My Most Anticipated Albums of 2007
As 2006 draws to a close, it is time to assess what 2007 will bring in the musical world...
Radiohead - TBC
(summer/autumn?)
Probably the most anticipated album of 2007 but its not worth trying any in-depth predictions - it could yet be a set of EPs or download only. But the new songs played throughout the 2006 tour, such as Videotape and All I Need, suggest that it could be right up there with their classic albums. Nigel Godrich back on production duties is also rarely a bad thing.
WHILE YOU'RE WAITING, LISTEN TO...Kid A Buy (via Amazon)
Doves - TBC
(summer/autumn?)
A recent update from the band says they have been holed up in the Peak District trying to find the right direction for their fourth proper LP, but it seems be coming together ready for a February recording. 2005's Some Cities was a critical success but personally a slight disappointment, however a new direction should provide positive results for Doves.
WHILE YOU'RE WAITING, LISTEN TO...Lost Souls Buy (via Amazon)
Elbow - Ustinov (working title)
(early 2007)
It seems barely any time since 2005's excellent Leaders of the Free World, but, like Doves, Elbow seem to be racing towards their fourth album. The promising Friend of Mine has been played live in an early form, with Guy Garvey's vocals as good as ever. He suggested in a recent interview that a duet with Richard Hawley may be on the cards.
WHILE YOU'RE WAITING, LISTEN TO...Leaders of the Free World Buy (via Amazon)
The Shins - Wincing the Night Away
(January 23)
The power of the internet means most seem to have heard it already, however some excellent self control and/or an extreme lack of hard drive space means I've restricted myself to the almost Beach Boys-esque first single Phantom Limb. The Shins seem to be getting better as they go along.
PRE-ORDER Wincing the Night Away (via Amazon)
WHILE YOU'RE WAITING, LISTEN TO...Chutes Too Narrow Buy (via Amazon)
Deerhoof - Friend Opportunity
(January 23)
I own disappointingly little of this San Francisco band's suprisingly big back catalogue, but many listens to their excellent last album The Runners Four, full of incredibly catchy songs, make their forthcoming album an anticipated one for me. The artwork, comprising twelve different colours by a great Glasgow artist David Shrigley should also be interesting.
PRE-ORDER Friend Opportunity (via Amazon)
WHILE YOU'RE WAITING, LISTEN TO...The Runners Four Buy (via Amazon)
Arcade Fire - Neon Bible
(March)
A much anticipated follow-up to the stunning Funeral, superb first single Intervention is almost a Christmas single and bodes well for Neon Bible, which has been produced by the band. The intriguing and promising use of an organ on the album also goes some way to explaining the choice of venues such as St John's Church in London for an early 2007 tour.
WHILE YOU'RE WAITING, LISTEN TO...Funeral Buy (via Amazon)
The Clientele - God Save The Clientele
(spring/summer?)
Criminally underrated and unknown in the UK but having gained some success in the US on Merge Records, this jangly London indie-pop band have recently become a four-piece, and look set to release their fourth proper LP at some point this year, which could well deservedly propel them towards a wider audience.
WHILE YOU'RE WAITING, LISTEN TO...Strange Geometry Buy (via Amazon)
British Sea Power - TBC
(spring/summer?)
Most reviews seemed to suggest their last album Open Season to be a step-down from the cult classic debut The Decline of British Sea Power, however I think I prefer the arguably more 'conventional' style of Open Season. This is not a conventional band by any stretch of the imagination, however, so their third album should be an interesting one.
WHILE YOU'RE WAITING, LISTEN TO...Open Season Buy (via Amazon)
Art Brut - TBC
(early 2007?)
For Art Brut there really is only one way to follow Bang Bang Rock & Roll, which is basically do it again - which should raise no complaints from anyone who appreciated the sheer genius of that album. Recent single Nag Nag Nag Nag certainly suggests they haven't lost their knack.
WHILE YOU'RE WAITING, LISTEN TO...Bang Bang Rock & Roll Buy (via Amazon)
Explosions in the Sky - All Of A Sudden I Miss Everyone
(February 19)
Another album that has leaked well ahead of release, and from the couple of minutes I've heard of one track it seems similar to their previous work; however reviews have stated it shows many developments and diversity. Also looks set to be a contender for the best cover art of 2007.
PRE-ORDER All Of A Sudden I Miss Everyone (via Amazon)
WHILE YOU'RE WAITING, LISTEN TO...The Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place Buy (via Amazon)
Happy New Year everyone.
