DecoyMusic.com

We've compiled a list of albums and short write-ups of albums we feel around going to make big splashes in 2010 to get you ready for the new year.  A lot of us seem to get out of the loop around the holiday season so here is a brief list of some albums you can expect, and some that should be expected in 2010.  We've included a solid "honorable mentions" list for those of which we did not include write-ups for so don't fret.  Your favorite band could be putting an album out before you know it.

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Craig Owens (new project)

After being kicked out of the band he helped start Craig Owens has decided to go back to what he knows best, singing and music.  From what appears to be him going in the direction he has always wanted to go he will be back in full force in 2010.  Focusing on a new (unnamed) project which is rumored to somehow include Pete Wentz should be a good way to live out his dreams.  I've heard some songs he has been working on and let me just say you have no idea how amazing this record is going to be when it's finished, people will "Run, run, run" to get a copy.  Look for announcements in the new year.

-Aaron Yarborough

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Blink 182

Since their reunion this has to be one of the most anticipated albums of 2010. The Mark, Tom, and Travis show is back and in full force.  One can only assume what is going to come out in the finished product but we can bet it's going to be catchy and pretty great.  Now we just have to sit back and wait. -Aaron Yarborough

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Foxy Shazam

Their major label debut is slated for release early this 2010 on Sire Records.  The band has made quite a name for themselves after coming out of their hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio.  This six-piece has all the right puzzle pieces together and should be in for a breakout year. -Aaron Yarborough

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Bring Me The Horizon

After the breakout success of Suicide Season which brought he band to the US in late 2008 after signing a deal with Epitaph Records.  Now ready to impress once again with their blend of hardcore/metal/screamo, BMTH is set to enter the studio in March 2010 with a Fall/Winter 2010 release planned. -Aaron Yarborough

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Bullet For My Valentine

Slated for an early 2010 release, B4MV eluded fans to the upcoming record in August 2009 stating: "a lot more mature-sounding, it's a lot more classic. It'll stand the test of time [more] than both the previous things we've done".  -Aaron Yarborough

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Motion City Soundtrack

Even If It Kills Me was the perfect follow-up to Commit This to Memory giving off pop hook after pop hook. I expect My Dinosaur Life to be no different. This being their first album on Columbia Records, let's hope they don't lose that spunk that made them a predominant force in pop-punk music.  - Jose Terrero

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Rufio

With their unique vocals and complex guitar work, Rufio has been missed since their disbanding in 2005. Well they're back with not only a new EP, but a new album and a national tour. I'm hoping they found that ambition to top Perhaps, I Suppose... and 1985.  -Jose Terrero

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The Unwinding Hours

Did you shed a tear when Aereogramme called it quits last year? I know I did. This was a band doing unparalleled things, yet by and large, went unnoticed by the majority. After their magnificent swan song, My Heart Has A Wish That You Would Not Go, was released in 2007, they realized it was no longer possible to continue. Thankfully, for us needy hangers-on, Ian and Craig formed The Unwinding Hours last year and will allow their brilliant sound to live on a little longer.  -Adam Roncaglione

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The Wonder Years

The Wonder Years has seen their share of bad days, but with their new album "The Upsides", the band has found plenty of reasons to smile and I'm stoked to hear it on their new album. -Jose Terrero

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Dikta - Get It Together (March 2010)

If you ever mention music from Iceland, you are most likely gonna hear about Sigur Ros, Bjork, or mum. However, for my money, I'll take the unheralded Dikta any day, anytime. Their debut album from 2002,  Andartak,  featured entirely Icelandic language lyrics, but was still absolutely stunning. Their 2006 follow-up, Hunting For Happiness, saw the band move to English, and blow my mind with the best album of the year. The next few years saw the band gain some momentum and more fans, even garnering showcases in LA and NYC, as well as grabbing the attention of the renowned producer Ross Robinson (At The Drive In, Glassjaw, Korn, Blood Brothers.) Despite all this, they are still the little band that could from Iceland. Given the chance, though, this album will change that. -Adam Roncaglione

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Escape the Fate

Escape The Fate has always had flair and arrogance in their songs and it's obviously not going to stop on their 2010 album. I expect to hear plenty more sick riffs and whaling solos that'll make me cream my pants. It's always good to have that dirty little secret and Escape The Fate is it. -Jose Terrero

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The Ataris

Front-man Kris Roe has underwent a lot of changes in his life since So Long Astoria and it shows in his last album Welcome The Night. From what I've been told, be expected to hear the return of more melodic punk songs like the stuff played on Blue Skies, Broken Hearts... Next 12 Exits.  -Jose Terrero

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Pierce The Veil

After the success of their debut full length A Flair For the Dramatic in 2007, Pierce The Veil became road monsters, touring non-stop for two years and constantly growing their fan base.  Currently in the studio in Los Angeles recording their follow-up album, it's safe to say this one will be huge.  Look for them to be one of the headliners on numerous tours including Warped Tour in 2010. -Aaron Yarborough

