With the start of the academic year looming, In The Middle have cherry-picked 30 albums to look forward to this semester. Whilst the list is by no means extensive, it is one that touches upon the most exciting artists, collaborations and concept albums that the remaining months of 2014 will have to offer. Read on for part 3 (parts 1 and 2).
Run The Jewels / RTJ2 / 28th October
Following the success of their debut album, the American duo return with their highly anticipated RTJ2. Featuring the likes of Beyoncé, Zack de la Rocha and Travis Barker, RTJ are looking to make their mark on the hip-hop scene. A Meow The Jewels remix may be on the cards, thanks to the generosity of Kickstarter campaigners.
Grouper / Ruins / 31st October
Recorded in Portugal in 2011, Ruins is a highly personal collection of recordings. Two of the tracks from her album have emerged on Youtube, ‘Clearing’ and ‘Call Across Rooms’ that are strikingly beautiful in their truth and fragility.
Deptford Goth / Songs / 4th November
Songs follows Deptford Goth’s 2012 debut Life After Defo, in which vocalist Daniel Woodhouse adopts a singer-songwriter style. The second track to be released from the album sums up Songs perfectly: ‘Two Hearts’ is stripped down in terms of textures, allowing Woodhouse to present a more vocally and lyrically driven release.
Deerhoof / La Isla Bonita / 4th November
The ever erratic and unpredictable Deerhoof drop their 13th album this November. Their latest release ‘Paradise Girls’ is jumpy, bass heavy, erring between noise and funk whereas the earlier release ‘Exit Only’ is a nod to their formative post punk years. Expect anything and everything.
Les Sins / Michael / 4th November
Toro Y Moi has just dropped the video to ‘Bother’, the latest single from his side project, Les Sins. The drum and synth heavy track is addictive, meant for live performance – and that’s exactly what Toro Y Moi has recently announced. This is not an album to be missed.
Hookworms / The Hum / 10th November
After releasing one of the most influential breakout albums of 2013, Hookworms return more confident than ever. As a taste of what’s to come ‘The Impasse’ sees Leeds’ psychadelic screamers go all out, seething with energy. In The Hum, Hookworms have found their focus, pushing their boundaries as far as they can.
Savages & Bo Ningen / Words to the Blind / 17th November
Savages have recently teamed up with Japanese acid punk Bo Ningen to create a 37-minute track that they have termed a “simultaneous sonic performance”. The haunting melodies in English, French and Japanese crash and collide to create something truly unique.
TV On The Radio / Seeds / 18th November
Following the release of the up-tempo ‘Happy Idiot’, Seeds has, deservedly, generated a lot of interest. Their best release in years, TV On The Radio are finally back.
Mary J Blige / The London Sessions / 24th November
Featuring the likes of Sam Smith, Disclosure, Naughty Boy and Emeli Sandé, The London Sessions showcases Mary’s incredible vocal range in a new and refreshing light. Disclosure produced track ‘Right Now’ is set to be huge.
Photo: soulbounce.com
Eminem, D12, Various / Shady XV / 28th November
Shady XV is an upcoming hip-hop compilation album architectured by Shady Records. An album of two distinct parts, the first disc will feature Shady Records artists’ greatest hits (including 50 Cent’s ‘In Da Club’ and Eminem’s ‘Lose Yourself’) while the second offers new material from the likes of Eminem, D12, Slaughterhouse, Bad Meets Evil and Yelawolf.
Photo: theoriginalsociety.com
Emily Watts