Vampire Weekend - Contra
Due: January 12
The follow up to the New York band's immensely popular self-titled debut will kick start the year in high gear. After slowly leaking some songs online, I can already tell this record is going to blow their last one out of the water. Recorded in California and combining Afro-punk with Latin fury, Contra is a record that will stay with us all year.
MGMT - Congratulations
Due: February
The follow up to the Brooklyn duo's global smash Oracular Spectacular, is poised to be one of the biggest records of the year. Not releasing much info about the album aside from the band hoping that people hate it, this will be one of the years more interesting releases.
Hot Chip - One Life Stand
Due: February
The English Electro act return with the follow up to 2008's Made in the Dark. The fourth record of these lads will be a sure fire smash across the dance floor and on the turn tables of DJ's around the globe. Described as an "end of the night record," One Life Stand is one I am looking out for.
Klaxons - Title Not Available
Due: February / March
This record was intended to come out last year, however, the label told the English band to re-record some of the record. Instead, the band scrapped the entire project and started from scratch. The psychedelic art rockers will deliver their new work early this year and we will see what the UK favorites have in store.
Broken Bells - The High Road
Due: March
The combination of The Shins James Mercer and producer Danger Mouse is already giving me chills. Releasing only the albums title track, it was one of the most beautiful things I have herd in a while. I am waiting on the edge of my seat for this album and I just hope it delivers.
U2 - Songs of Ascent
Due: Spring
Since the legendary Irish rockers recorded between 50-60 songs for No Line on the Horizon, they will release an immediate follow up and play these songs on the next legs of their massive 360o tour this summer.
Far - Title Unknown
Due: March
After a decade long hiatus, the most underrated band of the 90's is set to fire back with an album of new material. After touring this fall with Thursday and Midnight Masses and doing small one-off shows, Jonah Matranga and the boys of Far will be back with their first album since their brilliant send off, Water and Solutions. If you never herd of this band start listening, if you have herd of this band, start anticipating!
Social Distortion - Title Unknown
Due: Spring
The legendary LA punkers are still cranking and on fire as they have always been. The follow up to 2006's Sex, Love and Rock N Roll, apparently will see the band dabble in some folk roots much like Mike Ness' solo work. Whatever it maybe, new Social D always brings a smile to my face.
Arcade Fire - Title Unknown
Due: May
One of the most critically acclaimed bands to emerge in the 2000's is back at it again. The follow up to 2007's brilliant Neon Bible, will see the band create what could be the years most anticipated release. They are also to hit the road again and if anyone, like myself, who has seen this band in concert knows they are in for one of the greatest nights of their life.
Radiohead / Thom Yorke solo
Due: Unknown
Radiohead are set to hit the studio again this month after taking the fall off, no word on what or how the record will be made, but one thing is for sure, producer Nigel Goodrich is behind the wheel and we can expect something great. As for singer Thom Yorke, he used the band's downtime to craft another solo disc to follow up his 2006 solo debut, The Eraser, word on the street is that Yorke's disc will be out before the bands.
NERD - Instant Gratification
Due: Summer
Adding a female to the misogynistic band, NERD are set to fire back into your speaker with another record of party and summer jams.
Stone Temple Pilots - Title Unknown
Due: Summer
The first Stone Temple Pilots record since 2002's unlistenable Shangri-La-De-Da and the first new recordings since the band got back together in summer 2007. I am very eager to hear what Scott Weiland and boys have in store now after a few years on the road and being back together.
Dr. Dog - Title Unknown
Due: Spring / Summer
The Philly indie/jam/psychedelic band are gearing up for a tour and placing the finishing touches on their latest. They have been in the studio since the summer, leaving fans and critics in much anticipation as to what these guys will bring. Whatever it maybe, it will be gorgeous.
The National - Title Unknown
Due: Spring / Summer
To say 2009 was a quiet year for The National would be a farce. The band has been playing special shows around New York and crafting side projects while working on the follow up to 2007's amazing release, Boxer. What these Brooklyn boys will bring next we shall wait and see.
Gorillaz - Plastic Beach
Due: Summer
The world's first animated band is set to ignite radio airwaves and music videos again with their third record. The Damon Albarn side project will feature guest vocals from De La Soul, Mos Def, Snoop Dogg, Lou Reed, and Barry Gibb (yes, Barry Gibb of the BeeGee's). The will likely be the most eclectic record of the year.
Glasvegas - Title Unknown
Due: Summer / Fall
After wrapping up a whirl wind year of touring with everyone from U2 to Kings of Leon to every major festival world wide, Glasvegas hit the studio this fall in California with Rick Rubin to record the follow up to their phenomenal 2008 debut. This is one record I am waiting with baited-breath for.
Oasis 2.o / Noel Gallagher solo
Due: Summer
After the devastating break up of Britain's most beloved band of brothers, Oasis is set to go forth in two directions. One part as the current Oasis line-up sans Noel Gallagher and the other is Noel solo. Noel, who had intentions of releasing solo material in 2010 before leaving the band, will put out his music this year. Noel will also compete with Liam and the boys with their new release as they have been in the studio working on a new record.
Also Due in 2010!
- Interpol - (February)
- Los Campesinos! - Romance is Boring (February)
- The Roots - How I Got Over (February)
- Massive Attack - Heligoland (February)
- Iron and Wine (March)
- Ben Folds (March)
- Violent Soho (March)
- Broken Social Scene (March)
- Does It Offend You, Yeah? - Don't Say We Didnt Warn You (March)
- Portugal. The Man - American Ghetto (March)
- Gogol Bordello (Possible Spring Release)
- Santigold (Spring)
- Gaslight Anthem (Possible Spring Release)
- Lupe Fiasco - LASERS (Spring)
- LCD Soundsystem - (Spring)
- Tokyo Police Club (Spring)
- Fleet Foxes (Spring)
- The Wombats (Spring / Summer)
- Beastie Boys - Hot Sauce Committee Part 1 (Spring/Summer)
- Richard Ashcroft (Late Summer/Fall)
- Nine Inch Nails (Possible Summer Release)
- Kings of Leon (Fall)