EJL’s Top 10 Most Anticipated Albums of 2015

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From KCRW Music Librarian and DJ Eric J Lawrence:

I know, I know…we just finished getting all excited about our favorite records of this past year and now I’m trying to ram a bunch of forthcoming releases down your earhole?!?!

Hey man, the carousel of killer new music doesn’t stop for slowpokes! There are too many things to look forward to – no time to dawdle!!!

Here are some 2015 albums I can’t wait to check out in their entirety (and you can count on KCRW to share them with you when we get them)!

Sleater-Kinney – No Cities to Love (Sub Pop, 1/20)

With their first album in nearly a decade, this indie rock trio’s reunion is sure to be one of the most talked-about records in the first few weeks of the new year.

Belle & Sebastian – Girls in Peacetime Want to Dance (Matador, 1/20)

After directing a film and playing with assorted solo projects, Stuart Murdoch, Stevie Jackson and gang reconvene for their 9th album of catchy, baroque pop.

Amason – Sky City (Fairfax/INGRID, 1/27)

After seeing them at the Echo this November, I’m now very excited to hear the debut album from this Swedish supergroup, featuring members of Miike Snow, Dungen, Little Majorette, etc.

Father John Misty – I Love You, Honeybear (Sub Pop, 2/10)

J. Tillman broke out with his 2012 debut under the Father John Misty moniker, so all eyes are on his follow-up. Based on his recent Letterman appearance, he’s ready for the big time.

Jose Gonzalez – Vestiges & Claws (Mute, 2/17)

Singer/songwriter Jose Gonzalez has released quite a bit of music with his band Junip over the past few years, but this will be his first solo album since 2007.

Public Service Broadcasting – The Race for Space (Test Card, 2/24)

This UK duo’s debut was a personal favorite of mine from 2013, with fascinating samples from mid-20th century British films.

Their new one tackles the history of the battle for spaceflight, which sounds totally cool to me!

of Montreal – Aureate Gloom (Polyvinyl, 3/3)

If there is any band where you should expect the unexpected, of Montreal are it. Supposedly their 13th (!!!) album harkens back to the sounds of late-70s NYC.

Dan Deacon – Gliss Riffer (Domino, 2/24)

Dan’s take on electronic music is always fascinating. His new album seems to cover a wide range of styles, including some of his poppiest work to date.

Radiohead – TBA (?, ?)

Rumors have it that there’s a new record ready to go, and as we’ve had a new Radiohead album sprung on us with little fanfare before, it seems reasonable to assume we’ll get new record before too long.

The Avalanches – TBA (?,?)

I’ve included these guys on my Most Anticipated Album list for the past several years, and I’m still waiting patiently. But on the heels of a year with unexpected releases from Aphex Twin and D’Angelo, anything can happen…