Masterpiece Release Please!
- by Dan Clay Release Date: Label:

Last year saw some truly sensational albums from the likes of The National and Arcade Fire among others, but with Radiohead limping along slightly with King of Limbs and REM now, after nearly 20 years, deciding to try and recapture their best form, who's actually going to release the album that come December will be on everyone's Top 10 lists. We could really do with a masterpiece right now.
R.E.M.
The band have decided that new album Collapse into Now is their best since Automatic, obviously not having heard New Adventures or Reveal. Early taster tracks show the folky mandolin has been dusted off, the harmonies are in their usual place and, with Out of Time as a strong reference point, they may just have a point.
The Strokes
Well, the New Yorkers' fourth album Angels arrives at the end of the month and taster single 'You're So Right' promises to showcase a darker side. The potential's certainly there.
Coldplay
After the success of 2008's Viva La Vida, Chris Martin and co have been working on their next LP, with the talented lead singer claiming it's almost done and that guitars will be the main feature. The Bends perhaps then? I think we'd certainly take that.
Elbow
Released this week, Guy Garvey and the Bury collective return after the sublime Seldom Seen Kid with their latest offering, Build a Rocket Boys! Early samples suggest it might be just as good.
Foo Fighters
Indie-rock fans will be rejoicing this year when the group's new album Wasting Light is released. Early taster 'Rope' suggests the same level of melodic rock we've become accustomed to. Will it go beyond that though?
The Shins
After James Mercer's side project Broken Bells received plenty of critical acclaim last year, many will be hoping The Shins' front man will be picking up his former baton after Wincing the Night Away's success. It's been nearly two years since the announcement of a different line up and plenty of lively songs in the bank. Will this year be the year they see the light of day? Let's hope so.
Fleet Foxes
So it comes down to Seattle's finest to build on the surprise success of 2008's eponymous album with Helplessness Blues in early May. Apparently "less poppy" than its predecessor, the title track taster certainly reveals that little has changed. That's a good thing by the way. Prepare to fall helplessly in love again when the other 11 are revealed.









