June is here, and everyone has commenced arguing about what’s going to be the jam of the summer. We wouldn’t kick a good beach-party anthem out of bed, but, call us old-fashioned — we haven’t given up on albums yet, either. The next three months boast a dizzying array of promising records, from indies like Ariel Pink and Lower Dens to legends like Laurie Anderson and Devo to rap stars like Big Boi and Drake. Check out our top 25 picks after the jump.
JUNE
June 7
Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti – Before Today
Why: Because we’ve already got this album on repeat, and it is great. More polished than most of Pink’s work but also as dark and nostalgic as we’ve come to expect.
Stream the entire album here.
June 8
Konono N°1 – Assume Crash Position
Why: It’s been five years since these Congolese all-stars released their gorgeous debut. We can’t wait to see what they’ve spent the last half-decade working on. We’re especially excited to learn that the album will boast collaborations with a number of African vocalists.
Download the epic, 12-minute single “Wumbanzaga” here.
The Roots – How I Got Over
Why: Our favorite late-night TV house band/versatile hip-hop ensemble is back! This time, they’ve made an album with some of our favorite musicians from the rock side of the aisle: Dirty Projectors, Jim James and the Monsters of Folk, and Joanna Newsom all guest on How I Got Over.
Watch the video for “How I Got Over”:
June 15
Laurie Anderson – Homeland
Why: Because the music world hasn’t had a new full-length from the superstar for a decade. We’re also happy to hear our lady is working in collaboration with husband Lou Reed and a seemingly vast ensemble that includes Tuvan throat singers and igil players, Antony Hegarty, and Kieran Hebden of Four Tet. The album promises to weigh in on American politics, and if there’s anyone we trust to render that kind of opinion, it’s Anderson.
Watch Laurie Anderson as her male alter ego Fenway Bergamot, a recurring character who appears on Homeland, here.
Noun – Holy Hell
Why: This is a side project by Marissa Paternoster of Screaming Females. People, we would follow those pipes anywhere.
Download the title track here.
Devo – Something for Everybody
Why: It’s all about the hype. For months, they’ve been giving us Song Study after Color Study in the pseudo-corporate jargon they perfected back in the ’80s. We can’t wait to find out what they have to show for 20 years of hiatus.
Stream “Fresh.”
Drake – Thank Me Later
Why: It has been an ordeal and a half waiting for this album. Plus, any record inspired by Nas and Andre 3000 has our ear.
Stream “Light Up” (feat. Jay-Z):
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June 22
Diddy and Dirty Money – Last Train to Paris
Why: Think of Dawn Richard and Kalenna as Diddy’s Wendy & Lisa. The trio describes their sound as “train music, an electro-hip hop soul funk experience.” Diddy may be a better impresario than rapper, but we haven’t heard from him in a while, and we’re always intrigued to see what he’s got up his impeccably dressed sleeve.
Watch the video for “Hello, Good Morning” (feat. T.I. and Rick Ross):
HEALTH – ::Disco2
Why: We know this is just a remix album but, um, have you seen this video, directed by Eric Wareheim from Tim and Eric?
Stars – The Five Ghosts
Why: The Five Ghosts finds the band reunited with Tom McFall, who produced their fantastic 2005 debut, Set Yourself on Fire.
Watch the video for “Fixed”:
June 29
Scissor Sisters – Night Work
Why: Their debut was a show stopper. The follow up didn’t impress us much. We’re hoping that after taking a few years off, the third album will be the charm.
Watch the video for “Fire with Fire”:
Wolf Parade – EXPO 86
Why: “More than any previous offering, EXPO 86 works especially well as a complete listening experience: Threads are picked up, guitars ring out and diminish, choruses echo. Songwriters blend. In fact, despite what we just did, it’s best enjoyed when you forget who wrote what, sit back, and just listen. It’s Wolf Parade’s ‘band’ record,” Stereogum gushes.
Download “Ghost Pressure” here.
Comments (7)
actually Grace Potter and the Nocturnal’s self-titled brand new album will be released tommorow, June 8 and is well worthy of being #1 on this list.
They are also playing live @ Webster Hall this Saturday, June 12, in New York City
except for HEALTH is all lame stuff…. bored to death
seriously?! you’re going to have wavves, !!!, scissor sisters, and stars before you have DELTA SPIRIT’S ‘HISTORY FROM BELOW’ ???
for shame earplug, for shame…
waiting for new cd from old97′s
Gecko Turner’s Gone Down South ain’t due until September – but I’ve already waited 6 years so I can wait through the summer. The only thing on this list that’s got me humming is Big Boi – been waiting years for that one, too!
The Roots album isn’t out until June 22nd.
[...] Flavorwire lists the 25 most anticipated albums of the summer. [...]
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