After closing the chapter on last year in music, I’ve started, again belatedly, to look and what music will be filling my playlists this year. I say belatedly, it’s just this post is coming late not the actual discovery of the new music. I’ll split this in sort of into two halves because I think there’s 2 different areas to discuss. That is; obviously all of the brand new fantastic music just starting to make waves. But I think one of the main things that will shape the music at least I listen to this year will be the return of some big acts and thankfully nay finally the return of some guitars.
So I think I’ll start with some of the acts that I am extremely excited that are coming back this year. And I have to start of with my favourite band in the world who look set on kicking all pop and electronic music into submission with a return to a much heavier sound and that is of course; the Foo Fighters. They’ve already got the hype machine rolling with this monster 30 second teaser riff which showcases the sound they are supposed to be taking. It really sounds like Dave Grohl returning to what he does best and I could not be more excited! Another favourite band of mine that I am always thrilled to see coming back is The Subways. Not too sure what the direction of the record will be as of yet but they look set to be open about the recording process of the album and through their genius Pledge website are offering fans some amazing gifts and raising money for charity at the same time. Check that out here PledgeMusic:TheSubwaysProject. The return of guitar music comes in many forms with many returning bands from brilliant British indie bands; The Wombats, Pigeon Detectives and possibly The Ting Tings to a couple of underrated favourites of mine in Cage The Elephant and Cold War Kids, both of whom look set for bigger things this year as well as Bright Eyes. In terms of the more widely hotly-anticipated returns are there is Coldplay who will probably carry on their world domination and The Strokes, who are returning to what they do best after a couple of underwhelming solo projects. As I’ve mentioned before on this blog, I have moved to more hip-hop listening in recent times and although I am very excited by the return of some of my favourite guitar bands, there is still a couple of reasons to be excited in hip-hop too with the amazing collaboration album with Kanye West & Jay-Z, two of my favourites as well as a probable album from Lil Wayne who has been working his socks off since leaving prison, most notably with the outstanding 6’7’’! I am hoping Asher Roth makes a full return too after the fantastic G.R.I.N.D last year. I’ll finish this bit of the post with some amazing news I only became aware of last night. Death From Above 1979 have put aside their differences and are making a comeback. That is fucking excellent news. I was never fully aware but I am so happy they are coming back, there just needs to be more music produced by them.
In terms of new music, the upcoming acts creating the buzz are generally in the hip-hop or dubstep categories. BBC Sound of 2011 winner Jessie J has been having some outstanding reports and hype. They say she has a mammoth voice in her live shows, which I had heard of before she released Do It Like A Dude which, itself, just seems a bit brash and doesn’t show any of that off. Hopefully she can produce some of the good sound people have been raving about; I am definitely going to pay some attention to her. Wretch 32 is another hip-hop act finally getting his chance at the big time after being featured on a number of British rappers’ albums and releases. I’m quite looking forward to seeing him live, supporting Example soon. Will definitely be good to see what he’s about. On the other side of the Atlantic, there have been a few rappers being hyped about but the most intriguing to me is J. Cole who seems to have a lot of momentum and respect off some of the big names, appearing on one of Kanye West’s G.O.O.D Friday tracks for example. In the dubstep world, James Blake is one of the acts I am massively excited to hear more of. Another act on the BBC Sound of 2011, he has a fantastic voice and a genius ear for letting a beat or a sound breathe. Early tracks suggest a deeply affecting and yet very chilled out sound. Definitely one of my tips for the year. Indie music is also making it’s return in the form of Yuck (massive hair pictured below!) who sound pretty listenable and Funeral Party who sound similarly approachable musically. Their album is out very soon, so it will be one of the first I wrap my ears around this year. I know I’m late on this one and they aren’t particularly new but Noah and The Whale have got my attention and look set for big year with the fantastic l.i.f.e.g.o.e.s.o.n which will no doubt be one of the songs of the summer. Another thing to be excited about this year is new projects from established artists. The Oasis split has spawned Beady Eye (featuring Liam) and presumably some solo Noel Gallagher work. Not heard anything about a possible Noel solo album but I think it’s likely and he’s definitely talented enough to pull off some good music on his own (despite what Liam says) and Beady Eye do sound pretty good. I’ll approach that album with trepidation but could end up being quite a nice surprise. One of my favourite front men, The Reverend Jon McClure is moving into drum n’ bass and electro with his Reverend Sound System (RSS). Don’t know how big a project this will end up being but the teaser tracks on their MySpace certainly sound fun. I’ll give a last mention to the nuts Cerebral Ballzy who have been getting a bit of radio play from the likes of Zane Lowe and Nick Grimshaw. They sound absolutely mental and it won’t be to many people’s tastes but I’m on board (nice Zane Lowe link there!)!
So plenty to be excited about this year and a lot to listen to. I reckon this will be a very good year in music. Bring it on!!
Post songs:
l.i.f.e.g.o.e.s.o.n – Noah and The Whale
Blood On Our Hands – Death From Above 1979
