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<title>IT'S A TRAP! Scandinavian Music Journal</title> 

<link>http://www.itsatrap.com/</link> 

<description>Scandinavian music news, daily mp3 downloads, reviews, interviews and more</description>

<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 2026 11:41:48 -0700</pubDate> 

<copyright>2026</copyright> 

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	<title>IT'S A TRAP! Scandinavian Music Journal</title> 

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<item>
	<title>Magnus Ekelund &amp; Stålet - Sameblod EP</title>
	<link>http://www.itsatrap.com/n/39479-magnus-ekelund-stalet-sameblod-ep</link>
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	<description><![CDATA[
Magnus Ekelund (ex-Elmo) has a brand new digital-only 4-song EP out now called "Sameblod", released via Teg Publishing.]]></description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<iframe width="100%" height="350" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" src="http://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Fplaylists%2F1599104&show_artwork=true"></iframe>
<p><b>Magnus Ekelund</b> (ex-<b>Elmo</b>) has a brand new digital-only 4-song EP out now called <i>"Sameblod"</i>, released via <label>Teg Publishing</label>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<pubDate>Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:58:20 -0800</pubDate>
	<category>news</category>
	<category>multimedia</category>
</item>
<item>
	<title>MP3: Magnus Ekelund &amp; Stålet - Utan er</title>
	<link>http://www.itsatrap.com/n/37658-mp3-magnus-ekelund-stalet-utan-er</link>
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	<description><![CDATA[It's Memorial Day here in the US and I don't have to do any "real" work so I'm not gonna spend any more time in front of the computer than I have to, but I am going to take the time to post a brand new single from ex-Elmo frontman Magnus Ekelund recorded with new backing band Stålet along with a little help from once-reclusive Swedish pop icon Jakob Hellman. Yes, the news as reported back in February was true and now the final result is ready for release via Teg Publishing, the label run by The Bells/Jonas Teglund, and will be followed by the full-length album "Svart flagg" ("Black flag") on July 6. The Swedish-literate can read more at Magnus' website, but I suggest just listening and letting the sound of his epic melancholy carry you away.]]></description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It's Memorial Day here in the US and I don't have to do any "real" work so I'm not gonna spend any more time in front of the computer than I have to, but I am going to take the time to post a brand new single from ex-<b>Elmo</b> frontman <b>Magnus Ekelund</b> recorded with new backing band <b>Stålet</b> along with a little help from once-reclusive Swedish pop icon <b>Jakob Hellman</b>. Yes, the <a href="http://www.itsatrap.com/n/36658-jakob-hellman-magnus-ekelund-utan-er">news as reported back in February was true</a> and now the final result is ready for release via <label>Teg Publishing</label>, the label run by <b>The Bells</b>/<b>Jonas Teglund</b>, and will be followed by the full-length album <i>"Svart flagg"</i> (<i>"Black flag"</i>) on July 6. The Swedish-literate can read more at <a href="http://www.magnusekelund.se/" target="_blank">Magnus' website</a>, but I suggest just listening and letting the sound of his epic melancholy carry you away.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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	<pubDate>Mon, 30 May 2011 11:14:32 -0700</pubDate>
	<category>mp3s</category>
</item>
<item>
	<title>Jakob Hellman + Magnus Ekelund = Utan er</title>
	<link>http://www.itsatrap.com/n/36658-jakob-hellman-magnus-ekelund-utan-er</link>
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	<description><![CDATA[Semi-reclusive Swedish music legend Jakob Hellman has recorded a new duet together with Magnus Ekelund (ex-Elmo) this past weekend: http://www.nsd.se/noje/artikel.aspx?ArticleId=5993323 (in Swedish)
The track is called "Utan er" and it will be featured on Magnus' upcoming solo debut "Svart flagg" which he is currently working on for release this spring. I do believe this is Jakob's first new recording since he guested on "Du min vän" from Nina Ramsby & Martin Hederos' 2006 album "Jazzen".]]></description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Semi-reclusive Swedish music legend <b>Jakob Hellman</b> has recorded a new duet together with <b>Magnus Ekelund</b> (ex-<b>Elmo</b>) this past weekend: <a href="http://www.nsd.se/noje/artikel.aspx?ArticleId=5993323" target="_blank">http://www.nsd.se/noje/artikel.aspx?ArticleId=5993323</a> (in Swedish)<br/>
The track is called <i>"Utan er"</i> and it will be featured on Magnus' upcoming solo debut <i>"Svart flagg"</i> which he is currently working on for release this spring. I do believe this is Jakob's first new recording since he guested on <i>"Du min vän"</i> from <b>Nina Ramsby</b> & <b>Martin Hederos</b>' 2006 album <i>"Jazzen"</i>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<pubDate>Wed, 23 Feb 2011 14:13:29 -0800</pubDate>
	<category>news</category>
	<category>general</category>
</item>
<item>
	<title>Magnus Ekelund - Jokkmokks Vintermarknad (landet utan gränser) </title>
	<link>http://www.itsatrap.com/n/36399-magnus-ekelund-jokkmokks-vintermarknad-landet-utan-granser</link>
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	<description><![CDATA[
Magnus Ekelund (ex-Elmo) has written an unofficial anthem for his hometown of Jokkmokk and their winter market, a Sami tradition. Check out the clip directly on YouTube for full lyrics: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LJxMcpWvlo
More here: http://www.nsd.se/noje/artikel.aspx?ArticleId=5936583 (in Swedish)]]></description>
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<p><b>Magnus Ekelund</b> (ex-<b>Elmo</b>) has written an unofficial anthem for his hometown of Jokkmokk and their winter market, a Sami tradition. Check out the clip directly on YouTube for full lyrics: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LJxMcpWvlo" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LJxMcpWvlo</a><br/>
More here: <a href="http://www.nsd.se/noje/artikel.aspx?ArticleId=5936583" target="_blank">http://www.nsd.se/noje/artikel.aspx?ArticleId=5936583</a> (in Swedish)</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<pubDate>Tue, 01 Feb 2011 14:21:19 -0800</pubDate>
	<category>news</category>
	<category>multimedia</category>
	<category>general</category>
</item>
<item>
	<title>Magnus Ekelund &amp; Stålet - Stállu (video)</title>
	<link>http://www.itsatrap.com/n/36178-magnus-ekelund-stalet-stallu-video</link>
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	<description><![CDATA[
Magnus Ekelund of Elmo has a new band and a new video and it sounds great! Direct link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGSO-jd14pc]]></description>
