Great list. Personally I can’t wait for Bartees’ new record and also Maren Morris’ fourth LP, the first following her official departure from country last year. New Ethel Cain this week also👀
I did skip that kind of sort of by accident on purpose because Ethel never grabbed me... I kind of (unfairly?) lump her on the sad girl Phoebe Bridgers pile, but I admit I've never given her a proper chance. I will listen because she was smart enough to release a record off-cycle! Pretty sure it's out tomorrow...
Totally understand. I heard Perverts is much different from Preachers Daughter and will likely clear out a large part of her audience that discovered her from American Teenager TikTok remixes. Not that there’s anything wrong with that crowd, I hear it’s just not what folks are going to be expecting likely me included.
ohhh such a good point though... i keep forgetting how much growth some of these folks get from tiktok, and not all of it wanted. it was super weird to see that happen with mitski, right?
I’m so excited about Japanese Breakfast, but most of all have my fingers crossed for a new HAIM record (which probably falls in the heavy hitters category but can’t argue with perfection!!) love these recs for what else to look out for
Excited for the new Julien Baker and Weather Station albums the most!! Great list, definitely going to explore those new to me and others I like but haven’t listened to as much!
My friend at Mute hepped me to Ora the Molecule, and I'm insanely excited to welcome the upcoming March release from our Norwegian space disco overlord:
i feel like u would really love lambrini girls cause they're like the best post punk in the uk right now & the albums out like tomorrow, they absolutely rip & are like one'a the best live bands.
Great list and some new ones for me, so I'll dig in and check that playlist. The new Bonnie Prince Billy releases this month, and I'm always excited to hear his new stuff. "Downstream" is on Spotify and is a sweet sounding number. Bandcamp link is here: https://bonnieprincebilly.bandcamp.com/album/the-purple-bird
I'm intrigued by the new Ben Kweller album. I hope it's good. Also anxious to hear the new Japanese Breakfast album. Horsegirl's first album was one of my favorites in 2023. The cuts I've heard so far off the new album have me thinking "sophomore jinx"
I just realized I was following your Spotify account before this Substack, probably because of your contributions on Bandcamp lol.
I'm already underwhelmed by what little I've heard of some anticipated releases so I hope I'm not getting cynical and jaded.
I too got distracted away from Franz Ferdinand twenty years ago but am trying to keep an open mind.
I'm really excited about the new Horsegirl, even though I haven't liked what's been released so far.
I'm apprehensive about new Mogwai, though I've got tickets to see them.
Bonnie "Prince" Billy threatens to be more...hillbilly...than I'm usually up for.
I'm on the fence about trying to see Cymande and their new album could make the difference if it's released before the show.
Guided By Voices are always pretty good song by song but entire albums often sound too much the same and like each other.
Not thrilled so far with Sharon Van Etten's new direction but hope it grows on me.
Squid are great live but I've yet to get into an album.
I am looking forward to new releases by Art d'Ecco, Doves, Marinero, Oracle Sisters, bdrmm, Deep Sea Diver, The Tubs, SASAMI, Japanese Breakfast, and Lana Del Rey.
I'm also cautiously optimistic about the next two records by The Cure. Songs of a Lost World was a stunning return to form after having not released an above average album since, in my opinion, Wish, a 30+ year stretch that had some good individual songs but also some dire failures.
I hope to discover some new things, since what I'm already familiar with hasn't always done it for me lately.
I haven't made any Bandcamp contributions? But if you followed me on TikTok then that's probably how you found my Spotify.
I'm pretty much in agreement with you about new releases, as well as most of your points (I actually heard the new Horsegirl already and it's not as good as their debut). But I remind myself that I feel this way every year and my favorite records are, with some exceptions, generally those that aren't announced this early on and I dig up as the year goes on. That or the ones I'm not excited about end up surprising me.
I didn't have high hopes about last year and it was a fantastic year for new music. So we will see.
lol, at a glance I misread your username on Spotify, meandtimory (Ted Leo reference?) as Mariana Timony, even though your name is clearly not Mariana Timony. I don’t know, maybe I needed more sleep or caffeine at the time. My brain is also kind of broken lol.
Sad to hear about the dreaded Sophomore slump with Horsegirl. Perhaps you can confirm my suspicion that, where the first album was a synthesis of 90s and early oughts indie influences perhaps derived from raiding their parents’ record collections, the new album may be more contemporary and/or less derivative in a way that reveals they haven’t quite moved beyond needing to emulate the masters to showcase their skills? I’ll have to hear it for myself.
Do you mean Mary Timony? I love her. And yes, you're the first (on Substack) to catch that it's a Ted Leo reference ;) I blame Substack for obfuscating my username here, which is also meandtimory (hence the nonsensical newsletter URL).
