On March 6th, North Carolina folk ensemble Bowerbirds will release its third album, The Clearing, via Dead Oceans. Having already shared the opening track “Tuck the Darkness In”, the band has now unveiled the LP’s second cut, “In the Yard”. With effervescent vocals and two opposing sets of sound (a folksy acoustic guitar and the rumble of a fuzzy electric guitar), the band has built a song that is quaint and intimate, but with a grand, anthemic feel to it. Stream it below (via Pitchfork).

Bowerbirds – “In the Yard”

The Clearing Tracklist:
01. Tuck the Darkness In
02. In the Yard
03 Walk the Furrows
04. Stitch the Hem
05. This Year
06. Brave World
07. Hush
08. Overcome With Light
09. Sweet Moment
10. Death Wish
11. Now We Hurry On

When you compile a list like this, you start to tremble at how much you’re really going to absorb in the ensuing months. This doesn’t even cover the misses and surprises. If you’re a casual listener, you might get through an album a day. Okay, maybe two. If you’re a fanatic, you’re spinning discographies left and right. Still, after 365 days, either person is buzzing. One’s just a little louder with the phonetics.

As I wrote back in December, in a year, you’ll have your next roundup of favorite albums. You’ll have a new favorite song. You might even have a new band you’re obsessed with. It’s far too early to tell anything right now, but I’m willing to bet at least two or three of the records on this list will make up everyone else’s come December. At the very least, they’ll get people talking.

Hold me to it, if you want.

-Michael Roffman
President/Editor-in-Chief

Porcelain Raft – Strange Weekend

What we know: The debut record from Porcelain Raft is the sum of Mauro Remiddi’s 27 years of traveling across Europe, recording hundreds of tapes, and working on sundry, eclectic musical projects. It’s pregnant with personal history and influences from across the globe, not just some upstart hazing up his bedroom with a MIDI processor.

What CoS says: It’s a lush and most excellent dream pop record that stretches into the past while continuing to blaze into tomorrow. They’re on tour with M83 and can fill the spaces with the same amount of sound. –Jeremy D. Larson

Due out: January 24th via Secretly Canadian [Pre-Order]

Grimes – Visions

What we know: Indie-major label 4AD called them up from the sticks to release Visions, and the mystical gaze of Claire Boucher’s music does what a few of her gauzy contemporaries have a hard time doing: Her songs float out of the bedroom and onto the dance floor.

What CoS says: It’s easy for music like this to turn from daze to doze in a flash, but Grimes seems to know when to pop it up. –Jeremy D. Larson

Due out: January 24th via 4AD [Pre-Order]

Grimes – “Genesis”

Leonard Cohen – Old Ideas

What we know: The esteemed singer-songwriter and poet will grace fans with his first studio album since 2004. No stranger to grappling with heavy concepts within his lyrics, the 10 songs on this new record will deal with “the most profound quandaries of human existence – the relationship to a transcendent being, love, sexuality, loss, and death.” The announcement of the album described it as “the most overtly spiritual” of Cohen’s career.

What CoS says: Cohen is one of music’s greatest living poets, and if anyone could craft a beautiful song from such solemn subjects, it would be him. His albums have usually proven worth the wait, and Old Ideas should hopefully be no different. –Austin Trunick

Due out: January 31st via Sony [Pre-Order]

Air – Le Voyage Dans La Lune

What we know: With both a Sofia Coppola score and a diverse catalog to their credit, Jean-Benoît Dunckel and Nicolas Godin of Air are no strangers to blissfully abstract accompaniment. Expect this century-old silent film re-release come February, and if the “Sonic Armada” sampler was any indication, those schooled in Tangerine Dream have nothing to fear.

What CoS says: As it just so happens, Le Voyage Dans La Lune is much like Air itself — quietly influential and undoubtedly French. If you thought the Reznor/Ross dynamic was spaced-out, this project may very well take The Orb’s place on your iTunes playlists. –David Buchanan

Due out: February 6th via Astralwerks [Pre-Order]

Air  feat. Victoria Legrand - “Seven Stars”

Dr. Dog – Be the Void

What we know: On their seventh full-length, these Philadelphian psych-rockers trade symphonic for rollick. Even the tracks harkening most back to 2010’s orchestral Shame, Shame find moments of stomp, and folksy strums have largely given way to rocking blares. Though the good Dr. is still very much in, this “cathartic rock ‘n’ roll” record may be the loudest and heaviest thing they’ve ever put out.

What CoS says: With a catalog of consistent quality and the fact that their last two albums earned CoS Top Star honors, this one’s a no-brainer. The true test will be seeing where contributions from new full-time members drummer Erik “Teach” Slick and multi-talented Dimitri Manos take the band’s sound. –Ben Kaye

Due out: February 7th via ANTI- [Pre-Order]

Dr. Dog – “That Old Black Dog”

of Montreal – Paralytic Stalks

What we know: Across 10 albums, Kevin Barnes has played with all kinds of lysergic bliss, and their 11th LP sounds like a blend of former acid-pop songs and latter-day avant-electronic stretches. Its closest cousin is David Bowie’s Low, which is a great thing.

What CoS says: Beneath the vaporous instrumentals and glitchy funk, we could really use a good single this time around. –Jeremy D. Larson

Due out: February 7th via Polyvinyl [Pre-Order]

of Montreal – “Dour Percentage”

Sharon Van Etten – Tramp

What we know: To escape from the corner of a coffee shop can take some years, but with an indie debut as powerful as Van Etten’s 2010 album, epic, it only took a short amount of time for her to get noticed by The National’s Aaron Dessner. Tramp includes collabos with Dessner, Matt Barrick (Walkmen), Zach Condon (Beirut), Jenn Wasner (Wye Oak), Julianna Barwick, and more.

What CoS says: With a little help from her friends, Tramp more than gets by. Look forward to some roots rock and poison-tipped lyricism from this young talent. –Jeremy D. Larson

Due out: February 7th via Jagjaguwar [Pre-Order]

Sharon Van Etten – “Serpents”

Islands – A Sleep & a Forgetting

What we know: Montreal indie rock outfit Islands stripped down for its 2009 breakthrough record, Vapours. With A Sleep & a Forgetting, the band’s fourth album, the aesthetics and sensibilities are torn apart even further to reveal the rawest nerve, resulting in an LP of potent, minimalist instrumentation and low-key, yet sultry, lyrical content about falling out of love and listening to the radio. Even with so much of the band and frontman Nick Thorburn exposed, they’ve never seemed as powerfully succinct or alluringly lethal.

What CoS says: You’ll be hard-pressed to find anyone doing so very much with so very little in 2012.  –Chris Coplan

Due out: February 14th via ANTI- [Pre-Order]

Islands – “This Is Not a Song”

Sleigh Bells – Reign of Terror

What we know: Noise pop duo Sleigh Bells set the blogosphere aflame with Treats and its cranked-to-11 hooks and reckless abandon. As a follow-up, Reign of Terror will seemingly hone the pair’s sound, as evidenced by the return of producer Shane Stoneback and the shred-tastic bombast of lead single “Born to Lose”. Stock up on your extra-strength earplugs posthaste.

