2009's Summer Music Guide:
1. Blink-182 Reunion (Summer Tour)
Punk rock fans rejoiced when Tom, Mark and Travis shared the stage at this year's Grammys to announce their return. The same day as the announcement, a short message appeared on the band's Web site, saying, "To put it simply, we're back. We mean, really back. Picking up where we left off and then some." The newly re-formed trio has announced a summer tour, as well as news a sixth studio album is in the works. This summer will see what has the potential to be one of the biggest reunions in modern music.
2. Ursa Major (June 23)
That's right; Third Eye Blind has finally set a release date for the album that has been in the works since George W.'s first term. Because of the band's immense popularity and the obscenely long wait for a new album, expectations for Ursa Major are about as high as anyone could have imagined. This will be the first album that the band has done without bassist Arion Salazar, who also contributed in the songwriting process. Frontman Stephen Jenkins, who has gained popularity for writing songs about sex, drugs and suicide, has announced the new album will be more political than previous works.
3. No Doubt Reunion (Summer Tour)
Despite having almost no game plan on what direction to take the group, the reunited members of No Doubt continue the positive, experience-driven dynamic, even in the face of uncertainty. While Stefani was at first promoting her second album, the band's future became even more unclear when the rest of the band began working on a new album while she was home, pregnant with her second child. Despite not having a new record to promote, No Doubt has announced a summer tour, Paramore, with an expected release date of 2010 for the new album.
4. Farewell to Nine Inch Nails (Summer Tour)
This summer may be the last opportunity to witness one of the most unique and mesmerizing musical acts in recent history. Trent Reznor's brainchild is expected to at least temporarily dissolve, if not permanently. Reznor pioneered and mastered the industrial music genre, laying the foundation for both electronic and techno music in subsequent years. Earlier this year, Reznor posted a message on the band's Web site, saying, "I've been thinking for some time now it's time to make NIN disappear for a while." He continued by adding, "We will be back some day, in some form," but it is unclear as to what it will look like. This summer's tour with Jane's Addiction may be the last chance to see a musical genius manipulate sound like few others can.
5. Bonnaroo Music Festival 2009 (June 11 to 14)
One of music's most successful summer festivals returns this year with another amazing ensemble of incredible musicians. This year's lineup includes Bruce Springsteen, Phish, Beastie Boys, Nine Inch Nails, MGMT, Public Enemy, Citizen Cope, Snoop Dogg, Elvis Costello and The Mars Volta.
6. Isle of Wight Music Festival 2009 (June 12 to 14)
The legendary music festival that was once larger than Woodstock has included epic performances by The Who, Jimi Hendrix and The Doors, and it continues to be one of the most successful musical gatherings in the world. This year's lineup includes Neil Young, The Prodigy, Pendulum, Stereophonics, Razorlight and Pixies. Rumors have circulated that U2 might also perform, but no official announcement has been made.
7. The Boat That Rocked (August 28)
The Boat That Rocked is a movie about a fictitious group of radio pirates who broadcast rock 'n' roll music from their boat to the United Kingdom in 1966. The film was released in the UK this month and has garnered praise from music and movie critics alike. It stars Philip Seymour Hoffman as an American DJ who lives on the ship with a number of British broadcasters, including Shaun of the Dead's Nick Frost. The film promises to be funny and heartfelt, and could potentially be the best movie about music since Almost Famous.
8. Jane's Addiction Reunion (Summer Tour)
Yet another highly anticipated reunion. Perry Farrell and company have been spent the last 17 years apart working on side projects, with the exception of a few scattered reunion shows. The band's influence on modern rock is substantial, so much so that even their departure bore a music festival. Not many people are aware, but Jane's Addiction's farewell tour launched the first Lollapalooza festival.
9. Passion Pit's Manners (May 19)
As I said several weeks ago when reviewing their EP Chunk of Change, Passion Pit has enormous potential, as evidenced by said EP. The band's upcoming album will be the band's first full product, and it will set the tone for the band's future. If Chunk of Change is any indication, Manners is something you are going to want to purchase immediately upon release.
10. Lollapalooza Music Festival 2009 (August 7 to 9)
The extremely popular music festival in Chicago again returns with solid lineup of headliners, as well as an impressive list of supporting acts. This year's show includes Depeche Mode, Tool, The Killers, Jane's Addiction, The Gaslight Anthem, Beastie Boys and Kings of Leon.