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<p><b>Magnus Ekelund</b> of <b>Elmo</b> has a new band and a new video and it sounds great! Direct link: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGSO-jd14pc" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGSO-jd14pc</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
	<pubDate>Mon, 10 Jan 2011 12:54:45 -0800</pubDate>
	<category>news</category>
	<category>multimedia</category>
</item>
<item>
	<title>Mother of the Forest - Ryka i ro</title>
	<link>http://www.itsatrap.com/n/35309-mother-of-the-forest-ryka-i-ro</link>
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	<comments>http://www.itsatrap.com/n/35309-mother-of-the-forest-ryka-i-ro#comments</comments>
	<description><![CDATA[Swedish bedroom electro/goth act Mother of the Forest has a new EP posted for free download: http://motheroftheforest.blogspot.com/2010/09/ep03ryka-i-ro.html
Fellow Luleå residents Magnus Ekelund (Elmo) and Mattias Alkberg (The Bear Quartet/Neverna) both guest. Very recommended!]]></description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Swedish bedroom electro/goth act <b>Mother of the Forest</b> has a new EP posted for free download: <a href="http://motheroftheforest.blogspot.com/2010/09/ep03ryka-i-ro.html" target="_blank">http://motheroftheforest.blogspot.com/2010/09/ep03ryka-i-ro.html</a><br/>
Fellow Luleå residents <b>Magnus Ekelund</b> (<b>Elmo</b>) and <b>Mattias Alkberg</b> (<b>The Bear Quartet</b>/<b>Neverna</b>) both guest. Very recommended!</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<pubDate>Thu, 30 Sep 2010 13:03:35 -0700</pubDate>
	<category>news</category>
	<category>multimedia</category>
</item>
<item>
	<title>Sirius playlist week #36</title>
	<link>http://www.itsatrap.com/n/35054-sirius-playlist-week-36</link>
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	<description><![CDATA[Here's the playlist for this week's radio show Sirius XMU:
01. TALK 1
02. Mindy Misty - Slippies
03. Fatboy - Bad news from pretty red lips
04. Viola - Puppies in the rain
05. Kite - Jonny boy
06. TALK 2
07. Code 64 - Progenitor
08. Familjen - Det var jag (This Is Head version)
09. Ved - Question for L Ron
10. TALK 3
11. Hope I Die Virgin - At crude garbage falls
12. Vidderna - Utanför
13. Ljudbilden & Piloten - Domedeijla mosse
14. TALK 4
15. Roll the Dice - Into the ground
16. Muxika77 - The mountain
17. Den Svenska Tystnaden - Afasi
18. Elmo - Young love
19. TALK 5
20. Bedroom Eyes - (Here's one for you) Underdog
Reminder: my show airs every week on Sundays and Mondays at 11pm ET on Sirius XMU. That's channel 26 on Sirius, 43 on XM and 831 for DirecTV subscribers.]]></description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Here's the playlist for this week's radio show Sirius XMU:</p>
<p class="indent">01. TALK 1<br/>
02. <b>Mindy Misty</b> - Slippies<br/>
03. <b>Fatboy</b> - Bad news from pretty red lips<br/>
04. <b>Viola</b> - Puppies in the rain<br/>
05. <b>Kite</b> - Jonny boy<br/>
06. TALK 2<br/>
07. <b>Code 64</b> - Progenitor<br/>
08. <b>Familjen</b> - Det var jag (<b>This Is Head</b> version)<br/>
09. <b>Ved</b> - Question for L Ron<br/>
10. TALK 3<br/>
11. <b>Hope I Die Virgin</b> - At crude garbage falls<br/>
12. <b>Vidderna</b> - Utanför<br/>
13. <b>Ljudbilden & Piloten</b> - Domedeijla mosse<br/>
14. TALK 4<br/>
15. <b>Roll the Dice</b> - Into the ground<br/>
16. <b>Muxika77</b> - The mountain<br/>
17. <b>Den Svenska Tystnaden</b> - Afasi<br/>
18. <b>Elmo</b> - Young love<br/>
19. TALK 5<br/>
20. <b>Bedroom Eyes</b> - (Here's one for you) Underdog</p>
<p>Reminder: my show airs every week on Sundays and Mondays at 11pm ET on Sirius XMU. That's channel 26 on Sirius, 43 on XM and 831 for DirecTV subscribers.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<pubDate>Tue, 07 Sep 2010 12:23:55 -0700</pubDate>
	<category>news</category>
	<category>sirius</category>
</item>
<item>
	<title>Magnus Ekelund live on a boat</title>
	<link>http://www.itsatrap.com/n/33985-magnus-ekelund-live-on-a-boat</link>
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	<comments>http://www.itsatrap.com/n/33985-magnus-ekelund-live-on-a-boat#comments</comments>
	<description><![CDATA[Check out a Stockholm Boat Session with Magnus Ekelund (ex-Elmo): http://stockholmboatsessions.blogspot.com/2010/04/magnus-ekelund_08.html]]></description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Check out a Stockholm Boat Session with <b>Magnus Ekelund</b> (ex-<b>Elmo</b>): <a href="http://stockholmboatsessions.blogspot.com/2010/04/magnus-ekelund_08.html" target="_blank">http://stockholmboatsessions.blogspot.com/2010/04/magnus-ekelund_08.html</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
	<pubDate>Tue, 27 Apr 2010 17:36:15 -0700</pubDate>
	<category>news</category>
	<category>multimedia</category>
</item>
<item>
	<title>Sirius playlist week #51</title>
	<link>http://www.itsatrap.com/n/32706-sirius-playlist-week-51</link>
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	<description><![CDATA[Here's the playlist for this week's radio show Sirius XMU, special year-end top 10 edition:
01. TALK 1
02. Tyrant - The rebirth (reclaim the flame)
03. C.Aarmé - Dustin
04. Pintandwefall - Bird of the birds
05. Ironville - Sweet perfume
06. Dear Euphoria - Tell me
07. TALK 2
08. [ingenting] - Halleluja!
09. Agent Side Grinder - Die to live
10. Pistol Disco - Beat of the tune
11. TALK 3
12. The Bear Quartet - Carry your weight (Strange Maps remix)
13. The Fine Arts Showcase - Looking for your love
14. Wardruna - Dagr
15. TALK 4
16. Björn Kleinhenz - Fårö
17. Samuraj Cities - Spoonful of talk
18. David Åhlén - Stir our hearts
19. TALK 5
20. Elmo - Darkness falls
Reminder: my show airs every week on Sundays and Mondays at 11pm ET on Sirius XMU. That's channel 26 on Sirius, 43 on XM and 831 for DirecTV subscribers.]]></description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Here's the playlist for this week's radio show Sirius XMU, special year-end top 10 edition:</p>
<p class="indent">01. TALK 1<br/>
02. <b>Tyrant</b> - The rebirth (reclaim the flame)<br/>
03. <b>C.Aarmé</b> - Dustin<br/>
04. <b>Pintandwefall</b> - Bird of the birds<br/>
05. <b>Ironville</b> - Sweet perfume<br/>
06. <b>Dear Euphoria</b> - Tell me<br/>
07. TALK 2<br/>
08. <b>[ingenting]</b> - Halleluja!<br/>
09. <b>Agent Side Grinder</b> - Die to live<br/>
10. <b>Pistol Disco</b> - Beat of the tune<br/>
11. TALK 3<br/>
12. <b>The Bear Quartet</b> - Carry your weight (<b>Strange Maps</b> remix)<br/>
13. <b>The Fine Arts Showcase</b> - Looking for your love<br/>
14. <b>Wardruna</b> - Dagr<br/>
15. TALK 4<br/>
16. <b>Björn Kleinhenz</b> - Fårö<br/>
17. <b>Samuraj Cities</b> - Spoonful of talk<br/>
18. <b>David Åhlén</b> - Stir our hearts<br/>
19. TALK 5<br/>
20. <b>Elmo</b> - Darkness falls</p>
<p>Reminder: my show airs every week on Sundays and Mondays at 11pm ET on Sirius XMU. That's channel 26 on Sirius, 43 on XM and 831 for DirecTV subscribers.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<pubDate>Mon, 21 Dec 2009 11:37:27 -0800</pubDate>
	<category>news</category>
	<category>sirius</category>
</item>
<item>
	<title>Top 10s for 2009: It&#039;s a Trap!</title>
	<link>http://www.itsatrap.com/n/32663-top-10s-for-2009-its-a-trap</link>
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	<description><![CDATA[Avi Roig, Editor-in-Chief