What CoS says: Why fix what ain’t broke? The group has a fresh enough sound to ride through at least this record before something may have to give musically. –Chris Coplan

Due out: February 21st via Mom+Pop Music [Pre-Order]

School of Seven Bells – Ghostory

What we know: Ghostory is more gothed out than anything School of Seven Bells has done before. The record pulses with dance beats reminiscent of Front 242 death disco, the duo’s signature misty sound, and more ghost imagery than you can shake a proton pack at. Singer Alejandra Deheza spells “P-R-E-D-A-T-O-R” breathily on record centerpiece “Low Times”, a moment that’s as terrifying as it is beautiful.

What CoS says: It should be interesting to see how SVIIB fares as just a core duo without vocalist Claudia Deheza, singer Alejandra’s twin sister. Claudia left the group abruptly in 2010, so it should be interesting to see how her departure might affect its songwriting, lyrically and structurally. –Paul de Revere

Due out: February 28th via Vagrant/Ghostly International

School of Seven Bells – “The Night”

Andrew Bird – Break It Yourself

What we know: It’s been almost three years since Andrew Bird’s last outing, 2009′s Noble Beast. He’s accomplished a lot over that time (including a recent installment at Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art), though he’s waited this long to produce a proper LP. Surprisingly, he’s had the material all along. Based on the album’s tracklist for Break It Yourself, we’ve heard up to at least six of the 14 tracks live, already: “Desperation Breeds…”, “Danse Caribe”, “Give It Away”, “Lazy Projector”, “Lusitania” (feat. St. Vincent), and “Hole in the Ocean Floor”.

What CoS says: Bird has proven he’s a virtuoso five times over. He doesn’t need to shatter any barriers this far into his career. So, if this stuff sounds as familiar to you as it does to us, then you’re probably not too surprised. If you’re looking for something new, well, let’s see how the other tracks fare. Whatever the case, it’ll be a very cozy listen. –Michael Roffman

Due out: March 7th via Mom + Pop Music [Pre-Order]

Bowerbirds – The Clearing

What we know: Phillip Moore and Beth Tacular have always bounced their sound off of the roots of American music, and while their LP3 echoes with similar tones, it’s a richer production this time around. “Tuck the Darkness In” earns its crescendos, flips a catchy melody into the air, and stays rooted.

What CoS says: Bowerbirds take the faux out of the folk that’s around these days and get down to the core of their songs without cluttering it with smoke and mirrors. Here’s hoping they can still make the wounds as well as salve them. –Jeremy D. Larson

Due out: March 6th via Dead Oceans

Bowerbirds – “Tuck the Darkness In”

Ceremony – Zoo

What we know: For their first record with the famed Matador Records, California hardcore outfit Ceremony enlisted producer John Goodmanson (Bikini Kill, Simple Plan) with an aim to “refine their jagged sound while continuing to pursue themes of exurban alienation and confinement.” To give listeners a taste of the new record ahead of its official release date, Ceremony will release “Hysteria” b/w “I’m a Bug” (Urinals cover) on February 7th.

What CoS says: If “Hysteria” is any indication, Zoo will be a tamer—if no less enjoyable—affair than their previously more abrasive albums. –Harley Brown

Due out: March 6th via Matador

Ceremony – “Hysteria”

The Magnetic Fields – Love at the Bottom of the Sea 

What we know:  Stephin Merritt says he’ll be returning to more synth-heavy and acoustic arrangements on The Magnetic Fields’ 10th LP—their first with Merge since 1999’s classic collection 69 Love Songs—with his usual cast of collaborators: Claudia Gonson, Sam Davol, John Woo, Shirley Simms, Johny Blood, and Daniel Handler (aka Lemony Snicket!). Signature amusing and quirky song titles abound— “All She Cares About Is Mariachi”, “Infatuation (With Your Gyration)”, and “I’ve Run Away to Join the Fairies”.

What CoS says: More inventive and endlessly catchy pop treasures from the man responsible for some of the greatest pop records of the last 20 years. –Lainna Fader

Due out: March 6th via Merge [Pre-Order]

The Men – Open Your Heart

What we know: The kind of volume that was on Leave Home, their previous album released not eight months ago, is hard to eclipse. But leave it to The Men to plumb even deeper into their milk crates to continue moving forward with their sound. There’s a bit of country, a bit of kraut-rock, and some ’70s AOR, and the whole thing still stays jagged in the best ways.

What CoS says: It’s a short turn-around time, but nothing on this album sounds tossed off. Even if some of the razors are less sharp this time around, it works. –Jeremy D. Larson

Due out: March 6th via Sacred Bones

The Shins – Port of Morrow

What we know: It’s been a solid five years since their last album. James Mercer is the only original member in the lineup. They’ll release it on his new label, Aural Apothecary. So, things have changed. But so far, based on three of the album’s 10 tracks (which includes the recently unveiled “Simple Song”), The Shins remain intact.

What CoS says: Despite the shake up in the lineup, there really isn’t much working against this album. Sure, Broken Bells wasn’t an awe-inspiring juggernaut, but it had its moments. With Mercer at home now, and seemingly alone (at least in the studio), one has to believe this will be, at the very least, a solid follow-up to Wincing the Night Away. –Michael Roffman

Due out: March 20th via Aural Apothecary and Columbia Records [Pre-Order]

Spiritualized – Sweet Heart, Sweet Light

What we know: When he debuted some new songs at Royal Albert Hall in October, Jason Pierce had a choir and orchestra in tow. He’s said the album “encompassed all I love in rock ‘n’ roll music. It’s got everything from Brötzmann and Berry right through to Dennis and Brian Wilson.”

What CoS says: The seminal Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space is an intimidating high-water mark. It sounds like his heart’s in the right place for this to rise to that level. Dicey live recordings of new material aren’t the best gauge, though, so we’re still holding out for a studio preview. –Jeremy D. Larson

Due Out: UK on March 19th via Double Six. U.S. release is set for sometime in March via Fat Possum

“Hey Jane” (Live):

Alabama Shakes – TBD

Photo by Ben Kaye

What we know: With a hearty co-sign from Patterson Hood of The Drive-By Truckers, Alabama Shakes are off to inject the soul of the south into the mainstream with their first official studio LP.

What CoS says: To prove Alabama Shakes can ride longer waves than those created by the press lauded upon them at CMJ and subsequent live shows, the Dap-Tone/Muscle Shoals acolytes are going to have to show the world they can write some memorable songs.  – Jeremy D. Larson

Due out: April via ATO Records

Tyler, The Creator – Wolf

Photo by Heather Kaplan

What we know: The veracity of his pull-quotes is always dubious, but Mr. Tyler Okonma told SPIN that his new album Wolf will be due out in April. He said of his third LP, “Talking about rape and cutting bodies up, it just doesn’t interest me anymore… What interests me is making weird hippie music for people to get high to. I’ll brag a little more, talk about money and buying shit. But not like any other rapper, I’ll be a smart-ass about it…”

What CoS says: If Tyler wants to make a psych-rap record, that’s at least interesting, but I have this nagging feeling that he’s going to be an insufferable smart-ass about it. –Jeremy D. Larson

Due out: April (?)

Regina Spektor – What We Saw from the Cheap Seats

What we know: Regina Spektor continues her reign as one of the best goddamn singer-songwriters of her era. The new record’s title is perhaps an indicator that she’s continuing her music’s frequent theme of plucky underdog-isms.

