Massive week! Lots of huge releases from big acts from Laura Marling, Paul Weller, Marilyn Manson, Katy Perry, All American Rejects, The Chemical Brothers and Grinderman to name a few! Also releases from oldies and new local acts such as The Manks as well as dance acts such as Far East Movement and electro from Laps. There’s something for everyone and heaps to get through so get stuck in! Stay posted for next week, it’s going to be another big one!

LAURA MARLING

The young British songstress has re-released her third album A Creature I Don’t Know. Originally released in September 2011, the album received high praise. After winning Best British Female Solo Artist at the Brit awards last year and Best Female Solo Artist at the NME awards, Marling was again nominated at the Brits in 2012. The special edition reissue features a second disk, Live from York Minister with live performances and will be out on the 30 March.

Check out Laura’s latest video for All My Rage:

TOMMY FLEMING

Tommy Fleming celebrates his 20 year musical career with a 3 CD, 40 track special The Platinum Collection. The collection consists of The Irish Collection, The Contemporary Collection and The Duet’s Collection. This release will be the perfect premise for fans to accompany Fleming’s world tour later in 2012. UMA will be releasing this set on the 16 March.

KATY PERRY

Featuring two new tracks, the repacked Teenage Dream: The Complete Confection will have the pop princess’s fans hanging on until there is a full new album. The record also contains a megamix of Katy’s hits and has been described by the artist herself as for her ‘hardcore’ fans. The re-release will be in stores 26 March via EMI.

MCALISTER KEMP

Country Proud is the follow up to McAlister Kemp’s award winning debut. The sophomore will kick off another year of musical success after an award filled 2011 including ‘Best New Artist’ of 2011 at the Country Music Awards Australia. The first single ‘Country Proud’ has already made a mark on the CMC charts and the record will no doubt produce further quality tracks. The album will be launched at the 2012 CMC Rocks The Hunter festival and will be released on the 16 March via UMA.

Listen to ‘Country Proud’ single:

THE CHEMICAL BROTHERS

After 20 years and seven studio albums, The Chemical Brothers are finally releasing their first ever concert film Don’t Think. Ed Simon described the DVD as ‘the closest thing’ to a live show and no doubt fans will be stoked. Release is due for 23 March via EMI.

Sneak peak of Don’t Think:

MIIKE SNOW

The Swedish trio have returned with their second album and follow up to their 2009 debut. This album looks promising and tracks on Happy To You will no doubt produce some dance floor staples for 2012. The album will be out on the 16 March via Universal Music Australia.

GRINDERMAN

A huge release, Grinderman 2 RMX is a collection of re-releases, remixes and collborations from the group’s 2010 album Grinderman 2. The album will be available 23 March via EMI.

Grinderman 2 RMX tracklisting:

Grinderman / Fripp "Super Heathen Child"
A Place to Bury Strangers "Worm Tamer"
Nick Zinner "Bellringer Blues" (exclusive)
UNKLE "Hyper Worm Tamer"
Joshua Homme "Mickey Bloody Mouse"
Cat's Eyes with Luke Tristram "When My Baby Comes"
Barry Adamson "Palaces Of Montezuma"
Silver Alert (featuring Matt Berninger) "Evil"
SixToes "When My Baby Comes" (exclusive)
Andy Weatherall "Heathen Child"
Factory Floor "Evil"
Grinderman "First Evil"

ALL AMERICAN REJECTS

A big release for 2012; teaming up with Greg Wells, producer for musical royalties from Adele to Katy Perry, the U.S band will release their latest album Kids on The Street. The album will follow 2009’s success of ‘Gives You Hell’, the most played song on Top 40 radio in 2009. This album will be no different and has already spawned the single ‘Beekeeper’s Daughter’. Official release will be on the 23 March through UMA.

Watch video for ‘Beekeeper’s Daughter’ here:

PAUL WELLER

Another huge release of the year, the musical great has put out his latest solo album Sonik Kicks. Having found success both as a solo artist and with his previous bands The Jam and The Style Council, fans will be stoked with this latest edition to Weller’s never-ending list of career highs. The album will feature other musical geniuses from Noel Gallagher to Graham Coxon. The 14 tracked album will be out on 23 March through UMA.

Track List:
1. Green
2. The Attic
3. Kling I Klang
4.Sleep of the Serene
5. By the Waters
6. That Dangerous Age
7. Study in Blue
8. Dragonfly
9. When Your Garden’s Overgrown
10. Around The Lake
11.Twilight
12. Drifters
13. Paperchase
14. Be Happy Children

LIONEL RICHIE

Having perhaps taken a backseat in favour of his daughter Nicole for the last several years, Richie’s latest album Tuskegee reminds listeners of his extraordinary talent. Named after the Alabama city in which he grew up, the album draws back on Richie’s earlier influences. Tuskegee will be in stores on 23 March with Universal Music Australia.

