Mostly written for a future comparison of mid-year favorites that I'll eventually list. Rated by how "gut feeling" excited I am for the release.
48. Hanni El Khatib- Moonlight
While not extremely excited for this release, I'm sure they'll be a couple songs that'll be catchy enough to warrant checking out the full release.
47. Milo Greene- Control
I guess I didn't really include them because I'm excited, more so, because its like, "wow I forgot about them." There were only, like, two songs off their debut that I overly liked. They can only surprise me at this point.
46. The Dodos- Individ
One of my least favorite concert experiences....yet I hold on hope that they'll release an album that I'll love as much as their first album when they were still Dodo Bird. I haven't heard much about the new album, I just include them, always hoping.
45. Band of Horses
I'm not really excited about this release because I secretly know that the Band of Horses that I loved is gone. Cease to Begin is one of my favorite albums, but now that they are embracing their country roots a little more, their new albums just haven't been memorable. I have their last album signed and it is still just meh to me. They need to inject some more of the indie rock leanings they had before and figure out a nice balance.
44. A$AP Rocky
I haven't heard much from Rocky, but I heard his new song and I thought it was hot. Plain and simple.
43. Lady Lamb The Beekeeper- After
Purely a fun album. Lady Lamb has written a few songs that I like, a new album sounds good to me.
42. Matt & Kim- New Glow
Matt & Kim are still a thing? Daylight came out in 2009, I think. Their album LIghtning was okay, if not, kind've inconsequential. I'm not hoping for album of the year, but more songs that I can add to a playlist of upbeat songs.
41. Bob Dylan- Shadows in the Night
Usually, a new Bob Dylan album calls for indifference. Dylan is in this weird spot, where he is highly respected for what he's done in the past, and, at the same time, anything he releases now, is going to be looked on as "whatever." His new albums aren't going to innovate anymore. This, however, doesn't mean what he releases isn't good. As seen with Leonard Cohen's new album, there is still life in these old artists. I thought Dylan's last album was surprisingly stellar. This new album is a bunch of Frank Sinatra covers, which means it probably isn't going to be challenging the status quo. It still could be surprisingly something though.
40. Death Grips- The Powers That B
Death Grips is crazy. Who the hell knows how the album is going to turn out. The only certain thing is that they're going to fuck with everyone more and be critically acclaimed still, and that is all we can hope to hold on to.
39. A Place to Bury Strangers- Transfixiation
I saw them live and they straight up almost made me deaf. My hearing was muffled for days, maybe an entire week. They opened up for Japandroids, and their set was 35 minutes of screeching and feedback that suffocated you. Their new song, We've Come so Far, sounds like it's going to continue that trend. I'd never see them live again, but I'll probably give the new album a listen.
38. The King Khan & BBQ Show- Bad News Boys
King Khan's fifties style punk is so fun and cool, I couldn't not include the new album. It won't be groundbreaking, but it'll be a fun listen.
37. Jessica Pratt- On Your Own Love Again
Her debut in 2012 were songs that were recorded ten years before it was released, so it'll be cool to see where she is now in her life and what she can do on the Drag City label. The single, Back, Baby, is as fragile as her first album. I'm predicting a subtle, yet, beautiful album that'll take a few listens to to appreciate.
36. Imagine Dragons- Smoke + Mirrors
I'm not a super diehard fan of Imagine Dragons. I do think, however, that they release some really catchy songs. They've perfected their formula for radio ready songs. I'm expecting an abundance of stuck-in-your-heads songs.
35. Colleen Green- I Want to Grow Up
I don't know why I feel such a connection to Colleen Green. Maybe because I read an article about her in a dinky little magazine I got for free at the Exclusive once. Or maybe because I had the opportunity to drive her around Milwaukee once when she was going to play Hotel Foster. Either way, I have this odd grass roots relationship with her. Her last album, Sock it to me, was a suave ass record that sounds slow but, actually, is quite danceable. Time in the World is my jam. Milo Goes to Compton is such a cool title for an album (an allusion to the album Milo goes to College by the Descendants). With a title like I Want to Grow Up, I can imagine this being an album that stays true to her stoner image she has going on, but, at the same time, slowly stripping it away.
