Dyelirium

Well, kids – I blew off a blog for January. Why? I was suffering from a severe case of lack of motivation, served with a heaping side of laziness. I just wasn’t down with the get down. Sue me. We all have to crawl under a rock every now and then, right? That being said, February is a brand new month, and I have been digging around trying to get my finger back on the musical pulse. Let me tell you – this is no easy task!

The Internets, my friends – they are a-buzzing. There appears to be just a heap of music coming out in 2011. There is so much out there, I can’t really keep up with it all. Some of what’s coming up is pretty exciting. Some of it, well, it made me sad too. Nonetheless, after a little poking around, I decided I will just have to run through a mere five of the new and upcoming early 2011 releases that have caught my eye. I’m sure there will be a lot – no, more like a TON that will slip past me, so if I missed something – save it for the comments…oh, and be nice. I’m just a human being!

Rush – Clockwork Angels: For all you prog-rock lovers – fear not! The legendary (whether you like it or not) prog rockers Rush have a new release in the works. It may not technically be out in early 2011, but there is a whole lot of anticipation going on at the moment. Clockwork Angels will be the band’s 19^th full length studio release – the first since 2007’s Snakes & Arrows. The first hints of the record came back in 2009, followed by the release of the single “Caravan” in 2010. Check it out if it’s still there -Rush – Caravan In my opinion – it’s very….Rush. From what I’ve read, if you love your Rush tunes long, epic and part of a concept, then this album is for you. You Rush fans may have to be a little patient. The band needs to finish traveling around on The Time Machine Tour then get back to recording. A release date for the album has yet to be announced. By the way, yes – I do like Rush.

Foo Fighters – Untitled: According to www.foofighters.com, the Foo’s yet-to-be-titled upcoming album will be released on 4/12/2011. THIS EXCITES ME GREATLY. I think it’s safe to say that the Foo Fighters are just a superb rock band that rarely fails to disappoint. Ok…maybe I’m biased. Whatever. From This Is a Call to The Pretender, these guys have been throwing down nothing but aces. The band has been teasing fans with little bits of what will be heard on the new album. I mean it – little itty-bitty bits…morsels…freaking crumbs. The teasers are only 30 seconds or less; however, if these lovely little snippets are just a taste of the whole enchilada – this mutha is gonna freakin’ rock. Cue Dave Grohl screaming These are my famous last words! Foo Teaser (Hint: It’s the 5th on the list!)

Rise Against – Endgame: Chicago’s own Rise Against will be releasing their latest record Endgame on 3/15/2011. I have found this band to be one of the better punk/alternative rock acts as well as one of the more underrated in comparison with what is out there in that genre right now. The single Help Is on the Way was released in January for those chomping at the bit for the new album. The band’s style is slowly evolving into a more mainstream sound, but that is definitely not a bad thing. Growing and changing is a natural process in nearly anything you do. To just stay the same is boring to this music fan. Based on what I’ve heard in the single, the album will still have the top notch lyrical quality and musical punch that is definitely 100% Rise Against. Help Is on the Way

Twitch the Ripper – Bodiless: Here is an act that definitely falls outside of my usual niche. I have always been a hard rock enthusiast; however, when I was first introduced to the sound of Twitch the Ripper, an electronic duo out of Connecticut via their EP Don’t Go Out Tonight (2009), I was…well – intrigued. TTR’s Bodiless was released 2/1/2011. I have to say, I have thoroughly enjoyed it. The music of Bodiless has that “something” where I just got lost in the layers of rhythm, sound and eerily soothing vocals, and hey – unlike most of what I like to listen to – you can definitely get your dance on to it. It took me back to my post-mod 80’s youth and minor obsession with New Order, all while sounding like something completely new. It also reminded me to always think outside my musical box and open my mind to an unexpected and welcome vibe. Favorite tracks: Disconnected, Keep Me Cold & Body Blue. Disconnected For more info, visit www.twitchtheripper.com.

12^th Avenue – 12th Avenue: I had only known of one band to come out of South Africa – Seether. That was until I was turned on to Cape Town rockers 12th Avenue, and I was blown away. It had been a long time since a new band had gotten me that excited. With a sound that celebrates the badassery that is pure and simple hard rock,  this band reaffirms my belief that you cannot stop Rock & Roll. Their upcoming self-titled fourth release is set to be launched on 4/1/2011. The band provided a peek at some of what’s to come on the new album via pre-production snippets you can check out here 12th Avenue Pre-Production Although it may be rough, I, for one, am thoroughly jazzed to hear the finished product. For more info, visit www.12thavenueband.com

So, that’s my current five albums I need of 2011…so far. I expect many, many more to be added to my list of must haves. It’s early in the year, folks.  I’m certain their is a  lot more on the way. So, what are you all looking forward to? What am I missing out on? TELL ME!!!!!!

Other Noteworthy Mentions:

3/8/2011         R.E.M – Collapse Into Now

3/1/2011          Dropkick Murphys – Going Out in Style

5/2011             Lady Gaga – Born This Way

Early 2011       Bowling For Soup – Fishing For Woos

2/2011             Motorhead – The World is Yours

4/2011             Thursday – No Devolucion

4/2011             Steve Earle – I’ll Never Get Out of This World Alive

The “Uh….okaaayyyy?” Mentions: (Hey…if you’re into any of these, I won’t judge.)

2/2011             Ricky Martin – Musica+Alma+Sexo

2/2011             Stryper – The Covering

2/2011             Yanni – Truth of Touch

**All dates are based on information available at the time of this posting.