2009: The Year of (Great) Music Sequels

Does the music industry have sequels?

I hardly think of a band's second, third, fourth, fifth, or even sixth album as a "sequel" in terms of linear progression. I don't think anyone does. Sequels are continuations of a story, especially when considered with books, poems, television, film, and video games. In a more general sense, a sequel continues something previously started, and music albums generally aren't story-based media, but rather a collection of progressive works at some point in a bands career. Despite this however, I can't help but think that in 2009 we will see an explosion of incredible "music sequels."

I will cut to the chase:

If 2004's "American Idiot" by Green Day was a display of modern day political angst, then 2009's up-and-coming "21st Century Breakdown" examines what happens when fear has finally overtaken all other reason, when today's Generation Y hit their breaking point. From what I've heard of the album so far, Green Day isn't fooling around with a good thing: "21st Century" will pick up right where "American Idiot" left of musically and lyrically, although Billy Joe steps up a notch from "American Idiot" with thicker lyrics and a band who understands that they are growing musically. The effort does not go unnoticed. I will be listening to "American Idiot" repeatedly in the first weeks of May before I lead into its new big brother, "21st Century Breakdown."

Another anticipated release for me comes from quite a different band. 2006's "Carnavas" by Silversun Pickups redefined how I approached new albums. SSPU can best be described as indie rock, and they have a sound so unique it can only be all-their-own. With a lead signer with an unmistakable signing voice, a grungy guitarist, and a bassist who won't sit her ass down and go unnoticed, SSPU turned out to play a sound that was pretty different for my tastes, but "Carnavas" turned out to be one of my top-ten all-time favorite albums, no questions asked. "Swoon," releasing in April, sounds like it will pretty much pick right up where "Carnavas" left off. First single "Panic Switch" pulls a Green Day and bolts into a world teetering on the edge of breakdown, with classic SSPU lyrics that you could explore for hours at a time. Musically the song could fit comfortably with anything on "Carnavas," which makes the transition to the new album smooth as butter, I'm sure. I can't wait to get the full experience on April 14th.

There is more to look forward to in 2009: Pearl Jam re-issues their genre-defining album "Ten" in a few weeks while Bush may or may not be getting back together later this year, along with a reunited No Doubt as well. It will be a great year for music. Sequel or not.

B3 out.