It is part of the deal that if you have a blog about music, you have an opinion on the best albums of last year, your favourite songs, the best producers, the most overrated bands, all that kind of stuff, that is what makes you want to write about music, what makes you think your opinion is important.
You constantly fall into these traps of wondering if your blog is credible enough, if it is diverse enough, if it reveals enough about your personality. But the wonderful thing about a music taste is that it of course reveals everything about your personality. The lyrics you like reflect your past, how witty and eloquent you wish you could be. The sounds you like are probably the sounds you wish you could make, influenced by every song or album you've ever liked. And consequently, the bands you want to hear more and more of will not necessarily be the ones that are critically acclaimed or bands that are everyone's top choice to be big, but the bands that you can identify with the most and would love to see expand and explore.

The bands I want to do well this year probably won't, and they will definately not be heralded by blogs and magazines. And this isn't because I'm trying to be different but simply because I don't have a commercial hat on. I don't necessarily see these bands as selling a lot of records and receiving massive exposure at sell out shows but they are bands that I can't wait to hear more of and hopefully, will be receiving more and more exposure on this blog over the coming 12 months.

So without further ado, the bands I'm looking forward to hearing in 2009, in new capacities or a return to form, are:

Union of Knives new album.
New songs are up on myspace already and they're sounding massive, grimy electronica that has it's heart and soul in indie, the kind of band that I would've fallen in love with 5 years ago and have done everytime I listen to their debut album.

Prego.
These guys played here at 229 back in September and I've been the proud owner of their EP ever since. The band are simply stunning, listing their influences as Explosions, Mogwai, Sigur Ros and Coldplay, this band are clearly made for me. Soaring, harmonising guitars, thumpingly loud drums supported with a gritty and powerful voice, Prego are ones to watch in 2009 as they continue to record and release.

Mumford & Sons
If you're new to this blog, I love this band. If you're not, you'll know by now that I think Mumford & Sons are hot, hot property and with tours booked left right and centre and the probability of an album by the end of the year, having released two EPs already, it's gonna be a good 'un.

Explosions In The Sky
It's a long shot but the thought of a new album is one too strong to resist. The band are taking things easy for the moment but I live in hope. If you haven't heard anything yet, treat yourself to their myspace, it's a joy.

Florence And The Machine
One of those names that will just not be left alone, despite the recent revelation of her writing cooperations with Mr Borrell of Razorlight. Despite this, she can still write a storming tune and her live performance is a force to behold. Only reaching number 3 on BBC's poll of ones to watch this year, I thought she was a dead cert for number one so it'll be interesteing to see who can top her.

Esser
Enough said. Going to be huge, if Gotye can win the iTunes album of the year (it is a superb album, dont get me wrong), then Esser should have it tied up already. Top notch.

Simian Mobile Disco
James Ford will fit it in and it's going to be HUGE. I'm still loving the first album and listen at least once a week so I'm eagerly anticipating an album at least as good and with all of Ford's recent frolly's with other artists, it really should be better. Let's hope that the sophomore blues don't set in.

Royksopp
As already mentioned, long-awaited return with their third album 'Junior'. If they can write another song as good as Only This Moment or any track from the first album, I'll be happy.


A nice little mix of new and old there. Steve Lamacq however summed it up perfectly when writing on his blog about his tips for 2009 when he said:

"If you really want my one prediction for 2009, then it's this.

The new band who will be the story of the year haven't even surfaced yet. They won't be on a list. They'll still be in rehearsal. But they're out there somewhere"