2014's Most Anticipated Releases ...

... as determined by, well, me.

2014 will feature no shortage of high-profile releases. Here are the ten I'm most looking forward to.

Spoon — (TBD) (tbd release)

Britt Daniels has been on a hot streak for as long as I can remember. His tenure as Spoon's frontman has been virtually flawless as has been his stint with his side project The Divine Fits. It's been nearly four years since Spoon's last release. So we are long overdue for a healthy dose of Spoon's patented angular, ultra cool, taut-as-piano-wire rock.

Beck — Morning Phase (February 14 release)

Beck's output has been relatively sparse in recent years (reportedly because of a serious back injury). So Beck-o-philes the world over have reason to rejoice at the prospect of his first album since 2008's Modern Guilt. Early word is that it will be more akin to the acoustic SeaChange than the genre-bending Odelay or Midnite Vultures.

Little Dragon — (TBD) (Spring release)

Little Dragon's brand of icy cool nocturnal indie dance music — replete with pulsating rhythms, subtly mesmerizing melodies, and sultry vocals — has been impeccable on its last two albums. There's no reason to think that the third time won't be a charm as well.

The New Pornographers — (TBD) (tbd release)

The Canadian super group headlined by Carl Newman and Neko Case is back to unleash another deluge of ear-pleasing indie pop this spring. Can their winning streak of stellar albums remain intact? We'll soon find out.

Lykke Li — (TBD) (tbd release)

This Swedish indie pop chanteuse is set to release her follow-up to the the magnificent Wounded Rhymes. Expect another collection of rip-roaring show stoppers and spare confessionals sung with hushed intimacy.

Belle & Sebastian — (TBD) (tbd release)

The longtime titans of twee pop are back with their first release in four years. It's safe to predict that its songs (like virtually all B & S offerings) will mix skilled melodicism, precious vocals, and clever lyrics. I realize I'm going out on a limb here ....

Modest Mouse — (TBD) (tbd release)

The unique vision and off-kilter approach of this indie-rock outfit from the Pacific Northwest has generated a remarkably consistent slate of highly listenable albums. The next chapter in their oeuvre promises to expand upon that legacy.

Phantogram — Voices (February 18 release)

Phantogram describes its sound as "street beat, psych pop." However you wish to define it, the dreamy trip-hop on the New York duo's 2009 Eyelid Movies was a revelation. The much-anticipated Voices should further cement Phantogram's status as electro-rockers of the highest order.

Real Estate — Atlas (March 4 release)

Real Estate's last album Days was a masterpiece of wistful, romantic, melancholy pop. It definitely set a high bar, but I'm sure their newest release will clear it with ease.

Interpol — (TBD) (April release)

Following the release of Interpol's self-titled 2010 album, some wondered if it was the Gotham City indie rockers' swan song, especially considering the departure of bassist Carlos Dengler. However, Interpol has recorded a fresh batch of songs, which they're planning to debut on their upcoming tour in advance of their new album's release. Expect another exquisite set of moody post punk from this quintessentially NYC band.