The jingling bells are fading, wrapping paper is lining wastebaskets instead of gifts, and 2007 is coming to a close. As much as we’d like to keep Christmastime from slipping into wintertime all things pass and the seasons do not stop rolling. Fortunately for us, neither does music.

This past year was a strong one for new album releases as we at Listen In have shown, but while the past twelve months have offered up several stellar records the next twelve show serious promise as well. As I did last year , I’ve created a list of the albums I’m most looking forward to in 2008. These are the records that I’ll be looking for as the year unfolds, once again not as a would-be critic but as a fan.

• The Mars Volta - Bedlam in Goliath

One of two projects born from the dissolution of one of the most explosive bands of the 90s in At the Drive-In, the Mars Volta have become known for thick, elaborate constructions, oddly timed arrangements and some of the most creative and esoteric music of any band that still maintains a core of blistering, crushing auditory strength. While I didn’t pay that much attention to their last effort, Amputecture, I still can’t get enough of their debut Deloused in a Crematorium or their sophomore album Frances the Mute. Don’t blink or you might miss the release late next month.

• Atmosphere - When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold

The sixth studio album from this Minniapolis, Minnesota hip-hop group, Atmosphere - and indeed most of the Rhymesayers family - has made a reputation built on slick beats, killer production, and intelligent lyrics. Everyone looking for more than a quick club track or some lines about cash, guns and girls (not that there’s anything wrong with that…) should be on the lookout for this record in early April.

• Be Your Own Pet - Get Awkward

This bands self-titled debut is currently one of my favorite albums to come out of 2006. It was raucous, frenetic, and one of the funnest albums of the year. If they can tap the energy that lead to this video a second time this second release from the four-piece who refuses to believe that punk is dead (much to our benefit) will be one of the most energetic and memorable of the year. In mid-March be prepared to Get Awkward.

• Sun Kill Moon - April

Thoughtful, introspective, ambient indie-rock isn’t exactly hard to come by if you know where to look. The haunting 2003 debut Ghosts of the Great Highway was on extended rotations on my iPod and fans of recent mainstream breakthrough Modest Mouse shouldn’t miss 2005’s Tiny Cities in which Sun Kill Moon compellingly covers eleven of Modest Mouse’s best. If you miss the April 1 release date you may find yourself the fool.

Rumored to be released in 2008

The following haven’t been officially announced but have been hinted to in various places and, hey, we can always hope right?

• Mates of State - Untitled

This is fast becoming one of my favorite fun bands as their earnest, upbeat energy is incredibly infectious. Hook-heavy indie-pop never sounded so good. Since this husband and wife duo will be celebrating the birth of their second child in early 2008 I wouldn’t be surprised to hear that this project will be pushed into 2009, but a late 2008 date is still more than possible.

• The Avalanches - Untitled

Seven years ago this band released one of my favorite pieces of electronica in Since I Left You. I’d given up hope for a sophomore release when rumors began to surface (as long ago as 2005) of a second record in the works. The current word is a tentative August 2008 release date and according to a statement released on the band’s Web site, “It’s so f–king party, you’ll die.” I personally can’t wait.

• My Bloody Valentine - Untitled

In November, after breaking up over ten years ago, My Bloody Valentine announced a reunion and every band that released a rock record after 1991 rejoiced. The yet-as-untitled album is “scheduled” to release some time in 2008 but after 1991’s seminal Loveless I wouldn’t blame them for taking an extra month or two to get it right. It certainly worked for Dinosaur Jr.

• The Postal Service - Untitled

The duo’s first album Give Up is by now pretty much ingrained into the minds of anyone who pays any attention to any part of American pop culture and fans have been eagerly awaiting a follow up since rumors surfaced in 2006. Both members have since released albums with their main projects - Ben Gibbard with Death Cab for Cutie and Jimmy Tamborello with Dntel - but so far there’s been no word on a new Postal Service release. But, I mean, it has be be ready by now doesn’t it?

These are the records I’m eagerly awaiting this year. What does your 2008 sound like?

© Eric Atienza 2007 for Listen In. Some rights reserved.

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