Epic Records confirms that Fiona Apple's new album will "absolutely" be out this year

We've been sure to report every last scrap of information regarding the release of Fiona Apple's first new album in seven years, and we're slowly moving toward specifics. Today comes confirmation from an unnamed Epic Records spokesperson that the record will be out in 2012—though probably not in a few weeks, as hinted by CEO L.A. Reid recently via Twitter.  “It’ll absolutely be this year,” she said, “but timing wise, I don’t know exactly when.” It this helpful? We're not sure. But, again, at least we're moving slooowly in the direction of an actual release date here. [via Time]