Yes, well 2007 was an amazing year for music, I do believe. But we are now living the big 2008, so let's be optimistic and look forward to what is coming up. Yesterday I mentioned "Real Emotional Trash", the new album due in March from Stephen Malkmus. So, what else is due for release in the near future. I will mention a few albums I am looking forward to, although by no means is this list meant to be comprehensive.

First up. The incomparable Cat Power. Her second go at covers is due for release on January 19 on Matador. "Jukebox" contains covers of songs by Hank Williams, James Brown, Bob Dylan, Creedence Clearwater Revival and Billie Holliday. Plus two original songs. Oh, don't forget those magnificent set of pipes are visiting Australia again in March. See details here.

"The Portrait is Finished and I Have Failed to Capture Your Beauty..." is the debut album from Hello, Blue Roses, which is Dan Bejar and Sydney Vermont. It is released on January on 22 on Locust Music. From what I have heard the music is quite ornate and ethereal.

MP3: Shadow Falls-Hello, Blue Roses

Evangelicals, from Oklahoma, return with a January release on Dead Oceans. "The Evening Descends" sees the band continue their tradition of fuzzed out pop and crazy melodies. The first song for release is really impressive, I believe.

MP3: Skeleton Man-Evangelicals

Chris Walla from Death Cab For Cutie releases his debut album in January on Barsuk. I have only heard the one song from "Field Manual", so It will be interesting to see how the rest of the album stacks up.

MP3: Sing Again-Chris Walla

Jagjaguwar release "In The Future" by Vancouver's Black Mountain on January 22. This band's sound is fierce and full of fury. Bound to be a highlight of 2008, no doubt. Their debut album was great.

MP3: Tyrants-Black Mountain

Jason Collett, sometime member of Broken Social Scene, will release his second album on Arts and Crafts in February. "Here's To Being Here" is certainly one to look forward to. What I have heard so far sounds promising.

MP3: Out of Time-Jason Collett

The Mountain Goats return in February with "Heretic Pride" on 4AD. This album I have heard in full and it is fantastic. A real return to form from John Darnielle. Favourite tracks so far include "Sax Rohmer #1", "San Bernardino", "Autoclave" "Craters on the Moon" and "Lovecraft in Brooklyn". This is going to be good, very good. How about another tour John?

MP3: Sax Rohmer #1-The Mountain Goats

One of the most written about albums in 2007 was "For Emma, Forever Ago" by Bon Iver. Then self released, it will be coming out on Jagjaguwar on February 19. Trust me, this album is stunning. If you don't own it, make sure you buy it.

MP3: Skinny Love-Bon Iver

Is Dan Bejar a genius? I think he is. A songwriter with few peers, his songs are full of amazing depth and luminous wit. Well, Destroyer is back in March with "Trouble in Dreams" on Merge. You just know this is going to great, yes indeed. Just check the back catalogue.

MP3: Foam Hands-Destroyer

Why? I can't describe this band's sound. It is a mesh of rap, folk, rock with unmistakable vocals. "Alopecia" will be released on Anticon on March 11. Please check this band out.

MP3: The Hollows-Why?

Born Ruffians are Canadian, so they have to be half good. Right? Yes, they are very good actually. Their debut album "Red, Yellow & Blue" will be released in March on Warp Records.

MP3: Hummingbird-Born Ruffians

Here are some other albums due after April. Sure to create excitement.

Attack & Release-The Black Keys
Skulls, Ship, Sheep-Colin Meloy
Broken Social Scene Presents...Brendan Canning
Lookout Mountain, Lookout Sea-The Silver Jews

Plus Death Cab For Cutie will definitely have a yet to be titled album due in May. Plus, plus, plus, we know Wolf Parade are currently mastering their new record. Lots of conjecture when it will released. Could be May, could be June. Stay tuned or write Subpop a nasty letter. It will the album of 2008. No doubt.

...and. This is huge. The Silver Mt. Zion Memorial Orchestra & Tra-La-La Band will release a new album on Constellation Records on March 10. "13 Blues For Thirteen Moons" is their first release since 2005. Recorded at the legendary Hotel2Tango in Montreal and armed with a new drummer, this has the potential to be monumental.