Call me jaded… It might be because I’m getting older… Or maybe it’s just the way that the music industry is here in 2015… But I rarely anticipate an album release anymore! And no, it’s not just because the Arctic Monkeys began their brilliant debut LP by telling us that “anticipation has the habit to set you up for disappointment”. If anything, for yours truly, it may be to avoid the hype (both positive and negative) surrounding a particular album. In fact, the aforementioned Arctic Monkeys debut is the perfect example. I also recall going out of my way to ignore Lana Del Rey’s ‘Born To Die’ for 2 or 3 months for the exact same reason.

Prior to about 2010, such a thought wasn’t even a consideration. Like everyone, I have a group of favourite musicians and if they were scheduled to be releasing an LP that year, then I’d greatly anticipate it… No matter what the quality ended up being. As successors to classic albums, I couldn’t snap up Muse’s ‘Black Holes & Revelations’, Rise Against’s ‘Appeal to Reason’ and Anberlin’s ‘New Surrender’ quick enough. But now, I’ll listen to an album whenever I get a chance (pending Sputnik reviewing obligations). And then, last August, I saw a trailer for an album which reignited that anticipatory feeling. Sure, it may have had more to do with the supporting documentary… And yes, I’ve yet to actually hear the LP as it’s meant to be heard… But I was just glad that feeling was back!

So here, a little belatedly as we enter the 7th week of the year, I sit; asking myself whether or not I’m actually anticipating any album this year. I mean, there’s plenty to choose from. Indie mainstays such as Modest Mouse, Death Cab For Cutie, My Morning Jacket, Built to Spill and even Radiohead should be releasing LPs. Contemporary R&B and hip-hop are also well-represented by the likes of Frank Ocean, Rihanna, James Blake, Kendrick Lamar and the ubiquitous Kanye West. Those liking something a little bit louder can look forward to Faith No More, Deafheaven and maybe even some new Metallica! Meh, I’ll listen to them whenever I get a chance. There’s always Meow the Jewels, I guess!

I tend to anticipate personal favorite acts who have previously had at least 1 album capture my imagination profoundly. As much as I am a rocker at heart, there’s not much that stands out in that genre this year. Well, Muse have promised a return to their rockier roots, but let’s all take that with a grain of salt until the finished product is heard. Strangely, it’s acts skirting the boundaries of pop who could helm my 4 most anticipated LPs of 2015. The aforementioned Lana Del Rey has suggested her new album will echo the superb ‘Born To Die’… Passion Pit are 2 from 2 on the Davey like-o-meter… While the polarizing Adele will look to consolidate on her breakthrough release ’21’… Yet, it’s another female Brit who is also 2 from 2 that I have the greatest anticipation over in 2015; Ms. Florence Welch and her mesmerizing machine.

So, while you stare into Florence’s green eyes, get blinded by her ginger locks and wonder what the hell is on her hands, let us all know what is your most anticipated album release(s) of 2015. Let’s keep the list to no more than 3, shall we? Also, am I all on my lonesome in anticipating new releases less and less as years pass by? If not, is there a particular reason why you are becoming more indifferent to upcoming albums?

As they say at the end of those dreaded English essays: DISCUSS…