Music
The ten 2010 new releases we're most looking forward to
by Anne T. Donahue
July 6, 2010
Sure, 2010 may be half over, but that doesn’t give us an excuse to begin thinking that the year’s best releases have come and gone. With festival season in full swing, the number of records tagged as “highly anticipated” is still staggering, and with countless bands gearing up to make a groundbreaking debut or a hype-worthy follow-up, there are many more “records of the year” in our midst. Here are ten new releases we’re looking forward to the most.
Best Coast – Crazy For You (July 27)
Even if you’re not necessarily well-versed in band hype and blog speak, you’ve undoubtedly heard of Best Coast, the LA-based duo that consists of current indie pop darling Bethany Cosentino and her “BFF” Bobb Bruno. As of July 27, their group’s debut LP, Crazy For You, will be released to critics and audiences awaiting with baited breath, and while the longevity of 2010’s surf rock obsession is still being questioned, fans of the band’s summer-friendly sound will clearly use the album to fight for Best Coast’s staying power.
MIA – /\/\/\Y/\ (July 13)
It may have already leaked last month, but as the label scurried to shut down each and every download that showed up, not everyone got a chance to hear MIA’s upcoming (and undoubtedly controversial) next instalment. Therefore, with each single raising more discussion than most albums in their entire, the full release of the impossibly-typed third record on July 13 will keep listeners, critics and those in-between occupied for weeks as they play and re-play each track searching for hidden meanings and political agendas.
Arcade Fire – The Suburbs (August 3)
If there was any doubt to the relevance of Arcade Fire circa 2010, last month’s rare and pop-up shows throughout Toronto and Montreal eliminated all of it. Having already offered fans a taste of the new album by posting a full tracklisting and streaming various songs online, Canada’s year of musical comebacks has been fully cemented, and as of August 3, regardless of where you live, The Suburbs will consume you entirely. Listen to a bunch of tracks off the album here.
The Books – The Way Out (July 20)
The duo of Nick Zammuto and Paul de Jong have not only peaked our interest since their formation in 1999, but their genre-breaking and unconventional tendencies have continued to dazzle critics and audiences throughout their four thought-provoking albums. Now, with North American tour dates recently announced, and a new record slated for release on July 20, The Books look to appease their existing fanbase and woo new listeners simultaneously, adding to the year’s legacy of colourful album efforts.
Of Montreal – False Priest (September 14)
Music snobs of the world rejoice – our favourite experimental band from Georgia has announced plans to unleash another volume of their trademark pop-meets-“what?!” creative efforts on September 14, marking False Priest as their tenth record in 13 years. With the album’s first single, Coquet Coquette released on June 25, the five-piece has proven their ability to keep listeners talking, re-affirming the faith of decade-long fans (as well as those slightly less devoted) that Of Montreal is still an integral part of the umbrella blanketing the indie rock scene.
Women – Public Strain (September 28)
One of the best and most underrated bands to come out of Calgary, Women is set to release their follow-up to 2008’s self-titled debut on September 28, and with music aficionados craving the unconventional sound that Canada has subtly aligned itself with, this record couldn’t come at a better time. Proving that while our country’s soundtrack boasts the likes of the award-nominated and fiercely credible, there’s still an underground presence that has yet to take listeners by storm, and Public Strain may be the catalyst.
!!! (Chk Chk Chk) – Strange Weather, Isn’t It? (August 24)
While the west coast may be currently credited as a go-to for the year’s hottest indie rock and/or roll, let’s not forget about one of the original Californian bands who helped maintain the state’s credibility during the eastern persuasion. Slated to release their fourth album since their 2001 debut on August 24, !!!’s Strange Weather, Isn’t It? may not only showcase the diversity of the west, but appease those who still aren’t swayed by the surf rock and chillwave trends dominating blogs and magazines.
Jenny and Johnny – I’m Having Fun Now (August 31)
Tried and true, Jonathan Rice and Jenny Lewis may not be using their debut album to challenge conventions or reshape music trends, but like their classic sound, there’s something about the duo’s efforts that make all of us swoon regardless. On August 31, fans of folk rock (or of either artist) will be introduced to Jenny and Johnny’s I’m Having Fun Now, and if their first single is any inclination, if you’ve liked their solo efforts or previous collaborations, this record will be dominating your playlist.
Les Savy Fav – Root For Ruin (September 14)
There’s a reason New York’s always been cited as a hotbed of creativity, and with groups like Les Savy Fav still releasing new and interesting material after 15 years, the case for the east coast will always remain sound. As of September 14, the five-piece art-punk outfit will release their fifth full-length studio album, and with their NXNE appearance still being talked about, Root For Ruin will undoubtedly keep the conversation flowing.
Kanye West – Good Ass Job (September 14)
With an album title that reflects his uncanny ability to remain grounded regardless of circumstance (or not), the release of the record’s first single, Power, has kept critics and listeners engaged – and whether or not the track is a bona fide “success” in terms of Kanye’s legacy, it still works to taunt just enough to keep us interested.
Tags: Music, Best Coast, Kanye West, Les Savy Fav
