IT'S A TRAP! Scandinavian Music Journal

Who is Homeland?

Thu, 08 Apr 2010 11:59:11 -0700

WTF is this? Nicke Borg of Backyard Babies is going solo under the name Homeland, a moniker already taken by fellow Swedish artist Mikael Carlsson (ex-David & the Citizens). He'll be making his live debut at the Peace & Love Festival in Borlänge, Sweden this summer.

Adrian Recordings signs Den Svenska Tystnaden, will release three EPs

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 11:40:31 -0700

Adrian Recordings has announced the signing of Den Svenska Tystnaden and will be releasing a series of three EPs from the band over the course of 2010. Up first is "Större avstånd högre spänning" on April 30, to be followed by "Långsamma repliker all tid i världen" (August 30) and "Utsikter från botten" (December 30). And for the trivia-minded, the band features label head Magnus Bjerkert's brother John Bjerkert, whose resume includes stints with ARC labelmates David & the Citizens/David Fridlund as well as Emil Jensen.

This week's Last.fm chart

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:11:05 -0700

Here is the It's a Trap! listening group top 10 artists of the week, unique to our group:

01. Beach House
02. The Radio Dept.
03. Loney, Dear
04. Shout Out Louds
05. jj
06. Moto Boy
07. Håkan Hellström
08. Yeasayer
09. David & the Citizens
10. Efterklang

Do you listen to music on your computer or with an iPod? Please join us and make your playlist count! Go here to learn more: http://www.last.fm/help/

New David Fridlund album is done

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 12:12:57 -0800

Swedish expat-cum-Austin resident David Fridlund (ex-David & the Citizens) has finished his new solo album "Some day, eventually, in the future..." and plans to release it in the very near future.

Inventory adjustment!

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:28:52 -0800

The more stuff I get rid of in my ongoing clearance sale, the more old stock I discover -- many titles once labelled out of stock from artists such as Firefox AK, Hello Saferide, The Je Ne Sais Quoi, David & the Citizens, Vapnet, El Perro Del Mar and others are now being relisted, some of them at new, lower prices. But! Bear in mind that many of these are limited to one or maybe two copies each, so you better act fast if you want one: [click here]

New David Fridlund album in January

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:21:22 -0800

David Fridlund (David & the Citizens) may have moved to Austin, but that's not gonna stop the Swedish release of his new album which will be out in January, via Fashionpolice if I remember correctly.

This week's Last.fm chart

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 13:03:03 -0700

Here is the It's a Trap! listening group top 10 artists of the week, unique to our group:

01. The Bear Quartet
02. Kings of Convenience
03. Frida Hyvönen
04. Loney, Dear
05. El Perro del Mar
06. David & the Citizens
07. Håkan Hellström
08. Lake Heartbeat
09. The Hidden Cameras
10. The Soundtrack of Our Lives

Do you listen to music on your computer or with an iPod? Please join us and make your playlist count! Go here to learn more: http://www.last.fm/help/

Ex-Citizens resurface as Stråket/Kir

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 14:15:30 -0700

Ex-David & the Citizens dudes Magnus Bjerkert and Conny Fridh have a new band called Stråket/Kir. Listen: http://www.myspace.com/straketkir

David Fridlund 1999-2009

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:13:31 -0700

David Fridlund (David & the Citizens) is celebrating 10 years as a musician by self-releasing a limited edition compilation of demo recordings. Go here for details: http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=47112426&blogId=496264856

David Fridlund finishes album, moves to Texas

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 12:10:18 -0700

David Fridlund (David & the Citizens) reports that his new album is done and he's also picking up and relocating to Austin, TX by the end of July: http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=47112426&blogId=480871058

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 11:01:23 -0700

Here is the It's a Trap! listening group top 10 artists of the week, unique to our group:

01. Hello Saferide
02. Frida Hyvönen
03. Håkan Hellström
04. Detektivbyrån
05. Familjen
06. Vapnet
07. Christian Kjellvander
08. David & the Citizens
09. Parken
10. Jens Lekman

Do you listen to music on your computer or with an iPod? Please join us and make your playlist count! Go here to learn more: http://www.last.fm/help/

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 14:16:29 -0700

David Fridlund is officially putting an end to David & the Citizens: http://davidfridlund.webblogg.se/2008/august/david-the-citizens-forever.html
Look for new material to be issued under his given name in the near future, I believe a split 7" with his wife Sara Culler is coming this fall via Fashion Police.

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 16:11:49 -0700

Homeland, aka Mikael Carlsson (ex-David & the Citizens), has a brand new EP on the 23 Seconds netlabel now available for free download: http://www.23seconds.org/

Mon, 12 May 2008 14:01:06 -0700

There's a new demo track from David & the Citizens up on myspace: http://www.myspace.com/davidandthecitizens
Look for a split single with Sara Culler in the near future.

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 11:15:05 -0700

Adrian Recordings has announced the signing of Cato, a mysterious artist they say "is the mastermind behind artists like Familjen, eMiL Jensen and David & the Citizens and one of the most talented persons we have ever met." But instead of any sort of regular physical release, much less a myspace page, Adrian will only be posting his music for streaming at their website, a new track every Wednesday for the next full year. Read more: http://www.adrianrecordings.com/default.asp?newsid=174

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 19:55:37 -0700

Ex-David & the Citizens member Mikael Carlsson aka Homeland has 12 new acoustic demo tracks available for free download: http://www.homelandhome.com/

David & The Citizens I saw my reflection and I didn't recognize myself self-released

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0800

This is the first release from David & the Citizens since all the members bar David Fridlund left rather suddenly, early last year. What made me like David & the Citizens in the first place was the nerve and the raw intensity of their songs. This release is somewhat lacking in those qualities and feels a bit like a watered down version of the real thing. Only one of the songs connect with me, and that's the last one (of the four) "Anything" which is an effortless song with great lyrics accompanied a simple piano. I'm very keen to see what David Fridlund will come up with next, but hopefully it'll be something much better than this.

You can download the EP for free here.

MP3: Boeoes Kaelstigen - Flir

Fri, 28 Dec 2007 11:36:16 -0800

This is the kind of track I can put on an endless loop and never get sick of it, that's how hot it is. It gets me moving. That slinky bassline is relentless once it gets going and those rare moments when it stutters for a second and misses the downbeat only add to the excitement. It gets even better once they start layering on the harmonies, pushing higher and higher, increasing the tension until the inevitable release. Adrian Recordings may have gotten their start with folksy indierock (David & the Citizens, Björns Vänner, etc.), but they've proven they can do techno just as well, if not better. Familjen, Printer and Boeoes Kaelstigen? That's the shit right there. If they don't do another guitar-based record again, I won't mind.

Mon, 17 Dec 2007 11:48:44 -0800

There's a new David & the Citizens EP posted for free download: http://www.thecitizens.nu/index.php?id=89
Does anyone know if David Fridlund still has a record deal?

Tue, 30 Oct 2007 15:15:41 -0700

Homeland, aka ex-David & the Citizens member Mikael Carlsson, has posted an entire album worth of new acoustic material for free download: http://www.homelandhome.com/download/love.html
Eventually the more electronic-ified/less rough versions of said songs will be released as well.

Mon, 15 Oct 2007 19:14:01 -0700

David Fridlund (David & the Citizens) has new music posted on myspace: http://www.myspace.com/davidfridlund

Thu, 04 Oct 2007 16:17:17 -0700

More intimate video footage of David Fridlund (David & the Citizens) performing new material now up on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0X86hoBDP1I

Mon, 30 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Visual artist Ander Weberg has compiled all of the various music videos he did between 2003 and 2006 and has posted them here: http://recycled.se/mintv.htm
Artists featured include David & the Citizens, Folie, The Mo, Sophie Rimheden, Laakso and more.

Tue, 19 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Battle of the Midwestern Housewives interviews David Fridlund from David & the Citizens and subtlely manages to call out IAT in the process: http://midwesternhousewives.blogspot.com/2007/06/david-and-citizens-interview.html

Mon, 04 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0700

David & the Citizens have a new demo track posted on myspace: http://www.myspace.com/davidandthecitizens

Sat, 19 May 2007 00:00:00 -0700

My special guest on my radio show this week was Ola Frick of the Moonbabies. Here's what we played:

01. Johndoe - Kjøtere
02. TALK 1
03. Mixtapes & Cellmates - The better half of cynical boys
04. The End Will Be Kicks - Ass of a friend
05. Breach - Lost crew
06. TALK 2
07. Silverbullit - Only gold
08. Lack - Primo Levi
09. Samuraj Cities - All along the shoreline
10. Rockettothesky - Barrie for Billy MacKenzie
11. TALK 3
12. Fireside - Let Rasputin do it
13. Heroes & Zeros - Into the light
14. Moonbabies - War on sound
15. TALK 4
16. Moonbabies - Cocobelle
17. TALK 5
18. Moonbabies - Take me to the ballroom (comp version)
19. Björn Kleinhenz - Pocket of gold
20. TALK 6
21. Loney, Dear - Saturday waits
22. Revolvo - Marmelade
23. TALK 7
24. Emerald Park - Open up
25. KVLR - Capitol city child
26. TALK 8
27. David & the Citizens - Are you in my blood?
28. TALK 9
29. David Åhlén - Wasted breaths
30. Maia Hirasawa - Still June
31. TALK 10
32. Moonbabies - Sun A.M. (outtake version)
33. TALK 11
34. Moonbabies - Don't ya know?

Not only did Ola reveal that he used to be a member of the Mercyful Fate fanclub, but it also looks like he'll be recording the next David & the Citizens record. Excellent!

