"Born to Die" - Lana Del Rey (Expected January 30th)
Whether you love her or hate her, you can't deny that the girl's got a great voice. And with Youtube hits in "Video Games" and "Born to Die" the major label debut of Lana Del Rey is one of the year's most built up albums. It's boom or bust on this one.
"Reign of Terror" - Sleigh Bells (Expected February 21st)
While I didn't particularly care for their first album, I dug a few songs so I'm willing to give the noise-pop duo of Derek Miller and Alexis Krauss a second chance.
"Sounds From Nowheresville" - The Ting Tings (Expected February 27th)
I seriously almost forgot these guys were still making music. That's how long it's been since Katie White and Jules de Martino released their first album, "We Started Nothing." They're not so concerned about making a hit pop record as they are doing whatever the feel like, which I admire in a band. Especially considering today's pop hits.
"The Odd Future Tape, Vol. 2" - OFWGKTA (Expected March 20th)
One of hip-hop's most controversial collectives is about to have a big year, starting with the release of their newest mixtape followed by solo albums by group members Tyler, the Creator and MellowHype. Oh and their debuting their own sketch comedy show on Adult Swim also.
"Port of Morrow" - The Shins (Expected March 20th)
After collaborating with Danger Mouse as Broken Bells (which was better than any other Shins album!), James Mercer has returned to The Shins to release their first new music since 2007. Their new single "Simple Song" is currently available for download.
"3" - Silversun Pickups (Expected in spring)
Though that's only the tentative title, I'm eagerly awaiting the third album by the L.A. indie rockers. They're just one of those bands that always sound good no matter what your mood is.
Untitled 6th album - Soundgarden (Expected in spring)
Since they reformed in 2010, much talk of a new album soon followed. Can one of grunge's top bands deliver a rare success on a reunion album? I really hope so.
Untitled 2nd album - The xx (Expected in summer)
Jamie Smith had a nice 2011 while releasing some solo tracks, but the focus for 2012 is on his band and their new record and tour. While their debut had a chill, ethereal vibe, The xx's second outing is said to be inspired by club music and will no doubt appeal to a wider demographic.
Untitled 2nd album - Two Door Cinema Club (Expected in summer)
Tourist History was a nice surprise in 2010 and their popularity grew astronomically in 2011. I mean the crowd was overflowing at their tent during their Coachella performance last year. Needless to say, many are looking forward to what the band is calling a hip hop-inspired sophomore effort. Which is only fitting from an indie rock band that uses a drum machine.
Untitled 3rd album - Crystal Castles (Expected in summer)
After putting out two successful self-titled albums, the Canadian duo are heading back to the studio to record their 3rd album (what's the over-under on it being called Crystal Castles?). Both their albums are fantastic and should be mandatory listening for anyone that enjoys electronic music. Hopefully they stick to their signature electro-goth sound for this go around.Untitled 3rd album - Vampire Weekend (Expected in summer)
Their first two albums have become modern classics, delivering incredibly catchy songs with their signature Afrobeat experimentation. Here's hoping they haven't lost their touch.
Untitled 4th album - The Killers (Expected in summer)
"MGMT" - MGMT (Expected in summer)
Haters of their second album will be happy to hear that MGMT's self-titled 3rd outing will be more similar to their Oracular Spectacular debut. Personally, I enjoyed both albums so I'm game for whatever these guys do next.
Untitled 6th album - Muse (Expected in October)
The best live act today is heading back to the studio in what promises to be a new direction for the band. Hopefully this doesn't affect the output of arena jams these guys never fail to crank out.
Untitled 3rd album - The Stone Roses (Expected in fall)
It's really sad when a band this great has only released two albums. Since 1989. In case you're not keeping count, Justin Bieber has matched that total since 2010. Thankfully, Ian Brown and friends have reunited for at least a 2012 tour. Rumors of a new album soon followed their reunion, but I think it's a stretch we'll see one by the end of the year. Still...
Untitled 6th album - Queens of the Stone Age (Expected in fall)
Since Era Vulgaris in 2007, frontman Josh Homme has been keeping active whether it was forming supergroup Them Crooked Vultures or producing for Arctic Monkeys. Now the king of desert rock returns to his band for another go around. What to expect? No one knows (zing!)
