With the year being recapped and reminisced over and over and over … (get my point?), we’re all looking for a new music fix. But in this desire for musical improvement lies one predicament – how is someone expected to navigate the maze of new releases, reissues and comebacks slated for 2013? This handy guide can scratch the surface and get you rolling toward some new tunes and maybe your favorite album yet.
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Toro Y Moi, “Anything in Return” (Jan. 22)
Known for his fuzzy bedroom-eyed pop chants, musician-producer Chaz Bundwick – better known by his stage name Toro Y Moi – will be releasing his third album Jan. 22. Labeling “Anything in Return” as “sincere pop,” Bundwick’s last two singles are hinting at twinkle-eyed synths, bouncy drum lines and velvety vocals. Sure to be a standout indie album, Bundwick stands to straddle the line between mainstream and indie, creating on of the most universally accessible records of the year.
Ra Ra Riot, “Beta Love”
(Jan. 22)
Pulling out all the stops to promote their third studio release – from a barrage of slick chamber pop singles to a real “ice record” – Ra Ra Riot is gearing up for a grand entrance into 2013. The first album since the departure of cellist Alexandra Lawn, the New York outfit has cordially left their baroque trimmings at the door and picked up a fancy for synth-heavy balladry along the way. “Beta Love” is sure to be one of the most transformative of the band’s career, and perhaps the year.
Pissed Jeans, “Honeys”
(Feb. 12)
Known for their shamelessly sludgy garage punk, it’s no surprise that East Coast noise churners Pissed Jeans haven’t mellowed in their years as Sub Pop cool kids. The Pennsylvania punks are finally following up on 2009’s noise rock stalwart “King of Jeans.” The lead single, “Bathroom Laughter,” is a raw slab of fraying static and groveling vocals aimed to shred throats and crack skulls. And when pain sounds this good, it’s hard to gripe about blood and tears.
NickCaveand the Bad Seeds, “Push the Sky Away”
(Feb. 19)
Eccentric Australian rocker Nick Cave has graced outside of the shadows of his (respectfully) twisted mind to unveil a new album with his band The Bad Seeds. The single “We No Who U R” leans towards Cave’s usual sinister vocals and dark themes, but with a confident classic rock lilt. With this album incubating in the cold winter months and his sole Midwest tour date at the Chicago Theatre, Nick Cave is giving us plenty to be excited about this spring.
Cave Singers, “Naomi” (March 5)
Closing in on a nearly two-year hiatus, Seattle quartet Cave Singers are slated to release yet another melodi-punk album in early March. Quietly promoting the record with intimate shows and hush-hush appearances, the band seems to be steadily approaching a breakthrough. Lead single “Have To Pretend” features staccato strums and throat halting groans, all pining over lost love and a harsh reality. If you’re looking to wring out those stale tears to a ghostly soundtrack, “Naomi” is your best bet, and a fine one at that.
David Bowie, “The Next Day” (March 12)
David Bowie may be the only person eager to give gifts on his birthday rather than receive. The Thin White Duke dropped a bombshell single on his 66th birthday last week and announced a forthcoming album. Touted as a lively equilibrium of “classic Bowie” and “innovative Bowie,” the sexagenarian rocker seems ready to prove that age is nothing but a number with “The Next Day.” Effectively ending his decade-long hiatus from music, Bowie fans are eager to hear what comes next from the groundbreaking record.