THE NEVER EVER

Breathe will be the long waited EP for the Sydney band featuring five tracks. Having sold out shows with the home crowd in Sydney earlier in the year, the band is set to tour with Simple Plan after a string of headline shows in April. The homegrown band are one to watch for in 2012 and their EP will be available as of 16 March through MGM.

THE SON(S)

After gaining rave reviews for their 2011 debut album, the band is back with an EP for 2012. The EP titled Leviathan will mirror the harmonic and minimalist sounds of the debut album. It’s due out on 7 May through Olive Grove Records.

A little taste of what’s in store, ‘If I Hear You Talk Apostrophes Again…’:

XERXES

The hardcore Kentucky band brings out their debut LP Our Home is a Deathbed. The record is punk through and through and establishes the bands credentials. The LP will be released by Shock Entertainment on 16 March.

Watch 'February' from the LP here:

PENNYWISE

The Southern Cali rockers return with All Or Nothing; yet another record filled with their trademark punk anthems. The fans can grab the new album out 27 April via Epitaph Records.

Listen to ‘All Or Nothing’ here:

SAVAGE MESSIAH

Plague of Conscience is released this week as the latest installation by the metal band. The record features huge rifts and a classic metal sound. Shock Entertainment will release the abum on the 16 March.

THE TEMPER TRAP
The platinum selling Aussie band is back for the much anticipated follow-up of their hit 2009 success Conditions. Rabbit Hole will dish up another dose of The Temper Trap’s signature sound for fans and the release will accompany the band’s international tour including at the SXSW festival this month in Austin. The lead single will be out later this month titled ‘Need Your Love’. The band’s second album is available as of 18 May via Liberation Music.

The tracklisting for the new album is as follows:
1. Need Your Love
2. London's Burning
3. Trembling Hands
4. The Sea Is Calling
5. Miracle
6. This Isn't Happiness
7. Where Do We Go From Here
8. Never Again
9. Dreams
10. Rabbit Hole
11. I’m Gonna Wait
12. Leaving Heartbreak Hotel

DAMON ALBARN

Dr Dee is the brand new 2012 album featuring 18 tracks from Albarn. The album and title is inspired by John Dee the advisor of Elizabeth I and a mathematician but the album itself is anything but boring history and math. It does reflect the Elizabethan age however, with a mixture of early English chorals and instrumentals with modern West African and Renaissance sounds. The album is set for release on 4 May by Parlophone Records.

The full track listing is:
1) The Golden Dawn
2) Apple Carts
3) Oh Spirit Animate Us
4) The Moon Exalted
5) A Man of England
6) Saturn
7) Coronation
8) The Marvelous Dream
9) A Prayer
10) Edward Kelley
11) Preparation
12) 9 point Star
13) Temptation Comes In The Afternoon
14) Watching the Fire That Waltzed Away
15) Moon (Interlude)
16) Cathedrals
17) Tree Of Life
18) The Dancing King

TUMBLEWEED

Ahead of their Australian tour, Tumbleweed have announced a new 2012 album to be released later in the year in June. Whilst the name of the album is still to be unveiled, fans can check them out on various dates throughout March-May.

THE AUDREYS

The songwriting duo from Adelaide present a deluxe 3 CD set Collected just in time to accompany their appearance at the Bluesfest in Byron in April this year. One of the most well known country/grass roots acts from Australia, The Audreys’s new deluxe set will compose of ‘Sometimes the Stars’, ‘When the Flood Comes’ and
‘Between Last Night and Us’ – all of which are ARIA award winning albums.

FAR EAST MOVEMENT

With featuring artists from the likes of Justin Bieber, Pitbull and a video directed by LMFAO’s Redfoo, Far East Movement’s upcoming album Dirty Bass is not to be missed. The stellar lineup combined with they boy’s penchant for party music will produce another record full of dance music for 2012. The album will be out 11 May via Universal Music.

Listen to ‘Live my Life’ featuring Justin Bieber here:

SESSION VICTIM

Another anticipated debut, this time from Session Victim with their first LP The Haunted House of House. But don’t let the eerie title put you off, there nothing spooky about this LP. What we can guarantee is some dreamy melodies and disco beats. The LP will be released via Delusions of Grandeur on 14 May.

THE HIVES

For fans of the band, there’s a double whammy in store this time around. First up is the limited edition 7 inch release of the new single ‘Go Right Ahead’ on 21 April and then for the big one – a the new album Lex Hives from which the single is from will be out 8 June. The 12 track album will be released through Dew Process and Universal Music Australia.

