Despite all of the articles we continue to read regarding the imminent death of the music industry as we know it, there are still plenty of artists out there who continue to prove the naysayers wrong. Artists like Bruce Springsteen and Green Day have already made 2009 an amazing year for rock releases, and looking ahead it looks like 2010 may be just as great.
Here’s our take on five impending releases we can’t wait to get our hands on. If we missed one you’re dying for, make sure you tell us about it in the comment section below. If you don’t agree with us, tell us that too. Good or bad, we can take it … bring it on.
Blink-182
When these lovable pranksters disbanded in 2005, the loss was definitely felt by the pop-punk community. And although Tom DeLonge’s new project Angels & Airwaves and Travis Barker and Mark Hoppus’ +44 were both serviceable projects, they missed the spark of Blink-182’s classic material. But when Barker was injured in a plane crash last September, the event served as a catalyst for the band members to start talking to each other again, which culminated when all three members appeared at this year’s Grammy Awards to say that they’re going to reform. The group will tour this summer and are currently working on their sixth studio album, which DeLonge has said will sound like Blink mixed with his previous projects A & A and Boxcar Racer. The release date is still tentative, but according to the latest updates it looks like 2010 will be when we see the first new collection of Blink recordings in seven years.
Check out Blink-182 performing “Dammit” on Jimmy Kimmel Live.
Built To Spill
Middle-aged indie rockers in Built To Spill may not have a trendy gimmick – and look more like tax consultants than rock stars – but they have managed to craft some of the most satisfying classic rock-inspired anthems of the past decade. That said, it’s been over three years since the band released its last album, You In Reverse, and some fans we’re starting to get a little antsy. The good news is that the band is reportedly releasing its seventh full length disc, titled There Is No Enemy,sometime this fall. Fans are also hopeful that Doug Martsch and company are rejuvenated enough to pursue a direction reminiscent of their classic releases, such as There’s Nothing Wrong With Love. While there is a lot of speculation online and on messageboards about the band’s next release, we don’t have any additional info except that it will be released on Warner Brothers — and will hopefully feature plenty of guitar solos.
Here’s Built To Spill playing “Carry The Zero.”
Paramore
It’s only been two years since Paramore released their mainstream breakthrough RIOT! but in that time the band has toured with everyone from Jimmy Eat World to No Doubt, to become one of music’s brightest new talents. Although the band had a hit with the song “Decode” from the Twilight soundtrack, and also released The Final Riot! live DVD/CD last year, fans have been clamoring for new recordings — and thankfully their wishes will be answered soon. The band is reportedly finishing up a new album that will be out this fall, and drummer Zac Farro has characterized the music to be influenced by progressive acts such as Mew, the Arcade Fire and Thrice. The band worked with producer Rob Cavallo (Avril Lavigne, Green Day) on the disc and the still untitled album will feature songs like “Ignorance” and “Where The Lines Overlap,” which the band has already been performing on the road.
Here’s a video clip of new song, “Ignorance.”
No Doubt
No Doubt went on hiatus in 2004, but that doesn’t mean individual band members didn’t keep themselves busy. Singer Gwen Stefani was pursuing a successful solo career and having a child. Tom Dumont released his own solo project Invincible Overload. And drummer Adrian Young collaborated with everyone from Bow Wow Wow to Matt Costa. The band has reportedly started work on its first full-length disc since 2001’s Rock Steady without Stefani, but with her now in the mix hopefully the album will flow easily. Personally we’re hoping for a collection of songs that combine the pop-punk sound of Tragic Kingdom with the later, reggae-influenced sound of Rock Steady. But honestly, as long as it’s a new No Doubt album we aren’t going to be that picky. According to videos of the band’s recent performances, it seems evident that they’ve definitely still got amazing onstage chemistry … and upper body strength.
Check this out …
Pearl Jam
It’s hard to believe, but grunge icons Pearl Jam are closing in on their 20th anniversary. The good news for fans is that they recently reissued their mainstream breakthrough Ten and are planning to reissue their entire back catalog by 2011. Better yet, though, is the fact that the band will be releasing their ninth studio disc, Backspacer,in September. The band performed a new song from it on the first episode of The Tonight Show With Conan O’Brien — and if the track is any indication of things to come, the album will certainly appease fans of the band’s classic catalog. Frontman Eddie Vedder has said the new album is “really strong and up-tempo, stuff we can sink our teeth into.” All we know is we can’t wait to take a bite of it ourselves.
Check out the new song here …