Since the last update, we've seen the release of several highly acclaimed new albums. Henrik, how are the following albums doing AM-wise, if you know?:
Kanye West, LATE REGISTRATION
The New Pornographers, TWIN CINEMA
Sigur Ros, TAKK
Paul McCartney, CHAOS AND CREATION IN THE BACK YARD
CLAP YOUR HANDS SAY YEAH
The last one, a self-titled -- and self-released -- debut by a New York indie band, is a wild card. It's not widely available, yet, so it hasn't been reviewed a lot of places, but everyone who does review it loves it. It's at #5 for the year on MetaCritic right now.
As for Sir Paul, don't laugh -- the new album is produced by Nigel Godrich (Radiohead, Beck, Pavement) and it's getting his best reviews since BAND ON THE RUN.
Any other new ones I've missed, Henrik?
Coming soon: YOU COULD HAVE IT SO MUCH BETTER WITH FRANZ FERDINAND; Fiona Apple's EXTRAORDINARY MACHINE.
I like the new Paul McCartney record very much. "Driving rain" was good too, but this one is better, it's definitely one of his solo career's best. I hope this album will get much acclaim !
The new New Pornographers is very good power pop with very catchy tunes. I enjoy listening to this while driving my car.
The new Echo & The Bunnymen record is full of great tunes. It's not going to be given huge critical acclaim, but that doesn't change my opinion that Mac and Will made an album that's there with some of their best works.
Magic Numbers is one of the best album of the year so far and I love the last Paul McCartney as well the last Super Furry Animals.
if you want listen something new check out Laura Veirs (Year of meteors), Brendan Benson (The Alternative to Love) and Sufjan Stevens (Illinoise)
I've only heard a handful of records from 2005, but the new Sigur Ros is very good. Not quite up to Agaetis Byrjun standards, but it definitely ranks among the years best albums. Also there's the new Virgin album.