2013 Album Preview

His Master's Voice has kicked the bucket and now for many people the only source of physical music is the pop ridden warehouses that are The Supermarkets. That's the end of 'obscure' music, back catalogues, rariteies, singles, new discoveries and passionate staff.

But in the face of what seems like grim times for music there's a bubbling, defiant wave of energy which could leave 2013 in music history.

If you can find somewhere to get them, there's a set of albums on their way which could put the guitar well and truly back onto its pedestal.


Holy Fire - Foals

Foals are one of the few truly great rock bands of the late 2000 era. Each album has been equal parts solid and refreshing. It's always exciting to hear a new Foals track but this is some of the best work they've ever produced. If the album is anything like 'Inhaler' and 'My Number' (below) suggest then it's going to be one bombastic album, bringing a dose of fun to the blue months.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WldRw6lp_vw

(Title TBC) - Strokes

New singles are just around the corner according to sources close to the band. It would be fitting for the Strokes who started the first wave of indie rock to be a fundamental part of the oncoming 'second wave'.
Bloodsport - Suede / (Unconfirmed) Stone Roses

'Barriers' from Suede's latest album shows that not all reunited bands produce limp music. 'Barriers' has a classic Suede sound which feels relevant rather than repetitive. The track has a sound which jumps the decade gap between this and their last offering with ease. There could also be a Stone Roses album this year and fingers crossed their rebirth will be as seamless as Suede's.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Hhx0gIHiz8

People, Hell & Angels - Jimi Hendrix - Previously unreleased wah laden tracks from the king of guitar. What could be more exciting? If this is to be the year of guitar then it could not be so without Jim and his incredible backing band.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-THhwh5mNI

Opposites - Biffy Clyro / (title TBC) Queens of The Stone Age 

Biffy and QOTSA are absolute veteran rockers. The prospect of a double Biffy album is exciting and could well be their greatest yet.

QOTSA's Josh Homme has been busy but his band haven't done anything for over five years. Josh has got the boys together and I believe it's for something special.

AMOK - Atoms for Peace

The first full album from the Thom Yorke led supergroup. We loved first single 'Default' here at five song and we cannot wait for the album.

Johnny Marr (Self titled)
It's astonishing that until now the living legend Marr had never had a solo album. "Who wants to be a messenger?" asks Marr. It seems he's got something to say.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2W8aVDxeBY

Also worth a mention:

Payola - Cribs - A greatest hits album from the Wakefield boys.

The Next Day - David Bowie - He could destroy his legacy or add to it. It's too terrifying to imagine.

Push The Sky Away - Nick Cave - After two listens to a Bad Seeds album you feel like you've grown up with it. PTSA won't be an exception to the rule.