Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Most Anticipated Albums of 2015

Hey, 2015 is tomorrow so I figured I would put together a list of the albums I'm most looking forward to in 2015 or as I like to call it the 'Reasons not to commit suicide in 2015' list.

Now, some of these are speculative and some are confirmed so I'll put a percentage of likelihood that the album will actually be released next year to each pick.

2014 was a huge year for comebacks, but next year should see a lot of newer acts putting out there sophomore or junior albums. There is definitely reason for a huge amount of excitement going into next year. So without further ado, here's my lil' ol' list.
_____________________________________________________________________

1. ToyGuitar - In This Mess
    The first full-length from Jack Dalyrmple's newest project. They released a four song EP in 2013 that gave a good preview of the 70's punk n' roll vibe that this band is going for. Basically, all you really need to know is that Jack is singing. As long as his vocals are on something it's pretty much guaranteed to be amazing. Definitely don't sleep on this album. Expected to be released on January 27th through Fat Wreck Chords.
Likelihood of release: 100%


2. Doomtree - All Hands
   Since I'm not nearly as involved in the hiphop community as I am with others, my knowledge of upcoming albums in the genre is scarce, BUT I do know about this album. This supergroup made up of P.O.S., Dessa, Sims, Cecil Otter and Mike-something basically guarantees that this album will at least have a solid half of songs. They've already released a couple songs so far and it doesn't look to disappoint. Also expected to be released on January 27th, this one on Rhymesayers.
Likelihood of release: 100%


3. Screaminng Females - Rose Mountain
   This trio just keeps getting better and better with each release. Not many groups are able to combine such a unique singing style with such incredibly scorching guitar lines. You would never expect such a powerful voice to come out of such a small woman, but.. wow. If you ever get a chance to see them live I recommend pouncing on that chance. If you aren't convinced just check out the track 'Ripe' below off of the new album expected to be released February 24th on Don Giovanni Records.
Likelihood of release: 99%


4. Strung Out - Transmission Alpha Delta
   Although this was supposed to be released at the end of summer this year, that clearly didn't happen. 2009 was the last time they release an LP, which would make the gap for this album release twice as long as any previous album. In the meantime I'm hoping that they were able to construct as great of an album as they claim it is. I don't doubt them either as they have a great track record of releasing genius albums. Hopefully this album will just make me more prideful of my Strung Out tattoo. Barring any further setbacks, this release is expected in March through Fat Wreck Chords.
Likelihood of release: 92%


5. Jeff Rosenstock - (Tentatively Titled) We Cool
   Jeff is one of just a handful of people who if I know they are part of a release than I know I have to give it a listen. I haven't heard a song yet off this, but it already has chance to be my favorite album of next year. He's just that good. He released a 2 song sampler this year which gives an idea of how it will sound. It received high marks from me. This is expected to come out the early part of 2015 on SideOneDummy and Jeff (& co.) are currently in Brooklyn recording a video for the first single. Will the album still be released free like all of his other offerings? We shall see.
Likelihood of release: 95%


6. Hop Along
   This is without a doubt my most anticipated album for the coming year. Vocalist Frances Quinlan has the most amazing female vocals I've heard. In a word? Love. I'm absolutely in love with her voice and would marry it in a heartbeat (as long as it was willing and that...you know... that was a thing that was done). This will be only their 2nd album so there's potential of a letdown, but I'm keeping my confidence up high. They released a single in 2013 and it already showed their growth from their 2012 debut album. As of the middle of this month, the final mixes of the album are done and it's supposed to be released in the spring on their newly signed-to label Saddle Creek.
Likelihood of release: 92%


7. The Vandals
   I'll say it right now, The Vandals are my favorite band so accept that with all bias. Now, this band had been releasing an album every other year since the 80's to 2004. They haven't released anything since the fantastic Hollywood Potato Chip of 2004. In 2012 they said they had an EP coming out in March. After March passed with no news they eventually said they were working on a full-length instead that would come out that year. I didn't. This year they said they would release an album and maybe an EP, but definitely an album. That didn't happen. Via facebook they say the EP is indeed done but... no plans of release? Honestly, I have no idea what is going on with this band, but I continue to keep my fingers-crossed for something new. Maybe?
Likelihood of release: 15%


8. Mischief Brew - This Is Not For Children
   I've only recently gotten into this band, but I like their folky punk sound quite a bit. This is expected to be released the early part of the year and they've already released the album art.
Likelihood of release: 90%


9. Modest Mouse - Strangers To Ourselves
   Portland natives, Modest Mouse are finally back with a new album after an extended hiatus. It's likely to be quite good. They've released one single so far and the album is expected to come out in March. Check out the new tune 'Lampshades On Fire'.
Likelihood of release: 95%


10. Dead To Me 
   In 2006 this band release one of my all-time favorite albums 'Cuban Ballerina'. Since that release there's been a few member changes, most notably Jack Dalyrmple left the band, but guess what? According to their twitter, Jack will rejoin the band (along with the same member from the last release) to start recording a new album in the beginning of next year. The band has been pretty quiet since 2011, but as long as these plans follow through this could be one of the best albums of next year. Stoked!
Likelihood of release: 50%


