1. Wu-Tang Clan, "A Better Tomorrow"
“Straight from the slums of Shaolin, Wu-Tang Killa B’z on a swarm, (Your soul have just been taken through the 36 chambers of death, kid).” From RZA’s outro in the Clan’s “Method Man” in the 1993 album, "Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)," RZA, Ghostface Killah, Method Man and the Clan are returning to celebrate their most popular album’s 20th anniversary. Produced by RZA, he said in an interview with Montreality that the album is all about working to strive for a better tomorrow, coming together as family and overcoming struggles. Slated to release Nov. 20, "A Better Tomorrow" is bound to have a mix of new and old that won’t disappoint.
2. Kings of Leon, "Mechanical Bull"
With circulating rumors that the Followills wouldn’t be returning after a mysterious hiatus that began in 2011, it appears that the family band has made amends and is ready to get back to their roots. What was supposed to be a mature-sounding album, bassist Jarred Followill told NME that "Mechanical Bull" is more of a mix between their younger albums: the 2003 "Youth and Young Manhood" and "Because of the Times," released in 2007. Having already tested songs from the new album, “It Don’t Matter” and “Supersoaker” on the road, drummer Nathan Followill told MTV that fans love the sound so far. "Mechanical Bull" hits the shelves Sept. 24.
3. MGMT, "MGMT"
With Ben Goldwasser and Andrew VanWyngarden’s new self-titled album, the duo isn’t looking to make the Top 40 band list. Instead, as stated on Pitchfork, the pair plans to hone into their creativity and provide “unique visual elements” along with their new sound. Unlike the previous album, "Congratulations," this exploration strays away from the popular sound found in their hit, “Kids,” and has nixed the rest of the band —– containing work solely from Goldwasser and VanWyngarden. "MGMT" is planned to release Sept. 17.
4. Earl Sweatshirt, "Doris"
Thebe Kgositsile, AKA Earl Sweatshirt, has been creating a buzz in the rap music world ever since his mix tape, “Earl,” was released free-of-charge through the Odd Future website in 2010. Now, at the ripe age of 19, “Earl” is official and releasing his album "Doris," not-free-of-charge, on Aug. 20. Kgositsile has released the album name, release date, collaborators and even a full track list through Twitter, so keep your eyes peeled for more news. Rumored contributors include Mac Miller, Pharrell and Tyler, The Creator.
5. Moby, "Innocents"
Moby is an artist who keeps mainly to himself —– an introvert, if you will. Known for hits like “Extreme Ways,” the theme song from The Bourne Trilogy and “Porcelain,” Moby has decided to come out of his shell a bit and team up with a number of different artists for "Innocents." Collaborators include Wayne Coyne from The Flaming Lips, Mark Lanegan from Queens of the Stone Age, Skylar Grey and Cold Specks. With a tentative Oct. 1 release date, Moby will also have three shows, all in L.A., to promote the album. On his site, Moby says, “So, to be clear: The whole entire 'Innocents' tour will be three shows. Near my house. Ideally within walking distance of/from my house.”
6. Arcade Fire, untitled
Announced to release Oct. 29, Arcade Fire’s new album is still untitled as members are working to finalize tracks and put together completely new pieces. However, kind-of-producer and previous frontman of LCD Soundsystem James Murphy told NME that the album’s sound is, “…really f-cking epic. Seriously.” Why is Murphy considered a “kind-of producer"? Well, because the band prefers to take main control of its production. Despite this, Murphy mentioned that the members of Arcade Fire are so talented that they could really have their own bands or go out on their own. Thankfully for us, they decide to stick together for our listening pleasure.
7. The Black Lips, untitled
Bassist Jared Swilley has confirmed that The Black Lips will be including recorded material from bassist Patrick Carney of The Black Keys and Bradford Cox of Deerhunter in their upcoming, untitled album. A bit of a mystery as to when it will be released, the Lips have mentioned they started working on the new album in May, so there’s a chance it could make it to listener’s shelves in the next few months. In an interview with The Hollywood reporter, Swilley said that the new LP will be a mix of “club bangers and southern rock anthems,” and it is even rumored that there may be a collaborative track with the rapper Riff Raff. Something to keep an eye out for, The Black Lips’s new album could be a great mix of diverse talents.
8. Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin, "Fly By Wire"
Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin, or SSLYBY, hails from Springfield, Mo., and according to its site, the trio met at a Superbowl party in 1999, can’t remember anything from 2002, and were named U.S. State Department Cultural Ambassadors in 2012. The indie-pop band is set to release its newest album, "Fly By Wire," on Sept. 17, after a trip to Russia it took as cultural ambassadors. Greatly inspired by tunes from the 1960s and '70s, this album is meant to be fun.
9. The Weeknd, "Kiss Land"
Canadian artist Abel Tesfaye, better known by his stage name “The Weeknd,” is another artist who prefers to stay out of the spotlight. Despite his new album's release date remaining unknown, he opened up to Complex about "Kiss Land," admitting that the album is about a terrifying world he created in his mind and was inspired by filmmakers including John Carpenter and Ridley Scott. Of the album, Tesfaye said, “'Kiss Land' is like a horror movie.”
10. Pearl Jam, "Lightning Bolt"
Lead guitarist Mike McCready said in an interview with CraveOnline of new album "Lightning Bolt," “If you’re a Pearl Jam fan, you’re going to love it.” Having been in the works for two years already, this album is a long time coming with its Oct. 15 release date, and Pearl Jam members are excited to share an album that has a more explosive sound with listeners. The band’s recently released “Mind Your Manners” is an obvious example of a rougher, tougher, rockier sound, but there is still room for some surprise works in "Lightning Bolt."
Reach the reporter at kgumpert@asu.com or follow her on Twitter @cat2bekittenmee
