How do you rate the last decade of music? Think it will stand up to the next? Catching up on full albums you missed the first time, finally giving attention to bands dismissed as hype, discovering new old gems and judging the music tastes of your peers (he likes what?) is a time-consuming, yet noble pursuit.
But you’ve spent enough time pouring over “Best of 2009″ lists. It’s time to look ahead into the next decade of music, and we’re hoping this one is filled with bangin’ beats, badass bands and groundbreaking talent. Here’s a preview of what’s shaking in 2010.
1. The Strokes
Enough of the side projects, dudes. The foursome is expected to release their fourth full-length in early 2010, their first record in four years. See a pattern here? The band is also scheduled to headline The Isle Of Wight festival, as well as Scotland’s RockNess fest. Here’s to hoping they do a North American tour in support of the new record.
2. Pavement
Yes, they’re embarking on a world tour. No, don’t get any big ideas. Matador has made it very clear: “Please be advised this tour is not a prelude to additional jaunts and/or a permanent reunion.” Whatever, they’re totally fulfilling long-held daydreams either way.
3. Belle & Sebastian
Sure, their website hints at a new album, but the iPhone app confirms it. Sort of. twentyten is a calendar to help fans keep up with everything the Scottish band is up to in 2010. Calendar = shows = album.
4. David Byrne and Fatboy Slim
What do you get when you cross a Talking Head, a Fatboy and artists like Florence Welch, Sharon Jones, Nellie McKay, Róisín Murphy, Tori Amos, Santigold, Sia, Theresa Andersson and a few more? We have no idea, but we bet it’s big. Out February 23 via Todomundo/Nonesuch.
5. Radiohead
Though singer Thom Yorke has declared Radiohead won’t be recording any more full-lengths, preferring instead to drop EPs and single mp3s, the band is heading into the studio beginning in January. Maybe a little spoken word on climate change? We’re guessing Radiohead fans would dig it.
6. Dr. Dre
The much-hyped, much-delayed album is reportedly slated for a 2010 release, with a second Up in Smoke tour to follow. Detox–said to be Dre’s last solo album–has been in the works for a decade. When tracks leaked earlier this year, it became obvious that only top notch talent would make the cut. Guest appearance rumors include Jay-Z, R. Kelly, Lil Wayne and more.
7. Sufjan Stevens
He’s abandoned that little project, but you have to admire the man’s ambition (and a Test Icicle aiming for something similar). Now that he’s taken the pressure off of himself to write and record around the clock, it seems he’s been able to do just that. Forthcoming album sometime in 2010.
8. LCD Soundsystem
See? Here’s a man who hates “best of” lists. He’s spent all his free time working instead, and the result is a new LCD Soundsystem record, out next spring. He’s also confirmed to play Spain’s Sonar Fest next summer.
http://www.uncensoredinterview.com/vlogs/10261-friendly-fires-professional-producer
9. Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
Cult favorites Black Rebel Motorcycle Club are set to release their sixth album, Beat the Devil’s Tattoo, in March. They–along with several other UI interviewees–appeared on the “New Moon” soundtrack, surely expanding their audience. New fans and old will be able to catch them live as part of a massive North American and European tour starting late February.
10. T.I.
The rubber band man is scheduled to be released from the pen in March after serving a year and a day for federal weapons charges, and our guess is he’s been doing some writing in there. T.I. scored a string of hits from his last full-length, Paper Trail, on top of four Grammy nominations.
Other notables/rumors/hopefuls: Spoon, Beach House, Ted Leo, Magnetic Fields, Laura Veirs, Courtney Love, The National and many more.
