Music to Rock You Through 2011

Posted by Marcus Correll on 01/20 at 03:04 PM

So 2010 has come and passed, leaving us with a variety of musicians who may be nobodies when the next music phenomena hit.  But if Ke$ha and Lady Gaga can maintain their weirdo facades for another album, and Lil’ Wayne and T.I. can stay out of prison (whoops, nevermind T.I.), maybe 2011 will shine as another great year for the music industry.

But having moved through 2010, we’re tired of hearing the same lyrics from Katy Perry. We’ve listened to Vampire Weekend’s Contra LP so much that it’s worn down. We blasted Jay-Z until our neighbors complained.  So, what do we have to look forward to this year? Here’s a list of some of the albums that I’m hoping will help me sing my way through the next semester.

1.Lil’ Wayne-Tha Carter IV

Weezy is finally free and he’s back to the grind of laying verses at a nonstop rate.  After appearing on Birdman’s “Fire Flame,” Wayne dropped his first single a few weeks later.  This would be the first single from Tha Carter IV and truly showed that Wayne’s flow never stopped.  The song, 6 Foot 7 Foot is one of the hardest songs he’s done in a while.  The song was produced by “A Milli” director Bangladesh, who suited up for round 2 in this track.  Bangladesh does it again, truly exemplifying Wayne’s now sober voice.  Similar to Eminem’s stint out of rehab, Wayne proves he’s still at the top of his game.  The song also features up-and-coming rap sensation Cory Gunz, who gets the last verse of the song.  All in all, at the rate that rap music comes out, I’m certain we will at least see a mixtape before the snow disappears.

2. The Lonely Island-TBA

Maybe you don’t take them seriously, but Andy Samberg and gang from SNL sure know how to lay tracks.  This will be their follow-up to their debut album Incredibad.  Lonely Island has already released one song from the album called I Just Had Sex, featuring Akon.  Now I’m no Akon fan, but I think he does a better job singing comedic songs than when he’s trying to be serious.  The song is as childish as it comes, but features a great music video with guest stars Blake Lively, Jessica Alba, and of course John McEnroe.  More songs will filter through SNL, so keep your TV on, even through all the dumb sketches, and wait for the shorts.

3. Jay-Z and Kanye West-Watch the Throne

Kanye has taken it upon himself to make new songs at a near-frenetic rate since the end of 2010.  After releasing My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, Kanye announced he and HOVA would be making an album together.  Last week, track one was dropped called “H.A.M.” It gives a good feel of what fans can look forward to on March 1st for the projected album date.  This will be the most interesting collaboration since Jay’s verse on Kanye’‘s “Monster.” We can only hope for more.

4.  Death Cab for Cutie-Codes and Keys

My emo side appears when I listen to Death Cab, but this band is more than that.  Ben Gibbard and the band know exactly how to hit every nerve in the musical subconscious.  Their last album, Narrow Stairs, showed they are still going strong.  The band promises it won’t be as dark as Narrow Stairs but who knows what direction the music takes them.  With the release of their new album, they are more than likely going to tour.  Who better to play Movin’ On than one of the biggest alternative bands?

5.  The Decemberists-The King is Dead

This album actually releases soon, but has leaked online (like many albums do).  The Decemberists are known for their long instrumentals and conceptual albums depicting some of the strangest tales you never heard as a child.  This album is supposed to feature some more conventional, straightforward songs so you don’t have to listen to the album in its entirety to understand the ideas in their fullness.  No matter your tastes, the Decemberists appeal to everyone who likes classic folk to modern indie music.

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