If you surf the internet much, you will probably have noticed that now is the perfect time for videos and articles that give an insight into what the new year has to offer, to be posted. That boat has all but sailed off now, but I'm granting myself access as a latecomer, hopping on with mere moments to spare. If that sounds boring, make it a dramatic jump. With flames. And gunfire. And ninjas. Eating cake. 2011 looks set to be a brilliant year for music (in terms of my personal taste), with many of my favourite artists shaping up to release new material this year. Partly because I'm bored, and also partly because...you know what, I'm just bored. Here's a little list of what I can't wait to hear this year, and why (providing that the albums' projected release dates aren't pushed back).
Gorillaz - The Fall
Due: ETA 2011
Strangely, this is the only album on this list that I've heard in full, yet at the timing of writing it doesn't have a release date. Released on Christmas day as an ever so kind freebie, The Fall is an interesting breed of album. What happens when arguable genius Damon Albarn gets bored on his travels in America? He gets inspired by the US of A and creates an electronic album in about 30 days on an iPad, that's what. Because I've already given it a few play-throughs, my excitement for its physical release has been somewhat diminished. Alas, I still find myself very much wanting to have the luxury of being able to listen to this music on the go. It's less of an album and more of an idea - where the fictional world of Gorillaz becomes ever more real and mixes with American themes. Don't go expecting anything like their main three albums, because you won't find the style of music from their self-titled album and Demon Days, or the lavish collaborations of Plastic Beach. This is an experimental electronic EP that does little vocally, but a lot with beats. No classic, but surely worth a pop whenever it does arrive.
Check it out here: http://thefall.gorillaz.com/
Elbow - Build a Rocket Boys!
Due: March 7th
After the immense critical success (didn't exactly do too badly commercially either...) of The Seldom Seen Kid, the Manchester 5-piece will have a lot of work to do to stay on form. That said, even if their 5th effort is only half as good as their 4th, it'll still be a pretty decent showing. It feels as though now the time is right for Elbow to shine - they always have done, but never with so much public attention. The Seldom Seen Kid's impact launched them close to the mainstream, without selling themselves out, and now they have a platform to build on. I expect more of the same from Build a Rocket Boys!, and the recently unveiled song 'Lippy Kids' does little do detach from this notion. I've got no problem with that of course, as I consider all Elbow's albums to be excellent. Initially they fly past with little impact on the ears, but gradually they become familiar, and the quality of the music being played to you becomes apparent. Some people may not be too fond of Guy Garvey's velvety crooning, but I think I might be. At times interesting, and for long spells beautiful, Elbow's a band in its prime, and the next outing seems unlikely to disappoint.
Listen to 'Lippy Kids' here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NItwaz0nLJA
For a year in which Muse material is absent, the potential line up of CDs for purchase that I find myself writing down is incredibly strong. All I need now is some money... Stay tuned for more albums that I'm excited about in 2011, later on.
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