Welcome to what is basically Consequence of Sound’s 2008 album preview. Below, Michael Roffman has written a rather extensive post on some of the more notable record releases of the year.

No, this is not an anniversary thread for Aerosmith enthusiasts. I wouldn’t pull your chain like that. Everyone knows any news worth reporting has something to do with Joe Perry, right? (My sarcasm is thick this early in the morning) Anyways, I figured I’d try to jot down what’s in the cards for 2008, musically speaking.

Big names are bringing out the guns. Frontman Rivers Cuomo is all giddy and secretive about Weezer’s sixth album, The Pure Sounds of Weezer, James Hetfield and his metal gang are actually doing more than just counseling, and English sweethearts led by rattled Chris Martin are pushing out LP#4.

Would you like to know more?

Every year has its big stars, its little stars, and its newcomers. The newcomers are just harder to find out, but usually by June, one can tell. This year, I can’t even begin to guess. Then again, it’s only the eighth day of ‘08.

First off, everyone alternatively driven should be psyched to hear R.E.M.’s fourteenth (you read that correct) studio album, aptly labeled, Accelerate. Frontman and band ringleader Michael Stipe has been adamantly positive about the record, which is good considering their last attempt, 2004’s Around the Sun, disappointed critics and fan alike. Instead of the moody ambiance, the band asserts that they will be returning to a heavier, rock influenced sound. Look for this release April 1. Yes, on April Fool’s Day. Don’t they have us laughing in tears?…

You might hate them, I might find drummer Lars Ulrich to be a bit of a head case, but nonetheless, they’re classics. And with classics, you’re going to have a demand. After the disappointing, dusty handy work of 2003’s St. Anger, Metallica is fine tuning their ninth studio album with producer Rick Rubin and they’re going about releasing it in new ways.

Metallica are in talks to premiere the first single from their next studio album on a new version of the RockBand video game.MTV senior vice president of home entertainment, Paul DeGooyer, made the announcement that Rock Band manufacturer Harmonix and MTV are planning to premiere a string of new songs on updated versions of the hit computer game,the biggest draw of which is Metallica.

[Ultimate Guitar]

Whether or not this is a new fad (let’s hope not), the debut on RockBand is sure to please some, considering fans and gamers are already “jamming” out to Metallica’s hit, “One.” As for the sound, drummer Lars Ulrich has been hinting at an edgier, raw sound. This should please fans that probably shelved away St. Anger and have been spinning …And Justice for All or Master of Puppets again and again. Look for it early Spring with a tour surely to follow….

Everyone’s favorite arena punk heroes probably have the hardest task to pull: a follow up to 2004’s American Idiot, which has sold 15 million copies to date. That’s a hurdle I don’t think any musician would want to jump. Though Green Day’s guitarist and frontman Billy Joe Armstrong seems pretty enthralled about it.

Well, what I can tell you is that what we don’t want to do is make a record that is in any way a reaction to ‘American Idiot’. That’s a real important starting point for us.

So far the songs that we’re doing are pretty mind-blowing. Yeah, mind-blowing is the phrase I’d use. There’re several drections the music is going in at the ment. Right now we’re just trying to get in contact with the sense of humour in what we do.

But as we work through our ideas we’re getting moments where the stuff is so good that it gives us chills.

[Kerrang Magazine]

Given their status and success, Green Day’s eighth studio album is sure to wring radio waves by the neck again towards Summer or Fall. Let’s hope things in the studio go smoothly and they don’t have to scrap and start over. Then again, that was a good thing last time, right?…

Rivers Cuomo is a happy man, or he should be. He’s a graduate of Harvard, he’s released a solo album to great reviews, he’s on the verge of completing an autobiography, and now his big band, Weezer, is set to release their sixth album, The Pure Sounds of Weezer. What more could a self loathing nerd want?

Not much is really know about the new album, which has already garnered attention through incessant rumors, including a faux countdown site which provided a purported and later debunked album title (”Tout Ensemble”).

On the release of his latest solo work, Cuomo has gone on to express some positive enthusiasm for the upcoming disc, with some hints at what is to come.

“I’m listening to the songs every day, trying to figure out which order they go in and understand what the spirit is behind this album,” he explains. “It’s still changing every day a little bit. It’s still evolving.”

Cuomo describes the new songs, which are being co-produced by Rick Rubin, as “dark and deep and beautiful,” and “definitely more sophisticated and adventurous. You’ll hear very long songs … and non-traditional structures.”

Cuomo says Weezer fans will also hear more from Weezer’s other band members, who also wrote songs and even sing lead on some tracks. On one unnamed cut, drummer Pat Wilson sings and plays lead guitar while Cuomo takes over the drum stool.

