As the 2004 musical year comes to a close, it is important to get ready for some of 2005's most anticipated albums. It is difficult to gauge exactly which direction bands will take and where the entire music scene will be a year from now, but many bands are due for albums.
We can only hope the music scene will continue to improve as talented bands slowly gain recognition. With the bands that are scheduled to release an album this coming year, expect the music of 2005 to be much better than 2004's music releases.
Despite the fact that two members of Longwave, bassist Mike James and drummer Dave Marchese, left within the past couple months, they will be the band to watch in 2005, especially with their upcoming album. Their latest album, The Strangest Thing, created some waves as they toured with many big name acts. It has definitely left the band in a prime position to grow and gain a large following, especially because they incorporated experimental instrumentation. Longwave is working with John Leckie, who produced Radiohead's The Bends. The band's upcoming release, scheduled for early 2005, will be a make-or-break album.
Hot Hot Heat is scheduled to release Elevator in April, which follows up their Make Up the Breakdown album. Although guitarist Dante Decaro decided to depart from the rest of Hot Hot Heat, Decaro helped write and produce the album. Decaro was replaced, and the band finished the new album. Hopefully the band can surpass the energy shown in Breakdown's \Bandages,"" or ""No, Not Now.""
Hot Hot Heat, like Longwave, is another talented band to watch, and if they turn up the heat with Elevator's release, they will be sure to turn heads in the music industry.
Beck is another great performer due for a new album. Possibly one of the most eclectic artists of our generation, Beck's Sea Change thrust him into a whole new musical dimension. His sixth album features collaboration with Jack White and will be released early next year. Beck gave fans orchestral wonders such as ""Lonesome Tears,"" and in the same breath called himself a ""Loser."" His ability to change and still be taken seriously is utterly amazing; this album will be one to showcase how he has altered his sound once again. Beck always seems to know where it's at, and his 2005 release will prove the talent he possesses.
Another exciting and much anticipated release scheduled for 2005 is the Flaming Lips' follow-up to Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots. Yoshimi was an amazing album showcasing their insightful songwriting both lyrically and instrumentally.
While hearing Flaming Lips tracks in car advertisements might be considered a steorotypical sign of selling out, they continue turning out innovative music. Their upcoming release, At War with the Mystics, seems to keep the battle of Yoshimi alive. In their declaration of war, the Flaming Lips are sure to be victorious.
An incredible duo, The Raveonettes, will release their follow-up to Chain Gang of Love in 2005. They reached success with their song ""Attack of the Ghostwriter"" from their EP Whip It On. Chain Gang of Love prides itself on heavy distortion, and just raw rock 'n' roll at its finest. Every song on that EP was written in B-flat major, causing the tracks to blend into one another. As a result, all their music sounded the same; however, this may be seen as a good thing because they created a heavily distinctive sound. With the new album to be released, The Raveonettes turned off the distortion, which had driven their sound in the past. This album will be one to check out to see how they have changed and developed as a band.
Oasis is quite possibly one of the most mind-boggling bands to ever exist. Yes, the brothers Liam and Noel patched things up and are once again on the road to recovery. Not only have they announced massive tour dates for summer 2005, but they announced that May 26 will be the release date to their follow-up of Heathen Chemistry. Can the boys behave and stay true to their words? Certainly we hope so, but hopefully this release will be reminiscent of their older work from What's the Story Morning Glory?
Postal Service, Damien Rice and Coldplay are three bands that come to mind when considering bands due for a new album. Although no announcements have been made, it is definitely time for all three to come out with something new.
Postal Service needs to take advantage of added exposure from their lawsuit and now would be a prime opportunity to wow fans by not giving up on an album release for 2005.
Additionally, Damien Rice's O was a masterpiece; he should keep the creative and artistic energy flowing before fans start to forget how great a writer and performer he is.
Coldplay also needs to start working on a follow-up to A Rush of Blood to the Head. The album was well respected among musicians and fans, and it will be interesting to see how the band will change its sound.
If these three groups release an album in the near future, 2005 will surely be an important year in music.
Say goodbye to the albums of 2004 and look forward to the albums set for 2005; it will definitely be a good year in music since many talented bands have finished an album or are in the studio working on new material. So kids, hold on to your hats and bring in the new year with good cheer . . . and music.
Beth Wick is a junior majoring in journalism and history. Her column returns next semester and runs every Wednesday. She can be reached at eawick@wisc.edu.