What CoS says: Except for a live record, Regina Spektor was awfully quiet over the last two years. In November, she announced the release of What We Saw from the Cheap Seats without much indication of what it’ll sound like, but her signature cute quirks will likely abound. It will be her sixth studio full-length, her latest since 2009′s Far. –Paul de Revere

Due Out: May

Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band – TBA

What we know: Surprisingly, very little. A producer has yet to be confirmed, same with the E Street Band. The Boss’s follow-up to 2009′s The Promise remains a slight mystery. Based on the album’s announcement – “We want you to know that the music is almost done (but still untitled), we have almost settled on the release date (but not quite yet), and that we are all incredibly excited about everything that we’re planning for 2012″ – there’s a heavy use of “we,” so one has to believe this will again be an E Street effort.

What CoS says: With the loss of Clarence Clemmons, already this will be a fairly controversial effort for Springsteen. On that note, it should also be quite emotional. If you know your E Street history, you’ll remember it’s only been a little over four years since the death of Danny Federici as well. Throw in another political race next year, Occupy Wall Street, and half a dozen recent collaborations… well, this album could go anywhere. Fingers crossed The Boss doesn’t pen a follow-up anthem titled “King of the Supermarket”. –Michael Roffman

Due out: Spring

Dirty Projectors – TBA

What we know: Figurehead David Longstretch took a Vernon-esque approach with this Bitte Orca follow-up. Sequestered for the most part alone in an unoccupied house in rural New York, Longstretch crafted creepy songs “about horror and fear,” including the “Thriller”-esque “About to Die”. He’s also said the record leans towards the band’s stripped-down Björk collaboration, Mount Wittenberg Orca.

What CoS says: Bitte Orca was a breakthrough, filled with lively and eccentric musicality. It rightfully earned a perfect score in our review almost three years ago. Fingers crossed that this apparently subtler and more haunted effort still shares qualities with their adored previous release. –Ben Kaye

Due out: Spring

Rufus Wainwright – Out of the Game

What we know: Rufus Wainwright’s last two projects have been an opera and a dramatic album performed start-to-finish as a song cycle. It seems appropriate that he should follow with an excursion back into pop, and his upcoming Mark Ronson-produced album promises to be Wainwright in all his mass marketable glory. Featuring backup from the Dap-Kings, Wilco’s Nels Cline, and Wainwright’s equally talented sister Martha, “there’s this kind of anchor of guys sitting around jamming. And it’s very sexy,” Wainwright told Stereogum.

What CoS says: Wainwright’s had a turbulent few years, including the death of his mother and the birth of his daughter. To see all that energy channeled into pop music will be interesting, and to hear it belted out by one of the marquee voices of our time will surely be enthralling. Wainwright is a consummate showman, and with this supporting cast, Out of the Game has miles of promise. –Megan Ritt

Due out: Spring

How to Destroy Angels – TBA

What we know: This past fall, How to Destroy Angels had originally planned on releasing a full-length LP, at least according to Reznor. The most fans received was a Brian Ferry cover and, well, a 174-minute soundtrack for David Fincher’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Shortly after the soundtrack’s release, Reznor told Rolling Stone that a new LP was due out “[probably] in the first quarter of next year.” As far as direction goes, Reznor says they “were influenced by early Cabaret Voltaire – it’s very deconstructed rhythmically and more textural.” Vague, but something.

What CoS says: Reznor works in mysterious ways. He also never stops working. So, it’s likely that we’ll see this pop up while we’re sleeping sometime, or perhaps when we’re on a lunch break. Who knows? If it’s anything like their recent soundtrack work – hey, it’s essentially the same team – one can expect something wild. Or just another helping of music to carry you from the gym to the train, from the coffee shop to the sadistic caretaker to the… wait, what? –Michael Roffman

Due out: ”First Quarter”

Animal Collective – TBA

Photo by Frank Mojica

What we know: Notorious for touring on largely new, unrecorded material, it’s entirely possible that songs from AC’s ninth album (and their first since 2009′s Merriweather Post Pavilion) have been floating around in various states of gestation in bootlegs. That said, Dave “Avey Tare” Portner let a few details slip in interviews promoting his solo work, including the fact that they’ve got at least 10 songs written and that they’re having fun “jamming.” He’s also described their recent live shows as a “more immediate… hard-hitting set with more rhythm.” But these are the guys who brought you ODDSAC, so you never quite know what’s coming next.

What CoS says: As a band that seems to evolve more organically and dramatically from disc to disc than almost any other, it’s hard to imagine Animal Collective sticking too closely to the formula that made Merriweather such a crossover smash. Either way, moving from cult heroes to indie megastars over the past 10 or so years means that both the demand and the stakes have never been higher. –Adam Kivel

Due out: TBA

Atoms for Peace – TBA

What we know: Back in October, Thom Yorke spun some heads when he told Rolling Stone there would be an Atoms for Peace record by the end of the year. As is the case with most records on here titled TBA, that wasn’t the case. His excuse for the delay then was that “it’s not good enough yet.” Longtime collaborator and Atoms member Nigel Godrich added, “The idea was to generate the music, then record the band. We did that. Some of it worked. We also went back to some of the electronic stuff. It’s still in flux. We’re waiting for the lightning bolt to strike.” Since then, it’s been clear skies, apparently. To get an idea of what they worked on, take a listen to “Judge, Jury, and Executioner”, which the band premiered during their 2010 tour – their first collaborative track.

What CoS says: It’s been a long time coming. Someone stand outside the studio with an umbrella, please.  –Michael Roffman

Due out: TBA

The Avalanches – TBA

What we know: This will they/won’t they tension bullshit is getting older than a bad sitcom. But this tweet is the closest thing we’ve had to something yet. Keep the dream alive.

What CoS says: Teasing this album is getting less funny as the years go on. But as with most myths, if you stop believing in it, it dies. –Jeremy D. Larson

Due out: TBA

Best Coast – TBA

What we know: Surf-rock romanticists Best Coast may have recently released drummer Ali Koehler, but they also previously managed to nab legendary producer Jon Brion (The Crystal Method, Kanye West) for album No. 2 (seems like a fair trade). For this record, frontwoman Bethany Cosentino has promised less “melodrama” and more maturity thanks to her drastically different lifestyle. That sentiment, mixed with Brion’s avant pop style, should make for one decidedly fresh take on young love and all its ups and downs.

What CoS says: The band’s sound on Crazy for You caught people’s attention despite the decided immaturity of the album’s lyrical content (or perhaps that helped). We’re interested to see how their cutesy sound holds up with an infusion of adulthood. –Chris Coplan

Due out: TBA

The Beach Boys – TBA

What we know: Brian Wilson has returned. So has Al Jardine. Even David Marks. It’s a full-scale reunion, all for the group’s 50th anniversary. While we’ve only heard a re-recording of “Do It Again”, Beach Boys sessions veteran Eddie Bayer says, “Brian’s new creations are just unbelievable.” What’s more, Mike Love, who has a long storied history of opposing Wilson, agreed, stating, “He hasn’t lost the ability to do what he does best.” So, there’s a positive outlook on this.

