My Listening Hours: Looking Forward

Pitchfork has a pretty exhaustive list of what's coming down the pike in the next three months. Here are a handful that are piquing my interest in one way or another.

Margot & the Nuclear So & So's, Animal and Not Animal (Oct. 7)
Yeah, I just finished saying that Margot's only other album was a disappointment. Why do I hold out hope? For one, I think Richard Edwards is a good song-crafter, and the record sounds good; its flaw is in its delivery. That's something that could, conceivably, be fixed. Then I heard about the band's travails with their major label—such a 90s throwback narrative for a band that itself sounds a bit like a 90s throwback. Anyway, the little trick of releasing the album they "wanted" (Animal) on vinyl and digital only, while referring to the album endorsed by the label (Not Animal) as "a collection of songs our label likes"—what can I say, it appeals to me. My expectations are properly adjusted, but I am a little curious.

• Margot & the Nuclear So & So's, As Tall as Cliffs

The Little Ones, Morning Tide (Oct. 7)
The Little Ones' EP from earlier this year, Terry Tales and Fallen Gates, was good, though in truth it didn't really stick. If only because I so loved their first EP, I'm inclined to give them another shot. I know these guys are capable of a great pop record. We'll see if this is it or not.

• The Little Ones, Morning Tide

The Spinto Band, Moonwink (Oct. 7)
The Spinto Band were kind of like my Dr. Dog of two years ago—a totally straightforward indie rock band that I enjoyed probably more than they deserved. Mostly that was due to "Oh Mandy," one of the most perfectly executed pop songs of the last few years. The rest of Nice and Nicely Done didn't really measure up to that song, but I've held out hope that it was a sign of where they were going. "Pumpkins & Paisely" doesn't exactly bear that out, but hey, if there's even one more of the level of "Oh Mandy," then the record will be worth it.

• The Spinto Band, Pumpkins & Paisley

Secret Machines, s/t (Oct. 14)
I felt like some kind of junior high outcast in 2006, when everyone else was slobbering over TV on the Radio's mess of a record Return to Cookie Mountain and I was in the corner obsessing over Secret Machines' Ten Silver Drops. That album didn't get much critical praise. Since then, their guitarist quit and the band parted ways with their label. So, a lot of question marks surround their self-titled third album. Will they return to the more experimental structures of Now Here is Nowhere? How will a new guitarist replace Brandon Curtis' unique style? All I've heard thus far is "Atomic Heels," which is shiiiiiiiiity. Like, really disappointing. I do feel a certain kind of stubborn loyalty to the band, enough that I'll probably pick up the album.

• Secret Machines, Atomic Heels

Of Montreal, Skeletal Lamping (Oct. 21)
A lot of people thought Hissing Fauna was an ascension to the next level for Of Montreal. I thought it was a mixed bag, a noble effort but ultimately an ambitious failure. Ambition is no bad habit though. I do think Kevin Barnes is capable of a masterpiece. Hopefully Skeletal Lamping is it.

• Of Montreal, Nonpareil of Favor

School of Seven Bells, Alpinisms (Oct. 28)
Speaking of Brandon Curtis leaving Secret Machines, here's his new band. Based on this, the one song I've heard, School of Seven Bells at least seems to be more interesting than the current incarnation of Secret Machines. I'm not expecting a life changing album in Alpinisms, but I am curious.

• School of Seven Bells, Connjur

Beyond October, nothing much is really ringing my bell. How about you? What's on your radar? What's got you excited?

Comments

[bdr]

New Juana Molina on the list too.

And picking up an old conversation, Lindsay Buckingham has a new one out too.

[Finn]

How about Final Fantasy's two new EPs? Even if one of them is out already.