Most Anticipated Albums for [the rest of] 2008

This year in music has a lot to live up to after 2007 saw top notch releases from Feist, St. Vincent, Stars, and many others. At this point, it looks like '08 may fall short of '07's greatness, but have no fear; the year is not over yet, and there are some highly anticipated releases just around the bend. Here are the albums I'm most looking forward to before 2008 comes to a close.

5. Broken Social Scene Presents: Brendan Canning - Something for All of Us
July 22nd (Out now)

BSS co-founder Brendan Canning is the second to release a BSS Presents: record after Kevin Drew's Spirit If... in '07. You can now stream many of the tracks on his Myspace. The album definitely seems to live up to its title, from groovy "Love Is New" to the folky "Snowballs and Icicles." Expect another hit from the BSS family.

4. Inara George - An Invitation
August 5th

Always a breath of fresh, interesting air, Inara George is set to release her follow-up to 2005's All Rise next week. This time around, George gets arrangement help from Van Dyke Parks, who adds his orchestration to George's already layered sound. Listen to "Duet" here (she "begs your time, [she] really wants it").

3. Juliana Hatfield - How to Walk Away
August 19th

With 20 years in the music industry under her belt, Hatfield is gearing up for her 10th solo release on her label, Ye Olde Records. How to Walk Away will feature a more produced sound reminiscent of her 2004 effort, In Exile Deo. Already earning praise and attention from Oprah and press all over, Walk Away is looking to be another solid record to add to Hatfield's canon. Check out the wistful "My Baby."


2. Dr. Dre - Detox
November/December

It's been nine long years since Dr. Dre last put out an album. After years of rumors of the arrival of Detox, it looks like it's finally happening. The album is reportedly complete, and will include guest spots from an all-star cast: Jay-Z, Lil' Wayne, Nas, Snoop Dogg, and others. Almost a decade in the making, expectations for Detox are sky high.

1. Jenny Lewis - Acid Tongue
September 23rd

After Rilo Kiley-ing it up for a while, Jenny Lewis is back with her second solo album. Acid Tongue is set to feature appearances from Elvis Costello, Jonathan Rice and M. Ward, among others. Live performances of the title track and "Jack Killed Mom" have been floating around Youtube, and it sounds like more of the country-tinged heartache of Rabbit Fur Coat. I can't wait!

Honorable Mention:

Amanda Palmer - Who Killed Amanda Palmer? (September 16th)
Rachael Yamagata - A Record In Two Parts...Elephants and Teeth Sinking Into Heart (October 7th) *UPDATED*
Anya Marina - TBA (September)

So... what did I miss? Am I way off? Please exercise your right to comment away.

- Jessy Bartlett