Fri, 06 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Happy Zombie Day from ex-David & the Citizens member Alexander Madsen: http://www.adrianrecordings.com/easter/eggs.html

Tue, 13 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Updated appearances for David Fridlund/David & the Citizens (who I believe is travelling Citizens-less?) at SXSW:

03/15 - 4pm @ End of an Ear, 2209 South 1st St.
03/15 - 1am @ Uncle Flirty's Loft, 512 Trinity St. (Nordic Night showcase)
03/16 - 1:40pm @ SOHO, 217 E. 6th St. (Pirate Promotions party)
03/17 - 3:45 and 4:30pm @ Homeslice Pizza, 1415 South Congress (15-minute solo sets between bands)
03/17 - 6pm @ the Yard Dog Folk Art Gallery, 1510 South Congress (Redeye Distribution 10th Anniversary party)

Tue, 06 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Are David & the Citizens becoming a rock'n'roll cliché? Just as they were getting ready to take things to the next level with their first-ever performances in the US, the entire backing band has quit. Why? Rumor has it that frontman David Fridlund's girlfriend Sara Culler has become the band's Yoko Ono, but no one is willing to go on record to explain their side of the story. This is not the first time that such rumors have circulated as I have heard similar things in the past with regards to previous band defections.
I sincerely hope that David and the guys will somehow be able to rectify the situation, but I am not optmistic. I imagine he'll recruit a new batch of ringers and the show will go on, in one way or another. But hey, feel free to prove me wrong! Also, since I am aware than many parties involved are readers of this site, you are all invited to send in any official response or statement to the situation which I will publish unedited and without response.

Mon, 29 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0800

David & the Citizens, Marit Bergman and Johnossi have all been confirmed for this year's Export Music Sweden showcase at SXSW.

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0800

New live dates for David & the Citizens:

02/06 - Tavastia club, Helsinki (FIN)
02/08 - Klubi, Turku (FIN)
02/09 - Klubi, Tampere (FIN)
02/10 - Amarillo, Vaasa (FIN)
02/21 - Magnet, Berlin (GER)
02/22 - Starclub, Dresden (GER)
02/23 - Prinzenbar (Docks), Hamburg (GER)
02/24 - Motor Fm Club @ Schocken, Stuttgart (GER)
02/26 - MTC, Cologne (GER)
02/27 - E-Werk, Erlangen (GER)
02/28 - Atomic Café, Munich (GER)
03/01 - Gleis 22 (Visions Party), Munster (GER)
03/02 - tba (Visions Party), Essen (GER)
03/03 - Forum (Visions Party), Bielefeld (GER)
03/09 - Ekko, Utrecht (NL)
03/10 - LVC, Leiden (NL)

The band will also reportedly be making over to the US for SXSW, but no dates are confirmed yet as far as I know.

Wed, 17 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Stylus reviews the US release of David & the Citizens "Until the sadness is gone": http://www.stylusmagazine.com/reviews/david-the-citizens/until-the-sadness-is-gone.htm
Also reviewed today is the reissue of Meshuggah's excellent "Nothing" album: http://www.stylusmagazine.com/reviews/meshuggah/nothing.htm

Tue, 02 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Swedish student radio's top 20 for the 2006 fall semester:

01. The Knife - Like a pen
02. David & The Citizens - A heart and a hand and the love for the band
03. Mando Diao - Tv & me
04. Deportees - Missing you, missing me
05. The Streets - Prangin' out
06. The Pipettes - Pull shapes
07. Johnossi - Glory days to come
08. The Magic Numbers - Take a chance
09. Melody Club - Destiny calling
10. Jet - Put your money where your mouth is
11. Peter Bjorn and John - Let's call it off
12. Gnarls Barkley - Smiley faces
13. Regina Spektor - Better
14. Salem Al Fakir - Good song
15. Timo Räisänen - Let's kill ourselves a son
16. The Roots - Don´t feel right
17. Marit Bergman - No party
18. Tingsek - World of it's own
19. The Lost Patrol Band - Automatic kids
20. Koop - Come to me

Mon, 18 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0800

Don't forget to check out all the recent top 10s that have been posted over the last few days. We've also got a report posted from last Monday's Tack! Tack! Tack! show in London with David & the Citizens and Laakso right here.

Live report: David & The Citizens + Laakso @ the Social, London UK 12/11/06

Sat, 16 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0800

The events leading up to this month's T!T!T! almost threatened to overshadow the gig itself. 'Piegate' was an issue about treating bands from overseas with a good healthy square meal before taking to the stage. English promoters have a reputation overseas for giving bands a raw deal. We want to buck the trend and, after a lot of feet-stamping and shouting, we got our way.

While both of the artist's playing December's T!T!T! cannot lay claim to being new or hyped, they are both seasoned & professional acts who can draw large audiences in capital cities all over Europe. It was actually at a David & The Citizens gig that I first met Jason, almost three years ago to the day.

The love-in and comraderie continued with the re-acquaintance of Pipettes backing band members Jon + Seb Falcone with David & The Citizens. Both camps originally met up at the T!T!T! curated afternoon at the Citizens tent at last summer's Emmaboda festival. The Falcone brothers acted as guest jocks on the night and kept the crowd moving the between the bands, rinsing the likes of Jenny Wilson and Slagsmålsklubben.

The Citizens were the band first on and delved into both their back catalogue as well as playing tracks from the new "Stop the tape! Stop the tape!" album. Magnus made the most of the cramped surroundings by climbing onto a punter's table to really give his brass instrument some welly. The indie-Taliban down the front responded in the requisite style: they went mental.

Laakso's set acted as an end-of-tour party. The band had just come off the road, fresh from supporting Peter Bjorn and John. Singer Markus Krunegård made sure to acknowledge all the Swedish au pairs in the house. Maybe Swedish au pairs aren't that prevalent in London anymore. "But you all work in shoe shops now..." he assessed. Anyway, we won't question his judgement. Laakso played with an unbelievable amount of energy with sweat dripping from Krunegård' brow whilst David Nygård's head threatened to remove itself from his body, such was the intensity of his backing vocals on the likes of "In my blood", or "Drop out" (a new song set to feature on their third album). The band didn't play any of their well-documented Finnish versions of their catalogue. Not sure if the girl who was waving a Finnish flag for the duration of their set was disappointed, but the rest of us certainly weren't.
- Nick Levine

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0800

Some pics from the David & the Citizens/Laakso show at Tack! Tack! Tack! the other night: http://rikardolino.blogspot.com/

Top 10s for 2006: Staff picks

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0800

Not everyone was able to get their lists in on time, but I think you'll find more than enough titles here well-worth investigating, whatever your tastes may be. Enjoy!

Jonas Appelqvist:

01. The Fine Arts Showcase – Radiola (Adrian Recordings)
When Christian released a kinda mediocre record, Gustav stepped up, delivered and restored the honour of the Kjellvander brothers.

02. C.Aarmé – Vita (Burning Heart)
Music for the gut, not the brain. Göteborg's finest punks just recently split up, it's a pity.

03. Hets – s/t (V2/Etikett: Hets)
I was a bit hesitative when I heard that members from Laakso, Fireside and Moneybrother formed a band. They proved me wrong.

04. Raised Fist – The sound of the republic (Burning Heart Records)
This long awaited full-length proved to be exactly what I hoped for. Uncompromising hardcore, this time with hooks!

05. Insurgent Kid – Paranoia (Wasted Sounds)
Just recently released and it went straight into this list. The punkrock on this disc is, in fact, all I ever need.

06. Khoma – The second wave (Roadrunner)
I always knew something good would come out of Plastic Pride.

07. Aerial – Black rain from the nombing (Nomethod)
Epic and almost instrumental post-rock from Sandviken that moved me big time.

08. Tar... Feathers – Make way for the ocean floor to fall to the surface (Release the Bats!)
Self-willed indiepop that sounds like Modest Mouse mixed with Xiu Xiu at times.

09. Darkthrone – The cult is alive (Peaceville)
Pioneers that released their most interesting record since "Total Death". Black-metal with one hell of a punkrockattitude!

10. Cult of Luna – Somewhere along the highway (Earache)
One of the records I've listened to the most in 2006 and it's still intriguing.

Top 3 non-scandinavian records of 2006:
Converge – No heroes (Epitaph)
Electric President – s/t (Morr Music)
Cursive – Happy hollow (Saddle Creek)

Nancy Baym:

01. Hell On Wheels - The odd church (Hybris/PlayRec)
It's catchy, it's quirky, it's consistently strong. And it's interesting too.

02. Skywriter - Where both worlds never meet (Iceberg Records)
The slow ones drag a bit, but the fast songs are a sublime mix of sexy, cool, driving and restrained.

03. Consequences - s/t (BOW/Groover Recordings)
Puts the "infection" in infectious pop. I can't stop listening to it and really don't want to either.

04. Peter Bjorn and John - Writer's block (V2/Wichita)
Not as good as last year's "Falling out", but an okay Peter Bjorn and John record is still better than most.

05. Pelle Carlberg - Everything. Now! (Labrador)
He's thoughtful, he's sensitive, he's twee, but most of all he's the perfect mix of soothing and beautiful. Frazzled nerves be gone!

06. The Phonies - Gran tourettes (Money Laundry Records)
Inconsistent record from Finland's Phonies, but it's best songs are exhuberant enough to carry the rest.

07. Billie the Vision & the Dancers - The world according to Pablo (self-released)
While I'm From Barcelona gets all the buzz, I prefer this. It's kind of mellow, a little dark, sort of conceptual if you bother to figure it out, but most of all, it just sounds good.

