With October comes fall, with fall comes the end of the year, and with the end of the year comes “Top Albums of 2014” lists. It would be premature to compile such a list now, since there is some decent stuff that’s yet to surface and plenty to look forward to this fall and early winter. Dates of note include:
Oct. 7 – Caribou, Flying Lotus, Minus the Bear
The sixth album by Canadian electro-maestro Caribou, “Our Love,” is already streaming and has shown a continued dedication to dreamy synth explorations. Flying Lotus’ “You’re Dead!” has leaked and is available to hear now as well, and it too carries on experimental traditions of its creator. “Lost Loves,” a compilation EP of rare and unreleased tracks from experimental-math-rockers Minus the Bear has yet to surface, but will likely also likely be an eclectic collection.
Oct. 14 – Foxygen
Massive. Twenty-five tracks that span 82 minutes make up “…And Star Power,” which seems to be a continuation, at least in title, of their 2013 release, “We Are the 21st Century Ambassadors of Peace & Magic.” All signs point to an ambitious fourth album for the duo.
Nov. 10 – Foo Fighters, Pink Floyd
Two old hats are set to return in mid-November, albeit two different types of headwear coming off different recent histories. David Grohl and company have been restless: Foo Fighters released “Endless Light” in 2011 and supported it on tour until 2012, when they immediately began work on “Sonic Highways,” and since 2011, Grohl directed the well-received documentary “Sound City” and released the accompanying, Grammy-winning soundtrack “Sound City: Real to Reel;” worked in various capacities for bands that include Cage the Elephant, RDGLDGRN, Zac Brown Band, and Ghost; and hosted “Chelsea Lately” for a week of episodes.
Inversely, Pink Floyd has been virtually silent since the release of their most recent album, 1994’s “The Division Bell.” With Pink Floyd, being both a veteran band without relevant new material in a long time and a band known for trailblazing, it’s tough to say what kind of album “The Endless River” will be. It could be expansive, or it could be a tired release, the band’s 15th.
Nov. 17 – TV on the Radio, One Direction
Genre-hopping art rockers TV on the Radio will soon be back with their second release of the decade, which is preceded by a race car-centric video featuring the talents of Paul Reubens, aka Pee Wee Herman, and Karen Gillan, of “Dr. Who” and “Guardians of the Galaxy” fame.
One Direction too. It’s called “Four.”
Nov. 28 – Wu-Tang Clan
No, it’s not the one-copy-only “Once Upon a Time in Shaolin,” but a new release from the famed rap collective, claimed by many to be the best with “Wu” in their name of all time, is still worth getting worked up over. “A Better Tomorrow” doesn’t have a definitive release date, but sources including Metacritic have the date as Nov. 28.
Dec. 2 – Yung Lean
The Swedish rapper who rose to prominence when he was 16, calls his crew the Sad Boys, wears bucket hats, raps about playing “Mario Kart” and drinking Arizona iced tea… the rest of this sentence isn’t necessary. Get “Unknown Memory,” out Dec. 2.