10. [ingenting] - Tomhet, idel tomhet (Labrador Records)
A record that is expansive in sound, but still very direct in feeling. [ingenting] aimed for the stars with this one and nailed it.

09. Agent Side Grinder - Irish recording tape/The transatlantic tape project (Enfant Terrible)
Enjoyable as separate entities, though far better when considered as a matched pair. This band has not only mastered the sound of old-school industrial, they can also write great catchy songs (see: "Irish recording tape") and create engrossing abstract soundscapes ("The transatlantic tape project").

08. Pistol Disco - Evergreen (Celebrity Lifestyle)
This group gets better and better with every release and now, with the addition of live drums, they've soared to new heights of brain-roasting awesomeness. Listen LOUD!

07. The Bear Quartet - 89 (Adrian Recordings)
A no-brainer. Still reigning as Sweden's best band.

06. The Fine Arts Showcase - Dolophine smile (Adrian Recordings)
The rawest of breakup records, the grandest of pop. Gustaf Kjellvander's defining moment as an artist (thus far).

05. Wadruna - Runaljod - gap var Ginnunga (Indie Recordings/Fimbulljóð Productions)
Pure pagan beauty, performed in the old ways to appease the old gods. If you don't like this, you're no fan of Scandinavian music.

04.  Björn Kleinhenz - B.U.R.M.A./Head held high on fearsome pride (DevilDuck Records/SellOut! Music/Tomt Recordings/Eget Bevåg Grammofon)
Another twofer, except this time I've listened to all these songs on shuffle so many times I can't separate them anymore. 2009 was the year that Björn Kleinhenz dedicated himself to his art 100% and it shows. I always have high expectations for his work, but these two records blew me away.

03. Samuraj Cities - Mixed up record collections (Imperial Recordings)
The music reflects the title; a brazen mix of different sounds and ideas, leading the way for the future of Swedish indierock. Sometimes it's a noisy mess, but that's also what makes it so great.

02. David Åhlén - We sprout in thy soil (Compunctio)
Devotional music is incredibly powerful when performed with such fervent conviction and grace as this. There is a new strain of inspirational music coming out of Sweden right now and its artists are creating some of the most exciting music I've heard in years.

01. Elmo - Once (BD Pop)
Far and away my absolute favorite album of 2009. Elmo takes the melodramatic teen-angst pop of Broder Daniel and ups it to near-farcial levels of hysteria, but they never ever falter. When frontman Magnus Ekelund said that this was the "ultimate Elmo album", he was telling the absolute truth. You can't go up from here.



Honorable mentions
2009 was a very good year for music and there are many worthwhile albums that didn't quite make the cut. Here's 5 more in alphabetical order:
Pintandwefall - Hong Kong, baby! (Supersounds Music)
Thåström - Kärlek är för dom (Universal)
C.Aarmé - World music (Spegel)
Turboweekend - Ghost of a chance (Mermaid Records)
Dear Euphoria - Heal my violence (La Paloma)



Heard too late
These records would've made the list if I had properly heard them at their time of release:
The Scrags - s/t (Alleycat Records)
Dead Letters Spell Out Dead Words - Lost in reflection (Fang Bomb/iDEAL Recordings/Release the Bats/When Skies Are Grey)
Tyrant - The rebirth (reclaim the flame) (Listenable Records/Hells Cargo)




Contributor Lists



Simon Tagestam

Albums
01. Samtidigt Som - Flykt, kärlek & broderskap (Luxury)
02. jj - jj n° 2 (Sincerely Yours)
03. Fever Ray – s/t (Rabid)
04. Lorentz & M.Sakarias - Vi mot världen (Epic)
05. Frida Hyvönen – Silence is wild (Licking Fingers)
06. Maskinen – Boys II Men (Pope Records)
07. Taken By Trees – East of Eden (Rough Trade)
08. Körsbärsfettera - Alla ska ha linne (self-released)
09. Sad Day For Puppets - Unknown colors (HaHa Fonogram)
10. Christopher Sander - Hej hå! (Vesper Records)



Songs
01. Montt Mardié – Gloria
02. jj – Are you still in Valda?
03. Anna Järvinen – Äppelöga
04. Samtidigt Som – Tienes mi corazón
06. Maskinen – Pengar
06. Alexis Weak – Disney på is
07. Lorentz & M.Sakarias - Unicorn
08. Christopher Sander - Fattig bonddräng
09. [ingenting] – Halleluja!
10. Makthaverskan - German boy



Arnulf Koehncke



01. Moritz von Oswald Trio - Vertical ascent (Honest Jon's Records)
While technically hardly a Scandinavian album (percussion is handled by Finn Vladislav Delay, electronics and programming by German techno- and dub-mastermind Moritz von Oswald plus modular synths by German Max Loderbauer), I just can't not list this record here. For me, it's this year's equivalent to last year's highlights by Auton or Viktor Sjöberg New Jazz Ensemble: A demanding record that pulls you in with its hypnotic patterns and movements, makes you smile at its more obvious moments, and makes you miss it when you're without the beautiful gatefold vinyl and a record player.

02. Kings of Convenience - Declaration of dependence (Virgin/EMI)
I was looking forward to this album and the accompanying gig this fall. The gig did not disappoint -- like always, Erlend still wants to own the stage while Erik charmingly stresses his storytelling-skills and seems to divide his time between his baby and the gym nowadays. But the album surprised me at first. Judging from the last record, I had expected more sixties pop and less starkness and quietude. But I like how this album is less easily had, doesn't let the listener in as easily, but will grow on you nonetheless.

03. [ingenting] - Tomhet, idel tomhet (Labrador Records)
This records sees [ingenting] exchange the more obvious references in their music for more subtle nods to pop music's giants paired with impressively direct lyrics and straight-to-the-point arrangements. If maturity didn't have such negative connotations, one could call the album just that. And "classic" of course, like 80's indiepop is classic, or Sibiria and Vapnet maybe, though in more cynical ways than this record. It seems only fitting that [ingenting] chose to finally drop those "nothing"-puns from their album titles.

04. Frida Hyvönen - Silence is wild (Licking Fingers)
I've always been unsure about the reference points of year-end lists. Is it calender years or more likely personal years? I'm in favor of personal, so I list this album because to me, despite technically being from 2008, it's really a 2009 record. Somehow, the album's full potential -- its melodies, its power, and most of all, its soul (in the secular, Phil Spector meaning of the word)---had passed me by until I saw Frida and her bandmates play live in Berlin in the spring of 2009. So I'm only making up now for not listing it in 2008.

05. The Whitest Boy Alive - Rules (Bubbles)
A friend of mine once compared TWBA to IKEA. They make highly functional music that's devoid of any ornaments and goes straight to the point. And like IKEA-furniture, TWBA's music works extremely well for its purpose: I've seen them play in a gallery's shopwindow for more than 1000 dancing people gathered in the February-cold street before them, and their songs never fail to fill any indie-dancefloor. I guess I'd rather have IKEA than the "next big thing" from England then.



Singles

01. [ingenting] - Dina händer är fulla av blommor
From the first time I heard this song when [ingenting] performed it on Nyhetsmorgon, I was struck with its directness, the way it seems to speak to every single listener. I really like how non-cynical popmusic can do that sometimes!

02. The Fine Arts Showcase - Friday on my knees
It's great how Gustaf and his bandmates deconstruct this song about two-thirds through, dropping riff and chorus for 120 gloomy seconds of noisy guitar and bass, only to shortly resurrect it all before the end. Who needs radio-oriented hits when we can have this instead?

03. The Radio Dept. - David
Yet another year without an album by The Radio Dept. And still I consider them my favorite Scandinavian band. I'm left hoping the new album will sound more like this single and less like its unfocused b-sides. Still, allowing myself a nostalgic moment, they most probably just won't make another "Lesser matters".

04. The Whitest Boy Alive - 1517
We all need our functional dancefloor-fix from time to time, don't we? Especially when it's this well-done.

