Hey guys. This is a new thread I wanted to start so that everyone could see what was coming out music-wise every week. I'm going to try to have the thread up Sunday or Monday so that people can be ready for when the releases hit stores (digital and analog) on Tuesday.
I'm also going to give personal picks so that the lists are a little less daunting.
Where possible, I'll try to link to album streams that are available prior to release.
Of course, I will miss albums, so please just let me know in the post or through PM and I'll try my best to be diligent in adding them. Any other suggestions are welcome, too. I'm trying my best here, hah!
Without further ado, the list!
My Picks
John K. Samson | Provincial
RIYL: Hockey (He's a HUGE fan), The Weakerthans, Mountain Goats, Josh Ritter
The first full length solo album from John K. Samson of the Weakerthans (and Propaghandi). Samson has an impeccable talent for writing in a way that instantly transports you to the world he's created with his quirky lyrics. This album is hardly a departure from the Weakerthans sound, but, if you're a fan, that isn't a bad thing by any means.
You can stream the album here.
Cloud Nothings | Attack on Memory
RIYL: Superchunk, Half Japanese, Milk 'n’ Cookies
Wow. This albums came out of nowhere for me, and the band itself has kind of done the same for everyone else. Started as a distraction, Dylan Baldi's Cloud Nothings is tour de force of lo-fi indie rock. With three full lengths in three years, there are no signs of slowing. This album is a departure in that it's a bit more melodic and polished, yet slivers of brashness are found throughout. Oh yeah, legendary producer Steve Albini was at the helm on this one.
A great, honest interview with Baldi can be found here and you can stream the album here.
Nada Surf | The Stars Are Indifferent to Astronomy
RIYL: Superdrag, Actionslacks, Death Cab for Cutie
Remember that weird, spoken-word hit in 1996, "Popular"? Yeah, they're still around. On their seventh album, in fact. And they're still awesome. Great, straight forward pop rock from a band that could've gotten crushed in the cogs of the mainstream industry.
Stream the album on NPR.
Chairlift | Something
RIYL: The 80's with a bit of tension
As I'd said in the listening thread, this album really surprised me. I was completely bored by Chairlift's first album. I saw them open for Peter, Bjorn, and John in 2009, and was, again, completely bored. It seems like they've really hit their stride as a duo. If the pop of the 80's had taken itself a bit more serious, musically, it might sound like this album. Gorgeous hooks on the upbeat songs and moody ambiance on the tracks that aren't, many people are already touting it as the best album of 2012 thus far (I know, I know).
Stream here.
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This Week's Other Releases
First Aid Kit | The Lion's Roar
RIYL: Emmylou Harris, Daniel Martin Moore, Fleet Foxes
Swedish Bluegrass/Folk duo that NPR says is drawing comparions to Fleet Foxes. I don't necessarily hear it, but you can stream the album on NPR and decide for yourselves.
Craig Finn | Clear Heart, Full Eyes
RIYL: The Hold Steady, Bruce Springsteen, Husker Du
The first full length from The Hold Steady front-man, Craig Finn. I've never been a huge fan of The Hold Steady, but I'm sure some of you are. You can stream the album in full on NPR.
Matt Pryor | May Day
RIYL: The Get Up Kids, Reggie & The Full Effect, New Amsterdams
The Get Up Kids are set in stone as one of the most influential bands in emo/indie rock and that is thanks to, in good part, Matt Pryor. Holding down duties in TGUK, New Amsterdams, Reggie & the Full Effect, and the Terrible Twos, this is Matt's second solo album. Stream the album here.
Lamb of God | Resolution
RIYL: Pantera, Machine Head, Hell Within, Shadows Fall
Self described as a return to form, this is the sixth album from heavy metal band Lamb of God.
Foxy Shazam | The Church of Rock and Roll
RIYL: Queen, The Darkness, Mika, Fun.
Foxy Shazam's second full-length finds the band trying to repeal a bit of the shine that made their debut somewhat sterile. The single "I Like It," retains every bit of ridiculousness you've come to expect from these Cincinnati natives. A choice quote from the chorus "That's the biggest black ass I've ever seen, and I like it." Yep. Deep.
Stream on Rolling Stone.
Cardinal | Hymns
RIYL: Matt Pond PA, Of Montreal, Belle & Sebastian
Their second album in 17 (!) years. Cardinal has finally gotten back together, and the results are apparently passable, but less revolutionary than they were back in the 90's.
Ingrid Michaelson | Human Again
RIYL: Jewel, Colbie Calliat, Natalie Cole, Ani DiFranco
Something about a coat and a sweater. Michaelson's fifth album.
Gonjasufi | MU.ZZ.LE
RIYL: Flying Lotus with Captain Beefheart vox
The fourth album from this San Diego DJ/Rapper/Singer. He teaches yoga during the day?
Stream it here.
Lacuna Coil | Dark Adrenaline
RIYL: Century Blade Metal, Evanesence
Italian female-fronted metal oufit Lacuna Coil is releasing its sixth studio full-length. There's a cover of REM's "Losing My Religion" on it. Reviews seem to skew toward "pass," but you can stream the album here to see if it's up your alley.
Volcanoes | Heavy Hands
RIYL: Noise Rock Duos (Japandroids)
Smalltime release from a small time Minneapolis band, Volcanoes. These guys are pretty good and this is their debut full length on Afternoon Records. Best of all, IT'S A FREE DOWNLOAD. No reason not to check it out.
Download here
