What I'm Looking Forward To: In 2011 Pt. 2.

Picking up right where we left off…

-Onry Ozzborn-

Onry Ozzborn has been prolific these past few years. From 2008 to last year he’s released at least an album a year, but usually more. From The Gigantics epic Die Already to the trippy psychedelia of Dark Time Sunshine’s debut album Vessel, the man has kept up a consistent quality of work and productivity that puts other acts in local Hip-Hop to shame. That being said, he also seems to stay out of the spotlight that usual shines on the big names in Seattle Hip-Hop while remaining their equal, if not their better.

At the end of 2010 Onry dropped his sixth solo album, NO HOAX, for free download via Fake Four Inc. The album is a solid release on it’s own but it’s also designed to get people prepared for Hold On For Dear Life, purported to be Onry’s last solo album. What this means I don’t know for sure. Is he retiring entirely? Probably not considering he seems to be at the top of his game right now. Hopefully it simply means more collaborations in the future. But nonetheless, it makes me nervous/excited to hear this record. For your listening pleasure: “The Needle” off of NO HOAX. The song is Onry’s send up to Seattle and it’s music scene. Good stuff.

-Mogwai-

Of the pretentiously titled Post-Rock genre, Mogwai is one of the bands I am least familiar with. The Scottish band is known for down tempo, guitar-fueled instrumental rock that works like watching an ocean storm with lots of crests and waves ebbing and flowing throughout their music. In terms of the Mogwai I’ve heard, it’s pretty transcendental stuff. That being said, they’ve got a new album coming out on Sub Pop on February 15^th, the brilliantly christened Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will. The two songs I’ve heard from it so far are both excellent, the decidedly rockist “San Pedro” being good, but the slower and space-fuzzed “Rano Pano” is certainly my favorite of the two. If the rest of the album is as consistent as these two tracks, then it should be worth your time and another feather in Sub Pop’s cap. If you want to hear “Rano Pano” just scroll down.

-Twilight Singers-

For a very long time, I wasn’t really into Greg Dulli’s stuff. I can take or leave The Afghan Whigs, but goddamn if the Twilight Singers have not become one of my favorite bands as of late. And just in time to find out that Dynamite Steps, their newest album, will be released by Sub Pop on February 15^th of this year (yes, the same day as Mogwai. I’m so frickin’ excited.) Greg Dulli’s dark tales of misplaced love, desperate confessions and life after the sun sets on a shady city are backed by smoky, piano and electronic laced Rock that proves that you don’t have to be confined to 12 bars to sing the blues. If this new record is half as good as Powder Burns then it’s going to be a doozy. Damn. Sub Pop’s doing something right this year. For your listening pleasure: I’ve got a cut off Dynamite Steps called “On The Corner.” Hope you like it.

-Saul Williams-

I feel we should close with something special. And I can’t think of anything more special than a new Saul Williams album. Saul being one of the two guys I credit with getting me into Hip-Hop, whenever he drops something new it’s a sign of good things to come. It’s going to be difficult to top the sheer levels of awesomeness he achieved with The Inevitable Rise and Liberation of NiggyTardust! But the first single to be released from the new album, “Explain My Heart,” is a nice indication of a solid album. Admittedly, it showcases Saul singing more than rapping, but that’s ok as his singing voice has always been good and seems to be getting better overtime. The vocals on this track even sound a bit like TV on the Radio harmonies.

The album doesn’t have a set release date yet, so we’re going to have to wait in the cold for a little. But there is not reason not to pick it up when it comes out. Even if you think you don’t like Hip-Hop, Saul will change your mind, just like he changed mine. Added bonus: the album’s name is Volcanic Sunlight. I’m ready. For your listening pleasure: “Explain My Heart.”

And that, ladies and gentlemen, wraps up our two parter on what I’m looking forward to in 2011. Of course, there’s a lot more set to happen out there, more bands making more music that even I don’t know about, but hopefully I’ve given you something to look forward to as well. Until next time. Cheers!