2016 is over. We’ve talked about how awful the year was, blah blah blah, and we aren’t wrong, but let’s start 2017 off with a list of music that I can’t wait for!
Let’s start off with an honorable mention. Being released physically today, Friday, January 13th, Run the Jewels continue with their juggernaut of success with, RtJ3. Now, the reason I put this as an honorable mention, is because even though it is being physically released today, El-P and Killer Mike thought the world needed an awesome, and unexpected Christmas present and made it available digitally. But, do not rest on this album. The Atlanta/NYC hip hop duo bring it like they never have before, with a little bit of a slowed down tempo that still packs a punch to the gut of reality. With a stunning featured list including; Danny Brown, Trina, and the amazing jazz saxophonist, Kamasi Washington, this is sure to be a contender for album of the year.
10) King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard – Releasing 5 studio albums in 2017!
You read that right! The band with the funny name is releasing a total of five albums this year, and I am very excited. If you have never had the chance of checking these Australian psychedelic rockers out, I highly suggest giving their 2016 release; Nonagon Infinity a listen. I highly doubt you’ll be disappointed. If you like to have fun, and rock hard, this is your band. Get ready for the first of five entitled; Flying Microtonal Banana on, February 24th.
9) Xiu Xiu – FORGET
If you’re already a fan of the California-based experimental art rock band, then I don’t need to say anything to get you hyped. If you are unfamiliar you may need some convincing. On February 24th they are releasing their 13th studio album simply called; FORGET. If you would like a taste of what’s to come, they have the first single available on Spotify entitled, Wondering. If this is a true taste of the album, they seem to be going in more of a poppy upbeat direction. But, with Xiu Xiu, you can never tell. In 2016 they released an absolute classic with an album called; Xiu Xiu Plays the Music of Twin Peaks. Since I’m a huge fan of both Xiu Xiu and the early 90’s cult classic TV show Twin Peaks this was perfect for me. If you are a newcomer to the band, I highly suggest starting with their 2004 masterpiece, Fabulous Muscles.
8) Pallbearer – Heartless
Arkansas doom metallers; Pallbearer are releasing their third album called; Heartless on March 24th. If you know me you know that Pallbearer is one of my favorite bands. A lot of people are calling, Baroness the kings of sludgy doom metal but not in this guys eyes. Their first album, Sorrow and Extinction, is one of the best albums of the last decade. If you haven’t listened and want a perfect starting spot for what doom metal is, start there. If you like your music heavy and bleak this is your band.
7) Katy Perry – Title TBD
OK, I know. Katy Perry?!?! She is my guilty pleasure. Actually, you know what, that implies I feel guilty about loving her style of dreamy pop music. She is the queen of hooks, and when pop stars can hook me in I’m game for a good time. Not much is known about her album other than a few seconds of new music on her snapchat, but she has put it out there that her new album will be available in 2017.
6) Tool – Title TBD
If you’re a fan of progressive rockers, Tool you are used to waiting long periods between albums. But this is getting ridiculous. Numerous reports claim that 2017 is the year for the as yet untitled fifth studio album from Tool. At this point, however, who knows.
5) LCD Soundsystem – Title TBD
In 2011, dance rockers, LCD Soundsystem called it quits. I usually never trust a band when they do that but for some reason, I totally bought in that this band was done. Well, not only is the band back to headline Coachella this year, they are also back with a new album! Electronic/rock groups are a dime a dozen these days, but most of those bands wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for LCD and their unique blend of dance music with punk mentality and a rock and roll stage presence. Not much is known but if you know this group then you know they don’t pump out sub-par music. If you are unfamiliar I highly recommend their debut self-titled album. Have fun!
4) At the Drive-In – Title TBD
I’ll be honest with you. At the Drive-In kind of fell under my radar when I was growing up. I always knew the name just never gave them a fair listen. When they broke up back in 2001, I was completely unaware. But out of the ashes came an absolutely amazing progressive rock band with The Mars Volta. I was obsessed with that band and when I found out the core members were also a part of AtDI, I revisited the small, yet vast discography, and I became a fan. Even more of a fan than The Mars Volta. Post-hardcore wouldn’t be what it is today without the genius of, Relationship of Command, their last album released in 2000. It’s been 17 years and we finally get a new piece of art that I’m sure will transcend genres and fandom, just like they always have.
3) Me and That Man – Love is a Dog from Hell
I bet you don’t know what Me and That Man is? If you enjoy death and black metal then I am sure you are aware of Behemoth, one of the most adored and successful band in the genre. They are fronted by a man named Nergal, who’s real name is; Adam Darski. Adam is releasing his first solo album, Love is a Dog from Hell, and the first single titled, My Church is Black, is available right now, as you are reading this! If you’re saying to yourself, “I don’t like metal, this isn’t for me.” Trust me, it is for you. This isn’t a metal album. It is a whiskey soaked dark and brooding ode to the deepest darkest parts of American folk music. Adam is a recent cancer survivor that has experienced more life than one can handle, most recently opening his own barbershop in Poland. This album will be emotional, heartbreaking, and most importantly, real.
2) Lorde – Title TBD
Three years ago, Lorde blew me away with her first album, Pure Heroine. I didn’t know pop music could sound like that, especially at the young age of 17. It’s clear that Lorde is wise beyond her years, Hell, even David Bowie said she was the future of music, That’s a claim nobody else has. But with that comes the pressure to live up with her sophomore album to the mastery of tracks like Tennis, and Royals. I believe she is the one that can thrive under that pressure. I can’t wait.
1) Neutral Milk Hotel – Title TBD
This is a fun one, this is also something that I have no idea will come this year, or ever! In 1998, NMH released what many regard as one of the greatest albums of all time, In the Aeroplane Over the Sea. Any fan of music will fine something to grab onto with this album, and it has stood the test of time the way the majority of 90’s albums have not been able to. It is a masterpiece, a perfect 10 album in my opinion. And that was it. We haven’t seen a release from them in almost 20 years. This brings me to the fun part. The mastermind behind NMH is a guy named Jeff Mangum, who has been selling his art publicly since 2005. However, recently, some hidden messages have been hiding in some of his pieces. A few purchasers have seen 2017 hidden. Others have seen the words, “double LP” hidden as well. This album may never happen, but this is still fun, and I am enjoying watching as the pieces are being put together.
What music are you looking forward to? Please leave a comment, and find me on Facebook. Thanks!
