Hello music lovers,
so i missed a week - i'm well aware - i've been stoopid busy with the Melbourne Law Revue (which i hope you all attend, August 9,10,11 and 16,17,18 - webstie up soon), which basically means i've fallen behind with the music goodness. I was going to spend this edition talking about Interpol's latest album and a great new band called Softlightes, but i've submitted a couple of reviews to The Scene so hopefully they'll get published and i'll save you all doubling up.
So what to do with this week then? Well i thought i'd juxtapose my last entry about 2006 with 7 albums forthcoming albums for 2007. In a year already filled with great releases from great artists, hopefully the following will continue the trend.
1. Okkervil River- The Stage Names
The band's 2005 'Black Sheep Boy', is going to be quite the beast to follow up on. A confident mix of jangly Americana and macabre poetry, it was a brilliant concept album in a time when the term has become a dirty word. Hopefully The Stage Names will follow that trend, and if opening track "Our Life Is Not A Movie Or Maybe" is anything to go by, we can rest easy.
2. Rilo Kiley - Under The Black Light
I wasn't really turned on to Rilo Kiley (or even heard of them) until the success of radio hit 'Portion for Foxes' and frontwoman Jenny Lewis' solo album, 'Rabbit Fur Coat'. But in each is proof enough of a brilliant female talent, and there's been quite a bit of buzz surrounding the album because of it. The resulting mood is of intriguing promise.
3. Kanye West - Graduation
Mr. West's plan for world domination continues with his third album cited to be an end to his whole 'school metaphor' album cycle. Whether he can match the quality and bombast of 'College Dropout' and 'Late Registration' remains to be seen, but considering his usual confidence and love of showmanship, it should go off with a bang.
4. Foo Fighters - Echoes, Silence, Patience and Grace
While 'In Your Honour' contained a lot of superflous tracks in its double disc entirety, it still proved that Dave Grohl and company are among the finest rock bands in the industry. Little is known about the Foos' fifth studio album, and its still a long way off - but the presence of producer Gil Norton (from the band's second and arguably best album) is whetting the appetite of most.
5. Jimmy Eat World - Chase This Light
I can hardly bear my excitement for J.E.W.'s sixth album, working with legendary producer Butch Vig (Smashing Pumpkins and Nirvana's 'Nevermind') is an interesting and hopefully successful choice and its hard to believe its been three years since their last album. Knowing Jimmy too it should be an interesting development in their poignant sound too.
6. The Mars Volta - The Bedlam In Goliath
The hardest working sci-fi rock behemoth in music refuse to rest on their laurels, this will be the group's fifth album in four years! Cedric Bixler-Zavala has claimed it will be a return to a concept album, narrative and lofty ambitions included. I can hardly wait.
7. Nada Surf - Time For Plan A
There have been rumblings, inspired by the title choice, that this will be Nada Surf's 'political' album which should probably raise a few red flags for those familiar with their poignant, but creative style. However it may be the kind of call to arms needed to boost a wider populartiy they so readily deserve. Either way, more Nada Surf is better than nada Nada Surf.
Aside from those seven, there is also the imminent release of new recordings from two of my favourite Manchester based bands Elbow and Doves. As well as scant information regarding the new album from world-conquering Coldplay. And lets not forget Radiohead... 2007, getting better all the time.
here's some great tracks i've been getting into lately
Interpol - Pioneer To The Falls: their third album may be lacklustre, but the opening track is an epic exercise in atmosphere and arrangement
The National - Fake Empire: moody, smoky, melancholia - three adjectives that settle comfortably on the New York band's style
Meat Loaf - I'd Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That): one of the most overblown songs in the history of rock, and it got a brilliant showing at Law Revue Camp 07 courtesy of yours (sweaty) truly.
Sufjan Stevens - John Wayne Gacy Jr: the most touching ballad about a serial killer you'll ever hear.
till next time, don't do anything Hagrid wouldn't
Al
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