34. Drake= Views From the 6
I had never actually listened to a Drake song until like six months ago, and a whole album two months ago. He definitely isn't what I usually look for in a rap/r&b album, but has released a few songs that I enjoy, so why not check it out his new one? Plus he's a fellow Degrassi High graduate.
33. Savages
Savages is a band that I like without actually wanting to listen to any of their music. Their sound is so abrasive that you can't not respect the hell out of it. I love everything they stand for and their early Siouxsie and the Banshees influence, I just don't love listening to the album all the time. It's so overwhelming. The strange thing is, I want more of that even though it'll alienate me.
32. River City Extension- Deliverance
Probably the best opening act I've seen live (or didn't see live because I chose to sit during their performance and not visibly see them). I have big hopes for River City's heart on the sleeve style of music. They've released three singles so far and they've been pretty good. If anything, I suggest looking up the album The Unmistakable Man and getting addicted to them before checking out the new album.
31. Chastity Belt- Time to Go Home
Everyone knows I like my feminist punk bands. Chastity Belt is NPR approved and thats good enough for me #hipsterdouche.
30. Tame Impala
I like that artists kinda release albums on a two year cycle because it ensures that either we get a steady stream of solid artists every year, or are surprised when we get a new album so soon. Tame Impala had one of 2012's top albums, Lonerism. They've reached a point where they're one of the top bands going on right now, but still can improve. I feel like people will most likely know them for their song, Elephant. I'm not a huge psychedelic guy, when I do listen though, I listen to Tame Impala.
29. The Decemberists- What a Terrible world, What a Beautiful World
The thing about The Decemberists is that, no matter what they released, it'll be, at the very least, good. Given their sound, there isn't much wiggle room in what they can do to jazz stuff up. Meloy's voice is so distinct, that it creates this REM (the band) effect, where there are small differences, but still gives off the same feeling from the previous album. The music is so expansive and even keel that I imagine it as driving past fields and trees; whenever you drive past nature and shit, it all kind've looks the same wherever you go. It can get grander, but the same. You drive through a city, a place of grit and rough edges, it feels ever-changing. It feels exciting. I think the album will be another solid Decemberists album and it'll get good reviews, but I'm hoping it'll be more than that.
28. Unknown Mortal Orchestra
I saw them perform live and they did so in complete darkness. Ironically, that performance brought them to light for me (how corny). I would like to see them open up their sound a little more to have it sound looser, or more expansive. They have this feeling of being underwater. ll was an album that I loved on first listen, but found myself listening to it less and less. Not out of indifference to the music, just a feeling of floating too much.
27. Sufjan Stevens- Carrie & Lowell
It's Sufjan Stevens. I'm sure it'll be an album that is unlike what came before it. It's supposed to be a return to his folk roots, so no ten minute electronica song this time around. He's highly regarded, and I'm sure the album won't change that. If anything, it'll enhance his stature.
26. Ty Segall
He'll probably release another three or four albums this year. Easily one of the most prolific artists going right now. So far, he has announced a live album. I'm sure they'll be another studio album released mid-year, and maybe another side project. You can hate on him for over-saturation, but he changes it up each and every album, and keeping garage rock alive. One of the few traveling troubadours of music.
25. Viet Cong- Viet Cong
A new band that sounds like post-punk goth tinged new wave. Their first release was a cassette called Cassette and it was showed lots of potential. Listen to Continental Shelf from the new album. I wouldn't mind having this on vinyl when it comes out because it has that new/old sound to it that pops on vinyl.
24. San Cisco
Super underrated debut album. Super catchy songs and a hot drummer. Probably one of my top 15 albums of 2013. Totally check them out, especially, Awkward, Fred Astaire, Wild Things, and Rocket Ship. I'm pretty sure they have a new album coming out, they released a new single, so I'm 95% sure.
23. Will Butler- Policy
The first single, Take My Side, feels like a nod to 80's rock like Adam Ant. It's dance-y and, at the same time, bare. Even sounds like Arcade Fire if you stripped them all the way to the super super minimum. I'm actually excited to hear more, to be honest.