08. David & the Citizens - Stop the tape! Stop the tape! (Bad Taste)
David Fridlund's a melodic genius and the music may be better than ever, but Fridlund's angst runs too close to whining too much of the time.

09. Starflower - Moment in the sun (Music Is My Girlfriend)
Tranquil and poppy, youthful and tuneful, it's a gentle little debut from a band I hope will diversify its sound in releases to come.

10. The Charade - Real Life Drama (Skipping Stones)
Half of this is too sweet for me, but the rest is charming as all get out, and "September" easily wins the award for catchiest sugar pop song of the year.

Honorable Mentions:

Sivert Høyem and the Volunteers - Exiles (Hektor Grammofon)
It's not out yet and I've only heard 2 songs, but given his track record with Madrugada and his last solo record, it's guaranteed a spot in my top 10 when I do get to hear the rest.

Tiger Lou - The loyal (Startracks)
It came out in 2005 but now I've finally heard this record. It's got such a cool consistent vibe, such a unique sound, and I'm under it's spell completely.

Matt Giordano:

01. Peter Bjorn and John - Writers block (V2/Wichita)
After last years excellent "Falling out" I expected a great album, but this release just floored me.

02. Loney, Dear - Sologne (Dear John)
Yes, this is technically a re-release, and yes, it's that good.

03. The Fine Arts Showcase - Radiola (Adrian)
This is the new album I listened to most this year, and a it was quite a leap artistically for Mr. Kjellvander.

04. Hell On Wheels - The odd church (Hybris)
This one sat in my room for about a month until one day I brought it in the car with me, and to say the least, I was impressed.

05. Vapnet - Jag vet hur man väntar (Hybris)
"Thoméegränd" instantly hit me with pure pop genuis, and this album is so textured and deep, it has yet to be fully realised.

06. Firefox AK - Madame, madame! (Razzia)
It took me a while, but I have finally realised how genius this album is.

07. Nicolai Dunger - Sjunger Edith Södergran (EMI)
I believe this is Mr. Dunger's most cohesive album to date, and perhaps his most intimate.

08. Sibiria - Inom familjen (Hybris)
Martin A and Martin H put out two stellar albums in one year. Gorgeous.

09. The Knife - Silent shout (Rabid)
This album is both bleak and enchanting.

10. David & The Citizens - Stop the tape! Stop the tape! (Bad Taste)
This album is so solid, and it should silence all of the naysayers.

Other:

Best 2005 release of 2006:
El Perro Del Mar - El Perro Del Mar (Memphis Industries/The Control Group)
Gorgeous, that is the only way to describe the songwriting of Sarah Assbring, and it's good to see the rest of the world catching on.

Top three non-Scandinavian releases:

Tom Waits - Orphans (Anti)
This is absolutely essential.

Nobody & Mystic Chords Of Memory - Tree colored see (Mush)
Another post-Beachwood Sparks work of excellence, now I'm only wishing for Beachwood Sparks to reunite.

My Morning Jacket - Okonokos (RCA)
America's best current live band, and this is their document.

Top ten songs of 2006*
01. Montt Mardié - "My girlfriend is in the Grand Prix finals" from "Science" (Hybris)
02. Peter Bjorn and John - "Paris 2004" from "Writers block" (V2)
03. Kristofer Åström - "So much for staying alive" from "Black Valley" (Startracks)
04. Loney, Dear - "The city, the airport" from "Sologne" (Dear John)
05. Tom Waits - "Bottom of the world" from "Orphans" (Anti)
06. Vapnet - "Thoméegränd" from "Jag vet hur man väntar" (Hybris)
07. The Velvet Teen - "Gyzmkid" from "Cum laude" (Slowdance)
08. Nicolai Dunger - "Lyckokatt" from "Sjunger Edith Södergran" (Dolores)
09. Loose Fur - "The ruling class" from "Born again in the USA" (Drag City)
10. Islands - "Don't call me Whitney, Bobby" from "Return to the sea" (Equator)

*These songs, as well as 31 others appear on my "Best of 2006" mix, which I have made 20 copies of as a double-disc set to give away to the readers of It's A Trap! Here's the deal, the first twenty people to email me at matthew dot giordano at macys dot com with their name and postal address will receive a copy (as well as tracklisting) in the mail. Enjoy.

Kevin Renick, in alphabetical order:

01. Ampop - My delusions (Dennis Records)
Balancing the epic and the emotive is an increasingly dicey proposition as more and more groups on both sides of the Atlantic sacrifice one or the other in the process. Iceland's Ampop gets the blend just right with these 11 surgingly powerful, yet fragile tunes. .

02. El Perro Del Mar - s/t (Memphis Industries)
Possibly the most bubbly, infectious, melodically rich, beautifully sung sad album ever made.

03. Sofia Hardig - The need to destroy (Filthy Records)
An adventurous electronica foray in which Sofia makes an art out of distorted vocals that are nonetheless emotionally wrenching. Dark, machine-laden grooves that grip the soul.

04. The Knife - Silent shout (Brille Records)
By any standard, one of the year's boldest and most significant records, especially for a spooked, tech-savvy, mask-wearin', brother-sister dance-tronica act.

05. Lampshade - Let's away (Glitterhouse)
The sophomore release by this fabulous Swedish/Danish group is just as good as the debut; RebekkaMaria and company fuse primal rock and Scandi sensuality together in a thoroughly compelling manner.

06. Mew - And the glass-handed kites (Sony BMG Music)
A continuously flowing, continuously melodic and dazzling production that got many satisfying spins on my car stereo in 2006.

07. Monty's Loco - Man overboard (NONS)
Take a female vocalist who's like a tougher Emiliana Torrini, add equal parts acoustic/electronic instrumentation, throw in a few dollops of inspired weirdness and mix/produce well. Result: a grabber of an album that tickles the sonic taste buds..

08. Britta Persson - Top quality bones and a little terrorist (Amigo)
I like my Scandinavian music to be a little tart. Britta's debut CD is positively lemony from start to finish, a real standout in a year filled with great records by Scandi girls.

09. Patrik Skantze and the Free Souls Society - Fiction at first view (Mimo Sound)
A master class in inspired prog songcraft, superb guitar playing and the art of channeling diverse influences into your own lovingly prepared recipe.

10. Sonores - Elefanten (Structures Sonores)
As a long-time fan of both atmospheric ambient and mournful female vocals, this texturally absorbing disc had me at "eftermiddag".

Best EP: Detektivbyrån - Hemvägen (Danarkia)
Best CD to reevaluate your life to: Es - Sateenkkarisuudelma (K-RAA-K)
Best reasons to have faith that the spirit of weirdness lives on in Scandiland: The Bear Quartet, Sir Eric Beyond, and Tar...Feathers

Simon Tagestam:

01. Vapnet – Jag vet hur man väntar (album / Hybris)
Vapnet lived up to all my expectations and delivered a fantastic album

02. Moneybrother – De vet ingenting om oss (single / Hacka Skivindustri)
This song came totally unexpected and instantly floored me.

03. Lo-Fi-Fnk – Boylife (album / La Vida Loca)
Very exciting album from Sweden’s new dance kings, now TTA gone all new age.

04. Mattias Alkberg BD - Ditt hjärta är en stjärna (album / A West Side Fabrication)
Third and best album from this Bear Quartet member.

05. Taxi Taxi – Old big trees (song on myspace)
Killer song. Got high hopes for these young twins.

06. I'm From Barcelona - Let me introduce my friends (album / Dolores)
Hate them live, but still love their music.

07. Juni Järvi - Wherever thou art (album / Everlasting)
The surprise hit of the year, a collection of some magnificent songs.

08. [ingenting] - Mycket väsen för ingenting (album / Labrador)
An album that deserved much more attention and praise than it got.

09. Juvelen – Watch your step (song on myspace)
Sounds exactly like Prince when he was at his best. Pretty damn good that is!

10. Sir Eric Beyond and the Avant-Garde - s/t (album / Flora & Fauna)
Weirdest and most wonderful gig at Emmaboda this year where 'Sir Eric', even though he's Swedish, only talked in English in-between songs. He also released a fine record.

Three amazing songs from albums that I wasn't too keen on:
Fattaru – 100 spänn
Hello Saferide – The quiz
Peter Bjorn and John – Young folks

---------------------------

Jonas Appelqvist is in the works of completing the first fullengthrecord with Blinders On, indierock based in Malmö. The band is, as I write this, finished with the mixing and the mastering of the album entitled "Obsolete music", so we should expect a release in January. The 17th, to be precise. More on that after New Year's Eve.

Nancy Baym can be found happily blogging away at Online Fandom and digging music at Last.fm.

Matt Giordano wishes everyone safe, yet wine-filled holidays and New Year's celebrations, and hopes those who'll be getting his "Best of 2006 mix" enjoy them. He also hopes Arsenal can pick up the pace in the premier league and that Scandinavian bands continue to release the world's best music. Here are the new releases he's looking forward to in 2007: two Laakso records, Kristofer Åström, Shout Out Louds, Via Audio, Christian Kjellvander, Spoon, Tiger Lou (I can hope), My Morning Jacket (I can hope), Nick Cave (I think it's about time for another), Moonbabies, Nicolai Dunger, and all Hyrbis releases.

Kevin Renick is exhausted from trying to pare down the list of favorites from a really great year in music.

Simon Tagestam is a regular contributor to IAT and he doesn't really have any plans for 2007, except some vague ideas concerning a Nintendo Wii, his mother's 60th birthday, more tattoos, and badminton.

