire’s return – Rumors swept across the Internet recently with news of their third LP being recorded with Neon Bible engineer Markus Dravs. More rumors poured in about a release date in May and live dates being planned, and if Owen Pallet’s Twitter can be considered a reliable source, the new Arcade Fire album is going to be worth the wait.
08. A new Sufjan Stevens album – Dear Sufjan: I don’t care if you if make another album about a state or not. I just want a new album. If there’s anybody who can deliver an entire album worth listening to, front-to-back, it’s you.
There are a couple of other bands I’d like to hear from in the new year, but I feel these eight acts are the bulk of what I’m truly waiting for. In a dream world, they all put out albums, I love them, and only have to make a Top Eight Albums of the Year list represented by the above. But this is music – anything can happen.
Update from Ryan: In addition to the ones that Pete has mentioned above, I’m pretty excited about new albums from the National, Midlake, She & Him, Band of Horses, Dr. Dog and Spoon. By all accounts it seems like a 2010 is gonna be a great year for music.
Discuss: What music are you looking forward to in 2010? Drop a comment and let us know what you’re excited about in the new year.
? I was revisiting the album over the weekend as I’m pouring through my favorite albums of the decade. This one, as it was during it’s release, seems to be overlooked by many list makers. 