What CoS says: For the past few years, Wilson has been issuing covers albums (including last year’s abysmal Disney record). However, his last solo record, 2008′s That Lucky Old Sun, was a sugary-sweet classic that shines bright in his highly celebrated discography. If Wilson’s been holding out on songs for this LP and he’s supported by the vocals of Love, Bruce Johnston, Al Jardine, and even David Marks, then we’re in for a tasty, nostalgic treat. Let’s just hope it isn’t Stars and Stripes, Volume 2. –Michael Roffman

Due out: TBA

Cat Power – TBA

What we know: It’s been four years since Chan Marshall’s last album, Jukebox, a collection of mostly covers that furthered the transition from the raw, minimal Cat Power of the ’90s to a polished, blues-evoking sound. In a 2010 interview with Rolling Stone, Marshall revealed that she was attempting to play all the instruments herself on the next Cat Power release, and a recent Facebook posting intimated that the new album is almost finished.

What CoS says: If the smoky soul exhibited in the new songs debuted on her 2011 tour or the seven-minute, eerily echoed reinvention of “King Rides By” are any indication, then the new Cat Power should prove well worth the wait. –Frank Mojica

Due out: TBA

Cibo Matto – TBA

What we know: Cibo Matto split in 2001 after two albums, but Yuka Honda and Miho Hatori joined forces again in December 2010 for Honda’s 50th birthday and three months later for a tsunami benefit concert. A reunion tour was subsequently announced, along with news that a new album would surface sometime in 2012. As of press time, the new album does not have an official title or release date.

What CoS says: A reunion that results in new songs and not just a trip down memory lane? Yes, please. During their brief “YEAH BASICALLY” tour, the duo mixed two new songs, “Tenth Floor Ghost Girl” and “Check In”, into the well-received sets, hinting that the magic that made Cibo Matto so fun 16 years ago has not been lost. –Frank Mojica

Due out: TBA

D’Angelo – TBA (Working Title: James River)

What we know: If the neo-soul genre had a Holy Grail, it’d be D’Angelo’s third album. With the release of the immensely powerful Voodoo in 2000, the world has been waiting with bated breath ever since for the follow-up, which frequent collaborator ?uestlove has recently confirmed is in the home stretch of completion. But after D’Angelo’s various, er, extracurricular activities have led to a decade-long cycle of delays and other such promises, the music world’s left hoping for a miracle. How fitting would it be if this record FINALLY arrived just in time for the End of Days?!

What CoS says: While probably not a part of the final tracklist, a demo of D’Angelo covering Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun” recently surfaced. Not only was it weird and catchy, it helped generate a lot of buzz. Ya know, like the kind used for promoting something… –Chris Coplan

Due out: TBA

Daughter – TBA

What we know: Elena Tonra, aka Daughter, set pulses racing in 2011 with two delicious taster EPs. A full debut album is expected to follow later this summer or fall. She and her band are hoping to hit a UK studio for their first set of sessions in early spring.

What CoS says: Daughter has a number of new songs up her sleeve and, reviving the long held rock tradition of getting it together in the country, has hired a tiny cottage in a hidden corner of SW England this month to begin to work them up. The album should contain new material with perhaps a couple of reworked songs from the earlier EPs. –Tony Hardy

Due out: TBA

Fiona Apple – TBA

What we know: Rare live performances with preferred collaborators and several benefit and cover songs here and there have more than whetted the appetites of any Fiona Apple fan over the recent years; they must be a ravenous and wary bunch, considering her last album, Extraordinary Machine, almost never saw the light of day after its demos leaked. Rumors swirled for an album last year, fueled by those claiming to have heard it – more concrete news comes from Apple herself, jokingly admitting onstage last November that she had trouble remembering any new songs because “they’ve been done for a fucking year.”

What CoS says: Around the turn of the millennium, this powerhouse singer-songwriter was omnipresent, crooning her unique brand of melancholy, ruffling feathers at award shows, and upholding a strong musical integrity at such a young age. Now, more than a decade later, and only one album under her belt since then, Apple would have to stand distinct and tall next to her current imitators, both good and bad, to make any mark at all. –David DiLillo

Due out: TBA

Grizzly Bear – TBA

Photo by Heather Kaplan

What we know: Psych-folk outfit Grizzly Bear literally rewrote the rules of indie music and its cultural spread and impact with 2009′s Veckatimest, so it’s no surprise that the band would want to take their time with the follow-up. However, since announcing work on the album in May 2011, it’s been all but radio silence from Camp Grizzly save for apologies for delays (blame multi-instrumentalist Chris Taylor’s CANT side project and frontman Ed Droste getting married). However, with a new year comes a new Facebook message of dedication, and the band is looking to make 2012/2013 the Year of the Bear.

What CoS says: Can lighting strike twice for the boys from Brooklyn? Lots of bands would crumble underneath such pressure, but Grizzly Bear seem to have a more solid foundation of devoted fans to keep them afloat. The real question, though, will be whether they stick with the Veckatimest formula or go for something brand-new sonically, thus expanding their skill set while also increasing the risk of an unsatisfied public. –Chris Coplan

Due out: TBA

Kanye & Friends – G.O.O.D Music Album -TBA

What we know: One of three albums West might be dropping this year (the others being his sixth solo album and a second full-length with Jay-Z), G.O.O.D. Music will also feature his G.O.O.D. Music kindred Big Sean, Kid Cudi, John Legend, Common, Pusha T, and others. However, it’s not yet known how the album will be carried out; maybe we’ll get a bunch of posse cuts, like what pervaded West’s pre-My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy G.O.O.D. Fridays series.

What CoS says: If G.O.O.D. Music is similar to MBDTF or West’s 2011 Jay-Z team-up, Watch the Throne, expect ostentatious greatness. –Mike Madden

Due out: TBA

The Knife – TBA

What we know: Though it’s provided one of the most single-handedly influential records of the last decade, The Knife has taken six years off since the release of their 2006 opus, Silent Shout. The Dreijer siblings have kept rather busy during their time off, though, between Karin’s acclaimed debut solo outing as Fever Ray, Olof’s stint as a minimal electro producer under the name Oni Ayhun, and the pair’s turn as operatic songwriters on 2010′s Tomorrow in a Year.

What CoS says: There isn’t too much to go off of yet, but all signs point to an effort as ghoulishly delightful as Silent Shout and Fever Ray. –Mike Madden

Due out: TBA

Lotus Plaza – TBA

What we know: Having released an impressive split 7″ in 2011 to compliment his Lotus Plaza alias’s hazy, but beautiful, first LP from two years prior, Deerhunter guitarist Locket Pundt remains stoic and reserved as ever. An upcoming Atlanta show in March, recent Twitter buzz of mastering company The Lodge “having way too much fun working on Lotus Plaza”, and Kranky Records stating bluntly on Facebook “any day now,” however, all point towards an imminent sophomore album.