Tue, 05 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0800

Paper Thin Walls does another day of music from Sweden: http://www.paperthinwalls.com/
Artists covered include Paddington DC, September Malevolence and David & the Citizens.

Fri, 01 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0800

The latest Swedish student radio top 20:

01. (01) Mando Diao - TV & me
02. (02) Johnossi - Glory days to come
03. (04) Regina Spektor - Better
04. (03) Gnarls Barkley - Who cares?
05. (07) Koop - Come to me
06. (09) The Salem Al Fakir - Good song
07. (NY) Laleh - November
08. (10) Tingsek - World of it's own
09. (17) Muse - Knights of Cydonia
10. (NY) Red Hot Chili Peppers - Snow (hey oh)
11. (11) Melody Club - Destiny calling
12. (15) Asha Ali - Fire fire
13. (NY) Boxyrox - Yeah yeah
14. (NY) Juliette & The Licks – Stick honey
15. (05) The Knife - Like a pen
16. (08) The Streets - Prangin' out
17. (NY) 1990's - You're supposed to be my boyfriend
18. (19) Chingy w/Jermaine Dupri - Dem jeans
19. (NY) Moneybrother - De vet ingenting om oss
20. (13) Jeremy Warmsley - I promise

Leaving the chart:
The Magic Numbers - Take a chance
Peter, Bjorn & John - Let's call it off
Fat Joe - Make it rain
Lupe Fiasco - I gotcha
David & The Citizens - A heart and a hand and the love for the band
Goose - British mode

Tue, 28 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0800

New German dates for David & the Citizens in 2007:

02/21 - Magnet, Berlin (GER)
02/22 - Starclub, Dresden (GER)
02/23 - Prinzenbar (Docks), Hamburg (GER)
02/24 - Motor Fm Club @ Schocken, Stuttgart (GER)
02/26 - MTC, Köln (GER)
02/27 - E-werk, Erlangen (GER)
02/28 - Atomic Café, München (GER)
03/01 - Visions Party @ Gleis 22, Munster (GER)
03/03 - Visions Party @ Forum, Bielefeld (GER)

Mon, 27 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0800

This week's Swedish student radio top 20:

01. (02) Mando Diao - TV & me
02. (03) Johnossi - Glory days to come
03. (01) Gnarls Barkley - Who cares?
04. (NY) Regina Spektor - Better
05. (05) The Knife - Like a pen
06. (09) The Magic Numbers - Take a chance
07. (19) Koop - Come to me
08. (08) The Streets - Prangin’ out
09. (07) Salem Al Fakir - Good song
10. (06) Tingsek - World of it’s own
11. (15) Melody Club - Destiny calling
12. (16) Peter, Bjorn & John - Let’s call it off
13. (04) Jeremy Warmsley - I promise
14. (18) Fat Joe - Make it rain
15. (12) Asha Ali - Fire fire
16. (NY) Lupe Fiasco - I gotcha
17. (NY) Muse - Knights of Cydonia
18. (20) David & The Citizens - A heart and a hand and the love for the band
19. (NY) Chingy med Jermaine Dupri - Dem jeans
20. (14) Goose - British mode

Leaving the chart:
Supersci - Move on
The Dears - Whites only party
Danko Jones - Don’t fall in love
Firefox AK - The draft

Mon, 20 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0800

This week's top 20 Swedish student radio chart:

01. (06) Gnarls Barkley - "Who Cares?"
02. (01) Mando Diao - "TV & Me"
03. (03) Johnossi - "Glory Days to Come"
04. (NY) Jeremy Warmsley - "I Promise"
05. (05) The Knife - "Like a Pen"
06. (10) Tingsek - "World of It's Own"
07. (04) Salem Al Fakir - "Good Song"
08. (02) The Streets - "Prangin' Out"
09. (20) The Magic Numbers - "Take a Chance"
10. (08) Supersci - "Move On"
11. (09) The Dears - "Whites Only Party"
12. (12) Asha Ali - "Fire Fire"
13. (13) Danko Jones - "Don't Fall in Love"
14. (15) Goose - "British Mode"
15. (18) Melody Club - "Destiny Calling"
16. (19) Peter Bjorn & John - "Let's Call It Off"
17. (Ny) Firefox AK - "The Draft"
18. (ÅT) Fat Joe - "Make It Rain
19. (NY) Koop - "Come to Me"
20. (16) David & the Citizens - "A Heart and a Hand and the Love for the Band"

Leaving the chart:
Fattaru - "Hörde jag skål"
Ying Yang Twins med Wyclef Jean - "Dangerous"
Lily Allen - "LDN"
Deportees - "Missing You, Missing Me"

Thu, 09 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0800

The latest Swedish student radio top 20:

01. (01) Mando Diao - "TV & me"
02. (03) The Streets - "Prangin' out"
03. (NY) Johnossi - "Glory days to come"
04. (09) Salem Al Fakir - "Good song"
05. (05) The Knife - "Like a pen"
06. (NY) Gnarls Barkley - "Who cares?"
07. (NY) Fattaru - "Hörde jag skål"
08. (10) Supersci - "Move on"
09. (NY) The Dears - "Whites only party"
10. (12) Tingsek - "World of it's own"
11. (NY) Ying Yang Twins med Wyclef Jean - "Dangerous"
12. (17) Asha Ali - "Fire fire"
13. (NY) Danko Jones - "Don't fall in love"
14. (NY) Lily Allen - "LDN"
15. (NY) Goose - "British mode"
16. (16) David & The Citizens - "A heart and a hand and the love for the band"
17. (14) Deportees - "Missing you, missing me"
18. (13) Melody Club - "Destiny calling"
19. (15) Peter, Bjorn & John - "Let's call it off"
20. (ÅT) The Magic Numbers - "Take a chance"

Leaving the chart:
(02) The Mary Onettes - "Lost"
(04) The Plan - " Walk for gold"
(06) Depeche Mode - "Martyr"
(07) Fat Joe med Lil' Wayne - "Make it rain"
(08) Jet - "Bring it on back"
(11) The Lost Patrol Band - "Automatic kids"
(18) [ingenting] - "Punkdrömmar"
(19) Psapp - "Hi"
(20) Universal Poplab - Heart apart"

Wed, 08 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0800

Tickets are now on sale for next month's Tack! Tack! Tack! showcase on December 11 with David & the Citizens and Laakso: [click here]
Yessir, Laakso is now co-headlining and will be closing out their UK tour at the Social. Not only that, they will be celebrating the fact that they just got dropped by UK label Nude Records before their album was even released! I hear it was even pressed, but for whatever reason they decided to not go through with it. Anyhow, it should be an amazing show, so buy tickets early if you want in.

Tue, 07 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0800

This week's top 20 Swedish student radio chart:

01. (NY) Mando Diao - "TV & Me"
02. (05) The Mary Onettes - "Lost"
03. (04) The Streets - "Prangin' Out"
04. (08) The Plan - "Walk for Gold"
05. (01) The Knife - "Like a Pen"
06. (06) Depeche Mode - "Martyr"
07. (09) Fat Joe med Lil' Wayne - "Make It Rain"
08. (02) Jet - "Bring It on Back"
09. (NY) Salem Al Fakir - "Good Song"
10. (07) Supersci - "Move On"
11. (03) The Lost Patrol Band - "Automatic Kids"
12. (12) Tingsek - "World of It's Own"
13. (11) Melody Club - "Destiny Calling"
14. (10) Deportees - "Missing You, Missing Me"
15. (14) Peter, Bjorn & John - "Let's Call It Off"
16. (17) David & the Citizens - "A Heart and a Hand and the Love for the Band"
17. (19) Asha Ali - "Fire Fire
18. (18) [ingenting] - "Punkdrömmar"
19. (ÅT) Psapp - "Hi"
20. (15) Universal Poplab - "Heart apart"

Leaving the chart:
Wolfmother - "The Joker and the Thief"
The Long Winters - "Rich Wife"
Camera Obscura - "Let's Get Out of This Country"

Tue, 31 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0800

PopMatters on the US release of David & the Citizens and their album "Until the sadness is gone", out today via Friendly Fire: http://www.popmatters.com/pm/music/reviews/6846/david-the-citizens-until-the-sadness-is-gone/
Dan from FF gave me a copy when I was in NYC last week and I must say that the new artwork is impressive.

