As 2007 fades from memory, there’s a wealth of great music on the horizon in 2008. I’ve listed a few of my most eagerly awaited arrivals below, ordered by expected release date. Most of the artists have preview tracks available via MySpace; click on the artist name to link there.
Check the Twangville Release Calendar for additional upcoming 2008 releases.
MARAH, Angels of Destruction (Yep Roc)
Whether playing the dive bar up the road or joining Springsteen on stage at Giant’s Stadium, Marah have proven themselves masterful musicians. This album proves the point with a potent mix of/an amalgam of musical styles ranging from folk, rhythm and blues and a healthy dose of bar-band rock. (Arrives 8 January 2008)
DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS, Brighter than Creation’s Dark (New West)
Any year that includes a new Truckers album is bound to be a mighty fine year. Bring on the rock show! (Arrives 22 January 2008)
STEVE POLTZ, Traveling (Thirty Tigers)
San Diego troubadour returns with his first album in nearly five years, chock full of his unique life perspectives. Sometimes provocative, sometimes hilarious, but always entertaining. (Arrives 22 January 2008)
JOE JACKSON, Rain (Rykodisc)
Jackson moved to Berlin and goes old school with a potent rock trio of piano, bass and drums. Early listens peg this as a refreshing blend of rock and jazz with a theatrical touch that illustrate the scope of Jackson’s musical talent. (Arrives 29 January 2008)
BOB MOULD, District Line (Anti)
If lead single “The Silence Between Us” is any indication, this could be Mould’s strongest album in years with strong melodies jolted alive with guitar-driven angst. (Arrives 5 February 2008)
JASON COLLETT, Here’s To Being Here (Arts & Crafts)
Broken Social Scene collective member Collett serves up some mighty-fine roots rock mixed with a touch of 1970’s groove. (Arrives 5 February 2008)
NADA SURF, Lucky (Barsuk)
Brooklyn-based indie rock darlings serve up their typical quality blend of moody pop songs. (Arrives 5 February 2008)
PAUL THORN, A Long Way from Tupelo
Former boxer Thorn is one of the biggest talents to emerge from Mississippi save that guy who used to live in Graceland. The characters in his songs overflow with personality, much like the singer himself. I highly recommend seeing Thorn live, either in solo folk singer format with his rockin’ band. (Arrives 19 February 2008)
See a live studio performance of “Lucky 7 Ranch” from the forthcoming disc here.
KATHLEEN EDWARDS, Asking for Flowers (Zoe)
One brief listen to “The Cheapest Key” from her forthcoming release and I was hooked, “A is for all the times I bit my tongue, B is for bullshit and you fed me some.” (Arrives 4 March 2008)
BILLY BRAGG, Mr. Love & Justice (Anti-)
The aptly titled “Mr. Love & Justice” is the expected latest from England’s preeminent folk singer. Adored by some, despised by others, there can be no doubt that Bragg is among the most thoughtful and literate songwriters today. (Arrives 8 April 2008)
And a few in the batter’s box (e.g., artists who have material or are in the studio and, with a little luck, will release new music this year.)
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.