22. Vince Staples
He had a promising ep last year that I heard like a couple months before the year ended. Can't wait to hear what he can do on a full length album.
21. Sleater Kinney- No Cities To Love
There is a massive amount of hype surrounding this album because it's been ten years since their last album, they're celebrating the twentieth anniversary of their first album, and all the members are still in top form. The popularity of Portlandia certainly hasn't hurt either. It is already streamable, and getting rave reviews. A lot of reviews are saying this isn't a reunion album, because that would unfairly pigeonhole it, but rather, a reminder that Sleater Kinney never stopped being great. I will be seeing them at the Riverside in Milwaukee by myself, I'm sure I won't look like I'm cut and pasted into the background of everyone's pictures.
20. Sky Ferreira
I wonder if Sky is going to flash the whole V to up the ante from 2013's boob flash album cover. I both loved and hated her debut album. Loved it when listening to it on headphones, hated it on vinyl. Not to take away from how great the album actually is. It took her a long time to release that first album and I'm curious to see if the new album continues to develop her brand of pop.
19. Ought
I actually don't know if Ought is releasing a new album. They released an album and an Ep in 2014, a new album wouldn't be completely be out of the question. They could be busy touring though. I decided to include them just because.
18. Run the Jewels- RTJ 3/ Meow the Jewels
These guys are going to run the world someday. Run the Jewels 2 was 2014's top rap album. Something would have to go terribly wrong for their next album not to be considered one of the top releases by years end. Hell, even if 3 doesn't come out this year, Meow the Jewels is probably still going to be an instant classic.
17. Death Cab For Cutie- Kintsugi
The last album with Chris Walla, I sure hope Death Cab brings the sadness. They haven't released an album since 2011, an album that is unjustly criticized. Certainly better than Narrow Stairs. There have been no singles released, so far, which, in the cases of bigger bands, is normal. It's usually more of a build up. I'm going to predict that it won't be an album that is going to earn them back all their indie cred and move the audience back to diehards, but, it'll be an album of great songs by a band that has nothing to prove. There will be a song that gets extensive radio play and more complaints about how the new album is We Have the Facts.
16. Majical Cloudz
Their last album was very spare, dark, and emotive. Recently, Majical Cloudz has opened for Lorde on multiple dates, which must've given them a certain amount of momentum. I think this is going to be one of those albums that is going to surprise me with how much I like it.
15. Belle and Sebastian- Girls in Peacetime Want to Dance
I've always been very so/so on Belle and Sebastian. They're biggest album, If You'r Feeling Sinister, never really put a spell on me like it should have, as has a majority of their albums. The Life Pursuit was pretty great though, Dear Catastrophe Waitress too. A band that plays wispy indie pop music, they have included a new influence in disco. Having a danceable quality will certainly add add intrigue to a band who are nine albums and consistent in sound. Judging off the three singles already available, I'm sure this'll be an early top album of 2015. Nobody's Empire is classic B&S with a childlike quality, The Cat With the Cream a melodic downbeat number, and The Party Line being a cool, fun song. They'll be playing in Madison, maybe I'll check it out.
14. Courtney Barnett
I'm a big fan of Courtney Barnett. She was one of those artists that I heard and immediately wanted to buy the vinyl when it came out, and I did. If the new album continues her chill stream of consciousness lyricism, I'm all in again.
13. Joey Badass- B4.DA.$$
I feel like I've been waiting for Joey Badass to release his album for years, in reality, it's only been like two years. 1999 was dropped in 2012 as a free download (as was Rejex), Summer Knights was released a year after. Back then, he was being heralded by a lot of online publications as a throwback to early rap for the new age. A whole bunch of tracks have already been released, I'm excited to give the whole album a listen. It sounds, as though, he's started to really fill in the spaces in the songs.
12. Adele- Probably her age
Is it lame to be excited for an Adele release? My hipster status confuses me sometimes. She has a great voice, and given that I don't really listen to the radio or anything, I don't really get sick of listening to her old songs. I don't even think I heard Rolling in the Deep for a couple months after it was released. She's a top pop figure at the moment, so its easy to write her off, but her albums have actually been really solid.