Wed, 25 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0700

This week's top 20 Swedish student radio chart:

01. (01) The Knife - "Like a Pen"
02. (04) Jet - "Bring It on Back"
03. (02) The Lost Patrol Band - "Automatic Kids"
04. (NY) The Streets - "Prangin' Out"
05. (11) The Mary Onettes - "Lost"
06. (05) Depeche Mode - "Martyr"
07. (13) Supersci - "Move On"
08. (07) The Plan - "Walk for Gold"
09. (NY) Fat Joe - "Make It Rain"
10. (15) Deportees - "Missing You, Missing Me"
11. (19) Melody Club - "Destiny Calling"
12. (NY) Tingsek - "World of It's Own"
13. (NY) Wolfmother - "The Joker and the Thief"
14. (03) Peter, Bjorn & John - "Let's Call It Off"
15. (09) Universal Poplab - "Heart Apart"
16. (14) The Long Winters - "Rich Wife"
17. (12) David & the Citizens - "A Heart and a Hand and the Love for the Band"
18. (18) [ingenting] - "Punkdrömmar"
19. (NY) Asha Ali - "Fire Fire"
20. (08) Camera Obscura - "Let's Get Out of This Country"

Leaving the chart:
(06) Mates of State - "Fraud in the 80's"
(09) Psapp - "Hi"
(10) The Magic Numbers - "Take a Chance"
(16) Dukes Special - "Last Night I Nearly Died"
(17) Otur - "Enough"
(20) Shareefa - "Need a boss"

Wed, 18 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0700

This week's top 20 Swedish student radio chart:

01. (01) The Knife - Like a pen
02. (05) The Lost Patrol Band - Automatic kids
03. (15) Peter, Bjorn & John - Let's call it off
04. (NY) Jet - Bring it on
05. (NY) Depeche Mode - Martyr
06. (06) Mates Of State - Fraud in the 80's
07. (19) The Plan - Walk for gold
08. (10) Camera Obscura - Let's get out of this country
09. (17) Psapp - Hi
10. (03) The Magic Numbers - Take a chance
11. (NY) The Mary Onettes - Lost
12. (04) David & the Citizens - A heart and a hand and the love for the band
13. (NY) Supersci - Move on
14. (NY) The Long Winters - Rich wife
15. (02) Deportees - Missing you, missing me
16. (12) Dukes Special - Last night I nearly died
17. (NY) Otur - Enough
18. (13) [ingenting] – Punkdrömmar
19. (14) Melody Club - Destiny calling
20. (20) Shareefa - Need a boss

Leaving the chart:
The Pipettes - Pull shapes
Timo Räisänen - Let's kill ourselves a son
Gnarls Barkley - Smiley faces
Tingsek - I love you (part 1)
Jet - Put you money where your mouth is
M Ward - Tog go home

Tue, 17 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Read about the US release of David & the Citizens' album "Until the sadness is gone", due out October 31 via Friendly Fire: http://friendlyfirerecordings.com/Bands/David/david2.html

Thu, 12 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Check it out: a Spin feature on David & the Citizens: http://www.spin.com/features/heythisisawesome/2006/10/060611_davidandthecitizens/

Video mix: Peter Bjorn and John, The Lionheart Brothers, Kristofer Åström, Desert Planet, José González, Khoma, more...

Thu, 12 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0700

All "Reader's companion volume one" edition.

Peter Bjorn and John - Young folks (live in Glasgow)
A great song, but I still think "It beats me every time" is better...

KVLR - Capitol city child live w/dancer
Since their only two 'real' videos were already posted recently, here's a silly tour film.

I couldn't find any videos on YouTube, so here's the top-rated search result for 'Fun' and 'Finland'.

The Lionheart Brothers - Time river floaty
Not the best video, but still a fantastic song.

Kristofer Åström - The wild
A super-creepy video for an amazingly beautiful song.

David & the Citizens - Greycoated morning
I was hoping to find the clip for "Big chill", but this track is pretty hot too.

Desert Planet - Return of the ninja droids
100% pure genius. 'Nuff said.

José González - Crosses
Still classic.

Opeth - Isolation years
Apparently Isolation Years doesn't have any videos on YouTube, so here's the Swedish band Opeth playing their song "Isolation years".

CDOASS - I Spy (Batman and Robin)
Hmmm... fan art.

Khoma - One of us must hang (live)
The sound quality is subpar, but the song is still great.

Wed, 11 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0700

This week's top 20 Swedish student radio chart:

01. (01) The Knife - Like a pen
02. (03) Deportees - Missing you, missing me
03. (20) The Magic Numbers - Take a chance
04. (02) David & the Citizens - A heart and a hand and the love for the band
05. (NY) The Lost Patrol Band - Automatic kids
06. (06) Mates Of State - Fraud in the 80's
07. (04) The Pipettes - Pull shapes
08. (09) Timo Räisänen - Let's kill ourselves a son
09. (05) Gnarls Barkley - Smiley faces
10. (12) Camera Obscura - Let's get out of this country
11. (11) Tingsek - I love you (part 1)
12. (NY) Dukes Special - Last night I nearly died
13. (NY) [ingenting] - Punkdrömmar
14. (NY) Melody Club - Destiny calling
15. (NY) Peter Bjorn & John - Let's call it off
16. (19) Jet - Put your money where your mouth is
17. (NY) Psapp - Hi
18. (18) M Ward - To go home
19. (NY) The Plan - Walk for gold
20. (07) Shareefa - Need a boss

Leaving the chart:
(08) Sugarplum Fairy - Last chance
(10) Björn - Son of a gun
(13) Duels - Brothers & sisters
(14) Justin Timberlake - Sexyback
(15) Marit Bergman - No party
(16) Promoe - Headache
(17) The Roots - Don't feel right

David & The Citizens Stop the tape! Stop the tape! Bad Taste Records

Wed, 11 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0700

After three years, David & The Citizens have actually delivered a record with exactly what they promised. Most groups talk about how their sound has either expanded or altered, but few times (especially in the past ten or fifteen years) has the resulting material been so accurate in description. I must admit, however, that I was a bit skeptical when they had said they were going to make a more "rocking" album, but then I realised that "Big chill" was an amazing song and that going in that direction would not be a bad thing at all. "Stop the tape! Stop the tape!" sees the production values, especially when dealing with the low-end, bumped up with a bit more confidence and thump. The rhythm section is powerful in its delivery and aids the listeners' head to nod throughout the release (most notably on "A heart & a hand & a love for a band", "Oblivion" and the first single "Are you in my blood?"). The extended mix of "48h" is, to me, flawless in songcraft, and one of the top on the record along with "What if nobody would catch us?". David & the Citizens have delivered what everyone had hoped for: a band realising their potential, acting upon it - and succeeding.

Mon, 09 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0700

We were hoping to get them for Tack! Tack! Tack! in November, but it looks like David & the Citizens will support Tapes n Tapes in Germany instead. Have no fear however, it's only been postponed - they'll be in London in December instead:

11/14 - Molotow, Hamburg (GER) w/Tapes n Tapes
11/15 - Magnet, Berlin (GER) w/Tapes n Tapes
11/19 - Underground, Köln (GER) w/Tapes n Tapes
11/21 - Atomic Café, München (GER) w/Tapes n Tapes
11/23 - Chelsea, Wien (AUS)
11/26 - ISC, Bern (CH)
12/11 - Tack! Tack! Tack! @ The Social, London (UK)

Thu, 05 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0700

This week's top 20 Swedish student radio chart:

01. (02) The Knife - Like a pen
02. (01) David & the Citizens - A heart and a hand and the love for the band
03. (16) Deportees - Missing you, missing me
04. (07) The Pipettes - Pull shapes
05. (11) Gnarls Barkley - Smiley faces
06. (05) Mates Of State - Fraud in the 80's
07. (19) Shareefa - Need a boss
08. (06) Sugarplum Fairy - Last chance
09. (08) Timo Räisänen - Let’s kill ourselves a son
10. (15) Björn - Son of a gun
11. (NY) Tingsek - I love you (part 1)
12. (NY) Camera Obscura - Let’s get out of this country
13. (17) Duels - Brothers & sisters
14. (18) Justin Timberlake - Sexyback
15. (03) Marit Bergman - No party
16. (ÅT) Promoe - Headache
17. (09) The Roots - Don´t feel right
18. (NY) M Ward - To go home
19. (04) Jet - Put your money where your mouth is
20. (10) The Magic Numbers - Take a chance

Leaving the chart:

(12) The Datsuns - System overload
(13) The Jai Alai Savant - Thunderstatement
(14) Damian Marley med Stephan Marley - All night
(20) Muse - Starlight

Wed, 27 Sep 2006 00:00:00 -0700

The latest top 20 Swedish student radio chart:

01. (05) David & the Citizens - A heart and a hand and the love for the band
02. (NY) The Knife - Like a pen
03. (08) Marit Bergman - No party
04. (14) Jet - Put your money where your mouth is
05. (NY) Mates Of State - Farud in the 80's
06. (17) Sugarplum Fairy - Last chance
07. (03) The Pipettes - Pull shapes
08. (09) Timo Räisänen - Let's kill ourselves a son
09. (01) The Roots - Don´t feel right
10. (06) The Magic Numbers - Take a chance
11. (16) Gnarls Barkley - Smiley faces
12. (10) The Datsuns - System overload
13. (11) The Jai Alai Savant - Thunderstatement
14. (02) Damian Marley med Stephan Marley - All night
15. (NY) Björn - Son of a gun
16. (12) Deportees - Missing you, missing me
17. (NY) Duels - Brothers & sisters
18. (NY) Justin Timberlake - Sexyback
19. (NY) Shareefa - Need a boss
20. (15) Muse - Starlight

Mon, 18 Sep 2006 00:00:00 -0700

This week's It's a trap! Last.fm/Audioscrobbler listening group top 10 albums of the week:

01. Tiger Lou - The Loyal
02. The Arcade Fire - Funeral
03. The Postal Service - Give Up
04. The Knife - Silent Shout
05. Hot Chip - The Warning
06. Neutral Milk Hotel - In the Aeroplane Over the Sea
07. Belle and Sebastian - The Life Pursuit
08. Junior Boys - So This Is Goodbye
09. David & the Citizens - Stop the tape! Stop the tape!
10. The Knife - Deep Cuts

Top 10 tracks for the week:

01. Yo La Tengo – Beanbag Chair
02. David & the Citizens – 48h
03. Peter Bjorn and John – Young Folks
04. Yo La Tengo – I feel like going home
05. I'm From Barcelona – We're From Barcelona
06. The Knife – Silent shout
07. TV on the Radio – Wolf Like Me
08. Junior Boys – Double Shadow
09. Yo La Tengo – Black flowers
10. Marit Bergman – No Party

Want to make your own playlist count? Join us! Go here to learn more: http://www.last.fm/help/

MP3: David & The Citizens - 48h

Thu, 07 Sep 2006 00:00:00 -0700

"Are you in my blood?" is the obvious choice for the first single on the new David & the Citizens album "Stop the tape! Stop the tape!". Even on the very first listen there's no doubt that it's one the strongest songs. As for the second best song, my choice would be "48h". It's probably a bit too long to be an actual single without editing the extended outro, but that's also one of the reasons it's so great. It's an epic pop anthem and the way the song builds and flows over its full five minutes is integral to the way it works. Well, maybe a bit could be chopped off the end I guess - the most important part is the triplets in the bridge around the 2-minute mark which leads into a breakdown and a half-time version of the chorus. That's some serious songwriting craft right there. The tricks themselves aren't terribly unique, but that's besides the point. It's the way they're employed that's so good. If you don't have a great song to begin with, you ain't got nothing. And David & the Citizens have an amazing song.
Buy "Stop the tape! Stop the tape!": [click here]

Video mix: Superfamily, Bobby Baby, Slagsmålsklubben, Robyn, Turbonegro, more...

