Albums Out This Week: W/C 11th May 2009

After a plethora of weeks comprising small unassuming bands, we finally reach the big leagues. Not that we mind the little leagues: it's just that we don't much enjoy talking to Gary Glitter.

Completing their transition from jagged punk outfit to slickly-produced political opera we have Green Day re-making our acquaintance this Friday. Yes, it's usually a day reserved for movie releases: that should tell you something about how they view the scope of 21st Century Breakdown. Hmm, arena-rock band, followed by a gaggle of young teens releasing an immensely overblown rock-opera with a cartoon representation of a couple embracing for the artwork: it seems so familiar somehow...

The most joyous occasion until the new Brokencyde album arrives: we have Aiden. The only band in existence where every entry on songmeanings.net reads "It's about death and how love is dark 'n stuff. Aiden rule, woo xoxo". Conversely, every Brokencyde song on the website reads: "Samaritans provides confidential non-judgemental emotional support, 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide. Just call 08457 90 90 90"

Green Day: 21st Century Breakdown

No one can deny that Green Day have made some great music in the 20 years that they've been producing punk anthems. The trio's last album was slightly too anthemic for  us here at Strange Glue, Billy Joe seems to have become a wannabe political Freddy Mercury. He recently said that "21st Century Breakdown is a snapshot of the era in which we live as we question and try to make sense of the selfish manipulation going on around us, whether it be the government, religion, media or frankly any form of authority".... Yawn. 

Graham Coxon: The Spinning Top

The wonderful Graham Coxon will be releasing his seventh solo album this week on Transgressive records. Coxon drew the artwork for the album himself, he also stated that the album is the "narrative of a man from birth to death." This little story was produced by Stephen Street who's renowned for the working with Blur and The Smiths.  

Balmorhea: All Is Wild, All Is Silent

Balmorhea had a huge impact on most Strange Glue employees over the past month, It's safe to say that we we're all undoubtedly shocked by their third album All Is Wild, All Is Silent. It's a stunning display of musical genius from start to finish, an album that we most definitely recommend. 

Marmaduke Duke: Duke Pandemonium

The creative minds behind Biffy Clyro and Sucioperro combine to a duo of conceptual-rock proportions. Duke Pandemonium is album number two for messieurs Simon Neil and J.P Reid - their first since 2005. Here's hoping that they take the pieces and build them up to the sky. 

Tom Brosseau: Posthumous Success

Folk solo artist Tom Brosseu will be releasing his seventh album this week after a busy start to '09 including plenty of touring. If your a PJ Harvey fan then you'll be happy to know that Tom will be supporting a few nights with her in the coming months along with John Parish.

New Ruins: We Make Our Own Bad Luck

After a year of musical experimentation the New Ruins are back with their second full length which sounds promising to say the least. The album will come in all shapes and sizes including a red vinyl and a tape cassette for those of you living in the 90's. 

Adam Franklin : Spent Bullets

Adam Franklin has participated in many great bands over the years, Including a collaboration with Interpol drummer Sam Fogarino called Magnetic Morning. Therefore you can be confident that this sophomore release from Adam is not going to be anything generic or boring, the man has produced some fine music over the years and he's not stopping yet. 

Aiden: Knives

If we had to get metaphorical with you, we'd say that Aiden are the Lindsay Lohan of the music world (we do not consider anything Lohan did as 'music' in the loosest sense of the word). They're loud, obnoxious, very gay and only famous for being around constantly without the benefit of support. Both are also likely to be seen with moody-looking androdynous spectres dressed in black.

In Case Of Fire: Align The Planets

In Case Of Fire have kicked up a severe amount of publicity in their short but violent path. Some have even described the Irish trio as a spin off to the mighty Mars Volta, we wouldn't really agree. The band are currently touring with Fightstar and will be headlining their own tour from the May 12 to support the début album.