05. Kommun - Death of a CEO
I've been looking forward to the Kommun-record ever since the people behind Vapnet and Sibiria announced that, since everyone was making "serious" Swedish records now, they'd make a "non-serious" English record instead. And while I haven't fully connected with the album yet, I can't really escape this deeply political singalong about a businessman's afterlife.

Less obvious non-scandi mentions (besides those Grizzly Bears, Animal Collectives, and Pains of Being Pure at Heart): My friend's sister's project Music for Your Heart, Brooklyn's giddy Uninhabitable Mansions, the new Au Revoir Simone record, that Thom Yorke song on the "New Moon" Soundtrack (less movie, more music), and finally moving to and living in Phnom Penh.



Matt Giordano



01. [ingenting] - Tomhet, idel tomhet (Labrador Records)
It was always going to be difficult to follow up "Mycket väsen för ingenting", and for a while I thought that this one fell short. The one day it clicked, I could not even compare the two. This is another stellar release for the band.

02. The Bear Quartet - 89 (Adrian Recordings)
A triumph, but honestly I did not even expect less. The Bear Quartet have returned in the only way they could -- a bludgeoning, brooding album that closes their decade of output by making the audience reconsider what The Bear Quartet is once again.

03. Markus Krunegård - Prinsen av Peking / Lev som en gris dö som en hund (V2)
I try to imagine what pop music in English would sound like if we had an artist like Markus Krunegård. But then I realize that the industry here is exponentially more vapid, someone like Markus would be swept into the corners of dimly lit rooms, never to see his due.

04. Asha Ali - Hurricane (3NO)
Three years after her magnificent debut, Asha Ali gave us a devastating album of loss and internal strife. This album is so personal and fragile it must have been difficult to release it.

05. The Fine Arts Showcase - Dolophine smile (Adrian Recordings)
Another album of loss, but with a very different approach. Gustaf Kjellvander gives us an outside view of the degradation of his relationship, which is always quite to difficult to do. However, in typical TFAS fashion, he succeeds greatly.

06. Pistol Disco - Evergreen (Celebrity Lifestyle)
Falling into the category of noise and shoegaze, which I've been listening to a lot lately, Pistol Disco reach amongst the highs. Put this record on and just ease your mind, and it will take your imagination places.

07. Kristofer Åström - Sinkadus (Startracks)
A new Kristofer Åström album always yields quality. This time, he has rotated three backing bands on record, and it adds so much to his already well-honed songwriting craft.

08. Jonathan Johansson - En hand i himlen (Hyrbis)
What a way to start a career. Jonathan Johansson created one of the better pure-pop albums of the year.

09. jj - jj n° 2 (Sincerely Yours)
Another very good debut, and another very good pop album. jj borderlines on twee, yet mixes soft beats and great vocals.

10. Montt Mardié - Skaizerkite (Hyrbis)
David Pagmar keeps getting more bombastic with each release. Top-notch songwriting and arranging keeps Montt Mardié fans guessing where he'll take his sound next.



Songs:
01. Peter Bjorn and John - Stay this way
02. Elias and the Wizzkids - Mr. Right Guy
03. Montt Mardié - Bang bang (An echo in Warsaw)
04. Asha Ali - The contract
05. The Bear Quartet - Northern
06. Ingenting - Lång våg
07. Markus Krungegård - Prinsessan av Peking
08. The Fine Arts Showcase - London, my town
09. Kristofer Åström - A song for while I'm away
10. Markus Krunegård - Kär i en borderline]]></description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h5>Avi Roig, Editor-in-Chief</h5>

<p>10. <b>[ingenting]</b> - Tomhet, idel tomhet (<label>Labrador Records</label>)<br/>
A record that is expansive in sound, but still very direct in feeling. <b>[ingenting]</b> aimed for the stars with this one and nailed it.</p>

<p>09. <b>Agent Side Grinder</b> - Irish recording tape/The transatlantic tape project (<label>Enfant Terrible</label>)<br/>
Enjoyable as separate entities, though far better when considered as a matched pair. This band has not only mastered the sound of old-school industrial, they can also write great catchy songs (see: <i>"Irish recording tape"</i>) and create engrossing abstract soundscapes (<i>"The transatlantic tape project"</i>).</p>

<p>08. <b>Pistol Disco</b> - Evergreen (<label>Celebrity Lifestyle</label>)<br/>
This group gets better and better with every release and now, with the addition of live drums, they've soared to new heights of brain-roasting awesomeness. Listen LOUD!</p>

<p>07. <b>The Bear Quartet</b> - 89 (<label>Adrian Recordings</label>)<br/>
A no-brainer. Still reigning as Sweden's best band.</p>

<p>06. <b>The Fine Arts Showcase</b> - Dolophine smile (<label>Adrian Recordings</label>)<br/>
The rawest of breakup records, the grandest of pop. <b>Gustaf Kjellvander</b>'s defining moment as an artist (thus far).</p>

<p>05. <b>Wadruna</b> - Runaljod - gap var Ginnunga (<label>Indie Recordings</label>/<label>Fimbulljóð Productions</label>)<br/>
Pure pagan beauty, performed in the old ways to appease the old gods. If you don't like this, you're no fan of Scandinavian music.</p>

<p>04.  <b>Björn Kleinhenz</b> - B.U.R.M.A./Head held high on fearsome pride (<label>DevilDuck Records</label>/<label>SellOut! Music</label>/<label>Tomt Recordings</label>/<label>Eget Bevåg Grammofon</label>)<br/>
Another twofer, except this time I've listened to all these songs on shuffle so many times I can't separate them anymore. 2009 was the year that <b>Björn Kleinhenz</b> dedicated himself to his art 100% and it shows. I always have high expectations for his work, but these two records blew me away.</p>

<p>03. <b>Samuraj Cities</b> - Mixed up record collections (<label>Imperial Recordings</label>)<br/>
The music reflects the title; a brazen mix of different sounds and ideas, leading the way for the future of Swedish indierock. Sometimes it's a noisy mess, but that's also what makes it so great.</p>

<p>02. <b>David Åhlén</b> - We sprout in thy soil (<label>Compunctio</label>)<br/>
Devotional music is incredibly powerful when performed with such fervent conviction and grace as this. There is a new strain of inspirational music coming out of Sweden right now and its artists are creating some of the most exciting music I've heard in years.</p>

<p>01. <b>Elmo</b> - Once (<label>BD Pop</label>)<br/>
Far and away my absolute favorite album of 2009. <b>Elmo</b> takes the melodramatic teen-angst pop of <b>Broder Daniel</b> and ups it to near-farcial levels of hysteria, but they never ever falter. When frontman <b>Magnus Ekelund</b> <a href="http://www.itsatrap.com/?n=31156">said</a> that this was the "ultimate <b>Elmo</b> album", he was telling the absolute truth. You can't go up from here.</p>

<div class="spacer"></div>

<p><strong>Honorable mentions</strong></p>
<p>2009 was a very good year for music and there are many worthwhile albums that didn't quite make the cut. Here's 5 more in alphabetical order:<br/>
<b>Pintandwefall</b> - Hong Kong, baby! (<label>Supersounds Music</label>)<br/>
<b>Thåström</b> - Kärlek är för dom (<label>Universal</label>)<br/>
<b>C.Aarmé</b> - World music (<label>Spegel</label>)<br/>
<b>Turboweekend</b> - Ghost of a chance (<label>Mermaid Records</label>)<br/>
<b>Dear Euphoria</b> - Heal my violence (<label>La Paloma</label>)</p>

<div class="spacer"></div>

<p><strong>Heard too late</strong></p>
<p>These records would've made the list if I had properly heard them at their time of release:<br/>
<b>The Scrags</b> - s/t (<label>Alleycat Records</label>)<br/>
<b>Dead Letters Spell Out Dead Words</b> - Lost in reflection (<label>Fang Bomb</label>/<label>iDEAL Recordings</label>/<label>Release the Bats</label>/<label>When Skies Are Grey</label>)<br/>
<b>Tyrant</b> - The rebirth (reclaim the flame) (<label>Listenable Records</label>/<label>Hells Cargo</label>)</p>

