FILTER’s Top 10 Anticipated Albums of 2012
By Staff on January 13, 2012
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It feels like only yesterday we were compiling our year-end roundup of albums from 2011, but as one thing ends, another inevitably begins. 2012 promises to be another great year filled with great releases across the board. Heavily rumored comebacks, anticipated debuts and—of course—the entirely unseen surprises are certainly in store for us. So, before we take a good long break from list making, FILTER sat down once more to compile some of the albums we're looking forward to most this year.
FILTER's 10 Anticipated Albums of 2012
Miike Snow, Happy To You (Columbia Records) - March 26
The xx, TBA - Summer 2012
Photo by David Black
Best Coast, TBA (Mexican Summer) - Summer 2012
Lana Del Rey, Born To Die (Interscope) - January 31
Sleigh Bells, Reign of Terror (Mom + Pop) - February 21
Major Lazer, TBA (Downtown/Interscope) - Fall 2012
Frank Ocean, TBA (Def Jam) - Spring 2012
Phoenix, TBA (Glassnote) - 2012
The Knife, TBA (Rabid) - 2012
Sharon Van Etten, Tramp (Jagjaguwar) - February 7
Individual Staff Picks
Alan Miller
U2, TBA (Mercury, Island, Interscope) - TBA 2012
After watching the recent documentary im all pumped for a new album tentatively scheduled for late in 2012.
Alan Sartirana
Lana Del Rey, Born to Die (Interscope) - January 31
I know, predictable, but I need to champion my fellow up-state NYers! Lana Del Rey is going to blow up in 2012.
Connie Tsang
Band of Skulls, Sweet Sour (Vagrant) - February 21
This UK band’s debut album released in 2009 and that’s a long time to leave fans hanging. Thankfully Sweet Sour is that kind of sophomore album where you don’t even have to hope it’s good and wonder if they can live up to the hype from 2+ years ago… cause it’s just that good. Fans of the band is really going to love this record and play it on repeat.
Lost In The Trees, A Church That Fits Our Needs (ANTI-) - March 20
It’s a work of art, it’s a celebration, it’s also kind of heartbreaking. I feel that people will be curious to listen to this album because it is singer Ari Picker’s musical tribute to his mother, how took her own life, but the music alone stands on its own as a really beautiful sophomore album.
School of Seven Bells, Ghostory (Full Time Hobby) - February 27
When have they put out anything bad, really?
Wes Martin
The Big Sleep, Nature Experiments (Frenchkiss) - January 31
This one's been a long time coming, stoked to hear new stuff from this amazing New York trio.
Sharon Van Etten, Tramp (Jagjaguwar) - February 7
Her last album, Epic, was simply amazing, and this one gets even better. Can't wait for everyone to hear it.
Miike Snow, Happy to You (Columbia) - March 27
Animal caught me totally by surprise, and most coworkers can attest to my love of this band. Silllllllllllllvia!
Phoenix, TBA (Glassnote) - TBA 2012
Duh.
The Knife, TBA (Rabid) - TBA
Double duh.
The Wrens, TBA (ABSOLUTELY KOSHER) - TBA
The Wrens' motto: “Keeping Folks Waiting...since 1989.” An eight nine-year wait for the follow-up to the flawless The Meadowlands? No problem. It'll be worth it.
Breanna Murphy
Best Coast, TBA (TBA) - TBA/Spring
No apologies, I love Best Coast. Crazy For You stuck in my head like a bad crush, though at times the dose was a bit too sweet to swallow. For No. 2, Bethany Cosentino and Bobb Bruno went into the Capitol studios to record with Jon Brion, which is an intriguing enough next step for me to take the dive all over again.
Tanlines, Mixed Emotions (TRUE PANTHER) - March 20
In 2010, True Panther put out the most miraculous, tropicali-ous of EPs by New York duo Tanlines. (Finally) This year, Eric Emm and Jesse Cohen (Professor Murder) will release their full-length debut just in time for the hot weather to move in.
Michael Kiwanuka, Home Again (POLYDOR) - March 26
I would have put money on "Tell Me a Tale" being a Bill Withers B-side, but it's so much more delightful to know the throwback soul is emanating from a young British singer who's got respect for punk as well Otis Redding. This one is coming out in 2012, but I'm sure I'll still be playing it in 2052.
Sarah Chavey
The Twilight Sad, No One Can Ever Know (Fat Cat) - 2012
Dear Twilight Sad – please release this album before the summer. Dark, moody and loud, it’s bound to be the perfect way to counteract the perky Los Angeles weather when you just don’t feel like beaming sunshine all day.
Samantha Barnes
Best Coast, TBD (Mexican Summer) - Summer 2012
Can they escape the sophomore slump with the one-two punch of recording in Capitol Studios under the guidance of legendary producer Jon Brion? I'm excited to find out.
