Listen Up! 11 Beautiful Albums Coming This Summer
I realized about a month ago, that every album I wanted to buy was on pre-order at the iTunes store. I thought, This must have something to do with it being summer. Albums always come out in the summer. Right? Upon investigating my theory, I saw there was no research to support my observation. I also realized it’s only summer in the Northern Hemisphere. However, based on what I most assuredly know, there are lots of gorgeous albums coming out in the next few months. That’s pretty much all that matters, anyway. Here are 11 for your consideration:
1. Little Dragon – Nabuma Rubberband Release date: May 13, 2014
I know, the album’s already been released, but trust me, it’s worth your consideration. I’ve had my eye on Little Dragon for quite some time, and Nabuma Rubberband may be my favorite album thus far. Give any of the tracks on the album a listen and I promise, you will be on the trip-hop train to paradise.
2. Sam Smith – In The Lonely Hour Release date: June 17, 2014
Since being featured on Disclosure’s “Latch,” Sam Smith’s voice has been nearly impossible to escape, and I’m not mad at it. His debut album, In The Lonely Hour, has already hit number one in the UK on The Official Chart and number two in New Zealand, Australia, Ireland and Scotland. Needless to say, his upcoming album release in the states will probably go stupendously well.
3. Banks – Goddess Release date: September 5, 2014
So many debut albums this summer! Since breaking onto the scene last year, Banks has been making quite the name for herself. After releasing two EPs and some deliciously sulky singles, we’re thrilled to finally have her full-length album on the way. If you don’t pre-order Goddess on iTunes, at least purchase this powerhouse of a song:
4. How To Dress Well – What Is This Heart? Release Date: June 23, 2014
How To Dress Well is back in action to give us even more progressive, soulful goodness. I must say, after listening to Total Loss (2012), my expectations shot straight to the sky. But thus far, Tom Krell has delivered above and beyond with his debut of “Repeat Pleasure,” “Words I Don’t Remember” and “Face Again.” If you’re willing to give yourself a tease:
5. Lana Del Rey – Ultraviolence Release date: June 17, 2014
Lana’s back and, needless to say, Ultraviolence falls under the “highly anticipated” category. With the release of “Brooklyn Baby,” “Shades of Cool,” “West Coast” and “Ultraviolence,” it sounds like Lana is definitely sticking to the moody croons. Would you want it any other way?
6. Brian Eno & Karl Hyde – High Life Release date: July 1, 2014
Brian Eno and Karl Hyde [of Underworld] are releasing High Life under some rather unusual circumstances: They released another album, Someday World, on April 28th. Why the quick turnaround? According to Warp, Brian Eno said he, “wasn’t ready to stop working and get into ‘promotional mode’ for that record” and wanted to continue building on some of the ideas explored in the first album. Hey, they more music, they better — especially from these two.
7. Modeselektor – Modeselektion Vol. 3 Release date: June 27, 2014
Whether they produce their own original tracks or collaborate with somebody else (like Thom Yorke), it seems that everything Modeselektor does is as good as gold.
8. Sia – 1000 Forms of Fear Release date: July 8, 2014
Judging by her power anthem, “Chandelier,” Sia’s 1000 Forms of Fear seems to be a far cry from the folksy, indie rock sounds of her former albums. Speaking of which, have you all seen her insane video for “Chandelier”? Please watch:
9. Fink – Hard Believer Release date: July 14, 2014
Those of you familiar with Fink know that his bluesy ways are sometimes enough to make you cry (or just think really hard). I guess some things never change. This beautiful track, available for purchase now, will also be on Hard Believer :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-W6ayaI6ic
10. Sinéad O’Connor – I’m Not Bossy. I’m The Boss. Release date: August 12, 2014
Sinéad! I’ve already expressed my utter joy over Sinéad’s comeback. Even though I haven’t been able to locate any new tracks from the album, I’m sure she’s gonna bring it!
11. Caribou – Our Love Release date: October 7, 2014
Like many, I first became enamored with Caribou when I heard the track, “Odessa“. Unbeknownst to me, Daniel Snaith (the musician behind Caribou) also goes by the monikers of Daphni and Manitoba. There I was, thinking Caribou fell off the face of the Earth, while I was listening to Daphni. Jeeze. Anyway, Caribou is back and groovy as ever. Hear his mesmeric track, “Can’t Do Without You.”
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