<div class="spacer"></div>
<div class="spacer"></div>

<h4>Contributor Lists</h4>

<div class="spacer"></div>

<h5>Simon Tagestam</h5>

<p><strong>Albums</strong></p>
<p>01. <b>Samtidigt Som</b> - Flykt, kärlek & broderskap (<label>Luxury</label>)</p>
<p>02. <b>jj</b> - jj n° 2 (<label>Sincerely Yours</label>)</p>
<p>03. <b>Fever Ray</b> – s/t (<label>Rabid</label>)</p>
<p>04. <b>Lorentz & M.Sakarias</b> - Vi mot världen (<label>Epic</label>)</p>
<p>05. <b>Frida Hyvönen</b> – Silence is wild (<label>Licking Fingers</label>)</p>
<p>06. <b>Maskinen</b> – Boys II Men (<label>Pope Records</label>)</p>
<p>07. <b>Taken By Trees</b> – East of Eden (<label>Rough Trade</label>)</p>
<p>08. <b>Körsbärsfettera</b> - Alla ska ha linne (self-released)</p>
<p>09. <b>Sad Day For Puppets</b> - Unknown colors (<label>HaHa Fonogram</label>)</p>
<p>10. <b>Christopher Sander</b> - Hej hå! (<label>Vesper Records</label>)</p>

<div class="spacer"></div>

<p><strong>Songs</strong></p>
<p>01. <b>Montt Mardié</b> – Gloria</p>
<p>02. <b>jj</b> – Are you still in Valda?</p>
<p>03. <b>Anna Järvinen</b> – Äppelöga</p>
<p>04. <b>Samtidigt Som</b> – Tienes mi corazón</p>
<p>06. <b>Maskinen</b> – Pengar</p>
<p>06. <b>Alexis Weak</b> – Disney på is</p>
<p>07. <b>Lorentz & M.Sakarias</b> - Unicorn</p>
<p>08. <b>Christopher Sander</b> - Fattig bonddräng</p>
<p>09. <b>[ingenting]</b> – Halleluja!</p>
<p>10. <b>Makthaverskan</b> - German boy</p>

<div class="spacer"></div>

<h5>Arnulf Koehncke</h5>

<div class="spacer"></div>

<p>01. <b>Moritz von Oswald Trio</b> - Vertical ascent (<label>Honest Jon's Records</label>)<br/>
While technically hardly a Scandinavian album (percussion is handled by Finn <b>Vladislav Delay</b>, electronics and programming by German techno- and dub-mastermind <b>Moritz von Oswald</b> plus modular synths by German <b>Max Loderbauer</b>), I just can't not list this record here. For me, it's this year's equivalent to last year's highlights by <b>Auton</b> or <b>Viktor Sjöberg New Jazz Ensemble</b>: A demanding record that pulls you in with its hypnotic patterns and movements, makes you smile at its more obvious moments, and makes you miss it when you're without the beautiful gatefold vinyl and a record player.</p>

<p>02. <b>Kings of Convenience</b> - Declaration of dependence (<label>Virgin/EMI</label>)<br/>
I was looking forward to this album and the accompanying gig this fall. The gig did not disappoint -- like always, Erlend still wants to own the stage while Erik charmingly stresses his storytelling-skills and seems to divide his time between his baby and the gym nowadays. But the album surprised me at first. Judging from the last record, I had expected more sixties pop and less starkness and quietude. But I like how this album is less easily had, doesn't let the listener in as easily, but will grow on you nonetheless.</p>

<p>03. <b>[ingenting]</b> - Tomhet, idel tomhet (<label>Labrador Records</label>)<br/>
This records sees <b>[ingenting]</b> exchange the more obvious references in their music for more subtle nods to pop music's giants paired with impressively direct lyrics and straight-to-the-point arrangements. If maturity didn't have such negative connotations, one could call the album just that. And "classic" of course, like 80's indiepop is classic, or <b>Sibiria</b> and <b>Vapnet</b> maybe, though in more cynical ways than this record. It seems only fitting that <b>[ingenting]</b> chose to finally drop those "nothing"-puns from their album titles.</p>

<p>04. <b>Frida Hyvönen</b> - Silence is wild (<label>Licking Fingers</label>)<br/>
I've always been unsure about the reference points of year-end lists. Is it calender years or more likely personal years? I'm in favor of personal, so I list this album because to me, despite technically being from 2008, it's really a 2009 record. Somehow, the album's full potential -- its melodies, its power, and most of all, its soul (in the secular, <b>Phil Spector</b> meaning of the word)---had passed me by until I saw Frida and her bandmates play live in Berlin in the spring of 2009. So I'm only making up now for not listing it in 2008.</p>

<p>05. <b>The Whitest Boy Alive</b> - Rules (<label>Bubbles</label>)<br/>
A friend of mine once compared TWBA to IKEA. They make highly functional music that's devoid of any ornaments and goes straight to the point. And like IKEA-furniture, TWBA's music works extremely well for its purpose: I've seen them play in a gallery's shopwindow for more than 1000 dancing people gathered in the February-cold street before them, and their songs never fail to fill any indie-dancefloor. I guess I'd rather have IKEA than the "next big thing" from England then.</p>

<div class="spacer"></div>

<p><strong>Singles</strong></p>

<p>01. <b>[ingenting]</b> - Dina händer är fulla av blommor<br/>
From the first time I heard this song when [ingenting] performed it on Nyhetsmorgon, I was struck with its directness, the way it seems to speak to every single listener. I really like how non-cynical popmusic can do that sometimes!</p>

<p>02. <b>The Fine Arts Showcase</b> - Friday on my knees<br/>
It's great how Gustaf and his bandmates deconstruct this song about two-thirds through, dropping riff and chorus for 120 gloomy seconds of noisy guitar and bass, only to shortly resurrect it all before the end. Who needs radio-oriented hits when we can have this instead?</p>

<p>03. <b>The Radio Dept.</b> - David<br/>
Yet another year without an album by <b>The Radio Dept.</b> And still I consider them my favorite Scandinavian band. I'm left hoping the new album will sound more like this single and less like its unfocused b-sides. Still, allowing myself a nostalgic moment, they most probably just won't make another <i>"Lesser matters"</i>.</p>

<p>04. <b>The Whitest Boy Alive</b> - 1517<br/>
We all need our functional dancefloor-fix from time to time, don't we? Especially when it's this well-done.</p>

<p>05. <b>Kommun</b> - Death of a CEO<br/>
I've been looking forward to the Kommun-record ever since the people behind Vapnet and Sibiria announced that, since everyone was making "serious" Swedish records now, they'd make a "non-serious" English record instead. And while I haven't fully connected with the album yet, I can't really escape this deeply political singalong about a businessman's afterlife.</p>

<p>Less obvious non-scandi mentions (besides those Grizzly Bears, Animal Collectives, and Pains of Being Pure at Heart): My friend's sister's project <b>Music for Your Heart</b>, Brooklyn's giddy <b>Uninhabitable Mansions</b>, the new <b>Au Revoir Simone</b> record, that <b>Thom Yorke</b> song on the <em>"New Moon"</em> Soundtrack (less movie, more music), and finally moving to and living in Phnom Penh.</p>

<div class="spacer"></div>

<h5>Matt Giordano</h5>

<div class="spacer"></div>

<p>01. <b>[ingenting]</b> - Tomhet, idel tomhet (<label>Labrador Records</label>)<br/>
It was always going to be difficult to follow up <i>"Mycket väsen för ingenting"</i>, and for a while I thought that this one fell short. The one day it clicked, I could not even compare the two. This is another stellar release for the band.</p>