Mike Bell
Air, Le Voyage Dans La Lune (Astralwerks) - February 7
I'm a huge fan of AIR and although this is more of a concept album, it's still pretty great.
New Cassettes, Winterhead (MTV's Hype Music) - March 6
These UK boys are poised for some big things in the US once their album drops in March.
Of Monsters and Men, My Head is an Animal (TBA) - TBA
After seeing them live at Iceland Airwaves in 2010 and 2011, it's clear they're going to be the next big thing from there.
Pat McGuire
Dirty Three, Toward the Low Sun (Drag City) - February 21
A most unique band with a most unique approach. Who needs singers anyway?
Floating Action, Fake Blood (TBA) - TBA 2012
Seth Kauffman’s previous record, Desert Etiquette, was my favorite of last year. This is even better.
Andrew Courtein
The Gaslight Anthem, TBA (Mercury Records) - TBA 2012
I’m over this iTunes session filler, all I really just want is for this new record to come out. They’ve done nothing wrong so far in the studio and I wouldn’t expect them to start now. Not to mention they come from the great state of New Jersey.
Bruce Springsteen, TBA (TBA) - TBA
The Boss.
Ceremony, Zoo (Matador) - March 6
I’ve never been happier with and more confident in a hardcore bands transition from the small world of hardcore into a great big world of… well, whatever they want to do.
Converge, All We Love We Leave Behind (Epitaph) - Summer 2012
A consistently great heavy band, that has consistently been blowing my mind since middle school.
A$AP Rocky, TBA (Polo Grounds, RCA) - TBA
This guy has probably blown up faster than any other artist today and more importantly has risen up and over any naysayer’s criticism.
The Men, Open Your Heart (Sacred Bones) - March 6
One of my favorite bands right now. That’s all I really have to say, and that should really mean nothing to you if you’re reading this.
Tyler, The Creator, Wolf (Odd Future) - May 2012
He says he’s going to start changing things up for himself lyrically on this next record and has even mentioned talk of adding some live instruments to his production.
Major Lazer, TBA (Mad Decent) - Fall 2012
Party.
Crazy Spirit, TBA (TBA) - TBA
Not even sure if they plan on releasing anything, but I’m hoping for an LP. Hey Crazy Spirit and co., if you’re reading this release an LP this year. Thanks.
Crystal Castles, Crystal Castles III (TBA) - TBA
One of the coolest girls in the music.
Altered Boys, TBA (TBA) - TBA
A great new fast hardcore band coming out of of New Jersey.
Cloud Nothings, Attack On Memory (Carpark) - January 24
Woo!
Rancid, TBA (TBA) - TBA
This will probably be the soundtrack to my summer… if it’s good of course.
The xx, TBA (TBA) - Summer 2012
Waka Flocka Flame, Triple F Life: Friends, Fans And Family (1017 Brick Squad/ Warner Bros.) - TBA
Cursive, I Am Gemini (Saddle Creek) - February 21
Tim Dove
Cloud Nothings, Attack On Memory (Carpark) - January 24
After getting a nice taste of the album a little early, it was confirmed that I would fully enjoy this new effort.
Sleigh Bells, Reign of Terror (Mom + Pop) - February 21
I'm a sucker for loud guitars and lots of it. That's about all I can say.
GYPSY, Giant's Dispair (Six Feet Under) - TBA
Hardcore dudes playing Knapsack/ Jawbreaker/ Dinosaur Jr. music.
Daylight, The Difference in Good and Bad Dreams (Run For Cover) - January 2012
Ignored them the first time around, now I'm listening.
Andrea Narvaez
Memoryhouse, The Slideshow Effect (SUB POP) - February 28
Summer time, all the time. My nomination for a predicted #1 record for long drives.
Cat Power, TBA (MATADOR) - TBA
The name alone never disappoints.
Islands, A Sleep & A Forgetting (ANTI-) - February 14
Nick Thorborne - my nomination for one of the most creative and musicially evolving character for 2012.
Sleigh Bells, Reign of Terror (MOM + POP) - February 21
Dirty, grimey, fuzzy, and served with a punch. I'm in.
Porcelain Raft, Strange Weekend (SECRETLY CANADIAN) - January 24
Porcelain Raft is touring with M83 this year. That on it's own spurts curiosity.
Cloud Nothings, Attack on Memory (CARPARK) - January 24
Been into everything that's been released by these guys. I'm in need a full rotation, already!
The Doozer, Keep It Together (WOODSIST) - January 31
Woodsist hardly disappoints.
Dr. Dog, Be the Void (ANTI-) - February 7
Because it's wrong to not be stoked.
Grimes, Visions (ARBUTUS) - January 31
Beautifully creepy single, "Genesis", speaks for itself. No idea what to expect, but that's just a part of the suspense.
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