An Embarrassment of Riches: New Music in 2015

This year has already been a great one for new music, with the release of new work from Belle & Sebastian, Sleater-Kinney, and the Decemberists. The force of nature that is 2015 music continues tomorrow, with a new release from Jose Gonzalez. Vestiges and Claws is currently streaming on NPR First Listen, along with the latest from Public Service Broadcasting. But it doesn’t stop there — Here are some of the new albums coming out in the next few weeks for which I can barely contain my enthusiasm.

Modest Mouse, Strangers To Ourselves

This follow-up to 2007’s We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank comes out March 3. Eight years is far too long to go without new Modest Mouse, and I was worried this day would never come. Check out the first single from the album, “Lampshades on Fire,” and get pumped.

Sufjan Stevens, Carrie & Lowell

New music from Stevens comes out March 31. A first single was just released this morning, called “No Shade In The Shadow Of The Cross.” Based on this, I suspect we’ll hear more of Sufjan’s conflicted thoughts on faith.

Death Cab for Cutie, Kintsugi

Also dropping March 31 is this new collection from Death Cab. The title comes from the Japanese word for repairing broken pottery. Never one for subtlety, perhaps, but I love me some Ben Gibbard. This is the first DC album to come out since Chris Walla’s departure from the band last year. Check out the first single, “Black Sun.”

Passion Pit, Kindred

Finally, just when I thought 2015 couldn’t get better, it was recently announced that Passion Pit will release a new album this April — date TBD. [Update: The band announced after this article was published today that the album will be out April 21. New single available here.] I became obsessed with Manners about three years after most people did, but just in time to wildly anticipate 2012’s Gossamer. I can hardly wait for Kindred, but I know I’ll have plenty to listen to between now and then.