Artists releasing new albums during spring quarter include, among others: OneRepublic, The Strokes, The Band Perry, The Flaming Lips, Iron and Wine, Goo Goo Dolls, Lady Antebellum and Vampire Weekend. — Graphic by Ali Weiss
Holly Dickson
hollydickson.md@gmail.com
Whether country twangs or the soft beats of indie bands leak from your headphones, there will be plenty of new music released during spring quarter to keep everyone’s foot tapping.
OneRepublic “Native” (March 26)
The band that found much of its initial success on Myspace released its third album this past Tuesday.
The Strokes “Comedown Machine” (March 26)
The Strokes‘ latest album “Comedown Machine” was released this past week. The signature drum beats found in earlier albums such as “Is This It” (2001) are present in the single “All the Time” from the new album, released earlier this year.
This band was a big deal to those growing up in the 2000s, as shown by the No. 2 placement of the “Is This It” album on Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 best albums of the ’00s.
Many millennials welcome the band’s return, including child development senior Aimee Bradshaw.
“The first song I ever heard was ‘Reptillia’ and I thought it was brilliant,” Bradshaw said. “It’s really good driving music and it’s something I never get tired of.”
Bradshaw said this is the only band she’d consider spending more than $100 on a ticket to see in concert.
“The Strokes are one of the only artists I can listen to and like every single song on the album,” she said. “They just come up with really catchy songs that are fun to listen to. It’s stuff that sticks in your head.”
The Band Perry “Pioneer” (April 2)
Although The Band Perry has released seven singles, the upcoming album is only its second.
The sibling trio burst onto the country scene with its self-titled first album in 2010. Kimberly Perry’s haunting, innocent voice is balanced by her brothers’ vocals and together they’ve made songs such as “If I Die Young” and “Better Dig Two” work.
The lyrics and metaphors in the band’s previous hits are so simple, they nearly don’t get away with it; but somehow, Kimberly’s voice perfectly compliments the words.
“If I die young, bury me in satin / Lay me down on a bed of roses / Sink me in a river at dawn / Send me away with the words of a love song.”
The Flaming Lips “The Terror” (April 2)
The band, formed 30 years ago in Oklahoma, will release its 13th album — one sure to be as eclectic and daring as its many previous endeavors — on April 2.
The band isn’t finished there, however. On April 20, Record Store Day, the band will re-release its album “Zaireeka” on vinyl.
Record Store Day officially began six years ago and has grown into a day that’s celebrated by many artists by releasing special CDs and vinyl records.
“There are some super groovy things coming out,” Boo Boo Records manager Malik Miko said. “(Record Store Day) has almost turned into an international thing now. The UK celebrates it, and Japan.”
Boo Boo Records will have a full day of various bands playing and silk screening happening in front of the shop, Miko said.
“’Zaireeka” is an album contained on four different discs,” Miko said. “The four are meant to be played simultaneously, creating a quadraphonic sound.”
Iron and Wine “Ghost on Ghost” (April 16)
Singer-songwriter Samuel Beam, more commonly known by his stage name Iron and Wine, is set to release his fifth album, and first since 2010’s “Kiss Each Other Clean.” Past hits such as “Boy With a Coin” and “Naked as we Came” are soft-spoken, almost whispered songs with lyrics that keep fans intrigued.
Child development junior Hannah Corry said she hopes the band’s new album is similar to its old sound.
“I hope it sounds like their old stuff,” Corry said. “It’s pretty mellow, and I think if they changed that at all it would change the audience they’ve attracted.”
One of Corry’s favorites, “Love and Some Verses” is a classic example of the band’s mellow attitude and whimsical lyrics.
“Love is a dress that you made / long to hide your knees / love to say this to your face, / “I’ll love you only” / for your days and excitement / what will you keep for to wear?”
Goo Goo Dolls “Magnetic” (May 7)
The band’s 10th album includes its already-released single “Rebel Beat.”
Lady Antebellum “Golden” (May 7)
The country-trio based in Nashville is set to release a new album. Past hits include “Need You Now,” “American Honey” and “Our Kind of Love.” The first single, “Downtown,” from the new album was released in January.
Vampire Weekend “Modern Vampires of the City” (May 7)
Vampire Weekend is in for a busy spring. In between playing both weekends of Coachella Valley Music and Arts Annual Festival, the band will perform at UC Davis on April 16 and in Oakland on April 17.
The band announced the title of its upcoming album by placing an ad in The New York Times classifieds section. The sole item listed under “Notices & Lost and Found” read: Modern Vampires of the City May 7, 2013. The band then tweeted “NYT Classifieds…” and later confirmed the tease.
The National (title and release date TBA)
The indie-rock band announced its newest album via Twitter on Feb. 25: “Oh and also, thought you might like to know that we’ll be putting out a new album in May.”
The day is yet to be confirmed.