While Coldplay enters the studio, many bands are stepping out with brand new material. As I posted back some time ago "2007 Albums to Look Out For," here is an update on some acts ready to press their first work in years.
Bjork-Volta (Releasing May 8) Her first work in over three years and a return to "normal" after many experimental records, such as her last, 2004's acapella effort Medulla. The Icelandic princess is ready to release something fun. Working this time with everyone from Timbaland to Lightning Bolt's Brian Chippendale to an all female brass ensemble, this 10 track outfit Bjork is saying "I'd done two or three projects in a row that were quite serious, maybe I just needed to get that out of my system or something. So all I wanted to do for this album was just to have fun and do something that was full-bodied and really up."
The White Stripes - Icky Thump (TBA) The Detroit duo that just signed to Warner Bros. is awaiting on the corporate suites to give a release date on the bands finished product. This, if you are keeping count, is the sixth venture for Jack and Meg.
Beastie Boys - TBA (Summer) The Brooklyn boys are back! And it took them less than five plus years to do so. The legendary hip-hop trio is putting the finishing touches on their follow up to 2004's To the Five Boroughs. The group is slated for a European tour and some Festivals Stateside this summer in support of the new album.
Bad Brains - Build a Nation (May 8) The original lineup of the seminal 80's punk/hardcore/rasta band are back and further proving that 2007 is the year of the reunion. This time however, Bad Brains are joined by Beastie Boy Adam "MCA" Yauch behind the mixer, serving as producer on the bands first album in five years.
Queens of the Stone Age - Era Vulgaris (June) The stoner rock band with more lineup changes than Destiny's Child (Yes I put QOTSA and Beyonces former group in the same paragraph), return with a little help from their friends on the bands fifth disc. This time around Josh Homme and Co., will feature appearances by Trent Reznor, Julian Casablancas, long time Queens collaborator and founding member Mark Lanegan and making another appearance on a Queens record ZZ Top guitarist Billy Gibbons. Hopefully this will turn out better than 2004's Lullabies to Paralyze, maybe a guest appearance from Dave Ghrol or former bassist Nick Oliveri wont hurt so bad.