<p>02. <b>The Bear Quartet</b> - 89 (<label>Adrian Recordings</label>)<br/>
A triumph, but honestly I did not even expect less. <b>The Bear Quartet</b> have returned in the only way they could -- a bludgeoning, brooding album that closes their decade of output by making the audience reconsider what <b>The Bear Quartet</b> is once again.</p>

<p>03. <b>Markus Krunegård</b> - Prinsen av Peking / Lev som en gris dö som en hund (<label>V2</label>)<br/>
I try to imagine what pop music in English would sound like if we had an artist like <b>Markus Krunegård</b>. But then I realize that the industry here is exponentially more vapid, someone like Markus would be swept into the corners of dimly lit rooms, never to see his due.</p>

<p>04. <b>Asha Ali</b> - Hurricane (<label>3NO</label>)<br/>
Three years after her magnificent debut, <b>Asha Ali</b> gave us a devastating album of loss and internal strife. This album is so personal and fragile it must have been difficult to release it.</p>

<p>05. <b>The Fine Arts Showcase</b> - Dolophine smile (<label>Adrian Recordings</label>)<br/>
Another album of loss, but with a very different approach. <b>Gustaf Kjellvander</b> gives us an outside view of the degradation of his relationship, which is always quite to difficult to do. However, in typical TFAS fashion, he succeeds greatly.</p>

<p>06. <b>Pistol Disco</b> - Evergreen (<label>Celebrity Lifestyle</label>)<br/>
Falling into the category of noise and shoegaze, which I've been listening to a lot lately, <b>Pistol Disco</b> reach amongst the highs. Put this record on and just ease your mind, and it will take your imagination places.</p>

<p>07. <b>Kristofer Åström</b> - Sinkadus (<label>Startracks</label>)<br/>
A new <b>Kristofer Åström</b> album always yields quality. This time, he has rotated three backing bands on record, and it adds so much to his already well-honed songwriting craft.</p>

<p>08. <b>Jonathan Johansson</b> - En hand i himlen (<label>Hyrbis</label>)<br/>
What a way to start a career. <b>Jonathan Johansson</b> created one of the better pure-pop albums of the year.</p>

<p>09. <b>jj</b> - jj n° 2 (<label>Sincerely Yours</label>)<br/>
Another very good debut, and another very good pop album. <b>jj</b> borderlines on twee, yet mixes soft beats and great vocals.</p>

<p>10. <b>Montt Mardié</b> - Skaizerkite (<label>Hyrbis</label>)<br/>
<b>David Pagmar</b> keeps getting more bombastic with each release. Top-notch songwriting and arranging keeps <b>Montt Mardié</b> fans guessing where he'll take his sound next.</p>

<div class="spacer"></div>

<p><strong>Songs:</strong></p>
<p>01. <b>Peter Bjorn and John</b> - Stay this way</p>
<p>02. <b>Elias and the Wizzkids</b> - Mr. Right Guy</p>
<p>03. <b>Montt Mardié</b> - Bang bang (An echo in Warsaw)</p>
<p>04. <b>Asha Ali</b> - The contract</p>
<p>05. <b>The Bear Quartet</b> - Northern</p>
<p>06. <b>Ingenting</b> - Lång våg</p>
<p>07. <b>Markus Krungegård</b> - Prinsessan av Peking</p>
<p>08. <b>The Fine Arts Showcase</b> - London, my town</p>
<p>09. <b>Kristofer Åström</b> - A song for while I'm away</p>
<p>10. <b>Markus Krunegård</b> - Kär i en borderline</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<pubDate>Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
	<category>articles</category>
	<category>top10s</category>
</item>
<item>
	<title>Sirius playlist week #48</title>
	<link>http://www.itsatrap.com/n/32421-sirius-playlist-week-48</link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.itsatrap.com/n/32421-sirius-playlist-week-48</guid>
	<comments>http://www.itsatrap.com/n/32421-sirius-playlist-week-48#comments</comments>
	<description><![CDATA[Here's the playlist for this week's radio show Sirius XMU:
01. TALK 1
02. Kommun - I don't say anything
03. On Volcano - Out of sight
04. Turboweekend - Something or nothing
05. TALK 2
06. The Idle Hands - Hearts
07. Thåström - Linnéa
08. Fronda - Mitt allt
09. TALK 3
10. We Are the Storm - A song for our city
11. High Hats - The end
12. Wardruna - Kauna
13. Halph - New money
14. The Scrags - TV messed up mind
15. TALK 4
16. They Live - Magic glasses
17. Ison & Fille - Jag skratter idag
18. Nitad - Rädslan
19. TALK 5
20. Elmo - Shine down on us
Reminder: my show airs every week on Sundays and Mondays at 11pm ET on Sirius XMU. That's channel 26 on Sirius, 43 on XM and 831 for DirecTV subscribers.]]></description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Here's the playlist for this week's radio show Sirius XMU:</p>
<p class="indent">01. TALK 1<br/>
02. <b>Kommun</b> - I don't say anything<br/>
03. <b>On Volcano</b> - Out of sight<br/>
04. <b>Turboweekend</b> - Something or nothing<br/>
05. TALK 2<br/>
06. <b>The Idle Hands</b> - Hearts<br/>
07. <b>Thåström</b> - Linnéa<br/>
08. <b>Fronda</b> - Mitt allt<br/>
09. TALK 3<br/>
10. <b>We Are the Storm</b> - A song for our city<br/>
11. <b>High Hats</b> - The end<br/>
12. <b>Wardruna</b> - Kauna<br/>
13. <b>Halph</b> - New money<br/>
14. <b>The Scrags</b> - TV messed up mind<br/>
15. TALK 4<br/>
16. <b>They Live</b> - Magic glasses<br/>
17. <b>Ison & Fille</b> - Jag skratter idag<br/>
18. <b>Nitad</b> - Rädslan<br/>
19. TALK 5<br/>
20. <b>Elmo</b> - Shine down on us</p>
<p>Reminder: my show airs every week on Sundays and Mondays at 11pm ET on Sirius XMU. That's channel 26 on Sirius, 43 on XM and 831 for DirecTV subscribers.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<pubDate>Mon, 30 Nov 2009 11:12:33 -0800</pubDate>
	<category>news</category>
	<category>sirius</category>
</item>
<item>
	<title>Sirius playlist week #45</title>
	<link>http://www.itsatrap.com/n/32213-sirius-playlist-week-45</link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.itsatrap.com/n/32213-sirius-playlist-week-45</guid>
	<comments>http://www.itsatrap.com/n/32213-sirius-playlist-week-45#comments</comments>
	<description><![CDATA[Here's the playlist for this week's radio show Sirius XMU:
01. TALK 1
02. Marit Bergman - Höstvisa
03. Viola - No connection
04. Brothers of End - Why
05. TALK 2
06. Oriel Joans - Knuckles whiten
07. The Bear Quartet - Carry your weight
08. Kornstad - Oslo
09. TALK 3
10. The Amazing - Is it likely
11. Erik Enocksson - Non lupi
12. [ingenting] - Dina händer är fulla av blommor
13. TALK 4
14. Sivert Høyem - Empty house
15. Rickard Jäverling - May & Lee
16. Isolation Years - Let's step aside
17. TALK 5
18. Elmo - Young love
Reminder: my show airs every week on Sundays and Mondays at 11pm ET on Sirius XMU. That's channel 26 on Sirius, 43 on XM and 831 for DirecTV subscribers.]]></description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Here's the playlist for this week's radio show Sirius XMU:</p>
<p class="indent">01. TALK 1<br/>
02. <b>Marit Bergman</b> - Höstvisa<br/>
03. <b>Viola</b> - No connection<br/>
04. <b>Brothers of End</b> - Why<br/>
05. TALK 2<br/>
06. <b>Oriel Joans</b> - Knuckles whiten<br/>
07. <b>The Bear Quartet</b> - Carry your weight<br/>
08. <b>Kornstad</b> - Oslo<br/>
09. TALK 3<br/>
10. <b>The Amazing</b> - Is it likely<br/>
11. <b>Erik Enocksson</b> - Non lupi<br/>
12. <b>[ingenting]</b> - Dina händer är fulla av blommor<br/>
13. TALK 4<br/>
14. <b>Sivert Høyem</b> - Empty house<br/>
15. <b>Rickard Jäverling</b> - May & Lee<br/>
16. <b>Isolation Years</b> - Let's step aside<br/>
17. TALK 5<br/>
18. <b>Elmo</b> - Young love</p>
<p>Reminder: my show airs every week on Sundays and Mondays at 11pm ET on Sirius XMU. That's channel 26 on Sirius, 43 on XM and 831 for DirecTV subscribers.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<pubDate>Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:22:06 -0800</pubDate>
	<category>news</category>
	<category>sirius</category>
</item>
<item>
	<title>Sirius playlist week #35</title>
	<link>http://www.itsatrap.com/n/31438-sirius-playlist-week-35</link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.itsatrap.com/n/31438-sirius-playlist-week-35</guid>
	<comments>http://www.itsatrap.com/n/31438-sirius-playlist-week-35#comments</comments>
	<description><![CDATA[Here's the playlist for this week's radio show Sirius XMU:
01. Elmo - Blind heart
02. TALK 1
03. Moritz von Oswald Trio - Pattern 3
04. Carpet People - All that ails must pass
05. Fronda - Andas
06. TALK 2
07. Siena Root - Time will tell
08. Cortex - No connections
09. Kornstad - Oslo
10. TALK 3
11. The Silent Section - In snow forever
12. Familjen - Huvudet i sanden
13. Band in Box - B33
14. TALK 4
15. The Bear Quartet - Northern
Reminder: my show airs every week on Sundays and Mondays at 11pm ET on Sirius XMU. That's channel 26 on Sirius, 43 on XM and 831 for DirecTV subscribers.]]></description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Here's the playlist for this week's radio show Sirius XMU:</p>
<p class="indent">01. <b>Elmo</b> - Blind heart<br/>
02. TALK 1<br/>
03. <b>Moritz von Oswald Trio</b> - Pattern 3<br/>
04. <b>Carpet People</b> - All that ails must pass<br/>
05. <b>Fronda</b> - Andas<br/>
06. TALK 2<br/>
07. <b>Siena Root</b> - Time will tell<br/>
08. <b>Cortex</b> - No connections<br/>
09. <b>Kornstad</b> - Oslo<br/>
10. TALK 3<br/>
11. <b>The Silent Section</b> - In snow forever<br/>
12. <b>Familjen</b> - Huvudet i sanden<br/>
13. <b>Band in Box</b> - B33<br/>
14. TALK 4<br/>
15. <b>The Bear Quartet</b> - Northern</p>
<p>Reminder: my show airs every week on Sundays and Mondays at 11pm ET on Sirius XMU. That's channel 26 on Sirius, 43 on XM and 831 for DirecTV subscribers.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<pubDate>Mon, 31 Aug 2009 12:18:14 -0700</pubDate>
	<category>news</category>
	<category>sirius</category>
</item>
<item>
	<title>MP3: Elmo - Shine down on us</title>
	<link>http://www.itsatrap.com/n/31157-mp3-elmo-shine-down-on-us</link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.itsatrap.com/n/31157-mp3-elmo-shine-down-on-us</guid>
	<comments>http://www.itsatrap.com/n/31157-mp3-elmo-shine-down-on-us#comments</comments>
	<description><![CDATA["Shine down on us" is about your grandmother, right?
That is right.