The first Horsegirl album was 100% a bunch of Gen Z kids raiding their Gen X parents' records for inspiration. I didn't really recognize their original sound in the new record, which doesn't mean it isn't good necessarily. I need more time with it, but that was my first impression. I didn't exactly find the first one derivative per se... I wouldn't be that harsh, but at the same time, they ARE just kids after all.
I’m trying to be very fair to Horsegirl and keep things in context and perspective. I can enjoy The Linda Lindas too and what they’ve been doing is more derivative and less innovative. I appreciate that they’re all evolving and don’t think they should be pressured too much at this stage. There are plenty of bands that started when their members were older who never did anything as interesting as they have out of the gate. So I hope but don’t demand.
Great stuff. I’ll add Panchiko to the list, one of my most anticipated based on the singles. Also rumors of a new Black Country New Road this quarter. And lastly, trying to manifest new Sky Ferreira 🔮
I was sooo into Stereophonics back in high school. Looking back they were such a guilty pleasure band. I don't have super high hopes, but I'll still be listening.
From the records listed here, I’m most excited for Japanese Breakfast and Sports Team. The release I’m most looking forward to though is the debut album from Divorce which should be excellent.
I am hopeful there will also be new records from Midnight Rodeo and my two absolute faves, Black Honey and We Are Scientists 🤞
I also really enjoy Black Honey and Midnight Rodeo :) Sports Team had one of the best debuts in recent memory, but their albums since have been slightly disappointing in comparison. I am still excited to hear what they come up with.
Great list. Personally I can’t wait for Bartees’ new record and also Maren Morris’ fourth LP, the first following her official departure from country last year. New Ethel Cain this week also👀
I did skip that kind of sort of by accident on purpose because Ethel never grabbed me... I kind of (unfairly?) lump her on the sad girl Phoebe Bridgers pile, but I admit I've never given her a proper chance. I will listen because she was smart enough to release a record off-cycle! Pretty sure it's out tomorrow...
Totally understand. I heard Perverts is much different from Preachers Daughter and will likely clear out a large part of her audience that discovered her from American Teenager TikTok remixes. Not that there’s anything wrong with that crowd, I hear it’s just not what folks are going to be expecting likely me included.
ohhh such a good point though... i keep forgetting how much growth some of these folks get from tiktok, and not all of it wanted. it was super weird to see that happen with mitski, right?
very bizarre, very dystopian!
I’m so excited about Japanese Breakfast, but most of all have my fingers crossed for a new HAIM record (which probably falls in the heavy hitters category but can’t argue with perfection!!) love these recs for what else to look out for
I would definitely not put HAIM alongside any of the heavy hitters I listed ;) They are still indie for sure
Excited for the new Julien Baker and Weather Station albums the most!! Great list, definitely going to explore those new to me and others I like but haven’t listened to as much!
I have a treat for you about the Weather Station album coming soon. Stay tuned.
Ooh, my interest is sufficiently piqued! I am seated.
My friend at Mute hepped me to Ora the Molecule, and I'm insanely excited to welcome the upcoming March release from our Norwegian space disco overlord:
https://orathemolecule.bandcamp.com/album/dance-therapy
Very excited for the Julian Baker / Torres collaboration. Plus, all female indie collaborations are🔥🔥🔥.
like how many supergroups can julien baker be in though fr
As many as she wants! 😂
new Tisburys coming soon ;)
I saw you guys are playing with Speedy Ortiz this weekend?? I'm gonna try to make it maybe possibly
yes!! we're so excited, hope you can make it!
Happy New Year!
L.S. Dunes sounds very good on paper...will definitely look out for that:)
i feel like u would really love lambrini girls cause they're like the best post punk in the uk right now & the albums out like tomorrow, they absolutely rip & are like one'a the best live bands.
https://lambrinigirlsband.bandcamp.com/album/who-let-the-dogs-out
I DO and it was very silly of me not to include them here because I made a mental note not to forget them and then I forgot my mental note
Great list and some new ones for me, so I'll dig in and check that playlist. The new Bonnie Prince Billy releases this month, and I'm always excited to hear his new stuff. "Downstream" is on Spotify and is a sweet sounding number. Bandcamp link is here: https://bonnieprincebilly.bandcamp.com/album/the-purple-bird
I'm intrigued by the new Ben Kweller album. I hope it's good. Also anxious to hear the new Japanese Breakfast album. Horsegirl's first album was one of my favorites in 2023. The cuts I've heard so far off the new album have me thinking "sophomore jinx"
yeah I'm with you. I heard some of the album early bc a friend got an advance copy and I'm not really into it
Superb list!
On the smaller artists side, Blue Violet are definitely one to watch: Faux Animaux releases on 24th Jan and it’s very good
bdrmm is a shoegaze-y band with a new record out in Feb. I liked their last one so much, I already pre-ordered this one. Very excited to hear!