Thu, 07 Sep 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Superfamily - It's a lie
If there's any justice in the world, this band should be HUGE on the basis of this video. I swear I've watched it at least a dozen times this past week, barely able to contain my enthusiasm. Thursday's video post seemed so far away when I first saw it late last week and it took every fiber of my being to hold off on posting it until now. Be sure to check out their equally great song and video "Taxi dancing" as well. (AR)

Bobby Baby - Goodbye love
So sweet, so sad, so lovely! I never thought a cartoon dog would make me weepy. Definitely adds another dimension to an already beautiful song. (SS)

David & the Citizens - Something, not sunlight (Live Malmö)
A masterpiece song transferred to guitar and played live one week ago. The power of the digital media – I feel old. This song feels fresher than ever. (JC)

Slagsmålsklubben - Övningsköra
A disco dance demonstration by two hott middle-aged scenesters. Need I say more? (SS)

Goodnight Monsters - 20 fingers, 20 toes
Not the offical video, but quite fantastic nevertheless. A bit like "South Park" but not as "refined". This is what Youtube should be for! Marvellous song too. (ST)

Robyn - Handle me
Who knew Robyn was so ghetto? Wow! (SS)

Turbonegro - Are you ready (for some darkness)
I've heard rumours that Turbonegro with their new album will get back to old form, which I guess is something like this. Less talk, more rock. (ST)

Enslaved - Path to Vanir
Yeah, it pretty much fulfills every black-metal stereotype - the corpsepaint, the band playing in the snow, the torches, uh... the bald Norwegian caveman weilding a club - but Enslaved still rules. They play up the imagery, but you can tell underneath it all that they are actually having fun. Believe it or not, the band actually smiles onstage. I swear to you I've seen it with my own eyes! (AR)

.:Who's who?

JC: Jason Christie
AR: Avi Roig
SS: Stacey Shackford
ST: Simon Tagestam

Fri, 01 Sep 2006 00:00:00 -0700

I know I say this every, but jeez - September already? As we head into fall I figure it makes sense to pick one of season's biggest, most-anticipated releases as the new album of the month. David & the Citizens latest release "Stop the tape! Stop the tape!" is a worthy addition to the band's excellent discography. Don't believe me? Find out for yourself!

Mon, 28 Aug 2006 00:00:00 -0700

You can now listen to the entire new David & the Citizens album "Stop the tape! Stop the tape!" at the band's website: http://www.davidandthecitizens.com/audio.php
Buy the CD here: [click here]

Thu, 24 Aug 2006 00:00:00 -0700

This week's top 20 Swedish album chart:

01. Peter Jöback - Flera sidor av samma man
02. Daniel Lindström - Nån slags verklighet
03. Lars Winnerbäck - Efter nattens bränder - 1996-2006
04. Patrik Isaksson - Patrik Isaksson
05. Jonas Gardell - Nästan vackra
06. Tomas Ledin - Plektrum
07. Benny Anderssons Orkester - Bao på turné
08. David & the Citizens - Stop the tape! Stop the tape!
09. Amy Diamond - Still me still now
10. Sofia Karlsson - Svarta ballader (sjunger Dan Andersson)
11. The Poodles - Metal will stand tall
12. Eric Gadd - Eric Gadd
14. Carola - Från nu till evighet
15. Peps Persson Oh boy - Det bästa med Peps Persson
16. Björn Skifs - Decennier sånger från en annan tid
17. Marie Fredriksson - Min bäste vän
18. BWO - Halcyon days
19. Totta & Wiehe - Dylan
20. The Hellacopters - Air raid serenades

Wed, 23 Aug 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Just arrived in the mailbox today: a large stack of the brand new David & the Citizens album "Stop the tape! Stop the tape!". Buy it now: [click here]

Wed, 09 Aug 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Bad Taste is streaming a brand new David & the Citizens song at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/badtasterecords
Or just stream the whole damn thing at MTV's site: http://www.mtve.com/article.php?ArticleId=6417

Tue, 08 Aug 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Swedish singer/songwriter Sara Culler will be bring her beau David Fridlund (David & the Citizens) to Ireland to perform together at the Forfey Festival on August 26.

Wed, 19 Jul 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Tracklist and cover art for the brand new David & the Citizens album "Stop the tape! Stop the tape!", due out August 16: http://www.davidandthecitizens.com/index.php?id=15

David & The Citizens Are you in my blood? Bad Taste Records

Wed, 12 Jul 2006 00:00:00 -0700

In their studio weblog, The Citizens were talking about how the band had become more "rocking" whilst making the new EP and LP (although later on they said the EP was more "pop"). Well, now that the EP has been released, we Citizens fans now have an idea on what the band had been up to since "Until the sadness is gone"; and if you're familiar with the track "Big chill," this is not too dissimilar. More of a distorted raw tone all around, yet keeping the level aesthetics we have all grown to love and a minimal-yet-fleshed-out sound. The closer, "Sometimes forever" is one of the prettiest songs David Fridlund has written. He and The Citizens shine so brightly on this EP, they are a band that should never be eclipsed. I'll call this another triumph for the band and I cannot wait for the new full-length.

Wed, 12 Jul 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Extra! Extra! As you have hopefully already read on the right, Tack!Tack!Tack! is heading to Emmaboda and I just got word that they'll be bringing two UK acts along for the ride: Monster Bobby (who as some of who know also plays guitar for the superhyped Pipettes) and Bobby McGees. As T!T!T! is in Sweden, naturally the club will curate UK acts. Final details are still being worked out, but it will all go down on Friday August 11 at the David & the Citizens tent. I'll tell you more when I hear it.

Mon, 26 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0700

This week's It's a trap! Last.fm/Audioscrobbler listening group most-played artist chart:

01. Radiohead
02. Kent
03. Belle and Sebastian
04. Camera Obscura
05. Tiger Lou
06. Sufjan Stevens
07. Depeche Mode
08. Death Cab for Cutie
09. Johnny Cash
10. David & the Citizens

Top 10 tracks for the week:

01. Camera Obscura - Tears for Affairs
02. José González - Heartbeats
03. Band of Horses - The Funeral
04. Camera Obscura - Come Back Margaret
05. Belle and Sebastian - To Be Myself Completely
06. Camera Obscura - Lloyd, I'm Ready to be Heartbroken
07. Araki - Love To Run
08. Camera Obscura - Dory Previn
09. Belle and Sebastian - Another Sunny Day
10. Tiger Lou - Nixon

Want to make your own playlist count? Go here to learn more: http://www.last.fm/help/

Mon, 26 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0700

"Greycoated mornings" from David & the Citizens is KEXP's song of the day today: http://www.kexp.org/podcasting/podcasting.asp#song

Tue, 20 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0700

This week's It's a trap! Last.fm/Audioscrobbler listening group most-played artist chart:

01. Camera Obscura
02. Radiohead
03. Interpol
04. Phoenix
05. Jens Lekman
06. David & the Citizens
07. The Radio Dept.
08. Tiger Lou
09. Bloc Party
10. Kings of Convenience

Top 10 tracks for the week:

01. Camera Obscura - Lloyd, I'm Ready to be Heartbroken
02. Camera Obscura - Tears for Affairs
03. Camera Obscura - I Need All the Friends I Can Get
04. The Whitest Boy Alive - Burning
05. Camera Obscura - Dory Previn
06. Camera Obscura - Let's Get Out of This Country
07. Camera Obscura - If Looks Could Kill
08. Camera Obscura - Come Back Margaret
09. David & the Citizens - Absent Mind
10. The Knife - Silent shout

Want to make your own playlist count? Go here to learn more: http://www.last.fm/help/

Mon, 19 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Swedish netlabel Go, Jukebox! has announced the signing of You Are My Everything. Download songs here: http://www.gojukebox.net/index.php?page=download
Also featured at the above link are two new tracks from Reverend Big O, both of which feature Magnus Bjerkert of David & the Citizens/Adrian Recordings on trumpet.

MP3: David & The Citizens - Absent mind

Tue, 13 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0700

A new label, a revamped lineup, but is it the same David & the Citizens? I say yes, most definitely. If anything, the jump to Bad Taste has probably strengthened the band as it allows Magnus to concentrate on just the music and not the business side of things. Band leader David Fridlund's songwriting is just as invigorating as ever, too. I've always been a fan of D&tC EPs as I feel the band is at their best on the short format, so it's no surprise that "Are you in my blood?" is a fantastic release. I was strongly considering a post about the ballad "Sometimes forever", but I've changed my mind this morning and decided that "Absent mind" would make a better selection as it's an upbeat number more in the classic power-pop vein that D&tC is known for. I love the chanting backing vocals in combination with the horns. It's the kind of thing that drills into your head and won't let go. "Sometimes forever" may be more emotionally powerful, but I need driving pop to get my day started off right.

