15. Charles Bradley - Victim of Love
Release Date: April 2
Why I'm Excited: I saw the "Screaming Eagle of Soul" open up the second day of the Great GoogaMooga Festival, and he was a treasure to behold. Bradley will be backed by Menahan Street Band again, but this time delving into Temptations psychedelic soul territory.
14. Hellogoodbye - TBA
Release Date: TBA
Why I'm Excited: HGB have started playing some of the new songs live and at Daytrotter, and they're just as catchy as anything they've done before.
13. The Black Keys - TBA
Release Date: TBA
Why I'm Excited: The Keys rushed to get El Camino out into the world, and while it didn't live up to Brothers, it was a pretty good album. They're taking the same approach here, so not sure what to expect, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't looking forward to it.
12. Bill Baird - Spring Break of the Soul
Release Date: February
Why I'm Excited: His previous LP made my top ten list last year. Originally conceived as a musical, Spring Break is a sprawling 17-song double album influenced by Captain Beefheart. Watch Baird in a dolphin costume in the weird promo video below.
11. Matt Costa - Matt Costa
Release Date: February 12
Why I'm Excited: Matt originally wanted to record a folk album akin to his debut, but if the horn-filled "Good Times" and the T. Rex-inspired "Loving You" from last year's Sacred Hills EP are any indication, there's no telling what it's actually gonna sound like.
10. Ben Harper & Charlie Musselwhite - Get Up!
Release Date: January 29
Why I'm Excited: No stranger to recording whole projects with different bands and artists, this time Harper teamed up with renowned harmonica bluesman Charlie Musselwhite. Here's a little taste.
9. The Postelles - ...And It Shook Me
Release Date: April 23
Why I'm Excited: The bouncy pop-rockers introduced a handful of new songs at Cameo Gallery back in September, and they've still got it!
8. Frank Turner - Tape Deck Heart
Release Date: April 23
Why I'm Excited: Turner recorded the album with his touring band, the Sleeping Souls, and he's apparently "pleased as punch" with it. While "Wherefore Art Thou Gene Simmons" sadly only made it to the deluxe version, those who were awarded the title of Dance Champions of the United States of America will be delighted to know that "Four Simple Words" is track 7.
7. Cookies - TBA
Release Date: TBA
Why I'm Excited: I got an email in December saying Cookies were working on their first album, which was "great but taking forever." Let's hope forever isn't literal. Until then, download a bunch of free songs here.
6. Streetlight Manifesto - The Hands That Thieve
Release Date: TBA
Why I'm Excited: Now that the release date has been delayed twice, I'm seriously hoping this record will see the light of day and doesn't go the way of the oft-rumored Bandits of the Acoustic Revolution full-length.
5. Phoenix - Bankrupt!
Release Date: April
Why I'm Excited: Phoenix broke into the mainstream with Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix in 2009, winning the Best New Alternative Music Album Grammy and serving as the soundtrack to several commercials. But we haven't heard a peep from them since. Now it's time.
4. Phish - TBA
Release Date: TBA
Why I'm Excited: As the band celebrates its thirtieth year after a spirited 2012 tour and New Year's run, they're planning on heading back to the studio for the third album in their third era. (I'm counting Party Time, so spare me the arguments.)
3. Jim James - Regions of Light & Sound of God
Release Date: February 5
Why I'm Excited: After fifteen years of fronting My Morning Jacket, James is going solo for more than just a few George Harrison covers. I've already got my ticket for Music Hall of Williamsburg.
2. David Bowie - The Next Day
Release Date: March 12
Why I'm Excited: I think a lot of people were shocked the other day when Bowie revealed that he'd be unleashing his first album in a decade. Although leadoff single "Where Are We Now?" is a ballad, producer Tony Visconti claims the album is a rocker. Visconti produced some of Bowie's most acclaimed works, including The Man Who Sold the World and the Berlin Trilogy, so expect a solid LP. Even if it's not, Bowie is already prophesying another album starting with four tracks that didn't fit on this one.
1. Broken Anchor - TBA
Release Date: TBA
Why I'm Excited: Who the hell are Broken Anchor, and why are they at the top of this list? Two days ago, their sampler appeared on NoiseTrade as a free download. I decided to give it a whirl. Though they're based out of L.A., the only things Californian about their sound are the Pet Sounds-inspired reverb and vocal harmonies. The rest owes more to the Northwest, with Austin Hartley-Leonard's vocals recalling Kurt Cobain and lyrics reminiscent of Death Cab for Cutie. And I can't stop listening. Download the sampler below.
What releases are you looking forward to? Share in the comments.
I saw something on twitter about a new I Am the Avalanche album out this year sometime...considering it took them 6 years to release their second album and that barely came out a year ago, I'm intrigued. Also I was excited for new Justin Timberlake music but after hearing the new song, meh.
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