As published on TwoTube.ie on February 26th 2013
2013 has already yielded several brilliant album releases – Villagers, Local Natives, Balthazar, Girls Names, and Tegan & Sara have offered some up just some firm favourites thus far – but March is fast approaching, and with it comes several records that are REALLY worth getting excited about. From dazzling debuts to long-awaiting comebacks, here are five top tips from music journalist Elaine Buckley for essential listening throughout the musically merry month of March for Two Tube Viewers.
Bastille – Bad Blood
Who? Starting as a solo project of lead singer Dan Smith before expanding his ambitions to form a band, Bastille are an indie-rock four-piece hailing from South London.
In a Nutshell: You may already be familiar with several songs on Bastille’s debut album Bad Blood –its release has been preceded by singles ‘Overjoyed’, ‘Flaws’ and title track ‘Bad Blood. But the track that’s been the best advertisement for this record is without a doubt most recent single ‘Pompeii’, which has been all OVER the airwaves of late – and justifiably so, it’s an impossibly catchy cracker. Twelve tracks of pacey, punchy, indie-rock – Bastille’s Bad Blood will get March off to a great kick-start!
Release Date: March 1st
David Bowie – The Next Day
Who? LIVING LEGEND.
In a Nutshell: On January 8, the world awoke to the very pleasant surprise of a new single from David Bowie. Breaking his decade-long musical silence, the fabulous ‘Where Are We Now?’ was unleashed with zero warning in celebration of Bowie’s 66th birthday. More importantly, however, it signalled that a new album in the works – his 30th studio offering, The Next Day. Far from a mere heritage act, Bowie remains a musical force to be reckoned with and there’s proof, if needed, in the fact that the album topped charts based on pre-orders alone. Who says nobody buys music anymore?!
Release Date: March 8th
Justin Timberlake – The 20/20 Experience
Who? Ex of The Mickey Mouse Club, N*SYNC, and Britney – the boy with the dodgy ‘fro who blossomed into a one of the slickest purveyors of pop out there and went on conquer the charts in the early-to-mid 2000s is BACK.
In a Nutshell: At the turn of 2013, Justin Timberlake released a cryptic teaser video on his official website citing his intentions to abandon Hollywood and reboot his music career. On January 14th, a duet with Jay-Z titled ‘Suit & Tie’ was unleashed online to herald his return – and it was divisive, to say the least. Some loved it, others (myself included) found it distinctly underwhelming – nevertheless, it certainly got people talking about the return of the modern-day Prince of Pop. A second preview track, ‘Mirrors’, followed – a far more pleasing prospect, but showing that J.T. may be stuck in a musical time-warp with penchant for working with Timbaland still as strong as ever. Will the album top the poptastic epicness of both 2002’s Justified and 2006’s FutureSex/LoveSounds? Probably not, but I’d be more than happy for him to prove me wrong!
Release Date: March 15th
Daughter – If You Leave
Who? Daughter are in English indie-folk band – originally the solo moniker of Elena Tonra, she joined forces with guitarist Igor Haefeli and drummer Remi Aguilella to form a trio and got cracking on releasing a few EPs to allow us to fall in love with them.
In a Nutshell: Daughter are releasing their debut album If You Leave on prestigious UK label 4AD – home to The National, Bon Iver and Grimes. The album’s lead single, the beautiful ‘Smother’, was released late last year – but it’s the most recent offering ‘Still’ that has really intrigued as to what might be in store. The buzz for this release is palpable and expectations are undeniably high – but when there’s a voice like Tonra’s at play, it’s hard to fathom how the record could possibly disappoint.
Release Date: March 15th
Kodaline – In A Perfect World
Who? Formerly 21 Demands – a.k.a the lads from ‘You’re a Star’ – this rock quartet from Dublin have had a sound and image over-haul over in recent years to emerge as Kodaline, one of Ireland’s most promising musical exports.
In a Nutshell: Kodaline released their self-titled debut EP in September 2012, and all of a sudden their lives changed. The all-conquering single ‘All I Want’ paved the way for an explosion in popularity both at home and abroad – the accompanying music video went viral, BBC Radio One’s Fearne Cotton selected the track as her ‘Record of the Week’, Gary Barlow publicly sang their songwriting praises, a lucrative sync deal was signed with ‘Grey’s Anatomy’, a spot on the BBC Sound of longlist was secured, and to top it all off Google choose an instrumental of the song as the soundtrack to their ‘Zeitgeist 2012: Year In Review’ video. Not bad off the back of one song – but in fairness, it is a bloody brilliant song. The High Hopes EP has since followed, but it’s the fast-approaching debut album In A Perfect World which seems set to be the next chapter in the Kodaline success story.
Release Date: March 22nd
UNIVERSE / TIPPING 