MARILYN MANSON

Good news for Manson fans who didn’t get enough of him earlier on his visit to the country this year. The new album titled Born Villian will demonstrate, according to the artist himself, “the determination and ambition of how I started making music in the first place’. A back-back-to-the-start album, Born Villian can ensure fans of tracks reminiscent to Manson’s early work: anti-status, unexpected and genre-defying. The album will be officially released on the 27 April through Shock Entertainment and Hell, Etc.

Have a listen to the single from the album ‘No Reflection’:

DAWES

The high profile Californian band will come to Australia first time at the end of this month along with their new and second album Nothing is Wrong. Classic American rock and roll, the band has received praise from a number of sources including Rolling Stone magazine. With a string of Australian dates in April, the band will be making an impact on our shores soon. Catch the album out 30 March via IndoChine/Warner Music Australia.

Watch Dawes play live some tracks of their new album:

THE BLACK SEEDS

With a video already out for the single ‘Pippy Pip’, the band has announced the date for their upcoming album Dust and Dirt. The album is due out on 14 April via Remote Control.

View ‘Pippy Pip’ here:

BOBBY WOMACK

Produced by Damon Albarn and Richard Russell, The Bravest Man in The Universe will be Womack’s first original album since 1994. The first track off the album is ‘Please Forgive My Heart’ and listeners can catch the rest of the album out in June via XL Recordings/Remote Control.

Listen to ‘Please Forgive My Heart’:

SCOTT AND CHARLENE’S WEDDING

A re-release of the originally limited LP of the Adelaide group is finally due out. Para Vista Social Club was released 2010 as the band’s debut with only 200 vinyl’s produced. If you missed out last time make sure you grab a copy this April, released via Bedroom Suck Records.

View the video for single ‘Footscray Station’ here:

Footscray Station by Scott & Charlene's Wedding from Craig Dermody on Vimeo.

KASRA

FABRICLIVE 62 is the upcoming album by DJ Kasra Mowlavi. The album features a number of different talents and mixes from the Dj himself. The record will be out 30 March through EMI.

TRACKLISTING:
Rockwell - Underpass (Alix Perez VIP) [Critical]
Foreign Concept - Detuned Souls [Critical]
Dub Phizix - Handmade [Critical]
Phace & Noisia - Micro Organism [Neosignal]
Hybris - The Cleaner VIP [Critical]
Sabre, Stray & Halogenix feat. Frank Carter III - Oblique VIP [Critical]
Mortem - Uprising [Critical]
Alix Perez - Myriads (Jubei Remix) [Shogun Audio]
Break - Soundwaves [Critical]
Judda - Pressure Plate VIP [Critical]
Dub Phizix - Codec [Critical]
Hybris - Make My Drink [unreleased]
Kasra & Enei - So Real [Critical]
Enei - Machines [Critical]
Enei & MC DRS - Obsession (Foreign Concept Remix) [Critical]
Bladerunner - Back To The Jungle VIP [Critical]
S.P.Y - New Beginning VIP [Critical]
Phace & Noisia - MPD [unreleased]
Foreign Concept - Mob Justice (Enei Remix) [Critical]
Commix - Version [Metalheadz]
Klute - We R The Ones (Ulterior Motive Remix) [Commercial Suicide]
Xtrah - Regain Control [Critical]
Icicle & Rockwell - Resources [Shogun Audio]
June Miller & Proxima - Killswitch Engage [unreleased]
MC DRS feat. Enei - Count To Ten [Soul:r]
Mark System - Pursuit [unreleased]
Mikal & Break - Just A Game [Metalheadz]
Enei & Riya - No Fear (Spectrasoul Remix) [Critical]
Stray - Timbre VIP [Critical]

CELTIC WOMEN

The sixth installment for the female vocal sensation group will be a studio album and live DVD set titled Believe. An astounding live act, the group’s album will feature everything from classic Irish songs to pop anthems. The will be available 27 April via EMI.

JACK CARTY

After a busy 2011 filled with festivals and a debut release, Carty is back with his second album Break Your Own Hear. A darker album, the songwriter draws on his life and year in 2011: the good and the bad. A heartfelt record that fans can surely relate to, the album will be released on 27 April through Gigpiglet Recordings/Inertia.

Listen to the track ‘Waiting, Waiting’ here:

THE MAPLE TRAIL

Sydney based solo project of Aiden Roberts, The Maple Trail, brings to listeners the third album Cable Mount Warning. Written whilst in a variety of places from New Zealand to the Blue Mountains, the album reflects the vast change of scenery. The record is available now through Broken Stone Records.

