Top 40 2.4.11
The Cold War Kids hold on to their number 1 spot on our Top 40, but Bright Eyes’ The People’s Key takes the number 2 spot from the Decemberists. Although not officially released until Febuary 15, WLOY has The People’s Key for your listening pleasure. Iron and Wine, Cage the Elephant hold firm within the top ten as well. Kings of Leon’s mediocre album remains in the top ten, but don’t expect it to stay there for long. Indie favorites like Smith Westerns and Tennis are on the outside looking in, but that’ll change soon.
What to expect in the coming weeks: Mogwai’s new album, conveniently titled, “Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will.” Oh, how existential of them.
How often does one hear about the heydays of streetcars in Baltimore, or better yet ride around in them? Since the jazzy flapper filled times of the roaring 1920s, Baltimore’s streetcar use declined and spiraled into eventual non-existence. But there is one place these beautiful street machines live on! 
Grandfathers of post-rock, Mogwai, have had a tumultuous career of highs and lows. Pattern is, Mogwai will either floor on first listen (Young Team, Happy Songs For Happy People) or alternatively leave much to be desired (Zidane, The Hawk Is Howling). The pioneers’ most recent work displays Mogwai both drenched and layers and effects while dabbling in more minimalist pieces also, as Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will spans an impressive array of emotions aesthetics. This sensation is compounded when compared to the tepidness of their recent output. Mogwai’s ferocity on Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will is evident at once, and the album lives up to its intriguing name. Immersive and intense, Mogwai’s seventh LP sets the bar high in early 2011.
This week brings a some seasoned acts as well as some new bands. The new Bright Eyes album that everyone’s been waiting for, titled The People’s Key, has arrived. Additionally, indie band Tennis released their debut, Cape Dory (left). This band has a very Vampire Weekend vibe, and it will be interesting to see where these artists go. Check out more new releases after the jump!
We’re only one month into the new year and already 2011 is off to a great start with some promising tunes. Here’s a look at the Top 40 Albums for the week of January 28th. Currently, Cold War Kids and Decemberists are holding the top two spots; however, keep a lookout for Young Galaxy (left) and the new band Tennis as they coast up the ranks with their breezy beach sound.
This week Cold War Kids make their debut at the number one spot with their new album, Mine Is Yours, which drops today! “Finally Begin” is an unreleased song that hasn’t even hit the radio waves yet! Aren’t you lucky that you get to hear it before everyone else? This album is going to launch Cold War Kids into mainstream stardom if they haven’t achieved it already. Another band to keep an eye on is The Decemberists, who recently released their album, The King Is Dead.