Fall Album Preview

This fall sees hotly-tipped releases from across the music spectrum: from the quirky hip-pop of The Go! Team to megastar James Blunt's sophomore effort to the next from indie hopefuls like Beirut and The Raveonettes. Look no further for a guide to must-have music in the coming months.

10 September

KT Tunstall — Drastic Fantastic
Her debut, Eye to the Telescope, established her as a Radio 2 fixture and transatlantic hit; now there are high hopes for the Scottish singer-songwriter's follow-up release. New single "Hold On" is jaunty and inspirational, adding polish to the poppy alt-rock sound and marking it out as a must for future TV montages.

Go! Team — Proof of Youth
The genre-raiding, experimental pop collective is back. After making a splash with their psychedelic party debut,

The Go! Team return to set bloggers a-posting. Expect frantic melodies and a smorgasboard of influences, including guest vocals from the Rapper's Delight Club and Chuck D.

Kano — London Town
After lurking in the lower reaches of the British charts, London grime star Kano now has his eye on mainstream success. Teaming up with the Gorillaz' Damon Albarn, he's even recruited quirky cool songstress Kate Nash for commercial appeal. First release "This is the Girl" is a taste of the new, smoother sound and features a cameo from the long-forgotten Craig David.

17 September

James Blunt — All the Lost Souls
Fresh from claiming his crown as 'Most Played at Wedding Parties' with the inescapable "You're Beautiful," Captain Blunt takes time from romancing supermodels to deliver a second hit-in-the-making. Lead single "1973" showcases the fail-safe falsetto and indicates he's staying loyal to the trembling acoustic sound.

Also look for:
Manu Chao — La Radiolina

24 September

PJ Harvey — White Chalk
Her eighth studio album marks a radical departure for Polly Jean—eschewing the trademark tormented guitars for a collection of piano-based ballads. Her instrument may be different, but expect the moody, introverted lyrics to remain.

Ali Love — Love Music
The young 'souldiscofunkster' is out to do his part for seedy Brit electro-pop with this eclectic, edgy debut. Something of a one-man band, Love takes control of vocals, strings, beats and production, pitching himself as the soundtrack to those Hoxton hipster mornings after.

Also look for:
Foo Fighters — Echoes, Silence, Patience and Grace
Ian Brown — The World Is Yours

1 October

Babyshambles — Shotter's Nation
Despite the shambolic state of frontman Pete Doherty's personal life,

Babyshambles have scheduled not only an album release, but a November tour to showcase their raucous Brit-rock sounds (if Doherty's not be languishing in jail by then). Early reports are of introspection and jaunty tunes.

Also look for:
Jack Penate — Matinee
Stereophonics — Pull the Pin
Katie Melua — Pictures

8 October

Sugababes — Everything Changes
The title has it right: the group's ever-revolving line-up means that now, only Keisha remains from the original trio. Heidi and new recruit Amelle join her for this latest release; aiming to make an impact in the American charts, they've recruited bubblegum producer Dr Luke (Avril's "Girlfriend") to smooth their edgy pop sound.

Beirut — The Fly Club Cup
Having weaved Balkan folk influences with acoustic indie for his critically-acclaimed debut, Santa Fe native Zach Condon returns with his band for another exploration of old-world charm. Promising experimentation and a wide range of instruments, including glockenspiel and ukulele, The Fly Club Cup should prove another interesting album.

Also look for:
Jens Lekman — Night Falls Over Kortedala

15 October

Dragonette — Galore
Despite lashings of blogger buzz and a porn-themed video, hotly tipped Canadian couple Martina Sorbara and Dan Kurtz have stayed under the radar thus far. This should all change when their debut finally hits Britain, lending pop a fresh edge with the breathy, infectious "Competition" and sleaze morning-after anthem "I Get Around."

Roisin Murphy — Overpowered
Known best for her work with Ibiza-staples Moloko and the ominous chords of "Ramalama Bang Bang," eccentric dance star Roisin returns with an album of dense electronic anthems. With Murphy herself having guided the collection with co-writing and production credits, this second solo album promises original, textured cool.

Also look for:
Jimmy Eat World — Chase This Light
Angels and Airwaves — I, Empire

22 October

Orson — Culture Vultures
Relocating to London after their pop-rock failed to find favor in native America,

Orson became a chart fixture with upbeat, riff-driven tunes. Their sophomore effort promises more in the same vein, bringing the LA sunshine and party scene to our clouded shores.

Coheed and Cambria — Good Apollo
Fully titled Good Apollo, I'm Burning Star IV Volume Two: No World for Tomorrow, this release is the second half of part four of the band's concept project, The Amory Wars (still with me?). With Chris Pennie from Dillinger Escape Plan now on drums, the prog-rockers are as challenging as ever.

29 October

Lupe Fiasco — The Cool
Hailed as one of the new breed of socially conscious rappers, Lupe eschews babes and bling for thoughtful lyrics and fresh, laid-back beats on the follow-up to Food and Liquor. Side project CRS with Kanye and Pharrell should lend some influences—if not guest appearances—to his sound.

5 November

The Ravonettes — Lust, Lust, Lust
The Danish rock 'n rollers culled just 12 tracks from a collection of 200 for their new album, an ode to sex and forbidden desire. Despite wranglings over a US release, the band promise this will be their most personal record to date, with plenty of their trademark jagged guitars and vicious beats.

Also look for:
Busta Rhymes — Before Hell Freezes Over

12 November

Dido — TBC
The songstress became ubiquitous with her soft, electronic beats and soaring harmonies, but aside from collaborations with brother Rollo on Faithless material, all has been silent on the Dido front since 2003's Life for Rent. Finally emerging from the studio, her new material promises Californian influences, while live audiences will enjoy her drumming debut.

Also look for:
Daft Punk — Daft Punk Alive 2007 (live album)

—Abby McDonald
08.27.07