2008 In Preview

With our 2007 reviewed and reevaluated, we look forward now to the new year of 2008. For the first time in four years, we have a full 366 days to expose ourselves to new music. So take advantage of that February 29th and cram in as much music-listening as you can. It only comes every so often. 2008 promises big returns, debuts, and chapters. Including:


MY BLOODY VALENTINE

For the first time in over sixteen years, a new My Bloody Valentine album will be available for you to purchase, hold, and listen to. Maybe two. Kevin Shields confirms that the we can expect an album containing recordings made in 1996 and 1997, other recordings from 1993 and 1994, and some other new stuff. While this was initially suggested to be out by the end of the year, Shields interview was recorded in November so his eagerness can be forgiven. In all likelihood, this album should definitely be out sometime within the next twelve months. He's also hinted at another album following this of entirely new material. Whether that comes to be or not remains to be seen but, as MBV have a series of shows lined up for the summer, all eyes will be on the shoegaze kings & queens this year.


THE MAGNETIC FIELDS - DISTORTION

On January 15, The Magnetic Fields will release their first album since 2004's i. While few concrete details have been confirmed by Merritt, rumors say the disc is heavily influenced by The Jesus And Mary Chain and could possibly feature Claudia Gonson on lead vocals for the entire disc. Either way, with song titles like 'Mr. Mistletoe', 'The Nun's Litany', and 'Zombie Boy', Distortion is unlikely to disappoint.


ANNIE

For the sophomore effort to her 2005 debut Anniemal, Norwegian DJ and popstar Annie has signed to Island Records. Title and release date are still up in the air but Brian Higgins (Girls Aloud, Cher) is slated to co-produce along with the returning Richard X. Richard X produced and co-wrote Annie's songs 'Chewing Gum' and 'Me Plus One' off the first album and is said to have done the same with new tracks 'Songs Remind Me Of You' and 'Two Of Hearts' so hopes are high.


LOS CAMPESINOS! - HOLD ON NOW, YOUNGSTER...

After two EP's and a handful of singles, Welsh seven-piece outfit Los Campesinos! will finally release their full-length debut in North America on April 1. Previous singles 'Don't Tell Me To Do The Math(s)' and 'You! Me! Dancing!' will be supplemented by nine other new tracks of effervescent pop. RIYL Broken Social Scene, The Long Blondes, Architecture In Helsinki.


ZOOEY DESCHANEL

While she is best known for her starring roles in films like Almost Famous, Elf, and The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy, Zooey Deschanel is also an accomplished singer. Not only is she a member of the cabaret act If All The Stars Were Pretty Babies with fellow actress Samantha Shelton, Deschanel has sung in many of her films and been featured on many of the soundtracks. She has collaborated with the likes of Leon Redbone, Ben Lee, Coconut Records, and M. Ward, who is producing and arranging many of the tracks for Zooey's first album.


BROKEN SOCIAL SCENE PRESENTS: BRENDAN CANNING

The second entry in the new Broken Social Scene Presents series will showcase the other half of the duo who founded BSS, Brendan Canning. Besides writing and recording the first BSS album Feel Good Lost with Kevin Drew, Canning has also had long tenures with alternative rock groups hHead and By Divine Right and was a large part of the 2002 album released under the name Valley Of The Giants.


MADONNA

Madonna Louise Ciccone Ritchie enters her 26th year in the music business. She turns 50 in August. She is highest-grossing female singer in the world. She is the world's most-successful female musician. She is being inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in March. She will release her third greatest hits compilation. And she will be following up the highest-grossing concert tour by a female artist in history.

Madonna's 11th studio album is said to be more hip-hop oriented where Confessions On A Dancefloor was obviously more dance and electronic-tinged. Timbaland, Pharrell Williams and Justin Timberlake have been tapped to guest. Timbaland said the new album is heavily-influenced by Madonna's first self-titled album released back in '83. Give It To Me is the rumored title and '4 Minutes To Save The World' is supposed to be the lead single, due out early in the year.


THE LEMONHEADS

After a nine-year absence from the name, Evan Dando returned as The Lemonheads in 2005 with a new lineup featuring members of The Descendents. Since then, members of Come and Dinosaur Jr. have guested live, as well as ex-Lemonhead Juliana Hatfield. The new Lemonheads released their self-titled album in 2006 and it was a solid return to form with Dando showing no signs of rust or wear. On the heels of this, the ninth Lemonheads disc is set to be released through Vagrant Records in April.

Also look foward to a deluxe edition reissue of the seminal album It's A Shame About Ray sometime in March. Ray is probably the best Lemonheads album and a bonafide alternative rock classic.