What CoS says: Both Deerhunter’s and fellow noisemaker Bradford Cox’s most recent albums excelled because of their embrace of the eerily straightforward; with any luck, Pundt will mine some of his more decipherable ideas featured on The Floodlight Collective and put them to exquisite use. –David DiLillo

Due out: TBA

Madlib & Freddie Gibbs – TBA

What we know: Back in late November at Madlib’s Medicine Show tour stop in San Francisco, the producer revealed plans for a new collaboration with L.A.-based, Gary, Ind.-raised gangsta rapper Freddie Gibbs, starting with a six-track Thuggin’ EP on Madlib’s Madlib Invazion label. It’s yet another killer joint venture for Madlib—see DOOM (Madvillainy), the late J Dilla (Jaylib), and Strong Arm Steady (In Search Of Stoney Jackson)—and a chance for Gibbs to explore new territory post-Cold Day in Hell before the release of the album he’s finishing for Young Jeezy’s CTE imprint. The duo’s as-of-yet untitled album is scheduled for early 2012.

What CoS says: If the EP’s first single is any indication, expect to hear Gibbs’ rugged rhythms detailing brutal tales of the young, desperate, and reckless over Madlib’s masterful mix of swirling psychedelia and deep soul grooves on MadGibbs’ debut album. –Lainna Fader

Due out: TBA

Mumford & Sons – TBA

What we know: In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, band member Ted Dwane described Mumford & Sons’ much anticipated follow-up to Sigh No More as “doom folk, kind of Black Sabbath meets Nick Drake.” There may be a degree of mischief in that remark that’s matched by comparative silence from the band’s record label. However, judging from new songs like “Ghosts” and “Lovers Eyes” debuted live in 2011, the new album is not likely to stray that much from the band’s core territory.

What CoS says: Even with a planned shift to the darker side of the musical spectrum, the band has a lot to celebrate after a giant-sized last couple of years. That dichotomy should be interesting to absorb when the record hits stores. –Tony Hardy

Due out: TBA

Nas – Life Is Good

What we know: Rumors about Life Is Good, Nas’ 10th studio album and his last at Def Jam, have been flying around for a while, but the only detail known for certain about it is that the previously released single “Nasty” will be on it. Anything else you’ve heard about the album – like, say, that AZ will be on it or that RZA will have a major hand in the production – is probably mere speculation.

What CoS says: If “Nasty” and Nas’ recent Common collaboration “Ghetto Dreams” are indicators, Life Is Good could be one of the Queens legend’s best albums of late. –Mike Madden

Due Out: TBA

Nas – “Nasty”

No Doubt – TBA

What we know: The last No Doubt album, Rock Steady, hit stores in December 2001 (does it not feel waaaay longer, though?). Even with the band at work on the album since May 2010, details are still decidedly sparse: The album promises to be another poppy synthesis of reggae and ska, resulting in song titles like “Settle Down” and “One More Summer”, all heaped together by a returning Mark “Spike” Stent (who also produced Rock Steady). Collaborations with dance hall wunderkinds Diplo and Switch show signs of some new life, but how those will work in tandem with the band’s tried-and-true stuff is as big a mystery as the remainder of this LP.

What CoS says: The more things change, the more No Doubt seemingly stays the same. That musical homogeneity is comforting in a way, like an old blanket or an ex-girlfriend you can’t get rid of. –Harley Brown

Due out: TBA

Pearl Jam – TBA

Photo by Jeremy Larson

What we know: This and that. Last March, Jeff Ament told Billboard, “We did a whole bunch of demos and everybody’s got a disc of 25 [songs] right now,” stating the band would hit the studio the next month and that they hoped “to get something done this year.”

What CoS says: That didn’t happen, but do you blame them? With a festival, a book, a documentary, a soundtrack, and late-night appearances, it’s no surprise we’re not listening to Pearl Jam’s 10th studio LP already. But with the festivities now over and a looming European tour, one starts to believe they’ll need something new to promote. Like, say, 12 of those aforementioned tracks? We’ve already heard a potential track with “Olé”. Or, maybe that was just a birthday anthem. You never know… –Michael Roffman

Due out: TBA

Peal Jam – “Olé”

Phoenix – TBA

What we know: Last we heard from the Franco-pop savants, they were recording an as-yet-untitled fifth album with a release date to be announced. We do know that Phoenix has been playing with “the dad of a friend’s orchestra” in Byron Bay, AU, to expand their percussive range. According to frontman Thomas Mars, “Drums are the DNA of our music, ‘cause we’d like to go somewhere else, we’d like to change that DNA.” He also said that so far the album can be analogized to the high-speed French commuter rail TGV.

What CoS says: Mars has been covering LP #5′s bases with catchall descriptors “nostalgic,” “futuristic,” “experimental,” and “minimal.” Considering the pressure to follow Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix’s Grammy Award-winning success, it’s no wonder he’s playing it safe. –Harley Brown

Due out: TBA

Queens of the Stone Age – TBA

What we know: Rockaholic Josh Homme spent the better part of 2011 touring behind the re-release of Queens of the Stone Age’s eponymous 1998 debut, including a double shot at the PJ20 Festival. He also found some time apparently with the QotSA lineup as it stands to record their sixth album, their first in nearly five years since Era Vulgaris. When it will be out is anyone’s guess; hanger-on Alain Johannes tweeted in November that he “can’t say exactly when… but it’s a really good start.” 

What CoS says: Homme told BBC Radio 1 around Glastonbury that QotSA doesn’t “feel they have anything to prove,” implying it’ll probably be more of the same old, same old from them. When it’s loud, badass rock, though, we’re more than OK with this. –Gilles LeBlanc

Due out: TBA

Sigur Rós – TBA

What we know: Well, if we round up all the adjectives from each respective member (culled from an interview with The Wall Street Journal, of all places), we know Sigur Rós’ sixth LP is: “ambient”, “introverted”, “floaty”, “minimal”, and essentially a “slow takeoff toward something.” So, it’s another offering from Sigur Rós. Here’s a fun little tidbit: The band recorded in a studio that was once occupied by a swimming pool. Could we add “aquatic” to that list? We’ll see come spring.

What CoS says: The group’s last studio LP, 2008′s Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust, found the Icelandic troupe taking a few turns, even adding some English to the mix. It still worked splendidly. Everything else that’s followed since – Jónsi’s 2010 solo LP, Go, Jónsi’s Cameron Crowe-assisted soundtrack, We Bought a Zoo - has left nothing but a ruby-colored, bloody trail. One that doesn’t taste like nickel, but rather sophisticated cakes. Much like the trio’s lyrics, that right there is pretty incomprehensible. But, it still gets the point across. Rest assured, we’ll be soundtracking our lives to the new LP by summer. –Michael Roffman

Due out: Spring

Soundgarden – TBA

Photo by Karina Halle

What we know: New material from Soundgarden has been rumored ever since Chris Cornell tweeted they were coming back on January 1st, 2010 from an extended hiatus. Things really started to heat up last February when the band stated that their goal for 2011 was to “make a record.” After a retrospective compilation (Telephantasm), Record Store Day exclusive, live album (Live on I-5), and an acoustic Songbook solo effort from Cornell, it looks like we’re actually going to get something fresh from the Seattleites as soon as this spring.

What CoS says: The grunge revival love-in is sure to continue for a good while yet, although guitarist Kim Thayil has tempered expectations that the album may not exactly be of the genre Soundgarden helped pioneer. We will keep our ears open with interest. –Gilles LeBlanc

Due out: TBA

WHY? – TBA

Photo by Jeremy D. Larson

What we know: In the summer of 2011, WHY? announced a series of shows played on a baby grand piano, where they would be testing out material for an upcoming album. A hand injury forced many shows to be rescheduled or canceled, but some fans were lucky enough to catch the new songs onstage in December of last year.