I just realized I was following your Spotify account before this Substack, probably because of your contributions on Bandcamp lol.
I'm already underwhelmed by what little I've heard of some anticipated releases so I hope I'm not getting cynical and jaded.
I too got distracted away from Franz Ferdinand twenty years ago but am trying to keep an open mind.
I'm really excited about the new Horsegirl, even though I haven't liked what's been released so far.
I'm apprehensive about new Mogwai, though I've got tickets to see them.
Bonnie "Prince" Billy threatens to be more...hillbilly...than I'm usually up for.
I'm on the fence about trying to see Cymande and their new album could make the difference if it's released before the show.
Guided By Voices are always pretty good song by song but entire albums often sound too much the same and like each other.
Not thrilled so far with Sharon Van Etten's new direction but hope it grows on me.
Squid are great live but I've yet to get into an album.
I am looking forward to new releases by Art d'Ecco, Doves, Marinero, Oracle Sisters, bdrmm, Deep Sea Diver, The Tubs, SASAMI, Japanese Breakfast, and Lana Del Rey.
I'm also cautiously optimistic about the next two records by The Cure. Songs of a Lost World was a stunning return to form after having not released an above average album since, in my opinion, Wish, a 30+ year stretch that had some good individual songs but also some dire failures.
I hope to discover some new things, since what I'm already familiar with hasn't always done it for me lately.
I haven't made any Bandcamp contributions? But if you followed me on TikTok then that's probably how you found my Spotify.
I'm pretty much in agreement with you about new releases, as well as most of your points (I actually heard the new Horsegirl already and it's not as good as their debut). But I remind myself that I feel this way every year and my favorite records are, with some exceptions, generally those that aren't announced this early on and I dig up as the year goes on. That or the ones I'm not excited about end up surprising me.
I didn't have high hopes about last year and it was a fantastic year for new music. So we will see.
lol, at a glance I misread your username on Spotify, meandtimory (Ted Leo reference?) as Mariana Timony, even though your name is clearly not Mariana Timony. I don’t know, maybe I needed more sleep or caffeine at the time. My brain is also kind of broken lol.
Sad to hear about the dreaded Sophomore slump with Horsegirl. Perhaps you can confirm my suspicion that, where the first album was a synthesis of 90s and early oughts indie influences perhaps derived from raiding their parents’ record collections, the new album may be more contemporary and/or less derivative in a way that reveals they haven’t quite moved beyond needing to emulate the masters to showcase their skills? I’ll have to hear it for myself.
Do you mean Mary Timony? I love her. And yes, you're the first (on Substack) to catch that it's a Ted Leo reference ;) I blame Substack for obfuscating my username here, which is also meandtimory (hence the nonsensical newsletter URL).
The first Horsegirl album was 100% a bunch of Gen Z kids raiding their Gen X parents' records for inspiration. I didn't really recognize their original sound in the new record, which doesn't mean it isn't good necessarily. I need more time with it, but that was my first impression. I didn't exactly find the first one derivative per se... I wouldn't be that harsh, but at the same time, they ARE just kids after all.
No, Mariana Timony just has a similar name lol
I’m trying to be very fair to Horsegirl and keep things in context and perspective. I can enjoy The Linda Lindas too and what they’ve been doing is more derivative and less innovative. I appreciate that they’re all evolving and don’t think they should be pressured too much at this stage. There are plenty of bands that started when their members were older who never did anything as interesting as they have out of the gate. So I hope but don’t demand.
Great stuff. I’ll add Panchiko to the list, one of my most anticipated based on the singles. Also rumors of a new Black Country New Road this quarter. And lastly, trying to manifest new Sky Ferreira 🔮
Panchiko isn't one I've heard of, but I'm throwing it into my mental list!
I’m excited to hear what Stereophonics bring to the table. Japanese Breakfast, too, though the lead single didn’t land with me.
I was sooo into Stereophonics back in high school. Looking back they were such a guilty pleasure band. I don't have super high hopes, but I'll still be listening.
From the records listed here, I’m most excited for Japanese Breakfast and Sports Team. The release I’m most looking forward to though is the debut album from Divorce which should be excellent.
I am hopeful there will also be new records from Midnight Rodeo and my two absolute faves, Black Honey and We Are Scientists 🤞
I also really enjoy Black Honey and Midnight Rodeo :) Sports Team had one of the best debuts in recent memory, but their albums since have been slightly disappointing in comparison. I am still excited to hear what they come up with.
I loved Deep Down Happy and Gulp. I really like how they’ve developed their sound.
I'm really looking forward to Divorce too!
I’m more excited about them than any new band for a while. I could just curl up in their harmonies!
Top marks for melodies never going exactly where you expect them to as well!