May Music Preview

OK – so I’m a few days late. Sue me. Better yet – don’t, because I’m giving you a handful of releases to look forward to over the next 30 days or so. And if you promise to be really nice, I’ll continue this on a monthly basis. Here’s May’s list:

5/1
Tori Amos/ American Doll Posse – Although many considered it a softening of her edgy early-career persona, Tori Amos’ last release, The Beekeeper, contained more listenable songs than every album in her entire back catalog combined. Will the trend continue with American Doll Posse?

Tori Amos On MySpace Music

New Tracks:
“Big Wheel”
“Bouncing Off Clouds”
“Teenage Hustling”
“American Doll Posse”

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club/ Baby 81 – Drummer Nick Jago returns for what has been rumored as a return to the harder-edged rock sound of their first two albums. After the left-field success of the Americana-influenced Howl, it should be interesting to see if any of their newfound acoustic tendencies pop up on Baby 81, or if their detractors will still saddle them with the “Black Rebel Mary Chain” label.

BRMC On MySpace Music

New Tracks:
“Weapon Of Choice”
“666 Conducer”
“Lien On Your Dreams”
“Berlin”

Dinosaur Jr./ Beyond – Indie do-it-all Lou Barlow is back, marking the first time in almost twenty years that the original lineup is intact. Band reunions are usually at the very least good for some morbid curiosity, right?

Dinosaur Jr. On MySpace Music

New Tracks:
Entire Album Streaming As Of This Writing

Feist/ The Reminder – Indie Canadian songstress (and Broken Social Scene member) Leslie Feist has been getting tons of press for her latest solo offering. Is she the new hot shit or just yet another artist pumped up by the elitist, blog-writing press? Those fuckers really suck [cough].

Feist On MySpace Music

New Tracks:
Entire Album Streaming As Of This Writing

5/8
Bjork/ Volta – Love her or hate her, as one of today’s most daring and unconventional musicians it’s almost impossible to pin down where Bjork’s going with Volta, making this one of May’s most anticipated releases.

No MySpace Available For Bjork

The Clientele/ God Save The Clientele – You say you’ve never heard of The Clientele so why should you be looking forward to their latest offering, God Save The Clientele? I say that you’ve been missing out on some reverb drenched Zombies-esque pop that’ll instantly transport you back to 1966. Thank me later.

The Clientele On MySpace Music

New Tracks:
“Bookshop Casanova”
“Nothing But Sunshine”

Travis/ The Boy With No Name – Sure, 2003’s 12 Memories was a very tepid offering from the band that produced stellar Britpop with earlier releases like The Man Who and The Invisible Band. But go back and listen to the Singles collection that they put out 2004 and you’ll remember why you fell in love with Travis in the first place, and why you’ll be willing to give ‘em one last chance.

Travis On MySpace Music

No New Tracks Available

5/15
Wilco/ Sky Blue Sky – Real quick and easy-like - Yankee Hotel Foxtrot is one of the best albums of this decade. A Ghost Is Born (their last release) most certainly is not. As long as Sky Blue Sky falls somewhere in between, we shouldn't have a problem with Wilco.

Wilco On MySpace Music

New Tracks:
“What Light”

5/22
The Bravery/ The Sun And The Moon – So… even though their debut had its moments there’s every chance that this album’s going to suck since the nu-new wave movement has long since passed. However, if your wardrobe still consists of eyeliner and skinny ties and you feel the urge to get into nonsensical feuds with The Killers (as The Bravery frontman Sam Endicott has in the past) this might be up your alley.

The Bravery On MySpace Music

New Tracks:
“Time Won’t Let Me Go”
“Every Word Is A Knife In My Ear”

Maroon 5/ It Won’t Be Soon Before Long – I know what you’re thinking – “You’re an indie snob and you have Maroon 5 listed on your blog?!” Um… how can I put this politely? Oh yeah… shut your face. Maroon 5 is a guilty pleasure and goddamnit if first single “Makes Me Wonder” doesn’t take up permanent residence in your head after hearing it a few times. Their 2002 debut, Songs About Jane, was decent pop and the aforementioned “Makes Me Wonder” steps up their game considerably.

Maroon 5 On MySpace Music

New Tracks:
“Makes Me Wonder”

5/29
Satellite Party/ Ultra Payloaded – The odds are probably against Satellite Party succeeding since Perry Farrell has already scored with Jane’s Addiction and Porno For Pyros, but with guests ranging from New Order’s Peter Hook, The Red Hot Chili Peppers’ John Frusciante and Flea, among others, it’s shaping up to be an intriguing listen.

Satellite Party On MySpace Music

New Tracks:
“Wish Upon A Dog Star”
“Hard Life Easy”
“Ultra Payloaded Satellite Party”