Poor Music Lovers, Lament!

Let's admit it: this year, all in all, was a rather poor showing in the world of new-releases. I can think of a few good records. Good, that's all. It is as if all the big hitters have been lying dormant all year: one can only hope that they have been in the studio. There is at least a couple good things about this, however. 1) I saved a ton of money on music this year. I think I only bought 2 CDs, Ryan Adams and Patty Griffin ... both of which were good. Good, that's all. 2) 2008 will prove to be much more exciting. For someone like me, who spends 80% of their "small-talk" energies discussing new releases with friends and strangers, this is exciting and much-needed. (I can only talk about the notable changes in production, sobriety, and songwriting regarding Ryan Adams' new record for so long.)

So, in the spirit of anticipation, I thought I would make a list of some of the upcoming new releases. This is for all who find themselves saying, "What do you think of the new ________ record?" more often than "This is some weather today, huh?"
Lyle Lovett
Kanye West
Iron & Wine
Jose Gonzalez
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
Thrice
Jimmy Eat World
Neil Young
Lupe Fiasco
Built To Spill
Coldplay
The Cure
Peter Gabriel
James
Damien Jurado
Les Savy Fav
Stephen Malkmus
Oasis
The Postal Service
Raconteurs
Radiohead
Sigur Ros
U2
Weezer
Gillian Welch