26 January 2012 (Music Preview)

Words: John Balfe

Each and every month here at entertainment.ie/music we rifle through the lists of upcoming albums and try to shine a spotlight on some of the albums which - we think - might be of interest to you. Sort of a 'raise the flag and see who salutes it' sort of thing. This month's selection includes the latest release from a former Beatle, a hotly-awaited second album from a Brooklyn noise-pop duo and an album from Sinead O'Connor who, quite frankly, defies description. Check 'em out below.

Air - Le Voyage Dans La Lune - 6th February

Air's sixth album (and first since 2009's Love 2) sticks closely to the identity that the French band have carved out for themselves since they debuted with 1998's now classic Moon Safari. Not content with releasing a standard album, Air have taken inspiration from a 1902 silent movie called Le Voyage Dans La Lune, which has been restored for film festivals and Air assembled this soundtrack. It also features a collaboration with Beach House's Victoria Legrand which we can't wait to hear!

Paul McCartney - Kisses On The Bottom - 7th February

Why, Sir Paul? Why did you have to name your new album Kisses On The Bottom? It's difficult to comprehend how the same man responsible for songs like 'Hey Jude', 'Let It Be' and 'Yesterday' would sign his name to something with such a grotesque title. That aside, it's still somewhat comforting when you come to the realisation that we live in a world where Paul McCartney is still releasing new material. Let's just hope the new songs are better than the album title suggests they are.

Emeli Sande - Our Version of Events - 13th February

Our Version of Events is the debut album from Scottish singer-songwriter Emeli Sande, who you have previously seen lending her vocals to Professor Green's number one single 'Read All About It'. When we spoke to the good Professor a few months ago, he was nothing but effusive about Ms. Sandes vocal talent and her incredible potential. We predict that this album will make a mark in 2012.

Sleigh Bells - Reign of Terror - 21st February

Treats, the 2010 debut of noise-pop duo Sleigh Bells, was one of the most exciting, raw and LOUD albums of the year and we've been looking forward to its follow-up ever since. Reign of Terror is to have a more guitar-centric feel to it, according to guitarist Derek Miller, who says the band no longer has to pick sides between guitar and pop. Frankly, this information unnerves us a bit as our ears are still ringing from Sleigh Bells' absurdly loud (and enjoyable) show in Whelan's last year.

Sinead O'Connor - How About I Be Me (And You Be You)? - 21st February

One wonders if our Sinead's increased public profile lately was designed to co-incide with the release of her ninth full-length album or if that's just a curious happenstance. Either way, O'Connor is fresh in people's minds at the moment and what better time to release an album. Sinead's longtime production collaborator John Reynolds is on board and if anyone knows who to eek a marvellous body of work from her, it's him.