Ten of the most in-demand albums of the year are set to release just in time for summer listening.
Daft Punk – Random Access Memories
Release: May 17
Aside from their contributions to Tron: Legacy, the famed metal-faced duo have yet to release a proper LP since 2005’s endearingly mechanistic Human After All. Their latest, Random Access Memories, is a reference to the similarities between memory encoding in a hard drive and a human brain. The actual music showcases a parallel union between the spontaneity of human improvisation and the dynamic tension crafted by robotic repetition. The album features collaborations with Julian Casablancas of The Strokes, Panda Bear of Animal Collective, Pharrell, producer/guitarist Nile Rodgers and many more.
The National – Trouble Will Find Me
Release: May 20th
The National is a band which has managed to eschew any singular genre throughout its career, maintaining only a fierce dedication to quality music. Their recently released singles “ Demons” and “Don’t Swallow the Cap” have achieved similar praise and indicate that their near-flawless track record will remain spotless. Listen for collaborations with St. Vincent, Sufjan Stevens and Sharon Von Etten.
Queens of The Stone Age – …Like Clockwork
Release: June 3rd
The six long years since Queen of the Stone Age’s last release Era Vulgaris have been a tumultuous time for the band. With the loss of long-time drummer Joey Castillo and a drawn-out recording process, …Like Clockwork documents a lengthy and exhausting journey for the band. The popularity of singles “My God is the Sun” and “I Appear Missing” point towards a continuation of the breakneck success which Queen of the Stone Age has enjoyed throughout the entirety of their career.
Boards of Canada – Tomorrow’s Harvest
Release: June 5th
This year’s Record Store Day was especially memorable for one lucky consumer who picked up a mysterious and unannounced Boards of Canada vinyl; the vinyl was the first piece in an elaborate puzzle leading to the announcement of their latest LP, Tomorrow’s Harvest. The lauded ambient electronic duo have remained inactive since 2006’s Trans Canada Highway; little is known about the content of their upcoming release other than its date and track list.
Lonely Island – The Wack Album
Release: June 11th
The Lonely Island have maintained a truly unique niche within music, achieving a high level of praise and remaining relevant through the help of an arsenal of collaborations with some of the world’s most polarizing superstars. The Wack Album follows a similar path by recruiting the likes of Adam Levine, Kendrick Lamar, Solange Knowles, Justin Timberlake and Lady Gaga. For a taste of the album’s pop culture depravity, the music video for lead single “YOLO” has already been released online.
Sigur Rós – Kveikur
Release: June 12th
Sigur Rós has consistently been praised for their trademark angelic build-ups which resolve into beautifully bombastic climaxes that are all at once airy and earth-shaking. Until the release of Kveikur single “Brennisteinn,” Sigur Rós’ music has rarely evoked imagery of dark and punishing landscapes. However, their latest LP marks an intriguing evolution as the band has described its sound as much heavier and more aggressive than their whole discography. Whether aggressive or playful, Sigur Rós’ always rewards their listeners for patience and an open mind.
Kanye West – TBA
Release: June 18th
Kanye’s Twitter account has only one tweet posted on May 2nd which reads: “June Eighteen.” There is still a voracious debate over the significance of June 18, but it seems that all signs point to the release of his sixth studio album. Little is known about the content of the album, but over the past few months Kanye has been teasing bits of information including frequent visits to his Paris studio from Chief Keef, Pusha T, Skrillex, Young Chop and Daft Punk.
Mac Miller – Watching Movies with the Sound Off
Release: June 18th
Even though Mac Miller just turned 21 this year, he has managed to gather an impressive inner circle of artists ranging from Odd Future veteran Earl Sweatshirt, to rapper Wiz Khalifa, who Miller has described as being like a brother to him. His second album entitled Watching Movies with the Sound Off is a testament to the friends that have propped him up and features an array of collaborations with producers Flying Lotus, Pharrell, Tyler the Creator and rappers Ab-Soul, Gucci Mane, and Snoop Lion. Miller said the content of the album will reflect a more personal introspective feel, likely influenced by the struggles he faced during his 2012 Macadelic tour.
MGMT – MGMT
Release: June
Psychedelic duo MGMT returns for their follow-up to 2010’s polarizing Congratulations which saw a departure from the synth-drenched hazy hooks which gained them a dedicated fan base almost overnight. Their self-titled third album will likely follow a similar direction and continue to push past their previous pop sensibilities and explore the progressive and murky depths of psychedelia.
Wu-Tang Clan – A Better Tomorrow
Release: July
Twenty years is a long time in music; many artists who stick around so long only survive to see themselves fade into obscurity, hopelessly releasing album after album in order to recapture their fleeting moment of fame. The legendary rap collective Wu-Tang Clan has expertly avoided their mid-life crisis and are set to further their influence with their 20th anniversary album fittingly entitled A Better Tomorrow. Nothing has been released about the album aside from its title and a July release date, but who really needs more than that to be excited about the promise of more Wu-Tang?
