As is usually the case, Tom Petty hit the nail on the head when he said, “the waiting is the hardest part.” With that in mind, here are a few 2010 releases we’re (or, at least, I am) looking forward to.

JANUARY 19

Eels – End Times
If early reports are true, this may be the most depressing album Mr. E has ever submitted, which would be quite a fit considering his back catalogue. If the single, “Little Bird,” is any indication, End Times may also be the most beautiful record Eels have ever released.

Eels – “Little Bird” (from End Times)

Spoon – Tranference
Spoon is one of the best “what you see is what you get” bands on the planet. You know exactly how this record’s going to sound. Three killer singles, several very-good-but-not-unforgettable tracks, and a little bit of filler. There’s something to be said for that kind of consistency.

JANUARY 26

Patty Griffin – Downtown Church
Another artist you can set your watch by. If it’s a Patty Griffin record, chances are it’s very, very good.

Magnetic Fields – Realism
A follow-up to Distortion in the truest sense of the word, Realism shares similar cover art, but thematically and sonically, Realism is a complete 180, showcasing Stephin Merritt’s more delicate side. Of course, those familiar with Merritt’s work know that “delicate” may apply to the arrangements, while the content itself will likely still depend heavily on Merritt’s biting sense of humor. If it’s half as good as Distortion, it’ll still be pretty damn good.

Autopsy IV note: Tim Barry – 28th & Stonewall
The Tao of Tim will continue with Vol. 3. If “Thing of the Past” is any indicator the new Tim Barry record will be an instruction manual for simple living.

FEBRUARY 2

Pierced Arrows – Descending Shadows
Fred and Toody Cole keep the Dead Moon flame alive with their new combo, Pierced Arrows which, not surprisingly, sounds very, very much like Dead Moon. That is not a bad thing.

FEBRUARY 16

Kasey Anderson – Nowhere Nights
Believe it or not, I’m excited for my own record. Hopefully somebody else is, too.

Kasey Anderson – “Sooner/Later” (from Nowhere Nights)

Preservation Hall Jazz Band – Preservation
Check out the list of artists who collaborated with the Preservation Hall Jazz band for this release, which will benefit the preservation of the Preservation Hall (get it?): Pete Seeger, Tom Waits, Steve Earle, Jason Isbell, Buddy Miller, Brandi Carlile. Oh, and some guy named Louis Armstrong, too.

Joe Pug – Messenger
Pug’s debut record will, in all likelihood, introduce many, many people to one of the best young songwriting talents in America. I think the phrase “the Real Deal,” is incredibly worn-out and absurd, but if anyone fits the bill, it’s Joe Pug.

Joe Pug – “Bury Me Far From My Uniform (Live)” (Studio version will appear on Messenger)

Matthew Ryan – Dear Lover
Ninebullets covered Dear Lover upon its digital release but February 16 will see Matthew Ryan’s phenomenal album making its way in to stores.

FEBRUARY 23

Rocky Votolato – True Devotion
It has been two years since the release of The Brag and Cuss and it should be interesting to see which direction Votolato goes this time after vacillating between soft indie guy crooning and brawnier arrangements.

MARCH 9

The Besnard Lakes – The Besnard Lakes Are the Roaring Night
New Besnard Lakes record? Yes please.

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club – Beat the Devil’s Tattoo
After an uneven live record, Black Rebel Motorcycle are back with a “proper” release in 2010. Here’s hoping the album itself is better than the title.

MARCH 16

Drive-By Truckers – The Big To-Do
Their relationship with Lost Highway was a catastrophe. Their time at New West yielded a few very good records and a couple of mediocre releases. Perhaps Dave Matthews’ ATO Records is the right fit for the Best Live Band in America. They’re never going to be a huge crossover success, but Drive-By Truckers do deserve the kind of publicity and promotional push that seems to have evaded them thus far.

TBD

Ryan Adams – Untitled “Serious” Ryan Adams Project
You know it’s coming. And you know somebody somewhere is going to say, “Adams has finally lived up to his potential and released his best albums yet,” but I can guarantee you that somebody ain’t gonna be me.