Courage of Others – TBA

Unfortunately I could find next to nothing on this album, other than the fact that it is being recorded right now in their hometown Denton, TX.  Everything I have comes from an interview they did with Stereogum back in November, which didn’t reveal a whole lot, other than it isn’t goin to sound like “Roscoe” or “Head Home,” two songs I adored from their previous work. But I will be sure to write about the record with more detail once I can actually find some.  Until then, enjoy one of my favorite tracks from the phenomenal Trials of Van Occupanther.

Midlake – Young Bride

11. M. Ward

Hold Time – 2/17

The follow-up to the brilliant  2006 release, Post-War, consists of fourteen tracks and includes guest performances by Lucinda Willisams, Jason Lytle of the band Grandaddy, Tom Hagerman of DeVotchKa, Rachel Blumberg of The Decemberists, and the “she” half of She & Him, Zooey Deschanel.  I’ve only given it one listen, but it seems to be a very strong record.  And I think that it is greatly benifited by all the talented people that Ward surrounded himself with while recording.  A streaming preview can be found here at NPR, so go check it out and let me know what you think.

M. Ward – Never Had Nobody Like You

10. Mat Kearney

Things have been pretty quiet from Kearney for quite some time now.  Other than the single he did for Grey’s Anatomy back in September of 2007, the Oregon native hasn’t given us anything new since early ’06.  So I am getting real excited to hear what one of the best Christian songwriters of our generation has for us next.  All I know is that he went into the studio last summer to record and that Tyler Burkum, former Audio Adrenaline guitarist, was rumored to be there with him.  So hopefully this rhyming, soul-singing, rocker won’t let us down.

Mat Kearney – I Won’t Back Down

9.  MuteMath

MuteMath spent the later half of 2008 feverishly writing and recording their second full length record in their home studios in Nashville and New Orleans.  Their goal is to return from their break for the holidays and put the final touches on the record by the end of March to get it ready to be released in August of this year.  I may not be able to share with you the title or official release date, but I can bring you the first single off the new record and a killer video that drummer Darren King created while in the studio last year.  If you like this video you should head over to their YouTube channel ready to be blown away. They have made several short videos documenting their creative minds at work in the studio.  According to an interview with the OC Register, their “goal is to embarrass the first album.”  I can’t even imagine what that would look like, or better yet sound like, but I am excited to find out.

MuteMath – Spotlight

Most Anticipated Albums of 2009 – Part 2