11. Alabama Shakes
I've been waiting for an Alabama Shakes record for a long time, I feel. The very first time I heard a live take of You Ain't Alone, I've been hooked. My biggest concert regret is not seeing them. They were originally scheduled for a ten dollar show in the just the lower level of the Pabst, but eventually, they were moved up to the Riverside because of how fast they were selling out. I bought their debut album a week early. Britney's voice is crazy and I hope the new album showcases it more, so the recording lives up to how she sounds live.
10. Modest Mouse- Strangers to Ourselves
Its been years since the last Modest Mouse album. There is so much built up anticipation for the release. How they have transformed themselves from white trash indie rockers to mainstream supernovas is crazy. Personally, I wasn't a huge fan of their last two albums as complete albums. There were great songs on them, just not as cohesively strong as the first three. I'm thinking the Strangers to Ourselves is going to continue with what Good News and We Were Dead started, but since so much time has passed, it'll be a top tier release.
9. Waxahatchee- Ivy Tripp
Waxahatchee holds the distinction of being the only album on this list that I have already preordered. I heard the first single on Monday and immediately was blown away. Loved her debut, her follow up was a highlight, and Ivy Tripp is going to be spectacular. It comes out in April and is going to be a great birthday gift for me.
8. Joanna Newsom
Ah, Joanna Newsom. So fragile and so sweet. I'm still trying to decide if her marriage to Andy Samberg is cool or should we another reason to hate Andy Samberg. Her debut album, The Milk-Eyed Mender, is one of my favorite albums of all time. Her next two albums were great pieces of art. You best believe I'm excited about her new album.
7. Tobias Jesso Jr.- Goon
No doubt this is one of the top albums I'm looking forward to. His song, Hollywood, is amazing and reminds me of Randy Newman. Relatively unknown, I think his album could be one of my favorites by the end of the year. I don't think it'll be a huge hit, but like Newman, it'll bring lots of respect.
6. Laura Marling- Short Movie
Oh god, I'm super excited for Laura Marling's new album. It's going to be incredible based off the single, Short Movie. With her last album, she finally achieved that walking to the podium song that is essential for every artist (Master Hunter). The single sounds so strong and uplifting.
5. Kendrick Lamar
Who else can go on TV and perform an untitled song, have it be amazing, then be like, "I'm not even sure it'll be on the next album." Kendrick has really been a hurricane in the rap scene. Is there any doubt that the new album is going to be the shit? I'm just excited we have so many rap juggernauts releasing albums this year, with Kendrick, Kanye, Run the Jewels, Drake, and some cool newcomers like Joey Badass, Vince Staples, and Chance the Rapper.
4. Father John Misty- I Love You, Honeybear
Oh fuck yea. Father John Misty is going to bring it. If the rest of the album maintains the quality of Bored in the USA, it's going to be album of the year. This is going to be a good ass album.
3.San Fermin- Jackrabbit
While I wish San Fermin would've maintained the vocal prowess of the Lucius sisters, Parasites is an encouraging sign that the group will remain strong. Ellis Ludwig- Leone is the composer for the music and he is terrifically good at it. So many great harmonies and orchestration, I think this will be one of my favorite releases of 2015.
2. Kanye West
Can Kanye do wrong? I mean it. It seems that the very idea of wrong-ness is the direct antithesis of the elemental force known as Kanye West. On New Years, he released a new song with Paul McCartney, and let me tell you, I was going to the bathroom when I first checked it out and my piss stopped mid-stream out of utter amazement.
1. Beach House
Where the hell has Beach House been? They came out with Teen Dream in 2010 (a legit "listen to it before you die" album), and followed it up with Bloom, which was a toe behind Teen Dream. Every release by Beach House have been transformative. Why do I have to explain why I'm excited about a new album?
Also here are some vinyl reissues I'm excited about:
Guided By Voices- Bee Thousand
Sigur Ros- Agaetis Byrjun
Common- Like Water for Chocolate
My Chemical Romance- The Black Parade/ Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge
Nick Cave- Henry's Dream, The Boatman's Call, Let Love In, Murder Ballads, Tender Prey, The Good Son
Ice Cube- Death Certificate
Mos Def- Black on Both Sides
