Music to Look Forward to in 2008 - Page 3

There are some synth driven releases I do need to tip, though. One of my favourite aspects under the whole umbrella of electronic music (one might call it a subgenre) is trip-hop, even though there’s not all that much linking it to electronica. While the genre per se has largely died, elements of its aesthetic are still making appearances (such as Burial and Various). But if trip hop is dead then why are Massive Attack and Portishead both releasing albums this year? (Allegedly MA’s The Weather Underground will be released in the summer, though I’m not crossing any fingers, and Portishead’s first album in 11 years is reportedly complete and will be finally released in April). Not to mention The Prodigy… no seriously, there’s not really any reason to mention them.

OUR HOME AND NATIVE LAND
As a proud Canadian, it’s important to turn an inward eye at my own country’s burgeoning indie scene, because there are a number of things to keep an eye on (even if, like me, you’re not that excited about Jason Collett and Islands).

First (and in this case in very particular order), The Constantines have a new album coming out (April, allegedly, on Arts&Crafts)! They’re a strong three for three so far, with the middle one being one of my favourite albums of all time. If they can approach the heights of Shine a Light, I will be ecstatic. I’ll also probably get the chance to see them live for the seventh time.

Ever since his performance at LOLA, I’ve been a bit in love with Owen Pallet (aka Final Fantasy), and his new album tentatively titled Heartland (which was first announced in 2006) should find its way into our ears this year. Owen’s one of those dudes whose live show really gels in a way that his recorded output doesn’t quite manage to (hopefully not just because his looping pedal talent is so uber), so I’m looking at this one as a big opportunity.

Since a year can’t go by in which Spencer Krug doesn’t release some sort of album (or Dan Boeckner either), look for a new Wolf Parade in the first half of the year (hopefully!). This one has seen some delay, too, as most of the songs have been played on tour and it was mostly recorded in May of last year. The problem with record labels and their outdated methods of distribution is much apparent for Mr. Krug: when he does interviews he’s almost always put the material up for discussion out of his mind months before to work on something new. And it’s almost always rather good.

Article Author: Damon Muma

Damon Muma is a Canadian music junkie, writing enthusiast and vice versa

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