THE JEFFERY LEE PIERCE SESSIONS PROJECT

Round two of the ex-Gun Club leader’s un-released songs with the band is here, The Journey Is Long. Pierce died in 1996 and after the first installation in 2009, this follow up features Nick Cave, Warren Ellis and Lydia Lunch to name a few. The record is available in stores 6 April through Fuse.

Tracklist
1. City In Pain – Nick Cave
2. I’m Going Upstairs – Hugo Race
3. From Death To Texas – Steve Wynn
4. The Breaking Hands – Mark Lanegan & Isobel Campbell
5. The Jungle Book – The Amber Lights
6. Rose’s Blues – Bertrand Cantat, Pascal Humbert, Warren Ellis, Cypress Grove
7. Zonar Roze – Thalia Zedek and Chris Brokaw
8. L.A. County Jail Blues – Cypress Grove
9. I Wanna Be You – Barry Adamson
10. Sonny Boy – Mick Harvey
11. Book Of Love – Vertical Smile (Youth from Killing Joke) 12. Body And Soul – Astro-Unicorn
13. The Brink – Lydia Lunch
14. The Breaking Hands – Nick Cave And Debbie Harry
15. In My Room – Tex Perkins & LYDIA LUNCH
16. The Jungle Book – Tav Falco & Panther Burns
17. St. Marks Place – Mick Harvey
18. Ain’t My Problem Baby – The Jim Jones RevuE

KID INK

The XXL freshman drops new track this week ‘Neva Gave a F*ck’. The artist is expected to release his debut album Up and Away later in June this year with the single ‘Time of Your Life’ already making its mark in the Rhythmic Billboard Charts.

Listen to ‘Time of Your Life’:

BELLE AND SEBASTIAN

The Scottish duo have been critically acclaimed through their year of collaboration since 1996, covering numerous pieces from various artists. Their latest choices are featured on Late Night Tales: Belle and Sebastian and have songs by Paul Morley and Pete Shelley. The album is available 16 March through EMI.

SUPER BEST FRIENDS

The hit act currently in the spotlight will be bringing out their debut LP Handshake this month. After their 2009 EP release the band has been going strength to strength playing a number of festivals and receiving warm reviews. The punk act’s LP is out now via Green Distribution.

Watch ‘Ready Aim Fire’ here:

THE MANK

Sunshine Coast locals, The Mank are due to release there self-titled EP via MGM.

ERIC BIBB

The blues guitarist returns with his 15th album Deeper In The Well and a string of Australian tour dates to follow. The album is available 23 March through Universal Music Australia.

Official video for 'Bayou Belle', single of Deeper In The Well:

JILL BARBER

Following on from her last 2008 record, the acoustic folk artist is set to release Mischievous Moon, her fourth album to date. Backed by orchestras and string ensembles, Barber has come a long long way from her gigs a coffee shops, taking international stages in recent years. The album is out now on Universal Music Australia.

KIDS OF ZOO

The band has a new album set for release in early May through punk label Adagio830.

LAPS

Performing under the moniker Laps since 2007, Laurent Bovey will bring out the new album Joyful Process, an album loud and proud full of electro and techno mixed with heavy beats. Catch this one out now on Cadenza Records.

Stream a few previews off Joyful Process here:

SEVEN HEARTS

Another acoustic folk release, this time a debut EP The Story of Three from Seven Hearts. Exploring the themes of love, pain and life lessons and just life in general, Zoe Harris’ lyrics will connect with the listener and well worth a listen. The album will be released on 23 March via Horizon Music.

THE WEDDING PRESENT

The original English indies return and deliver up their eighth album Valentina. It’s been a four year wait for fans but worth every second as the album arrives in time for the band’s 25th anniversary. A combination of old-school indie and early nineties grunge, Valentina is the sound every new indie band wants to have. The album will be officially released on 23 March by Fuse.

VCMG

After 30 years, since their last collaboration, Vince Clarke and Martin Gore have finally produced a 10 track album Ssss. The pioneers of electro have created new techno in their long awaited new album out now via EMI.

BEARHUG

The debut of Sydney band Bearhug includes the release of their first album Bill, Dance, Shiner. Boasting of perfectionist pop tracks, the album is out 16 March.

Check out the stream for single ‘Over the Hill’;

CHARGE GROUP

Another local Aussie release, Charge Group has their second self-titled album out. The art rockers have already received a wave of positive responses for the upcoming album to be released on 16 March via Microphone & Loudspeaker Records.

Watch ‘Run’ here:

LOST IN TREES

Declared a ‘breakthrough’ album by Billboard Magazine, A Church That Fits Our Needs is the latest work of Lost in Trees. The album is emotional and intimate, reflective of the lead singer’s real life hardships of losing his mother in 2009. The album will be released 23 March via Anti-Records.