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Wintersleep

By now I hope everyone knows about these Canadian geniuses, but if by some chance you still haven't bothered, there's no better time! In May we will see the release of their 4th album, and if the three new tracks I heard them play when they toured with Wolf Parade were any indication, this album could top all. We have been all over these guys since 2003, and they haven't let us down yet. -Adam Roncaglione

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Saves The Day

After losing Mannuel Carrero and Durijah Lang to Glassjaw, I can't help to feel a bit worried about the future of Saves The Day. Hoepfully the remaining members can keep up the momentum they've generated with their last two records and just stay away from that In Reverie style of music.  - Jose Terrero

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Circa Survive

When Anthony Green left Saosin, it was never the same.  When This Day Forward broke up the music world lost a great band.  Then the two sides meshed and here we are today with Circa Survive.  Juturna and On Letting Go have both become staples in the progression of music so this new one should be no different.  Mark your calendars this one is going to be one of the most highly anticipated albums and the bands' first album on major label, Atlantic Records. -Aaron Yarborough

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Deftones

Deftones will be releasing their first album since bassist Chi Cheng's coma derailed last year's Eros.  That album was scrapped entirely and the band began from scratch with Sergio from Quicksand filling in.  The band has said the album feels much like Around The Fur, with a loose and heavy attitude. -Dan Goldin

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Raised By Swans - No Ghostless Place (January 2010)

I  wonder how many people remember these guys? They were featured in one of the very first 10 Bands You Should Know articles way back in 2005. How many current readers even go back that far? I had long ago given up hope for a follow up to their gorgeous debut, Codes and Secret Longing, when I get a Myspace update alerting me of their massively overdue sophomore album. To me, they are the Canadian equivalent of Sigur Ros, Mercury Rev, or Radiohead. Luscious, ambient, and dream-like, I think a lot of you will love this.   - Adam Roncaglione

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Far

Far's first new record in over ten years, At Night We Live, will be released this spring through Vagrant records. The album dedicated to their close friend Chi Cheng is their first since the classic Water and Solutions.  Guitarist Shaun Lopez says "as a band, we have never been more proud of anything we have ever made together.  it still sounds like Far yet we went much further in every direction. When it's heavy, it's heavier. When it's ambient, it's more ambient. When it's pop, it's more pop" - Dan Goldin

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Sade - Soldier of Love

It's been 10 years since Sade last released an album, her last effort was quiet amazing and beautiful.  This one should land her some solid recognition for her work as well as sell a lot of copies among those old and young.  The new single is currently up on her Myspace. -Aaron Yarborough

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Mastodon - Jonah Hex Soundtrack

After hearing Mastodon was going to score an entire movie I'm sure their fans including those in the movie world are quite elated.  Their last album was chalked up as one of the best of 2008 so one can only wait and wonder what this soundtrack is going to hold.  I bet it's good. -Aaron Yarborough

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Small Brown Bike

When Small Brown Bike broke up in 2004, the underground music community felt like they had lost an amazing band, when they announced in October 2009 they were reforming, rejoice spread across the music community.  Their new album has to be highly anticipated solely based upon how many people are/were influenced by SBB.  Definitely one to watch for. -Aaron Yarborough

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Hot Chip - One Life Stand

Back in November when Hot Chip unveiled “Take It In,” from their forthcoming record, One Life Stand, it affirmed two things: Hot Chip always likes to surprise us, and Hot Chip hasn’t lost their knack for writing quirky, electronic dance-pop. The track’s Depeche Mode-style verses and breezy disco chorus are a step outside of the box for the London based quintet, but it’s also some of their catchiest and memorable work to date. If “Take It In” is any indicator, One Life Stand could be one of the best records of 2010. - Alex Burton

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Band of Horses

It’s been over two years since the Band of Horses’ breakthrough album, Cease to Begin, skyrocketed them to international acclaim and late night television talk shows. The record’s soaring melodies, introspective lyrics, and shimmering tones made us all feel like we were part of the most authentic backwoods jam session around. We remain hopeful as we enter 2010, that we will once again be graced with the gentle, woodsy, melancholy that only Band of Horses can deliver. -Alex Burton

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The Dillinger Escape Plan

The Dillinger Escape Plan is currently readying their fourth studio album for a March 23rd, 2010 release. While 1999's Calculating Infinity laid the groundwork for the band's signature brand of spazzy metal, later works saw the band expanding their sound into multiple genres with electronic elements and even a pop vibe. Option Paralysis looks to return to the group's earlier exhibitions while still keeping the eclectic nature of Ire Works, eagerly exciting fans both old and new. -Cody Rogers

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The Acacia Strain

Following a period of set-backs like the year-long delay of a still unreleased DVD and the temporary loss of two touring guitarists due to family issues, you can expect the Acacia Strain to come out swinging with their fifth studio album. Vocalist Vincent Bennett is as pissed as ever, lamenting in recent interviews about his lack of trust and increasing hatred of the world in his growing age, making sure that the un-named work will trump both The Dead Walk and Continent in anger. The album is expected to be released in late 2010. -Cody Rogers