What CoS says: As Eskimo Snow was recorded during the sessions for the acclaimed Alopecia, this will be the first collection of all-new material WHY? has recorded in four years. Yoni Wolf’s songwriting seems to improve with each album, and we’re eager to hear how he’s developed over that time. –Austin Trunick

Due out: TBA

The xx – TBA

What we know: The xx seems to have retreated back into the void from which it burst forth with mind-blowing, CoS Top Star-earning debut XX, emerging (with the exception of Jamie xx, who’s appeared on anything from Take Care to We’re New Here and remixed everything else) only to say that, yes, they really are recording a sophomore album, and here’s demo “Open Eyes” to prove it.

What CoS says: There’s been a two-year buildup and the danger of a sophomore slump, but no pressure, guys. Take your time. –Harley Brown

Due out: TBA

The xx – “Open Eyes” (demo)

Yeasayer – TBA

Photo by Carson O’Shoney

What we know: Loads of bands like to worry about one album per release cycle. Brooklyn psych-pop crew Yeasayer isn’t like other acts in more than a few ways. Discussing the group’s third album with Spin recently, frontman Chris Keating said the group recorded some 22 songs, which may be split up over two separate albums, “one that’s the real album with three-and-a-half to four minute pop songs, and another that’s more like a soundtrack and released on the Internet.” Even better still, Keating described the material recorded as a “demented R&B” album, like an “Aaliyah album if you played it backwards and slowed it down. Or David Bowie’s Lodger. Those two are major influences.” Whether that last bit’s a joke or not (perhaps even a half-truth?), the band continues to redefine how appealing being weird can truly be.

What CoS says: Based on 2010′s Odd Blood and these newsy tidbits, the outfit is getting closer and closer to a more complicated sound. With every catchy hook and pop-tastic beat they record, the songs become further entrenched in their own sense of intricacy and obscurity. LP #3 should be a shining example of that dichotomy. –Chris Coplan

Due out: TBA

Okay, so we missed a week. But I’d be willing to bet that you were so busy scarfing down leftovers last Friday that you forgot to read anyway. In any event, we’re back with a vengeance. Going through the past two weeks in mp3s has proved both fruitful and enlightening. I could bore you with a pre-Christmas speech, but let’s save that for next year and get straight to the music.

-Winston Robbins
Senior Staff Writer  

Black Star – “Fix Up” and “You Already Knew”

Last week for Black Friday, Black Star finally offered up its single “Fix Up” for download, and later issued the Aretha Franklin-inspired “You Already Knew”. Although we’ve heard the single previously, thanks to a stop with Mr. Colbert, the latter track came as a nice surprise. Together, the two cuts offer some insight into what a new LP from the group might sound like: wonderful. Working with a throwback sound, you can almost hear the years of experience under their collective belt. Add a little production by Madlib (“Fix Up”) and Stones Throw labelmate Oh No (“You Already Knew”), and they’re soaring in style. -WR

“Fix Up”:

“You Already Knew”:

Bowerbirds – “Tuck Darkness In”

This song is destined for greatness and to be prominently displayed in a highly visible location for a long time. I’m of the mind that a lot of fauxlk rock bands aim for discounted climaxes at the expense of actual songwriting — not Bowerbirds. Through their career they’ve never leaned on the slow-build, so when they finally put it into action here it’s well-earned. It’s all tight, until they untie the song and let it go at the end. -JL

Bowerbirds – “Tuck the Darkness In”

Mikal Cronin – “You Gotta Have Someone”

Pacing is the trick, and because Mikal Cronin came out of the gates with such a fantastic LP, there’s no need for SF psych-prince to start leaping into alternate styles and mixes. This track continues the jangly, pop-garage race where his LP left off, and its just as catchy and lovable. -JL

Freddie Gibbs & Madlib – “Thuggin’”

So we all know that Madlib is and always will be a mainstay name in cutting edge hip-hop production. And we also know that Freddie Gibbs has been slaughtering mixtapes like a madman lately. And before, we could only imagine what a collaboration between the two might sound like. No more. “Thuggin’” lays to rest any doubt that you may have been harboring about either artist. In short, it’s pretty great. -WR

Florence and the Machine – “Take Care” (Drake cover)

So, you’re probably obsessed with Drake right now. And Skryim. Or maybe that’s just me. Either way, you ought to hear this. Florence does a very interesting rendition of Drake’s latest album’s title track, only after expressing her appreciation for three of the artists responsible for its creation: Jamie xx, Rihanna, and of course, the man himself, Drizzy. Worth a listen or two. -WR

Robin Pecknold and Alela Diane – “These Days” (Jackson Browne cover)

We still have yet to establish a solid rule about live songs. But I vote yes to live. Some of the songs I listen to most are live recordings – Live At Folsom Prison, How the West Was Won, etc. I wouldn’t necessarily place this track next to those mammoth recordings, but it’s pretty damn solid. The Fleet Fox frontman and the Rough Trade darling pair off for a moving Northwestern folk rendition of Jackson Browne’s “These Days” that is splendid. -WR

Plants and Animals – “Lightshow”

Punching into the Canadian band’s strolling folk rock are these warm, tall sips of guitar solos. They sound as if they’re conjured from the shag-carpet of an old 70′s studio — it’s palpable as shit. To that end, the folky elements aren’t shellacked together, and individual musicianship reverberates all through the track.  I’m anxious to hear the rest of the album when it’s out at the end of February. -JL

Pop. 1280  - “Bodies in the Dunes”

Some of my favorite releases this year — The Men, Iceage, White Sons — all are re-uping the term “pigfuck” as a genre and style. As opposed to escapism, Pop. 1280 embraces the shit and decay around them, and the chugging Suicide meets Misfits skronk regails supports that ethos perfectly. Their debut LP, The Horror, is out January 24th. -JL

Pop. 1280 – “Bodies in the Dunes”

Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs – “Dream On”

If you haven’t seen this kid’s mini-doc, you better get on it right quick. An impressive, creative dance musician if there ever was one. Talk about up and comers. On “Dream On”, he takes a typical house feel, twists in a slick chord progression, and slides in just the right amount of the Hot Chip aesthetic. Best part? It’s free here. -WR

 Woods – “Christmas Time Is Here” (Vince Guaraldi cover)

Never has someone so accurately sounded like the kids on The Peanuts than Jeremy Earl from Woods. Uncanny. This song should be covered more often by everyone because it’s one of my favorites. Also that second chord,  Eb 9 flat 5, is the best chord there is. -JL

Woods – “Christmas Time Is Here” (Vince Guaraldi Cover)

Bowerbirds are ready to follow up 2009′s Upper Air. As Pitchfork reports, the North Carolina-based folk rock crew will return with an 11-track LP titled The Clearing on March 6th via Dead Oceans. Luckily, they were able to record at Bon Iver’s April Base studio in Wisconsin before the post-Grammy nominated rates went into effect. For an early taste, stream the album opener “Tuck the Darkness In” below.

Bowerbirds – “Tuck the Darkness In”

A week after the album’s release, Bowerbirds will embark on a month’s worth of U.S. tour dates. Find the album’s tracklist and the band’s tour schedule below.

