It’s a new year. A new year of forthcoming albums and new bands. And to be honest, I couldn’t be more thrilled. You see, for me, the last year in music was a bit disappointing. When I compiled my top five records of 2009, I can’t say I struggled, seeing as five really isn’t a diffucult amount, but I was slightly surprised and disappointed over what albums actually made the list in the end. I would have thought it would hold a generally higher calibre than it did. But as it turns out, what i’ve been listening to in 2009 was mostly albums from 2008. So, entering a new year and seeing all the (possibly) great albums up ahead, I’m filled with optimism and joy.

It starts on Monday already. Not even two weeks into the new year and the revelation from ’08, Vampire Weekend, drops their awaited second. Though I’m not extensively impressed about “Cousins”, I am liking the sound “Horchata” and it looks to be a catchy Album from the Americans. (I have not listened to the album on their MySpace site (probably should have though, since I’m writing about it), so I appologize if I am totally wrong about this one)
Also out on that week, only the day after, for those who haven’t had the opperunity to head over to Rough Trade yet, is Lindstrøm and Christabelle’s “Real Life Is No Cool”. I don’t really have to dwell too much on this one. Just buy it! (Also, I did review it not long ago if you need to know more (…))
January 26^th is also a date to mark out with hearts and stars and what not in the calender. Four Tet is releasing “There Is Love In You” and i can’t wait. After discovering “Everything Extatic” a couple of years back, I have overindulged in his cut and paste electro-jazz fusion. I expect nothing but brilliance.
In addition to “There Is Love In You”, Jaga Jazzist’s “One-Armed Bandit” is released and this day looks to be very important in the 2010 music calendar.
And I’ve only covered a bit January’s raster of good releases so far. Throughout February and March, Hot Chip and Yeasayer sounds very promising and a David Byrne & Fatboy Slim collaboration can be equally interresting. Also, New Young Pony Club is releasing their second LP in March, and even though they’re probably pretty passé by now, I’m giving them the benefit of the doubt.

Beneath is a little shortlist of releases to check out the next months.

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January
11^th:
Vampire Weekend — “Contra”

12^th
Lindstrøm and Christabelle — “Real Life Is No Cool”

18^th:
These New Puritans — “Hidden”

25^th:
First Aid Kit — “The Big Black & The Blue”

26^th:
Four Tet — “There Is Love in You“
Jaga Jazzist — “One-Armed Bandit“
Los Campesinos! — “Romance Is Boring“
Beach House — “Teen Dream”

February

8^th:
Moddi — Floriography

9^th:
Hot Chip — “One Life Stand“
Yeasayer — “Odd Blood”

16^th:
Lightspeed Champion — “Life is Sweet! Nice to Meet You”

23^rd:
David Byrne & Fatboy Slim — “Here Lies Love“
Efterklang — “Magic Chairs”

March
1^st:
New Young Pony Club — “The Optimist”

23^rd:
Serena-Maneesh — “S-M 2: Abyss in B Minor“
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Have i missed anyone?