It's a beautifully powerful song, probably the album highlight for me. Can you tell me more about her?
Well, her name was Ellen Kitok Andersson. She belonged to the Sami people. She did poetry, handicraft and arts.
She wrote parts of the lyrics in "Shine down on us". It was originally one of her poems. Once she asked me how it sounded if I sang in Swedish, so I wrote some music to her poem "Pärlor I Sjaunia-älven". She really liked it, so I sang it on her funeral - and the sun began to shine down on us through the window into the church. It was probably the most epic moment in my life.

What was she like?
She was a hard working handicraft artist. A thinker and a dreamer. She lived on her arts and gave my father and his siblings a really good start into life. She was the one everyone in the family came to when they needed to talk, and get answers. She had kind of an unspoken goddess aura around her. Right there where she sat. By her working desk. In her peaceful home.
In 2005 I became really sick. I got a tumor in my throat and had to spend a lot of time in the hospital. When I was not in there, I spent a lot of time with my grandmother. She was a really special person, and we shared a really special bond. I think that we still do in a way.
Whenever I'm in a hard struggle I dream of her at night and she speaks to me and tells me what to do to get on through. She helps me.

How is it for you to perform live?
I've never played it live. But I have played "Pärlor I Sjaunia-älven" live and it's always both hard and beautiful. Once a five year old boy started to cry when I played it. I could never write such powerful lyrics myself. If I get a chance to to a full album in Swedish, it will definitely be on that.

When the seasons are shifting
In colours so bright
Maybe blinded by colours you get
Like in dreams from my childhood
I'm one with the wind
And I'm drifting away in my mind
You're tears are building a stream
Tears like pearls falling down
Maybe I'll give you some of my pearls
If you share me the colour of love

Read the full interview]]></description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong><i>"Shine down on us"</i> is about your grandmother, right?</strong></p>
<p>That is right.</p>
<div class="spacer"></div>
<p><strong>It's a beautifully powerful song, probably the album highlight for me. Can you tell me more about her?</strong></p>
<p>Well, her name was <b>Ellen Kitok Andersson</b>. She belonged to the Sami people. She did poetry, handicraft and arts.</p>
<p>She wrote parts of the lyrics in <i>"Shine down on us"</i>. It was originally one of her poems. Once she asked me how it sounded if I sang in Swedish, so I wrote some music to her poem <i>"Pärlor I Sjaunia-älven"</i>. She really liked it, so I sang it on her funeral - and the sun began to shine down on us through the window into the church. It was probably the most epic moment in my life.</p>
<div class="spacer"></div>
<p><strong>What was she like?</strong></p>
<p>She was a hard working handicraft artist. A thinker and a dreamer. She lived on her arts and gave my father and his siblings a really good start into life. She was the one everyone in the family came to when they needed to talk, and get answers. She had kind of an unspoken goddess aura around her. Right there where she sat. By her working desk. In her peaceful home.</p>
<p>In 2005 I became really sick. I got a tumor in my throat and had to spend a lot of time in the hospital. When I was not in there, I spent a lot of time with my grandmother. She was a really special person, and we shared a really special bond. I think that we still do in a way.</p>
<p>Whenever I'm in a hard struggle I dream of her at night and she speaks to me and tells me what to do to get on through. She helps me.</p>
<div class="spacer"></div>
<p><strong>How is it for you to perform live?</strong></p>
<p>I've never played it live. But I have played <i>"Pärlor I Sjaunia-älven"</i> live and it's always both hard and beautiful. Once a five year old boy started to cry when I played it. I could never write such powerful lyrics myself. If I get a chance to to a full album in Swedish, it will definitely be on that.</p>
<div class="spacer"></div>
<div align="center"><i>When the seasons are shifting<br/>
In colours so bright<br/>
Maybe blinded by colours you get<br/>
Like in dreams from my childhood<br/>
I'm one with the wind<br/>
And I'm drifting away in my mind<br/>
You're tears are building a stream<br/>
Tears like pearls falling down<br/>
Maybe I'll give you some of my pearls<br/>
If you share me the colour of love</i></div>
<div class="spacer"></div>
<p><a href="http://www.itsatrap.com/?n=31156">Read the full interview</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
	<enclosure url="http://www.itsatrap.com/playlist/elmo-shine_down_on_us.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg" />
	<pubDate>Tue, 28 Jul 2009 13:19:50 -0700</pubDate>
	<category>mp3s</category>
	<category>interviews</category>
</item>
<item>
	<title>Interview: Magnus Ekelund (Elmo)</title>
	<link>http://www.itsatrap.com/n/31156-interview-magnus-ekelund-elmo</link>
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	<comments>http://www.itsatrap.com/n/31156-interview-magnus-ekelund-elmo#comments</comments>
	<description><![CDATA[
Elmo's second album "Once" blew me away the first time I heard it, a rare occasion in these fickle times. It's an album filled with the same sort of angst and melancholy perfected by countrymates Broder Daniel, but also enhanced by an overwhelming sense of youthful desperation and a strong melodicism that only can come from Norrland. Sadly, the band comes to an end this week with their final performance ever at LuleåKalaset on July 31, so I made sure to catch up with main singer/songwriter Magnus Ekelund before it's all over to see what brought him to this point and where he is going next.

