Second impressions of 2006

As I mentioned yesterday, there's a lot of (potentially) great releases coming down the pipe early in 2006, and I'd like to profile some right now. The first 'motherload' drop happens on January 24th, and there are several releases I'm excited about coming out that day.

Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins Rabbit Fur Coat
The Elected Sun, Sun, Sun
Rilo Kiley fans have two releases to celebrate this day. Rilo Kiley frontwoman Jenny Lewis stretches out on her own for this release, which is the most religious sounding pointedly secular album I've ever heard. It's quite a juxtaposition to have a choir-like come-to-Jesus sound for a 'God doesn't exist' message. Musically and lyrically impressive, it also boasts a remake of the Traveling Wilburys' "Handle With Care" featuring guest vocals from Conor Oberst (Bright Eyes,) Ben Gibbard (Death Cab for Cutie) and M. Ward. Meanwhile, guitarist Blake Sennett's side project The Elected, also see's it's second album Sun, Sun, Sun (Sub Pop) released on the same day. Seems like Sub Pop is piggy-backing the release on the hype of Lewis' release.

Robert Pollard From a Compound Eye
I've already gone into this one, and while it's come and already gone mysteriously in Rhapsody's library, it's street date is still coming soon. Robert Pollard recently announced his upcoming tourdates and backing band, which is of note for having the cult icon Tommy Keene on guitar along with Superchunk member (and comedian) John Wurster on the drums.

Catpower The Greatest
Uncharacteristically confident twangy soul from the shy Chan Marshall. The Greatest indeed.

Tortoise + Bonnie "Prince" Billy The Brave And The Bold
These like-minded indie pairings are becoming quite popular. Iron & Wine + Calexico, and Bonnie Prince Billy already pulling off a great one with Matt Sweeney (Chavez, Zwan.) This one makes sense as well, as first the Chicago connection... then the Slint connection (Oldham did artwork for Slint, and Tortoise used to feature one-time Slint [and Zwan] member David Pajo.)

Test Icicles For Screening Purposes Only
U.S. release of much-hyped (and unfortunately named) UK band debut.

Another date to circle on your calendar is February 21st:
Arctic Monkeys Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not Another heavily hyped UK debut coming down the pipe.
Destroyer Destroyer's Rubies - Yes, yes, yes... proving Dan Bejar is more then just second-fiddle to Carl Newman in The New Pornographers.
Two Gallants what the toll tells - Been excited about this for awhile now.

2006 will also see new albums from these artists (in no particular order):
The Wrens
Radiohead
The Pixies (first in 14 years)
The Flaming Lips
Arcade Fire
Bloc Party
Drive-By Truckers
The Futureheads
The Fiery Furnaces
The Shins
Built to Spill
Broken Social Scene
Snow Patrol
Grandaddy
TV On The Radio
John Auer (The Posies)
And another Robert Pollard solo album (GBV may be dead, but he's not slowing down.)

Previously:
An early surprise from Uncle Bob

tags: playlist, music, jenny lewis, rilo kiley, the elected, robert pollard, cat power, bonnie prince billy, destroyer, arctic monkeys, two gallants