Wed, 31 May 2006 00:00:00 -0700

This week's top 20 Swedish student radio chart:

01. (NY) Sugarplum Fairy - She
02. (05) Peter, Bjorn And John w/Victoria Bergsman - Young folks
03. (16) The Knife - We share our mothers' health
04. (09) Whyte Seeds - Back in town
05. (03) Dub Sweden - On your telly
06. (04) Christian Falk w/Robyn & Ola Salo - Dream on
07. (07) Archie Bronson Outfit - Dead funny
08. (01) The Pipettes - Your kisses are wasted on me
09. (NY) Juni Järvi - If we just want to
10. (NY) Whitest Boy Alive - Burning
11. (02) Primal Scream - Country girl
12. (10) Danko Jones - First date
13. (13) Supersci w/Remedeeh - Get!
14. (NY) Fattaru - 100:-
15. (NY) Editors - All sparks
16. (14) The Strokes - You only live once
17. (NY) Architecture In Helsinki - Wishbone
18. (17) Promoe med Capleton - Songs of joy
19. (19) Swingfly - Save the trees
20. (12) Sator - Angelina & Sister Ray

Leaving the chart:
The Sounds - Tony the beat
Arctic Monkeys - The view from the afternoon
David & The Citizens - Are you in my blood?
Tiger Lou - Nixon
Morrissey - The youngest was the most loved
Nathan Larson w/Nina Persson - Dead leaves and the dirty ground

Tue, 30 May 2006 00:00:00 -0700

This week's It's a trap! Last.fm/Audioscrobbler listening group most-played artist chart:

01. The Pipettes
02. The Knife
03. Belle and Sebastian
04. Radiohead
05. The Radio Dept.
06. Death Cab for Cutie
07. Calexico
08. Kent
09. Sufjan Stevens
10. Hot Chip

Top 10 tracks for the week:

01. The Pipettes - Dirty Mind
02. Hot Chip - Over and Over
03. The Pipettes - Pull Shapes
04. Sambassadeur - Kate
05. Gnarls Barkley - Crazy
06. The Pipettes - Your Kisses are Wasted on Me
07. Peter, Bjorn and John - Young Folks
08. David & the Citizens - Are you in my blood?
09. The Tough Alliance - Silly Crimes
10. The Tough Alliance - Kill Kill Kill

If you want to see your favorites listed here you should join us! Go here to learn more: http://www.last.fm/help/

Wed, 24 May 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Bad Taste has posted another new David & the Citizens song on their myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/badtasterecords

Wed, 24 May 2006 00:00:00 -0700

This week's top 20 Swedish student radio chart:

01. (01) The Pipettes - "Your kisses are wasted on me"
02. (02) Primal Scream - "Country girl"
03. (03) Dub Sweden - "On your telly"
04. (04) Christian Falk w/Robyn & Ola Salo - "Dream on"
05. (NY) Peter, Bjorn And John w/Victoria Bergsman - "Young folks"
06. (05) The Sounds - "Tony the beat"
07. (09) Archie Bronson Outfit - "Dead funny"
08. (08) Arctic Monkeys - "The view from the afternoon"
09. (NY) Whyte Seeds - "Back in town"
10. (20) Danko Jones - "First date"
11. (13) David & The Citizens - "Are you in my blood?"
12. (NY) Sator - "Angelina & Sister Ray"
13. (NY) Supersci w/Remedeeh - "Get!"
14. (NY) The Strokes - "You only live once"
15. (07) Tiger Lou - "Nixon"
16. (NY) The Knife - "We share our mother's health"
17. (NY) Promoe w/Capleton - "Songs of joy"
18. (NY) Morrissey - "The youngest was the most loved"
19. (ÅT) Swingfly - "Save the trees"
20. (NY) Nathan Larson w/Nina Persson - "Dead leaves and the dirty ground"

Leaving the chart:
Supersci med Chords - "On the grind"
Schneider TM - "Pac man"
The Coup w/Talib Kweli & Black Thought - "My favourite mutiny"
The Raconteurs - "Steady as she goes"
Placebo - "Infra-red"
SLS - "Get back"
Hot Chip - "Boy from school"
Animal Five - "Sharks"
Tool - "Vicarious"
Wolfmother - "Dimension"

Tue, 16 May 2006 00:00:00 -0700

David & the Citizens have another brand new website: http://www.davidandthecitizens.com/
This will the band's official site for here on out.

Tue, 16 May 2006 00:00:00 -0700

This week's top 20 Swedish student radio chart:

01. (01) The Pipettes - "Your kisses are wasted on me"
02. (02) Arctic Monkeys - "The view from the afternoon"
03. (NY) Dub Sweden - "On your telly"
04. (09) Primal Scream - "Country girl"
05. (06) Supersci ft. Chords - "On the grind"
06. (08) Christian Falk w/Robyn and Ola Salo - "Dream on"
07. (04) The Sounds - "Tony the beat"
08. (12) Justice vs. Simian - "We are your friends"
09. (03) SLS - "Get back"
10. (NY) Archie Bronson Outfit - "Dead funny"
11. (NY) SwingFly - "Save the trees"
12. (05) The Raconteurs - "Steady as she goes"
13. (07) Gnarls Barkley - "Crazy"
14. (14) Tiger Lou - "Nixon"
15. (NY) David & The Citizens - "Are you in my blood"
16. (NY) Hot Chip - "Boy from school"
17. (11) I'm From Barcelona - "Collection of stamps"
18. (13) Laakso - "Never satisfied"
19. (17) Red Hot Chili Peppers - "Dani California"

Leaving the chart: Dirty Pretty Things - "Bang bang you´re dead", Lil’ Kim - "Whoa", Up Hygh ft. Little Brother - "Keep on", Johnossi - "Execution song", The Fine Arts Showcase - "The shoplifter's union" and Sture Alléns Dansorkester - "Lita på mig".

Thu, 11 May 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Hey, look! A new website for David & the Citizens to help promote their brand new EP "Are you in my blood?": http://www.stopthetapestopthetape.com/
You can preview all of the songs from the EP there.

Sat, 06 May 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Dissatisfied with mp3 sound quality? Good news! I'm now carrying a vast majority of the Adrian Recordings catalogue in CD format now, as opposed to just mp3. Not only am I well-stocked on all of their older records, but I've also got copies of the new David & the Citizens DVD and their latest release, Familjen's self-titled debut EP! And for all you folks out there who think that high bit-rate DRM-free mp3s are still the bee's knees, I've got good news for you too! It's a trap! is now carrying digital releases from Parasol/Hidden Agenda! I'm still working on getting everything uploaded and entered into the database, but there's plenty of good stuff to choose from!

Wed, 26 Apr 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Tack! Tack! Tack! is streaming a brand new David & the Citizens song on myspace: http://www.myspace.com/tacktacktack

Thu, 13 Apr 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Two members have left David & the Citizens! But who? The announcement doesn't specify: http://citizensdiary.webblogg.se/130406104816_lets_not_fall_apart.html

Thu, 30 Mar 2006 00:00:00 -0800

David Fridlund (David & the Citizens) will be doing some solo dates in Germany in May:

05/08 - Nachtcafe, Kiel
05/09 - Prinzenbar, Hamburg
05/10 - Subway, Köln
05/11 - Südstadt, München
05/12 - Salon Elitaer, Kassel
05/13 - Trompete, Berlin

Wed, 29 Mar 2006 00:00:00 -0800

David & the Citizens have started mixing their new album. Follow their studio exploits here: http://citizensdiary.webblogg.se/

I'm From Barcelona Don't give up on your dreams, buddy! Dolores

Thu, 16 Mar 2006 00:00:00 -0800

Like the rest of you IAT! readers I first heard about this band last fall when a few shows of theirs were posted on the page (most notably the date with David & the Citizens really caught my attention) and I wanted to find out more about this band, but the web was empty with information. Fast forward to the very early part of 2006 when not only is it announced they have an EP coming out on Dolores, but a website with streamable audio! This got me excited. I anticipated this record in the mail and it does not disappoint. The only downside is that there are only four songs on here, but it makes you want a full-length immediately. These songs are some of the catchiest tracks you'll hear all year, and once spring hits, they'll sound even better in the sun. This debut is one of the most confident assurances of indierock I've heard in a long time, yet it still has elements or lilt and fun.

Gustav and the Seasick Sailors Sirkus Marilyn Records

Sat, 11 Mar 2006 00:00:00 -0800

This is quite a pleasant album, with some admirable songs on it. At its best, it reminds me of Wilco ("Devil when you cry"), Tom Waits ("Sweden slow"), and a MOR David & the Citizens ("Angels fable"). What I don't really like about "Sirkus" is that, unlike Jeff Tweedy, Tom Waits and David Fridlund, the singer's (Gustav) voice is way too uncharacteristic and - to be blunt - plain. I prefer a more personal touch than the Jeff Buckley-light vocals that Gustav and the Seasick Sailors offer. Other than that, this is a solid release, worth checking out if you like your singers to sing "properly".

