5 Albums To Look Forward To On the 19th

Why are so many albums released on Tuesday? Is that only a US thing, or are other countries the same? I don't know, I just find it odd that a seemingly insignificant day such as Tuesday would be favored over, say, Saturday? Whatever, I guess it doesn't matter, because this Tuesday, a number of anticipated records will be released, so I figured that I should write a little article on them so you can look forward to Tuesday as well. (Hit the jump for more)

STRFKR - Miracle Mile (Polyvinyl Records)

Starfucker (stylized/censored as STRFKR) are a Portland-based electropop band who have racked up quite a following with their first two albums- their 2008 self-titled debut and 2011's Reptilians. Most of Miracle Mile is leaked already on YouTube, but I'm holding off on listening to most of it until Tuesday, even though I know it's going to be good. I'm enjoying the first single from the album, "While I'm Alive", a catchy, funky, just all-around enjoyable romp. Will definitely be checking out this one.

The M Machine - Metropolis Pt. II (OWSLA)

The trio known as The M Machine is one of the best acts on Skrillex's label OWSLA. Their retro-futuristic spin on the dubstep formula, as well as their LED-infused live shows, has effectively put them on the radar. Months after they dropped their remix of Bruno Mars' "Locket Out Of Heaven", The M Machine are set to release their follow-up to last year's Metropolis Pt. I. Watch the album teaser, featuring the track "The Palace" feat. Blake Hazard here.

 Major Lazer - Free The Universe (Mad Decent)

Of the releases coming in the following week, this is probably one of the most anticipated. After all, when you have a line-up guest vocalists as wide as this album's, how can't you be excited? Major Lazer is the project of notable producer Diplo, formerly a collaboration with Switch, who left late 2011. His second album, Free The Universe, was originally set for a release November 6, 2012, but was pushed back, resulting in even more hype and anticipation. The album trailer promises more of Major Lazer's signature hybrid of reggae, dubstep, and trap, and guest artists such as Bruno Mars, Santigold, and Ezra Koenig of Vampire Weekend. EDIT: The release date on this is now March 19th.

Jamie Lidell - Jamie Lidell (Warp)

If you haven't heard of English musician and vocalist Jamie Lidell, now would be a good time to discover him. Lidell has amassed attention for his seamless combination of soul vocals and massive, abstract, electronic beats. His self-titled album is actually his seventh release, and his fourth release on renowned label Warp Records. The two songs we have heard so far, "What A Shame" and "why_ya_why", have captured my attention. I'm definitely looking forward to this release.

Matmos - The Marriage Of True Minds (Thrill Jockey)

Matmos is an American experimental electronic duo who make music that's very, well, experimental. Their music can be creepy and dissonant, but can also be strange, fun, and upbeat. Their new album seems to utilize the best of both worlds. The Marriage Of True Minds is Matmos' ninth studio album, and the follow-up to October's The Ganzfeld EP. You can stream the entire album at Pitchfork Advance here.

So those are some releases I'm looking forward to for February 19th. I'll probably review most, if not all of them. And yes, the Apparat review is still coming!