As you may have seen over the last few days, I’ve counted down my favourite albums of 2011. It served as an introduction to what I intend to do with this blog. I felt that, in order for readers to get a feel for where this may be going, it was important that they get a clear sense of my musical tastes and the things that I enjoyed about 2011. I must say, however, that I feel 2011 was a disappointing year for new releases. Many bands that I admire released material that did not live up to their previous work, or my expectations. Or maybe it was a result of my growing older and my musical tastes not being in sync with the direction these bands wanted to take things. Maybe, in the time to come, I will come to love the albums that didn’t do anything for me in 2011. Maybe they will keep gathering dust on the shelf. Who knows?
On the other hand, 2012, holds many things to look forward to. So many things, that if I listed them all, you’d all get bored and turn away to facebook or whatever other site perks your interest. So, let me try and be as brief as possible and let you in on the things that I am looking forward to most in 2012.
· A new Pearl Jam album and a likely tour. It’s no secret to many of my friends that Pearl Jam are, by far, my favourite band of all time. I have however promised that I would try to keep this blog as neutral as possible. However, I can’t hide my excitement at hearing new music by the biggest band of the 1990s, or seeing them live, yet again.
· A new Tool album. It’s been almost six years since Tool released new material (2006’s 10,000 Days) and the boys have been in the studio for quite some time. Never ones to play by the rules, here’s to the return of Danny, Justin, Adam and Maynard joining as one and taking us on another epic, dark journey.
· A new Mars Volta album. If their recent Australian tour was anything to go by (where their set consisted almost exclusively of new material), Mars Volta’s new album should be a very interesting creature indeed. What we heard back in August was a punkier, more direct, Mars Volta. I’m almost afraid to say it, but it’s probably the closest Mars Volta have ever sounded to At The Drive-In.
· Soundwave festival. The 2012 line-up of Soundwave is, by far, the best that has ever been put together. Just think – Machine Head, Lamb of God, Slipknot, System of a Down, In Flames, Devin Townsend, Dillinger Escape Plan, Thursday, Underoath, Steel Panther, Meshuggah, Hatebreed, Times of Grace and Dragonforce – all in one day!! Bring it!
· Byron Bay Bluesfest. Although, for me, the line-up is much weaker than it has been in previous years, this is still my favourite festival to attend. Nothing touches it in terms of organisation and atmosphere. It doesn’t matter if you don’t like who’s playing, it’s just great fun to be there. Besides, getting drunk and listening to The Pogues is all anyone really needs to justify a trip up to one of Australia’s most beautiful spots, right?
· The return of Soundgarden. On February 1st, Soundgarden will play Melbourne’s Sidney Myer Music Bowl in one of their first shows outside of the United States since their reformation…and I will be there. I can’t tell you how much I’ve hoped this band would get back together and tour, and now it’s finally happening. If it’s anything like Rage Against The Machine’s comeback in 2008, I’ll be a happy man. Plus, as a bonus, Soundgarden will release an album of new material for the first time since 1996’s brilliant Down On The Upside.
· Circles debut album. Good friends of mine, Circles, have been working hard on the follow up to their successful debut EP, The Compass. I’ve heard a bit of what they’ve been working on and, let me tell you, it’s a massive step up. Can’t wait to hear the final product boys!
So, there you have it. The biggest things I’m looking forward to about the year to come. I hope you can join me on the journey as I discover more music and attend more shows (as well as see a few films, stand up comedy and theatre productions). Thank you all, again, for reading this much and for this long. It is truly appreciated. My next post will likely come in the next few days and cover my thoughts on Arctic Monkeys 2nd of January performance at The Palace.
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