The Clearing Tracklist:
01. Tuck the Darkness In
02. In the Yard
03 Walk the Furrows
04. Stitch the Hem
05. This Year
06. Brave World
07. Hush
08. Overcome With Light
09. Sweet Moment
10. Death Wish
11. Now We Hurry On

Bowerbirds 2012 Tour Dates:
03/17 – Carrboro, NC @ Cat’s Cradle
03/21 – Washington, DC @ Black Cat
03/22 – Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda’s
03/23 – New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom
03/24 – Boston, MA @ Paradise
03/26 – Montreal, QC @ La Sala Rossa
03/27 – Toronto, ON @ The Garrison
03/29 – Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall
03/31 – Minneapolis, MN @ Cedar Cultural Centre
04/03 – Seattle, WA @ The Crocodile
04/04 – Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge
04/06 – San Francisco, CA @ The Independent
04/08 – San Diego, CA @ Casbah
04/11 – Austin, TX @ The Parish
04/12 – Dallas, TX @ The Loft
04/14 – Birmingham, AL @ The Bottletree
04/15 – Atlanta, GA @ The Earl

Anyhow, for its 2010 edition, Schubas, now with their new venue, Lincoln Hall, available to provide some extra space, has taken TNK up a notch. After all, include to take part in this year’s festivities, which takes place from January 13-17 at both Schubas and Lincoln Hall, are The Cribs, Voxtrot, Final Fantasy, Bowerbirds, The Rural Alberta Advantage, Adam Green, Clues, and Pomegranates among others. Not a bad way to stay warm this January, eh?

Single show and five-day passes will go on sale beginning today, Friday, November 13 at 12:00 pm CST. Hit up schubas.com or lincolnhall.com for more information.

Bowerbirds 2010 Tour Dates:
11/05 – Durham, NC @ Troika Music Festival
11/06 – Lookout Mountain, GA @ Covenant College
11/07 – Tallahassee, FL @ Club Downunder
11/08 – Columbia, SC @ New Brookland Tavern
11/15 – Lexington, KY @ Al’s Bar
11/16 – Lousiville, KY @ The 930 Listening Room
11/17 – Nashville, TN @ Exit/In
11/18 – Fayetteville, AR @ RZ’s Coffeehouse
11/27 – Charlottesville, VA @ The Southern
11/28 – Baltimore, MD @ Ottobar
11/30 – Boston, MA @ Paradise #
12/01 – Providence, RI @ Hi-Hat #
12/02 – Washington, DC @ Rock and Roll Hotel #
12/03 – Philadelphia, PA @ First Unitarian Church #
12/04 – New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom #
12/05 – Brooklyn, NY @ Union Pool
12/06 – Harrisonburg, VA @ Blue Nile
01/12 – Asheville, NC @ Grey Eagle *
01/13 – Newport, KY @ Southgate House *
01/14 – Bloomington, IN @ The Bishop *
01/16 – Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall *^
01/17 – Madison, WI @ High Noon *
01/18 – Iowa City, IA @ The Mill *
01/19 – Minneapolis, MN @ Varsity Theater *
01/22 – Spokane, WA @ Empyrean Coffee House *
01/23 – Vancouver, BC @ Biltmore Cabaret *
01/24 – Olympia, WA @ Northern *
01/25 – Seattle, WA @ Triple Door *
01/26 – Portland, OR @ Mississippi Studios *
01/28 – San Francisco, CA @ The Independent *
01/30 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Echo *
02/01 – La Jolla, CA @ The Loft *
02/02 – Phoenix, AZ @ Rhythm Room *
02/03 – Tucson, AZ @ Club Congress *
02/05 – Dallas, TX @ House of Blues *
02/06 – Austin, TX @ The Mohwak *
02/10 – Tampa, FL @ New World Brewery *
02/12 – Atlanta, GA @ The Earl *

# = w/ Elvis Perkins in Dearland
^ = w/ The Rural Alberta Advantage
* = w/  Julie Doiron

Slipknot 2009 Tour Dates:

In support of the upcoming 10th anniversary release of its eponymous major label debut, Slipknot has announced a a string of fall tour dates. The trek, which will be entirely composed of west coast stops, will include an appearance at this year’s Smoke Out Festival as well as two previously postponed shows from last month. Sacramento’s own Deftones will provide support beginning in Portland, OR through San Bernardino, CA. Tickets for select dates will be available beginning Friday, September 11th via Ticketmaster.com.

10/10 – Auburn, WA @ White River Amphitheater
10/11 – Kennewick, WA @ Toyota Center
10/13 – Portland, OR @ Memorial Coliseum *
10/15 – Vancouver, BC @ Pacific Coliseum *
10/16 – Victoria, BC @ Save on Foods Center *
10/18 – Edmonton, AB @ Shaw Conference Centre *
10/20 – Calgary, AB @ Calgary Corral *
10/21 – Spokane, WA @ Star Theater *
10/23 – San Jose, CA @ Event Center at San Jose *
10/24 – San Bernardino, CA @ Smoke Out Festival
10/29 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Palladium
10/31 – Las Vegas, NV @ Pearl Concert Theater

* = w/ Deftones

Bowerbirds 2009 Tour Dates:

Following Bowerbirds’ July release, Upper Air, the band spent the bulk of the summer touring across North America. They will continue to do so in to the fall, splitting their time between visiting Europe, joining Elvis Perkins in Dearland for some special shows in the Northeast, and headlining in select US cities. Tickets for select dates are available beginning via Ticketmaster.com.

10/10 – Aarhus, DK @ Voxhall
10/11 – Copenhagen, DK @ Loppen
10/12 – Hamburg, DE @ Knust
10/13 – Berlin, DE @ Zapata
10/14 – Nurnberg, DE @ K4
10/16 – Nijmegen, NL @ Doornroosje
10/17 – Utrecht, NL @ Ekko
10/18 – Frankfurt, DE @ Brotfabrik
10/19 – Munchen, DE @ Feierwerk
10/22 – Barcelona, ES @ Sidecar
10/23 – Valencia, ES @ Wah Wah Club
10/24 – Barcelona, ES @ Neu! Club
10/26 – Paris, FR @ Point FMR
10/27 – London, UK @ Cargo
10/28 – Leeds, UK @ Brudenell
10/29 – Cardiff, UK @ Clwb Ifor Bach
10/30 – Edinburgh, UK @ Sneaky Pete’s
10/31 – Glasgow, UK @ Captain’s Rest
11/01 – Manchester, UK @ Dulcimer
11/05 – Durham, NC @ Troika Music Festival
11/06 – Lookout Mountain, GA @ Covenant College
11/07 – Tallahassee, FL @ Club Downunder
11/08 – Columbia, SC @ New Brookland Tavern
11/15 – Lexington, KY @ Al’s Bar
11/16 – Lousiville, KY @ The 930 Listening Room
11/17 – Nashville, TN @ Exit/In
11/18 – Fayetteville, AR @ RZ’s Coffeehouse
11/27 – Charlottesville, VA @ The Southern
11/28 – Baltimore, MD @ Ottobar
11/30 – Boston, MA @ Paradise *
12/01 – Providence, RI @ Hi-Hat *
12/02 – Washington, DC @ Rock and Roll Hotel *
12/03 – Philadelphia, PA @ First Unitarian Church *
12/04 – New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom *

* = w/ Elvis Perkins in Dearland

White Rabbits 2009 Tour Dates:

Continue to support their latest LP, It’s Frightening, White Rabbits have mapped out a U.S. tour for this October and November. Joining them on the trek, which runs from October 17th to November 10th, will be Suckers, Local Natives, and Glass Ghost. Tickets for select dates are available beginning via Ticketmaster.com.

