Sara’s Most Anticipated Albums of 2011

The title explains it all so let’s just dive right in!

Blink 182 – TBA [TBA]
After a tumultuous 2004 that resulted in an “indefinite hiatus” that began in early 2005, Blink 182 reunited in 2009 citing a new found appreciation for life and friendship after drummer Travis Barker was one of only two survivors in a small airplane crash. Potty-mouthed kids-at-heart rejoiced! Blink has gone through some dark and very adult things in the past few years and has experimented with different genres outside of their pop-punk roots, so it will be interesting to see what direction they go in. The band embarked on a reunion tour and released the name of the potential first single (“Up All Night”) which only fueled more anticipation. Now all that’s left is for the band to announce a title…and a release date. I’m still stoked.

No Doubt – TBA [TBA]
No Doubt’s hiatus/solo projects/reformation time-line coincides pretty closely with Blink 182’s and coincidentally, the bands’ co-headlining tour in 2004 was the last tour for each before their respective hiatus’. With the news of a new album and a tour with great supporters (Paramore, Katy Perry, Janelle Monae, just to name a few), the band has built up more anticipation by signing Rock Steady producer Mark “Spike” Stent. Personally, Tragic Kingdom will always be my favorite and I couldn’t wrap my head around Rock Steady when it first came out. But with a much more open mind and better appreciation for a groovy dance beat than I did a few years ago, I’m curious to see what these O.C. veterans come up with.

Bayside – Killing Time [2.22.11]
One of my few emo leftovers, this band holds a special place in my heart. I’ve watched them grow from side stages to headlining, was star-struck when I met the members on my birthday and really made me question my love for bands who write such morbid and bloody lyrics that you should probably remove all sleeping pills, razorblades and nooses from your home. Sure that sounds dark, but like every band they grew up but in doing so they’ve managed to keep their character. Not to mention, lead guitarist Jack O’Shea is barely 5′ tall but shreds like a giant.

CAKE – Showroom of Compassion [1.11.11]
With lead singer John McCrea’s tongue-in-cheek lyrics and audience-shaming shows, you can’t help but love CAKE. They served us piping hot hits like “Going the Distance,” “Short Skirt, Long Jacket” and “Never There” in the ’90s and early 00’s. It’s been seven years since the band has released a new album and our cravings are definitely hitting hard, especially since the band has released the tasty preview of the album’s first single, “Sick of You.” Not enough food puns? Wait till the album emerges from the oven.

The Strokes – TBA [March-ish, 2011]
Another band coming off of a hiatus, The Strokes’ New York style has been missed. Lead singer Julian Casablancas released a solo album which sounded like The Strokes on a computer. He has said that the music sounds like a mixture of 70’s rock and “music from the future”…So I’m assuming the album will sound like his solo debut. I have no problem with that.

Justice – TBA [TBA]
Not having released an album since 2007’s Cross (the album is actually a cross but I don’t know how to make that character), Justice’s no-name, no-release-date, no-song-titles, future, metaphorical album is looking to be amazing. Especially if Cross‘s recognition is a sign of what’s to come (Grammy nom for Best Electronic/Dance Album; No. 15 on Pitchfork’s best albums of 2007 and No. 18 on Blender’s).

Jay-Z & Kanye West – Watch My Throne [TBA]
Kanye West. Need I say more?

Lupe Fiasco – Lasers [3.8.11]
Fiasco’s album, The Cool, was one of my favorites of 2007. It covered topics of heavy politics (“Little Weapon”), struggling to make it (“Hip-Hop Saved My Life”) and fun (“Go Go Gadget Flow”). It was a great balance of everything while still being smart. With a drama-filled back story of the album’s inception mixed with Fiasco’s talent, Lasers will surely be one of 2011’s best.

Devotchka – 100 Lovers [2.12.11]
If you don’t know the name, you should. I reviewed the eclectic foursome’s 2004 album, How It Ends and you’ve heard half that album on the soundtrack of the movie “Little Miss Sunshine.” This band (somehow) seamlessly merges Romani, Greek, Slavic influences with Bolero, Mariachi, punk and folk. Sure it seems like a hot mess on paper, but in your ear it’s heaven.

Cut Copy – Zonoscope [2.8.11]
Soothing sounds and club beats dance around Cut Copy’s albums. The electropop band draws inspiration from 80’s New Wave and synth pop so their albums aren’t overly thumpy which is a nice break sometimes. We previewed a song from Zonoscope (in remix form) and it is looking to be a good one to continue a solid line of releases.

Pusha T – TBA [TBA]
Spitting clever lines as a featured player in some of Kanye West’s songs (GOOD Friday releases and on his album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy) and as one half of Virginia Beach duo Clipse, Pusha T has proven his worth as a rapper. His rough-and-raspy delivery impressed West and has given fans yet another reason to anticipate one of his productions.

Here are some other pages you may like:

• Album Review – My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy by Kanye West [Sara/Mailo]
• Free Song Download – “Take Me Over” remixed by Thee Loving Hand
• Album Review – How It Ends by Devotchka
• Covers Revue – Blink 182 covers Jan & Dean
• Album Review – The Cool by Lupe Fiasco