Recently there has just been a slew of “unreleased music” that has been dropped onto the inter-webs. A lot of it is clearly intentional, I suppose to probably get the public interested and eager for the artist’s new material that is about to drop. But whether it is because of song leakage (Antlers), announcement videos (Cat Power), or the artists just straight-up releasing a single/video months before the new album drops (M.I.A/Dirty Projectors), all of the below tracks are out and available for a listen. If these tracks are any implication for the rest of their respective albums, we are in for a real treat in late 2012. So in honor of our “Best of the Year … So Far” lists, here is a little taste of what I have been listening too lately, and what we have to look forward to for the remainder of the year.
M.I.A. – “Bad Girls”
Upcoming Album: Matangi
Expected Release Date: Late Summer
Her last efforts seemed to be either loved or loathed by all. I was on the loving end. M.I.A. has a helluva knack for crafting great songs, and by the sound of “Bad Girls”, that certainly hasn’t changed. This is one of my most anticipated albums of the year, and it kicked off with a bang-of-a-track and a ridiculous video to boot.
Cat Power – “Ruin”
Upcoming Album: Sun
Expected Release Date: September 10, 2012
We haven’t heard the likes of original material from Chan Marshall since her brilliant 2006 effort, The Greatest. That is six years with only covers to tie us over. This track brings back the sound of her earlier years, rather than the more melancholic tone of her last album. To be honest, I’m in love with both sounds (and her) and am just excited to hear her back in action.
Dirty Projectors – “Gun Has No Trigger”
Upcoming Album: Swing Lo Magellan
Expected Release Date: July 10, 2012
I still seem to be hard pressed to find an album that compares to Dirty Projectors last effort, Bitte Orca. This track seems to pick up right where Bitte Orca left off, and I am sure the rest of the album will follow suit as well. Hip hoppy beats, beautifully weird harmonies, and David’s wide open voice have got me off my rocker excited for whats about to happen in two weeks.
The Antlers – “Crest”
Upcoming Album: Undersea
Expected Release Date: July 24, 2012
This is the album where The Antlers may just collide with the rest of the world. They have been flying a bit too far under the radar for far too long, even after the praise and success of their last two albums. Wes and I recently were lucky enough to see this song performed live, and it got me all the more excited for July 24th.
Nas – “Accident Murderers”
Upcoming Album: Life is Good
Expected Release Date: July 17, 2012
Man this track is sick. Four years ago, Nas released an album that should have only been about one track long (that track being the oh-so short Mark Ronson-produced “Fried Chicken” feat Bust Rhymes). Other than that, it has been six years since his highly acclaimed Hip Hop is Dead came out, when we were still being gifted good hip hop from Nas. I am stoked to hear him back on his game with this track. Let’s hope unlike Untitled, it’s worth more than just one song.
Three of these albums drop within the next three weeks … which just makes me so giddy I can’t even stand it. Hopefully they are entirely enjoyable as the little samples we have been gifted above. Thanks for reading, and let us know if you have any tracks to share as well.
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Reblogged this on mearsalan.
Thanks!