After a solid year of music mainly including indie rock, pop and acoustic, we are greeted with a large list of bands that have made 2011 the year for the release of their album! The following details my Top 10 Mostly Anticipated Albums and also some honourable mentions:









1. The Strokes - Title TBA - Many have been awaiting this fourth Studio album for the New York quintet, with the original date of release of September 2010 being tentatively pushed back to March 2011 due to conflicts within the band as to whether the record was ready for release. If anyone was lucky enough to see them on their tour to Australia, you would know that they sounded as tight as ever which is a good sign that the album will be as well.


2. Bon Iver - Title TBA - After a stellar debut album, I am sitting on my hands waiting for Bon Iver's second studio album. In August of 2010, front man Justin Vernon noted during an interview with Pitchfork that the new album was '75% along the way' and estimated it would probably be another year until we can hear it. He is said to be very happy with the way the album has progressed with a number of his favourite musicians contributing to some tracks. Obviously we will hear more news about it during the year, but for now put a cold winter's day stamp on August!


3. Santigold - Title TBA - A debut album and a change of letter within her stage name (From Santogold to Santigold due to legal reasons) Philly born artist, Santi White, is tipped to set off some eargasms with her follow up album from her self titled debut released in 2008. A release date has not been set as yet, but expect to hear from Spank Rock in a track and Q-Tip is working as a producer on this one.


4. Coldplay - Title TBA - The fifth studio album from one of the world's most well known bands is set for release later this year. Frontman, Chris Martin, has revealed that the album will be much more stripped back and personal than the previous 4 albums. The album was originally set for release in late 2009, however had to be pushed back as the band's extensive world tour left them with still a lot of work to do.

5. Beth Orton - Title TBA - One of my favourite female singers is back again, after I thought there would be no more from her. It is said that she has performed some of her new songs live already, which would mean that she is either testing the waters, or the album is just about completed!

6. Lykke Li - Wounded Rhymes - The first album from talented Swede populated a majority of my playlists for most of 2009/2010. This second album promises to be more deeper and darker with a power theme underlining the musical concoctions.

7. Cold War Kids - Mine is Yours - This is the third studio for the indie band which in reference to their previous work can be described as soulful indie pop rock. Expect the new album to be a little more mature sounding and much more polished.

8. The Lonely Island - Title TBA - With songs like 'Jizz In My Pants', 'Boombox' and 'I'm On A Boat' throwing me into hysterics every time I listen to them, I can honestly say that I am very much looking forward to another dose of well thought out, comical lyrics with a majority of the songs featuring some well known artists!

9. Jens Lekman - Title TBA - He is one Quirky Swede .....If you haven't heard anything of Jens I suggest you listen to this version of 'Your Arms Around Me' recorded at Triple J in Australia. This will make you want to hear more!

10. Cut Copy - Zonoscope - One of the very few dancier outfits I listen to, mainly thanks to a few of their previous tracks being featured on FIFA. I am looking forward to listen to this album to see if Cut Copy can maintain the catchiness of their tracks, and keep me listening to a genre of music that isn't my favourite!

Honourable Mentions:
Radiohead
Noah and the Whale
REM
My Morning Jacket
The Avalanches
Ting Tings