David & The Citizens s/t Friendly Fire

Sat, 11 Mar 2006 00:00:00 -0800

David & the Citizens have released two full length LPs and a handful of EPs on Sweden's Adrian Recordings. This EP, their first American release, pulls songs from these previous releases into a short and sweet collection. A few of their best numbers are here, "Now she sleeps in a box in the good soil of Denmark" is a curious sing-along song despite the dark lyrics, and "Big chill" (featuring Mattias Alkberg of Bear Quartet and Mattias Alkberg BD) is invigorating as all get out. "Lets not fall apart" showcases frontman David Fridlund's uncanny grasp of melody. Their songs are always an intriguing contrast between lyrics that border on suicidal despair and bouncy melodies brimming with joy. These aren't all the songs I would have picked to showcase their strengths - there are none of their slower beauties, and some of their most compelling numbers like "Song against life" (now there's a theme for a sing-along-song!) are missing, while a few of those included ("Grey coated morning," which was an early single but is hardly their best) might be better left off. All in all, though, it's a fine introduction to a wonderful band for those who don't want to spring for the full catalogue and build their own favorite song playlists.

Wed, 08 Mar 2006 00:00:00 -0800

I know I usually post new music on Wednesdays, but I'm going to postpone our next mp3 until tomorrow. Sad, I know, but I'm taking it a bit slower today. But I do have some IAT PSAs for you:

Advance tickets may be sold out for Monday's TTT! with The Embassy and Billie and the Vision BUT! there will still be a limited amout of tickets available at the door on the night in question. Presales for next month's show coming soon!

David & the Citizens debut US EP is out now and ready for order: [click here]
Six tracks packaged in a lovely digipack.

Only one more day left to preorder the new album "Cirkus" from Gustav and the Seasick Sailors: [click here]
The price goes up when you wait too long, so get on it!

Only two more days left to enter the Spring Wonderland Festival ticket giveaway! Click the banner on the top right!

Wed, 08 Mar 2006 00:00:00 -0800

PopMatters reviews the US debut EP from David & the Citizens: http://www.popmatters.com/pm/music/reviews/david_the_citizens_david_the_citizens/

Tue, 07 Mar 2006 00:00:00 -0800

Out today: the self-titled US debut from David & the Citizens. Buy it now!

Thu, 23 Feb 2006 00:00:00 -0800

Check out the official trailer for the upcoming David & the Citizens DVD: http://www.recycled.se/citizens/trailer/trailer.htm
It comes out March 1.

Mon, 13 Feb 2006 00:00:00 -0800

Reminder: stay up-to-date with David & the Citizens as they record their new album by reading their studio diary: http://citizensdiary.webblogg.se/

Mon, 13 Feb 2006 00:00:00 -0800

Loney, Dear CDs and mp3s now available: [click here]
Preorders for Firefox AK and David & the Citizens still available and $1 cheaper if you order before the official release date. Don't blow it!

Wed, 08 Feb 2006 00:00:00 -0800

The David & the Citizens DVD countdown microsite now includes a video clip from the 2002 Hultsfred Festival as well as Mikael's weekly anecdotes: http://recycled.se/citizens/dvd.htm

Sat, 04 Feb 2006 00:00:00 -0800

Now available in the webstore: various titles from Razzia including Niccokick, Timo Räisänen, They Live By Night and Hello Saferide as well as preorders for new albums from Firefox AK, Loney, Dear and the long-awaited US debut EP from David & the Citizens on NY-based label Friendly Fire! Please note that not only do you save $1 if you preorder now, but you will also recieve said CD on the day of release. Maybe even a day or two before if the postal service hauls ass. Check it out!

Interview: Magnus Bjerkert (Adrian Recordings/David & the Citizens)

Wed, 01 Feb 2006 00:00:00 -0800

If you're like me, you were quite surprised to hear the news that David & the Citizens were leaving Adrian Recordings for Bad Taste. Why would they let them go, especially when they're so well-poised for their biggest success yet? I was lucky to get the news before it became public, so I jumped on the chance to ask ARC label bossman and D&tC member Magnus Bjerkert to explain himself. Hopefully after reading his thoughts it will begin to make sense.
- Avi Roig

AR: First, the obvious: why are you letting David & the Citizens go? Have you been thinking about it for awhile or did someone approach you first? what's next then? what can we expect from ARC in 2006?

MB: I'm not letting David & the Citizens go. I will never do that. The band has been a part of my life for so long and I don't think the difference for me will be too big. Now I just don't have to pay the bills for them. I will probably have them on mailout lists from Adrian Recordings in the future as well as on the web page and so on.

We have been thinking of letting D&tC release records in other labels in Scandinavia for quite some time, but for various reasons it has never happened. Main reason is that we are too restless. When we have the songs ready, and the opportunity is there to let them be heard by people. We, by that time, didn't see a reason for holding them to ourselves. Or wait for the right opportunity. We have never been in to this for the money and to be smart economically is not just for us. Unfortunately. BUT we are trying to do this full time, so that means that we are god damn serious about everything we do. But as long as we have our heads above the water we are fine. Sorry to say that that isn't always the case though.

People have always approached us with deal proposals, but we haven't felt that people were serious. We're not looking for much. Just nice people that love our music and are willing to sacrifice sweat, money and sleep for our sake. Until now we haven't felt that that was the case. God knows all people talk so much. Americans are the best (or worst) in that way. I guess there is something in our Swedish mentality that just doesn't fit into the music business and the bragging of it all. The history of David & the Citizens and label deals contains figures like Chris Blackwell and Mariah Carey.

The reason why I'm "letting David & the Citizens go" from Adrian Recordings are various. First of all, it is a personal thing for me. On the next David & the Citizens album I just want to be musician. Deep down, I'm more a musician that a label boss. And David & the Citizens is my main source of getting out my creativity (How odd than might sound when people might look upon the band as David's band, that is not the case, we are a band that happen to have the name of the singer and songwriter). And if I feel trapped in my creativity, nothing will come out of me and that would backlash on everything else.

AR: How do you think it will be good for the band?

MB: Now it will be more people working with the same goal. All the people at Bad Taste, our booking agencies around the world, David's publisher (Big mutherfungin BMG), me and more. More people; more work done.

Bad taste has the possibility to get us on the road in Europe in a good way and we still wanna sleep in cold rooms and eat lousy German sausages.

AND Bad Taste paid a lot of money to me for having the band.

AR: Are there any ways it could possibly backfire? Aren't you worried about what people might think of ARC now? Do you think the general public will understand why you're doing this?

MB: I can't see at all why I should be worried about what people might think of Adrian Recordings now. This spring will be the most intense period in the Adrian Recordings history. We have never had so many good and interesting things going on. And now with David & the Citizens on another label it will just let me focus even more on what I'm doing here at Adrian Recordings HQ:
Familjen
eMiL Jensen
The Fine Arts Showcase
David & The Citizens DVD
And there are even more things that I can't tell you know.

I don't give a shit about if people don't understand why we are doing this. We are doing this because this is the best we can do. And because this will means that we still will continue to do great music. And I think people will understand THAT.

We don't know what the future will bring. But we know this: 1st of March we summarize the career of David & the Citizens in a DVD. And there will be something new released from Bad Taste with D&tC before the summer, but it might not be an album. We will start to record our next album the 8th of Feb. We will keep a studio diary. I suggest you check it every day. We will keep no secrets from you there.

AR: Why Bad taste? Why not any other label?

MB: Nice people. And they are punk. No other label where willing to work with us in the way we wanna work with people.

AR: Did you have a relationship with them before?

MB: Conny (our bass player) and Jonas (one of the owners of BT) occasionally happen to be at the same BBQ.

AR: Did you get offers from anyone else?

MB: Yes, loads of suggestions that in one way or the other all wanted us to wear make-up.

AR: What can we expect from new D&tC material? How will it be different from what came before?

MB: Compared to the former material the new shit is darker, more spot on, no short cuts, less instruments. More electric guitars and more distorted keyboards. Some electronic drum samples. But the songs are very catchy even if they are sometimes longer than the regular 3 minute pop song. I would say that the new songs are more rock than pop. There are guitar riffs.

We are very proud of the sound and songs up 'till now, the former songs required the instrumentation we had before. The new songs need more agony. More black make-up.

We're gonna invent a new genre

Wed, 01 Feb 2006 00:00:00 -0800

EXCLUSIVE: David & the Citizens sign to Bad Taste. Read all about it: [click here]

Tue, 31 Jan 2006 00:00:00 -0800

This week's top artists for the It's a trap! Last.fm/Audioscrobbler listening group:

01. The Knife
02. Arctic Monkeys
03. Belle and Sebastian
04. Cat Power
05. David & the Citizens
06. Coldplay
07. Bloc Party
08. José González
09. The Arcade Fire
10. Franz Ferdinand

And the top 10 tracks for the week:

01. The Knife - We share our mother's health
02. Arctic Monkeys - I bet you look good on the dancefloor
03. Cat Power - Could We
04. The Knife - Silent shout
05. Arctic Monkeys - Mardy Bum
06. Cat Power - The Greatest
07. Arctic Monkeys - Fake Tales of San Francisco
08. The Knife - The captain
09. Arctic Monkeys - You Probably Couldn't See For The Lights But You Were Looking Straight At Me
10. The Knife - Neverland

Want to see your favorites listed here? Please join us! Go here to learn more: http://www.last.fm/help/

Mon, 30 Jan 2006 00:00:00 -0800

David & the Citizens will be blogging the recording on their next album: http://citizensdiary.webblogg.se/
The band will officially enter Mission Hall studio on February 8 with producer Andreas Söderlund (Niccokick, Sounds Like Violence), but for now is working on a couple songs at Gula Studion with their old producer Jens Lindgård.