Most Anticipated Albums of 2009

1.Grizzly Bear
Spring, exact date and title to be announced

2.Beirut, “March of the Zapotec” Feb. 17

Under the moniker of a city in the Middle East, Beirut’s Zach Condon has drawn inspiration for his music from places all over the world. He studied Balkan music and gained the knowledge to write the band’s debut album, “Gulag Orkestar.” With Beirut’s follow-up album, “The Flying Club Cup,” he again acquired the sounds of the East, this time capturing the pop music of France. It makes sense that when Condon visited Mexico and played alongside a 17-piece funeral band, he would record “March of the Zapotec.”

3. U2, “No Line on the Horizon” March 3

When Bono wasn’t busy spending time saving the world, U2 was writing its latest album. Although the Irish rock band was formed in the 1970s, they haven’t stopped making music. “No Line On the Horizon” will be their twelfth studio album,
and the follow-up to 2004’s “How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb.”

4. Royksopp, “Junior” March 23

5. Morrisey, “Years of Refusal” Feb. 17
As the former lead singer of The Smiths, one of the most well-known British bands of the 1980s, Morrissey has a reputation to uphold and a cult following to appease. Although The Smiths broke up in 1987, Morrissey has since recorded nine solo albums.  Despite many fans’ contention that Morrissey would not find success without former Smiths guitarist and current Modest Mouser Johnny Marr, Morrissey’s first solo album, “Viva Hate,” was generally well-received by critics. Whether his albums succeed or failed, those dedicated to his idiosyncratically maudlin music are still awaiting the arrival of his newest album.  

6.Iran, “Dissolver” Feb. 3

7. Jay-Z , “Blueprint III” Exact date to be announced
8. Lily Allen, “It’s Not Me, It’s You”  Feb. 10
After threatening Katy Perry, drunkenly hosting the GQ awards and subsequently upsetting Sir Elton John, Allen has proven herself to be one of the sassiest and most nihilistic pop singers to date. Her hit song “Smile” only further cemented her ferocious attitude. Her sophomore effort, “It’s Not Me, It’s You,” was recorded and produced with drum and bass producers Future Cut. A simple examination of the title hints that she’s only going to continue to put her true feelings on the surface, no matter how vicious.  

9. Antony and the Johnsons, “The Crying Light” Jan. 20

10. Outkast  Exact date and title to be announced