Untitled 2nd album - The Joy Formidable (Expected in fall)
After their terrific debut The Big Roar, the Welsh shoegazing trio are looking to expand their sound on their sophomore effort.
Untitled 6th album - The National (Expected late 2012)
The brothers and the baritone (as I like to call them) are coming off a very successful past couple of years. They deserve a break, but the band has already begun writing new songs so it's not too much to hope for a new album by year's end right?
Untitled 2nd album - Mumford & Sons
After completely blowing up the americana scene, Marcus Mumford and crew are writing for what is said to be a "doom folk" second album. Aside from singles "Little Lion Man" and "The Cave", 2009's Sigh No More was a pretty boring album so I'm hoping Mumford & Sons can improve with their second effort.
Untitled 2nd album - Warpaint (Expected late 2012)
Rumor has it the all-female psych rock band are thinking about ditching the tie dye for some heavier beats and synths. It's a bold move Cotton, let's see if how it plays out for them.
Untitled 4th album - Bloc Party (TBD 2012)
After taking some time off to pursue a solo record (and thankfully not breaking up the band), frontman Kele Okereke and co. have gone on record saying they will release a 4th album this year.
Untitled 6th album - No Doubt (TBD 2012)
At this point it's getting ridiculous. After reuniting and touring in 2009, No Doubt have been working on album #6 for the past 2 years. It has to be almost complete, right? Did they learn nothing from Guns n' Roses' Chinese Democracy?!?!
Untitled 9th album - The Offspring (TBD 2012)
These guys haven't put out a good album since 1998, but they have such a catchy (albeit overplayed) collection of singles that I can't help but be a little bit curious about what they have left to offer.
Untitled 8th album - Nine Inch Nails (TBD 2012)
I know he's done touring under the NIN moniker, but that doesn't mean Trent Reznor still can't record under Nine Inch Nails. He's gone on record saying that he's writing with Nine Inch Nails in mind. This could mean a single or hopefully a new album!
Untitled 5th album - Phoenix (TBD 2012)
Though 2009's Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix broke them into the mainstream, the French indie rockers have stated their moving into more experimental territory for their next album.
Untitled 1st album - Of Monsters and Men (Early 2012)
Probably my most anticipated album of the year. Technically this indie folk sextet already released their debut record in Iceland back in September, but it has yet to drop stateside (though they do have an EP available for download). I like to think of them as Iceland's Arcade Fire. And I love me some Arcade Fire. I've been following them for the past few months and I'm really looking forward to their debut album, My Head Is an Animal. Their single "Little Talks" is currently my favorite song and is infinitely listenable.
Untitled 5th album - Linkin Park (TBD 2012)
Ugh I'm anticipating and dreading this one. I grew up with Hybrid Theory and Meteora so I'll always love those albums. Minutes to Midnight was definitely an acquired taste. A Thousand Suns, 2010's awful fourth album by Linkin Park, made me want to throw up. The way I see it, they can't get any worse. I'll be keeping my hopes low and a paper bag nearby.
Untitled 4th album - Paramore (TBD 2012)
After the Farro brothers' ugly exit, I'll be very cautious with this one. Now more than ever, Paramore seems like a completely manufactured studio band. Hopefully, the band can move forward gracefully and retain their too-catchy-for-their-own-good sound.
Untitled 9th album - Green Day (TBD 2012)
No band has had a hotter streak in the past 8 years than Green Day. American Idiot revitalized the band and gave them a huge new fanbase and led to Broadway success with a theater adaptation of the album, which will be coming to Los Angeles this year. 2009's follow-up, 21st Century Breakdown, was every bit as good as its predecessor. Here's hoping for another fantastic album from the Berkeley natives (if they have the time for it).
Untitled 4th album - The Gaslight Anthem (TBD 2012)
The Springsteen-goes-punk band from New Brunswick have recently taken to Twitter saying that they're in the recording process for their follow-up to American Slang. No timetable has been given for a release date, but Brian Fallon's nostalgic and big-dreamer lyrics are worth the wait!
Well, that's my list (in no particular order). Did I miss anything? Get it right? Completely blow it? Sound off in the comments!
