Albums Out This Week: W/C 26th January 2009

It seems a long time since Franz Ferdinand made a splash on national radio with "Take Me Out", a song so structurally daring (for a pop song) that many broadcasters saw fit to remove the entire first minute of the song so as to not confuse the fragile little minds of their listeners.

Fast-forward a few years and the word 'daring' has been switched with 'consistent' as Franz bring out their latest attempt to dominate British guitar music. Across the pond, similar guitar maestro John Frusciante's new solo album sees him put aside his work with the Chilli Peppers and The Mars Volta to see what he can do for himself.

"What about ska music?" we hear you say. "Surely there's something to say about...." We'll stop you right there. One paragraph is enough. Sure to make waves is Fight Like Apes who offer up their frenzied and photogenic debut album. Prepare to see this band on magazine covers throughout 2009. The media is quite predictable you know. Eclectic band, pretty girl, those photos practically take themselves.

Franz Ferdinand: Tonight: Franz Ferdinand

This week: Franz Ferdinand are back, and its been 3 years since their last platinum. The chaps from Glasgow released their single 'Ulysses' on the 19th running up to their third album. Frontman Alex stated "It's music for the dancefloor, (or) your bedroom as you psyche yourself up to go out, (or) a stranger's bedsit coming down an hour before dawn." The band have been performing the new material at intimate gigs throughout the States to ensure its success. 

John Frusciante: The Empyrean

Red Hot Chilli Peppers guitarist John Frusciante's 10th solo album hits U.K shores this week. Released on the independently owned 'Record Collection' label, the U.S public were lucky enough to pick it up in stores last week. This record features input from fellow band member Flea, Smiths legend Johnny Marr and others. His last album 'Curtains' received good reviews so we have high hopes for 'The Empyrean'.

The Mercurymen: Postcards From Valonia

The British formed acoustic band are making their debut release on 'Arista Records'. you would not believe it, but one of their influences are.... The Bee Gees! However, also in the list are Bon Iver and Fleet Foxes. Should be a good listen. 

J. Tillman: Vacilando Territory Blues

This is Fleet Foxes drummer's first release on 'Bella Union', also his 2nd out of 6 records to earn full European distribution. Two other members from Fleet Fox have contributed, Casey Wescott and Christian Wargo. They recorded the album over three different sessions in 2008, all this may explain why the public are saying he is going for a whole new sound. 

The Rifles: The Great Escape

Their debut album 'No Love Lost' reached No.26 in U.K charts, which justifies their drive to get the top spot this time round. Although 'this time round' should have been back in October on their initial release date. Paul Weller has laid down his stamp of approval on these young guns, when he 'jammed' with them at the Forum, London on the latest tour.

Frank Turner: Love Ire and Song / The First Three Years

Folk man Frank Turner is set to re-release his second album for his avid fans. Alongside it is music from his early career, some E.P's, a cover of the first Million Dead single 'Smiling At Strangers On Trains', and a cover of 'This District Sleeps Alone Tonight'  by Postal Service. Oh....  did we forgot to mention a cover of 'Dancing Queen' by ABBA.

Whispertown 2000: Swim

Swim, which was released in October on American shores has finally gave up swimming, got on a boat, and reached the U.K. This is the second album from the L.A based band, with high expectations to keep up there "dreamy harmonies and countless hooks".

Baskery: Fall Among Thieves

Wikipedia describes this band as a Swedish acoustic country punk band. The trios Second album is set to release on Glitterhouse Records.

Reel Big Fish: Fame Fortune and Fornication

With new bassist Derek Gibbs replacing the widely loved Matt Wong, how will this new cover album compare to the previous 6? Covering tracks from The Eagles and Poison, we hope the Orange County group do them justice.  

Women: S/T

The Canadian's debut album has received great publicity in America since its release in October. They are currently touring their homeland and the U.S with several dates booked in Europe to look forward to. 

Telefon Tel Aviv: Immolate Yourself

The last album by the electronic duo was a remix record, so this is the first original music since 2004 album 'Map Of What Is Effortless'. You may have heard the preview 'Helen Of Troy' which is available now. 

Fight Like Apes: The Mystery of the Golden Medallion

Currently touring with the Ting Tings, Dublin rockers Fight Like Apes are promoting their new album. Its obvious they are taking it seriously, with plan's to support Prodigy on their sold out tour when finished with the Ting Tings. 

This Will Destroy You / Lymbyc Systym: Field Studies [Split]

This record is new material from instrumental band This Will Destroy You and Lymbyc Systym. Field Studies includes two songs by This Will Destroy You "Brutalism and the Worship of the Machine" and "Freedom Blade". Lymbyc Systym are also touring with Broken Social Scene currently. 

Darren Hayman & The Secondary Modern: Pram Town

Essex boy Darren Hayman's 4th solo album since his success as Hefner front-man. 

Wino: Punctuated Equilibrium

Scott 'Wino' Wienrich has contributed a fair amount to the Doom Metal scene since the 80's, a pioneer if you like. Now he has the backing of Clutch drummer Jean-Paul Gaster and Rezin bassist Jon Blank, sounds like a good recipe for doom metal success.

The Shaky Hands: Lunglight

Portland bred band The Shaky Hands release their second full length record. Adopting a much darker side then their 2007 eponymous debut album.  

Dutch Uncles: S/T

Manchester based indie group release their debut following up the single release 'face in' on Tapete Records.

1000 Robota: Du Nicht Er Nicht Sie Nicht

The only German band to look out for since Ramstein, 1000 Robota set to release Du Nicht Er Nicht Sie Nicht ('Not You Not Him Not Her' in English) after a brief tour last year in the U.K. 

Lithops: Ye Viols

Lithops is the solo cover-up of Jan St. Werner known for his work in Mouse on Mars, Microstoria and his most recent partnership with Mark E Smith and Andi Toma as Von Sudenfed. The CD is limited to 1000 copies in the U.K. 

Cotton Jones: Paranoid Cocoon

The band started as a side project for Michael Nau, Front-man of Page France and now a full time endeavor. This is the 5th release from the duo and their first record to be released on Suicide Squeeze Records.

Phantom Band: Checkmate Savage

You may remember their 2007 single 'Throwing Bones'. The publicity gained from that single lead to a record deal with Chemikal Underground who are now releasing the Scottish groups Debut. 

Telepathe: Dance Mother

After recording finished of their debut album, word of mouth brought Telepathe to the U.K. public.  They started recording 'Dance Mother' with TV on the Radio's Dave Sitek in December 2007. 

Loren Connors: Two Nice Catholic Boys

This is the new edition to Loren Mazzacane Connor's discography. Starting in the 70's with over 50 records to date, its a discography to keep an eye on.  

Circlesquare: Songs About Dancing and Drugs

Circlesquare aka Jeremy Shaw's debut 'The Distant After' was released in 1999. With one unsuccessful album and one mediocre e.p since then, he has returned with a new album so its no surprise that people are eager to listen.

From Monument to Masses: On Little Known Frequencies

This is the fourth Record from Californian post rock band, the music is said to be revolutionary due to their lyrics encouraging change for the better. sound interesting?

Throwing Color: The Static Sea

Throwing Color, an unsigned alternative rock band from New Jersey, are quite literally throwing themselves into the music scene with this 6 track debut E.P. released independently by the band's 5 members.