2005 will be a very good year: the ultimate album preview (part 2)

This, the second part of our lengthy list of things to look forward to in 2005, we see the records which we'll be getting a hold of in the latter part of the year. Obviously the details for this end of the spectrum are significantly thinner on the ground, but there's a good outline unfolding.

Once again, if there's anything you feel should be on the list - drop me a line! colin.roberts@drownedinsound.com

July-December

Band: Coldplay
Album: TBA
Out: Slated for June/July
Difficult to record, changes at the production helm, Kraftwerk riffs and more. Apparently Coldplay are mixing their 'trademark anthemic songwriting' with a hit of 70s Electronica, with one song 'Talk' using the riff from Kraftwerk's 'Computer Love'. Chances are it will do quite well, let's just hope it really does show progression, rather than forced change.
Have we heard it?: No.

Band: The Fall
Album: TBA
Out: June/July
Trying to sum up The Fall in few words is next to impossible, just be aware that this - like all of their work - is mind-expanding and set to reaffirm their status as one of the most respected 'cult bands' of our time.
Have we heard it?: No.

Band: Cave In
Album: TBA
Out: Late in the year
Following the relative commercial success (and sound) of the previous record 'Antenna', Cave In are quiet as to what's happening on this new record. Worth looking forward to though.
Have we heard it?: No.

Band: Explosions in the Sky
Album: TBA
Out: Summer
Quite frankly one of the most inspiring and beautiful bands of our time, Explosions have been working on the new record over the last few months and while we're hardly indundated with details, it's certainly going to be worth the wait.
Have we heard it?: No.

Band: Prefuse 73
Album: 'Surrounded by Silence'
Out: TBA
Glitching, scratching and sublime loops. It's what Warp gives us best and we're reliably informed that Scott Herren doesn't disappoint on this LP.
Have we heard it?: No

Band: Fugazi
Album: TBA
Out: TBA
We are promised SOME form of Fugazi release this year, but it's extremely vague as to what it will actually be. Let's just hope it actually happens.
Have we heard it?: No. I doubt they have either.

Band: Guns 'n' Roses
Album: Chinese Democracy
Out: Summer
This year, it may actually happen. A more introspective, lyrically deeper and socially-minded Axl, over the top of what is termed 'a 21st century G 'n' R. Should be good fun at least. 
Have we heard it?: No.

Band: Johnny Boy
Album: TBA
Out: Late in the year
'You are the Generation that Bought More Shoes and you get What you Deserve,' laid down their Clash-influenced sound, this year a progression is needed to keep interest. We'll just have to wait and see if they deliver.
Have we heard it?: No.

Band: The Magic Numbers
Album: TBA
Out: TBA
Details are sketchy for The Magic Numbers' debut LP, but it's safe to say following hugely positive live reviews, that it will certainly be worth hearing.
Have we heard it?: No sir, no we have not.

Band: Oceansize
Album: TBA
Out: Late this year
Following on from 2004's splendid, arguably more accessible 'Music for Nurses EP', Oceansize plan the kind of epic record which only they can pull off. Expect more magic.
Have we heard it?: No.

Band: The Tears
Album: 'The Tears'
Out: Spring
So Brett and Bernard have stop being immature and got back together to do what they do best - write songs! The album is described as a mix of early Suede and McAlmont & Butler's work.
Have we heard it?: No.

Band: Babyshambles
Album: TBA
Out: Summer
Doherty, drug-addled moron, or misunderstood poet of our times? It's time he has to stand and be counted - I'd say this is a make-or-break record for his notoriety as much as his band. That's if he lives to finish recording it.
Have we heard it?: No.

Band: Foo Fighters
Album: TBA
Out: June/July
Adding to what seems to be a fashionable resurgence of double-length records, this new Foo Fighters album has one 'rock' disc and one 'acoustic' disc.
Have we heard it?: No.

Band: Pixies
Album: TBA
Out: Late this year, if at all
No one is really sure if we're definitely to expect new Pixies material this year, with members working on different projects and no real rush to get in the studio, it could still be a while. It WOULD be nice though...
Have we heard it?: Well, obviously not.

Band: Franz Ferdinand
Album: TBA
Out: Summer
The real success story of 2004, Franz have been outspoken in their keen attitude towards getting back in the studio. Having written whilst on tour, the band have gone to the States to get going on the follow-up for their eponymously titled debut.
Have we heard it?: No.

Band: Weezer
Album: TBA
Out: TBA
After Rivers has spent ages getting a degree, working with Limp Bizkit and sporadically working on this new Rick Rubin-produced LP, they're finally going to release it this year. However, details are still hideously sketchy and without real substance, so it's anyone's guess as to how it will sound.
Have we heard it?: No.

Band: The Rakes
Album: 'Electric Fire'
Out: Summer
East London bloody-shirted Joy Division at it's politically-berating finest. Taking on the Wire/PIL influence train and giving it to us in a splendidly enjoyable format, this is a record worth looking forward to.
Have we heard it?: No.

DiScuss: Can you wait? Is it even worth the wait?