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Oceansize

Does any band do the massive, epic, wall of sound better than Oceansize these days? Sure, maybe someone does, but I don't know about them if so. And there certainly isn't anything I'm anticipating more!! After last years Home and Minor EP was released, we were once again reminded why we love this band. Their technical brilliance and random diversity continue to set them apart. According to the band's official website, the band are "writing a new album which we are very excited about. Fifteen songs all under four minutes". There are surprises around every corner. -Adam Roncaglione

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Autolux

In 2004, LA’s Autolux released their debut full-length Future Perfect to rave reviews with comparisons to noise-rock legends like Sonic Youth, My Bloody Valentine, and The Jesus and Mary Chain. Since then the band has stayed relatively quiet, but if the 2008 single “Audience No. 2” is indication, fans can look forward to more of the bands spacey rhythms and soothing vocals on 2010’s Transit Transit. - Scott Barrett

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The Lawrence Arms



In 2009 Chicago threesome The Lawrence Arms blessed fans with an EP of new material on Buttsweat and Tears - the trio’s first new output since 2006. One can only guess that the Larry’s yet-to-be titled 2010 full-length will be filled with gritty Midwestern pop-punk songs about drinking, the effects of drinking, and frontman Brendan Kelley’s take on today’s biggest bands. - Scott Barrett

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Minus The Bear

With three years passed since Minus the Bear’s last proper release Planet of Ice, fans can get excited for a spring-time release from the prolific Seattle indie rockers. If the band’s dancy 2009 single “Into the Mirror” is any indication of the band’s new sound one can expect more of the band’s signature ambient indie pop with a lighter mood to top it off. - Scott Barrett

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She & Him

She & Him have announced that the follow up to the highly acclaimed Volume One will be released on March 23rd, 2010 via Merge Records. Written by Zooey Deschanel (She) and produced by M. Ward (Him), Volume Two will consist of eleven brand new songs, as well as two delectable covers – Skeeter Davis’ “Gonna Get Along Without You Now” and NRBQ’s “Ridin’ In My Car”. The debut single, “In The Sun” will feature a guest appearance from Omaha, Nebraska’s boisterous Tilly & The Wall, and will premiere on February 23rd, 2010. Guitarist M. Ward promises that the eloquently titled Volume Two “is going to be twice as good as Volume One”, and if that’s any indication, it’s going to be a great way to close out the winter. - Dan Alcinii

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Coheed & Cambria

The latest and final installment of Coheed & Cambria’s ongoing concept story will ironically be the “origin story” or “prequel” in The Armory Wars. April 2010 will see the release of Coheed’s fifth and most melodic studio album, Year of the Black Rainbow. “Like all of the Coheed records, our main character, the Creator, is put in a position where he has to do something he doesn’t want to for the safety of his wife. I got engaged last year, so I’ve tried to put myself into the character’s perspective, wondering what it would be like for me if I were to lose my significant other. And how that would destroy me”, vocalist Claudio Sanchez explains. A deluxe release will also be available for order that will include a 300-plus-page novel by the same name, detailing the “love story of sacrifice” and the origins of the main characters Coheed and Cambria Kilgannon, and much more. - Dan Alcinii

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Norma Jean

2010 will mark Norma Jean’s currently untitled Razor & Tie debut and fifth studio album. Coming off of the successes of 2008’s The Anti-Mother after rounding out Billboards Top 30, Norma Jean will apparently look to get “back to their roots” of 2002’s metalcore behemoth Bless The Martyr, Kiss The Child with their forthcoming release. Fans of the old, rejoice! But fear not fans of the new, for the band promises an exciting release that will surely please all. - Dan Alcinii

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EF

Preparing for their third studio album, EF will release Mourning Golden Morning on April 1st, 2010 through And The Sound Records. Recorded by Magnus Lindberg from Cult of Luna at legendary vintage heaven Music A Matic in Göteborg, Sweden, Mourning Golden Morning will mark EF’s first vinyl release (also available on CD) and will contain seven vocal focused post-rock anthems to round out 52 minutes of purely powerful melodies. The debut single is currently available on the bands MySpace page, and is entitled “Sons of Ghosts”. - Dan Alcinii

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Honorable Mentions:

Dr Dre - Detox
Radiohead - (Rumored)
Pharoahe Monch - W.A.R (we are renegade)
!!! (chk chk chk) - Should be coming this year.
Eminem - Relapse 2
Spoon
Zao
Moving Mountains
Emarosa
3OH!3
Vampire Weekend
Arcade Fire
Portugal. The Man
Stone Temple Pilots
Open Hand
Cave In
The Bled
From First To Last
LCD Soundsystem
Shearwate
Ennis Tola (ex-Grand Silent System)
Midlake
Eluvium
Rosetta
Mouth of the Architect
Frightened Rabbit
MGMT
Fleet Foxes
Interpol
Massive Attack
Menomena
Yeasayer