09/23 – Cleveland, OH @ Grog Shop
10/17 – Washington, DC @ Rock and Roll Hotel *%
10/18 – Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda’s *%
10/20 – Providence, RI @ Club Hell *%
10/21 – Northampton, MA @ Iron Horse Music Hall *%
10/22 – Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground *%
10/23 – Montreal, QC @ Il Motore *%
10/24 – Toronto, ON @ The Drake Hotel *%
10/25 – Detroit, MI @ Magic Stick *%
10/27 – St. Louis, MO @ The Firebird *%
10/29 – Columbia, MO @ Blue Note *%
10/30 – Denver, CO @ Larimer Lounge %
11/01 – Tempe, AZ @ Clubhouse #%
11/02 – Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey Theatre #%
11/04 – San Francisco, CA @ Slim’s #%
11/05 – Portland, OR @ Wonder Ballroom #%
11/06 – Vancouver, BC @ Biltmore Cabaret #%
11/09 – Minneapolis, MN @ Cedar Cultural Center %
11/10 – Milwaukee, WI @ Turner Hall Ballroom %

* = w/ Suckers
# = w/ Local Natives
% = w/ Glass Ghost

I saw the Bowerbirds live before I heard their studio work, so I wasn’t sure what to make of their unpolished presentation at the time. I admit on the first couple of listens to their albums, I had pegged the trio as a cluster of loners who should’ve kept their journal musings to themselves. Then I found myself actively seeking out tracks to listen to. What first sounded like a pastiche of Ryan Adams and Aimee Mann’s quieter moments eventually emerged as something more interesting than I’d expected.

Take Upper Air, the band’s latest effort. It’s an unassuming album from start to finish. Lead vocalist Phil Moore possesses a raw but not eccentric voice that doesn’t grab you immediately. It has rough edges to it, but it can still hold a melody. That alone isn’t noteworthy, but it is something special once you absorb the album as a whole and hear how his voice hangs over the arrangements and harmonizes with multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Beth Tacular. Upper Air thrives on its imperfections and the open space in its arrangements.

On “Beneath Your Tree”, the accordion runs through the entire song with as much driving force as the drums. The accordion is so forward in the mix that when Moore and Tacular sing their respective parts, they sound as if they’re dueting with the instrument, not each other. When the music does fade away during the bridge, you’re left with an eerie emptiness supporting surrounding their words. That same space buoys “Bright Feature”, which is the epitome of a heartbroken folk song. Moore mixes adoration with pain: “Your restless mind was born in the flash / and you lived in these clouds with lightning in your feet / and yes, your mind was wound so tightly.” Images of the heavens permeate the entire album and, ground it, funnily enough.

The album title and cloud-filled cover art are obvious nods to the space above us, but the lyrics are strewn with mentions of towering trees, weather occurrences and gazes upward. Even the song titles (“Northern Lights “and “Silver Clouds”) remind us where the focus of the album is. Combined with the airy production, Upper Air is a tight group of songs that keeps a theme but doesn’t get bogged down in a concept.  And as much as I hate to use “organic” to describe music, it’s appropriate in this instance. Jenny Lewis recorded her last album with minimal production-the band played the songs live and it went straight to tape. This album has that same quality to it, only with even less polish, if that’s possible.

The album’s final track, “This Day”, has Moore’s looped voice singing over a swell of acoustic guitar and chimes. The last words we hear are, “This day heaves like cold engine / with a tank of old gasoline / Live your mornings on ether / and tremble with anticipation / as the sun goes down”. Grim? Yes. But Moore, as he does in most songs, provides enough concrete details needed to pull off such broad statements. And that’s one of the biggest assets of these songs.

I can see this album scaring off people who are understandably apprehensive of yet another folk band. I can also imagine many people aren’t willing to put in the time to get beyond the initial “Is that all?” feeling I, too, had. Fair enough, it’s not easy work. But like Marissa Nadler’s Little Hells earlier this year, there’s something compelling happening just under the surface of these tracks and it deserves to be heard.

Check Out:

Buy:
Upper Air

Well, for the Bowerbirds, the answer was to get personal – in other words, the complete opposite of their 2007 debut LP, Hymns for a Dark Horse. Entitled Upper Air, the Raleigh folksters’ sophomore effort is billed as the result of a the band “revealing more, writing from a personal voice, and exploring love and human emotions in ways that have never been fully fleshed-out in their songwriting before.”

The result is a 10 tracks, or “journeys” of emotional powerful narratives backed by a melodic, yet eclectic musicality – acoustic guitars, organ, piano, autoharp, violin, percussion, upright bass and more are used throughout the recording. Ultimately however, the songs do not hide hind the instrumentation, but rather the instrumentation delicately supporting frontman Phil Moore’s voice, creating an album that is simple and subtle.

Upper Air hits record shelves on July 7th. In support of the release, Bowerbirds will embark on a North American tour beginning this week. A European tour, including an appearance at this year’s Primavera Sound, follows.

Upper Air Tracklist:
01. House of Diamonds
02. Teeth
03. Silver Clouds
04. Beneath Your Tree
05. Ghost Life
06. Northern Lights
07. Chimes
08. Bright Future
09. Crooked Lust
10. This Day

Bowerbirds 2009 Tour Dates:
04/25 – Washington, DC @ Rock and Roll Hotel *
04/26 – Philadelphia, PA @ First Unitarian Chapel (Early Show) *
04/26 – Philadelphia, PA @ First Unitarian Chapel (Late Show) *
04/27 – New York, NY @ Mercury Lounge *
04/28 – Brooklyn, NY @ Monkeytown (Early Show) *
04/28 – Brooklyn, NY @ Monkyetown (Late Show) *
04/30 – Cambridge, MA @ TT The Bear’s *
05/01 – Montreal, QC @ Motore ^
05/02 – Toronto, ON @ The Drake Hotel ^
05/04 – Chicago, IL @ Schubas ^
05/05 – Bloomington, IN @ Bear’s Place ^
05/07 – Asheville, NC @ The Rocket Club ^
05/08 – Chapel Hill, NC @ Local 506 ^
05/22 – Groningen, NL @ Vera
05/23 – Amsterdam, NL @ Paradiso
05/24 – Brussels, BE @ Madison Des Musiques
05/25 – Paris, FR @ Point Fmr
05/26 – London, UK @ Boderline
05/27 – Nantes, FR @ Spoutnik
05/28 – Barcelona, ES @ Primavera Sound
05/30 – Barcelona, ES @ Primavera Sound
06/01 – Carpi, IT @ Mattatoia
06/02 – Pisa, IT @ Caracol
06/03 – Basel, CH @ Volkshaus
06/04 – Zurich, CH @ El Lokal
06/05 – Ebensee, AT @ Kino
06/06 – Vienna, AT @ Arena

* = w/ Bell
^ = w/ La Stranda