1/26/09
RELEASES I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO IN 2009
The Dear HunterAct III
It'll be great to finally hear the conclusion of this trilogy. The first two albums were great because they combined catchy melodies and a unique vocalist with a truly un-categorzable style and sound. Hoping to get plenty of references and connections to the prior two albums.
 
Devin TownsendKi
The eccentric skullet donning Devin Townsend is releasing a new album again after the oddness of Ziltoid. Apparently, this is a mostly self-written and played album, which could spell success or doom for Devin (hey, it worked for Prince...)

PrinceLotus Flower
So, Prince is finally releasing that rocking guitar album that I've been begging him for for years. Judging by the tracks he premiered on Indie 104.1, it'll sound a little old-school while still feeling new.

Franz FerdinandTonight: Franz Ferdinand
I'm a fairweather Franz fan, but every song off of here sounds like the perfect mix of the classic groove of the Ferdinand of yore with something more... seemed to be some pretty strong songwriting too. Will be interesting to listen to this one.

The Mars Volta - Untitled
After Bedlam In Goliath's insanity and feelings of bloatedness, I'm hoping that their next album is a little more scaled back. Granted, it wouldn't be The Mars Volta without feelings of pandemonium and pure insanity, but maybe they could get the running time closer to 50 minutes than 80 minutes. Just a thought. I still really enjoyed Bedlam. 

The Decemberists The Hazards of Love
Dude, it's the fucking Decemberists... do I need to explain myself here? Their last album was a conceptual, flowing labyrinth of beautiful semi-prog-rock pastiches. While never dipping into the excess that plagues classic prog-rock, The Decemberists definitely capture the experimentalism and beauty of vintage Yes and Genesis.

Dredg - Untitled
Dredg is the best humongous pop-rock group that you're not listening to. With their energetic choruses, empowering vocals, and an admirable artistic drive, there's no telling where their next record goes. Hopefully better than El Cielo.

Emery In Shallow Seas We Sail
Why do I feel embarassed to admit that I listen to Emery? 

Ghostface Killah & MF DOOMSwift and Changeable
Ghostface is a legend. Ditto that for MF DOOM. I'm looking forward to this album as these two being together will always dominate. Eagerly looking forward to my eventual flowverdose from spinning this.

Massive AttackWeather Underground
Glad to hear that these dark thought-ridden rappers are finally back at work on another album. If Mezzanine is anything to go by, this will be one of the best produced records of the year. Hoping it keeps their winning sense of angst, irony, and despair.

Muse - Untitled
Pretty much, we already know the next album will be great. Would love to see a throwback to Origin, but would love even more for a totally new sound. As long as Matt shreds guitar, has plenty of great piano work, and sings like an angel then this album will be fine. Oh, and if Chris has great bass parts.

Albums I'm Not Sure About...

Weezer -
Untitled
Yes, my current favorite band will be releasing a new album in 2009. This should be awesome news, but after The Red Album, Rivers seeming less and less interested in writing his own songs again and even less interested in singing... I'm not sure I can get excited about this?

Prince - MPLSound
One of the three albums Prince should be releasing at the end of January, MPLSound was reported to have captured When Doves Cry's classic minimalist sound. The two tracks we've heard seem more like New Power Soul-era material, with Chocolate Box being one of the worst Prince songs I have ever heard. I'm keeping my expectations low and am just thankful for Lotus Flower.

Alice in Chains - Untitled
Making an album without Layne Stanley, THE voice of Alice in Chains is incredibly disrespectful of his legacy and feels like a cash-grab more than anything. With that said, I'm sure there will be some great riffs on this album and good vocals and lyrics by Jerry Cantrell... just wonder why he couldn't put them on his solo album.

Dream Theater - Untitled
After seeing them live and being blown away by how much worse they'd become, being incredibly disappointed with their last album, watching DT embarass themselves with horrible singles and music videos, and seeing Mike talk about the terrible new direction DT is heading in... I can't muster up any hope for their 2009 release... no matter what old songs Mike compares it to. Only shows his desperation. Did I mention Mike is a douche?

2 Comments

  1. Charlie |

    Ya for TMV I agree, Bedlam was an assault on the senses. Maybe this time round they'll be a little more subtle lol. And ya 80 is almost like a double album. I'd say 60 is good, 70 i'd allow if it was a really good album.
    The Weather Underground I've never heard but do u know the history behind the name? How it was an anarchist organization in the 60s?
    Question: do u know if Prince has been makin these albums at Paisley Park? and if so, has he been around MPLS lately? I just don't know if he can still claim the MPLS sound anymore. Sure back then it was, but it's been about 20 years and MPLS has really blossomed into a more diverse musical hub.
    And about DT, what if ur wrong and Mike is right? lol

     
  2. Michael Rowland |

    If Mike is right I will kill myself. Also, Prince made MPLSound at Paisley Park studios in 2008 so I think he's still legit.

     

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