January Releases Pack Unsuspected Punch!

mxpmusicxchange
Jan 11, 2015
3 min read

Typically in the music industry (even if they won't readily admit it) the month of January is commonly a slow month for new releases...filled with albums that didn't have the weight to hold a December/Holiday release date. Often in the month of January only a few good releases see the light of day, and those that do are left to die a slow death with little marketing push and no "event" to lure consumers into the stores for purchasing. Nowadays though, with the increase in digital music purchases & streaming services, the industry doesn't require an event to initiate purchasing (though obviosuly nothing beats sales in the 4th quarter of the year) and good music has a better chance of selling and getting a decent audience via other means of promotion such as fans, word of mouth, and satellite radio that prides itself on finding the next big hit.

January 2015 certainly seems to be bucking that old trend of weak album releases and low expectations. This January consumers will be able to get their hands on some albums that are most likely going to make noise for the entire year and quite possibly wind up on some Top Albums Of 2015 lists at the end of it all. Here are a few to keep your eyes on & your ears open for...

Artist: Kat Dahlia

Album: My Garden

Release Date: January 13th

Notes: We've been listening to her super catchy single "Crazy" for almost a year and we can't wait to hear what this Miami, Florida based singer/rapper has to offer on her debut album.

Artist: Mark Ronson

Album: Uptown Special

Release Date: January 13th

Notes: If you haven't heard the first single "Uptown Funk" featuring Bruno Mars...go to YouTube right now and check out the video for this fun up-tempo groovy party song.

Artist: Fall Out Boy

Album: American Beauty/American Psycho

Release Date: January 20th

Notes: We're already addicted to the first single, "Centuries". If this album is more of what we got from their previous album, 'Save Rock and Roll', our ears will surely be pleased.

Artist: Night Terrors of 1927

Album: Everything's Coming Up Roses

Release Date: January 20th

Notes: Former members of Riley Kiley and The Honorary Title make up this band whose 80's inspired synth pop sounds will make you forget their previous outings. Their single "Dust & Bones" made us rush out to get their debut EP, 'Guilty Pleas' (fans will be excited to know the song appears on their debut album too) and new single "When You Were Mine" featuring Tegan & Sara is just the kind of pop perfection that makes us almost giddy to hear their debut.

Artist: Sleater-Kinney

Album: No Cities To Love

Release Date: January 20th

Notes: You may already be aware of this album, as it has appeared on a few Most Anticipated Album lists for 2015, including those from Billboard Magazine and Pitchfork. No pressure ladies!

Artist: The Decemberists

Album: What A Terrible World, What A Beautiful World

Release Date: January 20th

Notes: The 7th studio album for this Portland, Oregan based band is their first full length studio album since 2011's The King Is Dead, which made it's debut at #1 on the Billboard 200 and earned them a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Song for their single "Down By the Water".

Artist: Marilyn Manson

Album: The Pale Emperor

Release Date: January 20th

Notes: 9th studio album and first since 2012's Born Villian. According to interviews with Manson, he "found the blues" and his vocals are strongly influenced by blues music on the recording. In addition, country singer Shooter Jennings guests on a track that you may have heard if you're a fan of the TV show Sons Of Anarchy.

Artist: Papa Roach

Album: F.E.A.R.

Release Date: January 27th

Notes: "Face Everything And Rise" sounds like classic Papa Roach, a band that combines elements of metal, hardcore, electronica, punk rock and pop music. You can catch them on tour in early 2015 with hard rockers Seether.