Lady Gaga, Arctic Monkeys, Beastie Boys among artists set to drop new releases over the break
New York City hip hop trio Beastie Boys are legends in the music scene, spreading their undeniably sick beats since 1979, adding a never-before-heard element to the genre with fan-favorites "Brass Monkey," "Ch-Check It Out" and "So What-cha Want." Their upcoming LP "Hot Sauce Committee Pt. 2" is set to make some waves in the industry, serving as the trio's first album since 2007's "The Mix Up." "Hot Sauce Committee Pt. 1," the prequel to the upcoming release, was supposed to drop in December 2009, but was delayed as Adam Yauch ("Ad-Rock") went through cancer treatment. According to Above Ground Magazine, this will be the first album that features Mike D, MCA and Ad-Rock, all three members of the hip-hop trio, rapping since 2004's "To the 5 Boroughs." The album will hit stores May 3.
"Born This Way" — Lady Gaga (May 23)
Lady Gaga has officially taken over the pop world, standing out as the genre's most shocking and followed icon, and winning with outlandish fashion choices and limit-pushing lyrics. "Mother Monster," a name dubbed by her adoring "little monster" fans, tweeted on New Year's Eve that highly anticipated album "Born This Way" will debut on May 23. The album already has fans going gaga with its first single, title track "Born This Way," released in February, taking over the airwaves with lyrics that promote acceptance and support of the LGBTQ community. Gaga also surprised fans by releasing the album's second single "Judas" — taking a controversial twist on the Christian religion — on April 15, two weeks before its slated drop date. With a track listing including songs titled "Edge of Glory" and "Americano," this album is sure to continue to build off of Gaga's beloved absurdity.
"Codes and Keys" — Death Cab for Cutie (May 31)
Washington-based indie rockers Death Cab for Cutie have made a name for themselves as musicians, playing as a band since 1997. Their most popular tracks, like "I Will Possess Your Heart," focus on their musical talents, staying centered on the sound rather than a name. Songs like "Crooked Teeth" off 2005's "Plans" add more of an upbeat, "pop-y" tune to lead singer Benjamin Gibbard's vocals. In an interview with Rolling Stone, guitarist Chris Walla promised a "very 70s electronic" sound on "Codes and Keys." This new sound started to break through on the album's second single "Some Boys," which teases a more upbeat, seventies-rock vibe in the track listing. The album is set to drop May 31.
"Suck It And See" — Arctic Monkeys (June 6)
Sheffield, England-born indie rock band Arctic Monkeys first rose to fame in the U.S. with 2007's "Favourite Worst Nightmare," their second album. Single's "Brianstorm" and "I Bet You Look Good on the Dance Floor" became the band's breakout hits, giving a nice taste of The Monkeys' English spunk and rare brand of modern-day rock. Their 2009 full-length "Humbug" didn't hold up so well, with single "Crying Lightning" falling flat with more subdued vocals from frontman Alex Turner. "Brick By Brick," "Suck It And See's" first single has already been released, building interest with a guitar-heavy and more rock-centered sound from the group. "Suck It And See" drops June 6.
"Bon Iver, Bon Iver" — Bon Iver (June 21)
Bon Iver, founded by singer/songwriter Justin Vernon, has earned a name as a bone-chillingly great indie folk act, trademarked by the frontman's unmatchable and defining vocals. Vernon first hit the scene with 2008's "For Emma, Forever Ago," flooring folk fans with his relaxed, yet musically transformative works. "Skinny Love," off the debut album, stood out as Bon Iver's most popular song, with 2009's EP "Blood Bank," following course with the title track. Vernon also made a killer vocal appearance on Kanye West's "Into the Woods," further solidifying his place in the industry. Iver's upcoming album, set for release June 21, will be released with the Jagjaguwar record label, and is sure to keep on with Vernon's established style, bringing in accompanying artists and friends Michael Noyce, Sean Carey and Matthew McCaughan, according to Billboard.