[Billboard]

Much like Green Day, expect a big buzz around the release of this disc, which has a pencilled in release date for Spring….

The last time anyone saw Coldplay, they were at the top of the music business and being pegged as the second coming of U2. Frontman and vocalist Chris Martin pranced around every stage across the world and their singles were eating up rock, mainstream, and easy listening stations all over radio. Then they disappeared.Martin was last seen on Kanye West’s Graduation, singing back up and choruses for the homely, “Homecoming.” Let’s just say the favor might be returned on what is rumored to be titled, Prospekt.

Coldplay’s website has been letting out many secrets regarding the album, which is being produced by Brian Eno. Song titles, the length of the album (it’s short), and hints at the variety of sounds they’re experimenting with are all available if one digs around, though Wikipedia pulls the mysteries together. Despite it being quiet on the Coldplay front, the buzz around the album is growing.

“As you’d expect with [producer] Brian Eno, there’s experimentation and exploration,” it says. “But the music still has integrity. It’s real and honest. There’s no posturing or bombast.”

“When the deadline comes and the work is done, this will be the album I always dreamed we’d make,” it concludes.

[Billboard]

Even in the dark, Coldplay is still a mainstream pull and if the statements above are true, they may never be able to leave the spotlight again. Watch out for a summer release….

Vocalist Dexter Holland has probably been waiting forever to finally put out the eighth studio album from his punk band alumni, The Offspring. For one, 2003’s Splinter didn’t do much for the fans or the critics, even if it was a step back in the right direction.

It’s ironic that Holland almost titled his last album Chinese Democracy because the band’s disappearance and the recording of the eighth studio album is starting to reach Axl Rose-like proportions.

However, the past few months have been kind to Offspring fans and Holland has kept a consistent, updated blog reeling in fans with updates.

We‘re taking a quick break from recording right now to be with our families. Wanna know what‘s going on with the new record? Well, I‘ve got two lyrics to do, a couple more to sing, and various musical tweaks and fixes to get done. Then we‘ll be ready to mix.

We haven‘t announced a release date yet because we‘re just not quite close enough to know when we‘ll be finished. We want to thank all our fans who have been so patient, and we want you to know that we‘ve been in the studio nearly every day now for quite awhile working hard to make a great record.

[Offspring.com]

Despite the past delays, the album is penciled in for Spring…

While these represent the variety of more mainstream releases, I’ve also done you the honors of compiling a list of other discs you might be interested in. Most of these are indie-follow ups, sophomore attempts, and even a few reunion albums. Many of these might even be the conception of a rumor. Only time will tell.

Would you like to know more?

Other notable releases:

• Death Cab for Cutie have loud ideas for their follow up to 2005’s Plans. (Mid 2008)
• Destroyer is having trouble sleeping on his upcoming LP. (March 2008)
• My Bloody Valentine, hot off the news of their reunion and sold out shows in Europe, plan on releasing the follow up to 1991’s Loveless. Fans can now stop salivating. (Spring or Summer 2008)
• The Breeders, Kim Deal(of The Pixies)’s band, release Mountain Battles. (April 2008)
• Snoop Dogg erupts some sexual tension on Ego Trippin’, his ninth studio album. (March 2008)
• Gnarls Barkley is listed on HMV for an April 4th release of Atlantis, their much anticipated follow up to 2006’s St. Elsewhere.
• The Roots cut their tenth album, Rising Down, out April 29th.
• Will June 2008 be the month of Dr. Dre? We’ll still wait for Detox.
• Rancid are currently recording for a mid to late 2008 release.
• Morrissey, Madonna, and Muse all plan to submit something for 2008. (Late 2008)
• Rumors swirl around that The Police might follow up the reunion tour with a reunion record, their first since 1983’s Synchronicity. (Late 2008)
• Finally, finally, finally… after five years and much demand, The Postal Service will be following up 2003’s Give Up. (Late 2008)

While I’m definitely leaving out a few mainstream bands (U2, Oasis, No Doubt), I know I’m going over a slew of other smaller acts (The Silver Jews, Tapes N’ Tapes, Elbow) coming out with new releases. For the latter, I apologize. My answer to you is that I guess you’ll have to keep checking back.I’ll have my eyes peeled for you. That’s my job. For now, this isn’t too shabby of a guide, right?

Oh my self deprecation!

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Categories: News
Tags: Coldplay, Green Day, Metallica, Muse, My Bloody Valentine, Oasis, R.E.M., Rancid, Rivers Cuomo, The Breeders, The Offspring, The Police, Weezer