I’m finally caught up. As a self-pronounced music review junkie, the beginning of the year is the beginning of my binge season. With endless “Top Albums of 20-Whatever” lists to be had, my Needs A Listen playlist expands like my waistline did over the holidays. After a couple months of uncovering all I missed over the last year, it’s time to look to what’s next. This 3 Of The Week features three highly anticipated albums you must check out before the “Top Albums of 2014” lists come out.
1. “Argentina (Parts I, II, II)” – Tokyo Police Club
Sure, it’s been four years since TPC released Champ, but if “Argentina” is any indication of the journey they’re going to take us on when Forcefield drops in March, then sign me up. This first release – all 8:53 of it – explodes out of the gate and flows beautifully between high-tempo sets and airy breaks in somewhat of a new style for the fun-loving band. Forcefield is set to release on March 25.
2. “Top Notch” – Manchester Orchestra
Loud. Boisterous. Heavy. Brash. Andy Hull and the gang seem poised to cut loose this year, and I cannot freaking wait. “Top Notch” has a pulse all of its own and subliminally screams, “Hey guys…we’re fucking back” in an octave that Simple Math simply couldn’t reach. Next to Brand New, ManO is probably my favorite band to see/hear/salivate to live – and this first taste has me pining for their tour and album release this April. COPE is slated to release on April 1…unless it’s some cruel April Fools’ Day joke.
3. “Flicker, Fade” – Taking Back Sunday
For me – when it comes to TBS – there will always be Tell All Your Friends … and then everything else they’ve released. “Flicker, Fade” is our first glimpse into their newest offering, Happiness Is. After a few listens, it sounds very much like the TBS we’ve all grown accustomed to hearing these past few years. It’s nothing groundbreaking, but there is a certain satisfaction in hearing John Nolan in the background once again. Happiness Is hits the streets on March 18, and hopefully it has a little more to offer.
