I thought I'd do something a tad different this year and let it be known what I'm most looking forward to music-wise over the next year. Most of you folk know the sorts of things I like by now anyway so I'm hardly giving anything away and it'll be interesting to look back at the end of the year and see what lived up to expectations and what was a crushing disappointment! As I'm no industry insider, it's not a 'obscure ones to watch' chart either...just so you know...
Yes, she's been getting a lot of publicity and doesn't need any more. But her first single off '21' is probably my favourite tune of the year so far - bags of soul and attitude to spare while Amy Winehouse staggers about doing bugger all. She seems to have had a similar Rick Rubin experience to Muse (i.e. go in to produce a whole album and get much less) but by all accounts the non-Rubin tracks are actually the standouts. Voice of her generation an' all that.
Look at Rolling in the Deep ; Hometown Glory
The Wombats
Teasing us with a blinding lead single last year ('Tokyo') and then topping it with 'Jump into the Fog' early this year, calling them the new Kaiser Chiefs is probably damning them with ever-so-faint praise to say the least. No-one seems to blend catchy tunes with a dark lyrical underbelly better than these Scousers at the moment though. I'm intrigued to see whether they can pull off a whole album of that quality or just be a good singles band.
Look at Tokyo ; Jump into the Fog
One of the 'buzz' bands for '11 that seem to have actually been around for a while, though earning your stripes is no bad thing. Chapel Club seem to be bringing back a Smiths/Suede style posturing that's been lacking around these laddish-indie parts of late. Lead singer Lewis Bowman also clearly studied at the school of less is more when it comes to engaging, enigmatic frontmen and it seems to be working very well.
Look at Surfacing ; O Maybe I ; Five Trees
Another been-around-for-a-while choice, but these Welsh noiseniks really HAVE - they were in my Top Ten Singles shindig in 2008 and still haven't got round ro releasing their debut album. Clearly this means they are very lazy, perfectionists or under intense label pressure (or probably all three). Amazing live, storming indie-guitar onslughts and a frontwoman to die for who's a cross between Debbie Harry and the next lady on this list...
Look at Whirring ; Austere
I sort of starting falling out of love with Polly when she stopped being a screaming, tranny banshee and instead started tickling the ivories in a Miss Haversham stylee. By all accounts the new album is a ballsy return to the energetic PJ Harvey of old and has got some great reviews. 'Let England Shake' is a wonderful title too and hopefully that's what it'll be doing when it sees the light of day. Premiering it on the Andrew Marr show in front of Gordon Brown was a tad mental though.
Look at Let England Shake ; The Last Living Rose
Friendly Fires
Classic example of a band growing on you until you sort of get a bit infatuated. I'm probably most looking forward to their new album out of all on this list simply because I really don't have a clue what it might sound like. 'Kiss of Life' (the cheekily tacked-on to a re-released Mercury Prize nominated debut about a year after it had come out) announced to the world that this electro-indie outfit had fully embraced their day-glo, army of drummers, dad-dancing pop sensibilities and weren't afraid to show it. They're the new Pet Shop Boys but without the head gear and I hope Britain falls at their feet in the summer.
Look at Kiss of Life ; Skeleton Boy
Look at Kiss of Life ; Skeleton Boy
The Strokes
Speaking of Britain falling at a band's feet, 2011 will see The Strokes swagger nonchalantly into town and I'm probably more intrigued than excited about what they will sound like. More than any, their new release will determine whether they are one of the best band of the 21st century or a band living of the reputation of a brilliant debut. The fact that Julian recorded all vocals parts separately and the album's called 'Angles' because that's how the five individuals in the band came at it doesn't exactly bode well. But then when did band harmony always be needed to create great music?
Look at Reptillia ; You Only Live Once
The Vaccines
These boys are being heralded as 'the new Strokes' and as far as I can tell can't possibly live up to that billing forced upon them by a music industry desperate for the nation to wet themselves over rock music again. Anyone expecting that level of game-changing from their debut release is bound to be disappointed but if you come at it expecting to hear a good album that won't change your life then I'm betting you'll be fine.
Look at Post Break-Up Sex ; Wrecking Bar (Ra Ra Ra)
White Lies
Bit of a cheat this as their album's already out, but hey I'm slow and I've only just ordered it, so please forgive me. Playing the same 'release it in January' card to get to number one as they did with their debut I'm expecting more of the same from White Lies...but moreso. Apparently they've added more keys to get away slightly from their doom-rocker sound of a couple of years ago and by all accounts have lightened up a little if their new video (featuring doctors operating on a giant Drifter bar only to have a young girl emerge from it) is anything to go by.
Look at Bigger Than Us
They're the best band on the planet and they're releasing a new album. You need to know no more.
James Blake
Finally another 'hotly tipped for '11' artiste (just missing out on the BBC's Sound of 2011 to Jessie GaGa). I've not heard much but what I have heard I've positively loved. Taking the cue of silence from The Xx and running with it (quietly obviously) only the fact that 'Limit to Your Love' is a cover version slightly takes the shine off a stunning track that shows great promise for male solo artistes not wanting to go down the James Blunt or Plan B (overly) well-worn paths.
Look at Limit to Your Love
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