11. Pulley
   Since 2004 this band hasn't put out a full-length, but they did release a couple EPs. They stated earlier this year that they were planning for a new album in 2014. Not happening obviously, but hopefully they pull through and release one in 2015. One of the all-time great skate punk bands.
Likelihood of release: 45%


12. Descendents
   After the release of the Filmage documentary this year, Descendents have been a bit more in the public. After their last release in 2004 it didn't really seem like they would continue, but Bill Stevenson has stated on multiple occasions that work has begun and they're hoping to have a new album finished by the end of 2015. Let's all pray that it comes true. The world could always use more Descendents.
Likelihood of release: 40%


13. Good Riddance
   After breaking up in 2008, Good Riddance decided to get back together and are currently working on new material. Their last release of new songs was in 2006 so I'm excited to hear how they'll sound after some years apart.
Likelihood of release: 65%


14. Titus Andronicus
  Singer Patrick Stickles is working on things. I'm not entirely sure what, but I'm positive he is. There was supposedly a 7" series that he has been working on in which I heard a song from this year. Also, he may be working on a concept album. Honestly, I don't care what he's working on. I'm sure I'll love it. One of the best songwriters of today.
Likelihood of release: 20%


15. The Lone Boners
   These guys should have released something A LONG time ago, but they're very lazy. Very lazy. I've had the (mis)fortune of knowing these guys for years and although they're fantastic at writing songs, they're also fantastic at not finishing recording new music. If they don't release their new album in 2015... heads will roll. Heads. Will. Roll.
Likelihood of release: 25%


Alright, quicker summaries for the next few
16. Real Mckenzies
   Started recording at the end of September. Expect an announcement regarding the release date.
Likelihood of release: 85%

17. Teenage Bottlerocket
   Finished recording the new album at Blasting Room Studios. Expect to hear something soon about the release date.
Likelihood of Release: 95%

18. The Dopamines
  They've posting randomly about working on songs. Will likely release something next year, probably a full-length.
Likelihood of release: 50%

19. Millencolin
   It's been 6 years since their last album. They've reported being in the studio. Maybe recording a new album?
Likelihood of release: 20%

20. The Offspring
   Probably not an album, but a couple songs should come out from The Offspring next year. Hopefully they'll be better than the last album.
Likelihood of release: 75%

21. Blink 182
   They should be working/recording it now. Who knows if it'll come out in 2015
Likelihood of release: 25%

22. The Transplants
   They supposedly recorded an album of covers this year. I haven't heard anything in awhile though.
Likelihood of release: 25%

23. Western Addiction
   Word is, they're working on a new album and plan to release it in 2015.
Likelihood of release: 65%

24. Refused
   They've been very cryptic about possibly working on something new. Fans like me are probably grasping at straws, but it would amazing to hear something new from a band that originally split in 1998.
Likelihood of release: 5%

25. Propagandhi
   They were working on new songs this summer. Probably won't release something next year, but I would expect something in 2016.
Likelihood of release: 10%

26. PUP
   One of the most exciting new punk bands. Their first release was fantastic and hopefully they can follow that up.
Likelihood of release: 75%

27. FIDLAR
   These guys started working on new material this summer. Should have something release by next year.
Likelihood of release: 70%

28. Portugal. The Man
   Supposedly working on a new album. As they've released an album every year since 2006 sans 2012 and this year, they'll likely get it out by the end of the year at least.
Likelihood of release: 80%

29. The Front Bottoms
   They promised to release 4 EPs with each one a title of a different grandmother of the 2 main members. They've release 1 so far so you should expect something in 2015.
Likelihood of release: 85%

30. NoMeansNo
   These guys have been around forever and likely won't put out anything, but they did hint at working on a new album at the beginning of this year.
Likelihood of release: 15%

31. Bad Astronaut
   No new songs, but songwriter Joey Cape wants to release an album of b-sides and unreleased songs at some point. Hope he does.
Likelihood of release: 10%

32. Re-Volts
   The members of this band (who are also in a lot of other bands) keep saying they're going to put out a full-length. Nothing yet. Hopefully something soon.
Likelihood of release: 15%

33. Lucky Boys Confusion
   LBC recently got back together and say they're working on new material.
Likelihood of release: 15%

34. Frenzal Rhomb
   Supposedly started working on new songs in the beginning of 2013. Haven't heard anything since so don't hold your breath. 
Likelihood of release: 15%

35. Bad Religion
   They haven't said anything, but Bad Religion pretty much always releases an album every other year like clockwork.
Likelihood of release: 35%

36. BigWig
   Singer/guitarist Tom Petta keeps posting pictures/videos of working on new stuff. Hope it comes to light.
Likelihood of release: 25%

37. Dillinger Four
   Pretty unlikely as these guys are basically done besides playing a couple shows a year, but they're so damn good that I'll still hope for something new.
Likelihood of release: 4%

38. None More Black
   Incredibly unlikely that they'll actually release anything, but I don't care. I just want Jason Shevchuk singing on something in 2015. Anything. Hell, I'll even take a jingle from a commercial. Just something. That voice is way too good to go to waste.
Likelihood of release: 1%

No comments:

Post a Comment