You're from Jokkmokk, right?
Yes, that is correct. I lived there until I finished 9th grade.

Are you still living there?
Well, I've been moving around quite a bit. First I moved to Luleå for the music gymnasium they had there. Which, by the way, was quite terrible. And then I became really sick. So I moved back home for a year or so. Then, after that, I moved to Gothenburg at the same time as I got signed on a Luleå-based record company named BD Pop. And they sold half of the contract to Stockholm-based Bonnier Amigo. So the timing with me living in Gothenburg was slightly bad. I had to travel to Luleå and Stockholm all the time. So after one year I moved up to Stockholm. This was in 2007.
I released "Kamikaze heart" when I lived there. But then they dropped me from Bonnier Amigo, and I moved home to Jokkmokk again to live in my parents house for a while. But now, about one month ago, I moved back to Luleå again. And it feels like I want to stay here.

I've only been as far north as Umeå, so I'm curious as to what it's like. How does it compare to other parts of Norrland/the rest of Sweden?
Jokkmokk is nothing but nature. If you don't like silence, snowy winters, midnight sun and great views, it is not the place to be. I kind of like the heavy season changes. It's cruel and beautiful. But I think it's because I grew up there.
I like to take walks in the midnight sun out in the forest... Or at least I like the thought about taking long walks in the forest. It feels romantic. But it gets really boring in the long run. I can only live there for short periods of time. I don't want to grow old there. Or maybe that's exactly what I want to do. In a little house where no one else can find or disturb me. Maybe that's where I'll find peace.

How do you think your surroundings affect you as an artist? I can hear a definite Broder Daniel influence (intentional or not), but I'm curious as to what other influences you draw from, musical and otherwise.
I am a product of everything I see, hear and feel. I love Broder Daniel. Especially when I started to write music in my early teenage years. I don't really listen to them anymore, but I know that Elmo sounds very much like Broder Daniel. Disturbing for some people - 'cause they sometimes think that I want to become the new Henrik Berggren. But as a fan of the band, I know that no one can trespass on the symbolic status that he has, and the culture around the band.
So my music isn't very original. I think the power and integrity in my songs are that you can feel that I really mean what I sing. That it's for real.
I don't try to sound like anything else, and I don't try to sound like something you've never heard before. I just try to be honest with what I do. I think you can hear that if you listen to my music.
Another very big influence for me is Jakob Hellman. But I think its more likely to be heard in my new Swedish project. Since it's in Swedish.
Nowadays I mostly listen to instrumental music. The soundtracks from epic 80's movies like "Rocky II", "Karate Kid" and "The Neverending Story" go straight into my heart. If I listen to pop music, it's probably something uncool like Niklas Strömstedt or Enrique Iglesias.
I sort out and pick up small fragments of good melodies or lyric phrases and make them my own. You can call it stealing or whatever. That's how it's done. The song "Die alive" from my new album is, for example, heavily influenced by Springsteen's "Radio Nowhere" and the song "Once" is something Agnetha Fältskog did earlier.
I'm letting through more of my background and hometown in my new songs, compared to Elmo. My song lyrics always go hand in hand with my life. I write about things I know.

How so exactly?
I'm letting through more of my self in these songs. The are, in a way, closer to the chest. Mostly because it's in Swedish and the influences are more under the surface.

Do you find your subject matter changing as you get older?
I don't know really. I guess I've become more thoughtful. Less fuck off attitude and more pensive. But I think it's up to the listener to decide.

Is there a particular direction you aim to go?
It is hard to tell. I'd like to do more songs like "Skogens ljus". Kind of sounds like Sigur Rós, in a way. I think that vibe only can be found in the northern parts of Sweden. By the Arctic Circle. And I think it's unexplored. We'll see what happens.

So I understand you are putting the band Elmo to rest at the end of the month?
Yes, Elmo will be no more. Luleåkalaset will be the last gig.

How and why did you come to that decision?
It had to be done. "Once" is the ultimate Elmo record as I see it. I can't take it any further.

What exactly makes it the ultimate record?
The ultimate Elmo record. Important to say...
It is more clear. It is darker, more dreamy and the sound is messed up. It pends between dark blue and pitch black in the lyrics. With maybe one ore two exceptions. It is hard to talk about these things without sounding ridiculous.
The debut, "Kamikaze heart", is a very young, sunny and hopeful CD full of longing. With some dark undertones. "Once", on the other hand, is an album that speaks the truth. That tells it like it is - right here and right now. Emotionally.
That was the only goal I had. I did not care if it had a hit single, smooth sound or anything like that. Money had absolutely no power in the process of making this album. I did not listen to anyone else but me, and it turned out exactly as I wanted it to.

And why do you think you can't go any further?
It is complete. And Elmo is driven by a very youthful over belief in one's self. Elmo against the world. Very dramatic. I'm still like that, but that side of me had to make place for other things. It has not gone away with age, but it has gone aside.

What does "further" even mean to you in this context?
It just has to end.

So you are planning to concentrate on making music under your own name now?
Yes, full heartedly.

What are your plans for the future?
I want to see what happens to my Swedish songs. Maybe release an album and to play live, of course. I hope that people will like it, so I can go on and get appreciation for what I'm meant to do. I kind of see it like that. I can't really see me do anything else.

More here]]></description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="http://www.itsatrap.com/pix/elmo.jpg" alt="Elmo" width="580" height="379" /></p>
<p><b>Elmo</b>'s second album <i>"Once"</i> blew me away the first time I heard it, a rare occasion in these fickle times. It's an album filled with the same sort of angst and melancholy perfected by countrymates <b>Broder Daniel</b>, but also enhanced by an overwhelming sense of youthful desperation and a strong melodicism that only can come from Norrland. Sadly, the band comes to an end this week with their final performance ever at LuleåKalaset on July 31, so I made sure to catch up with main singer/songwriter <b>Magnus Ekelund</b> before it's all over to see what brought him to this point and where he is going next.</p>
<div class="spacer"></div>
<p><strong>You're from Jokkmokk, right?</strong></p>
<p>Yes, that is correct. I lived there until I finished 9th grade.</p>
<div class="spacer"></div>
<p><strong>Are you still living there?</strong></p>
<p>Well, I've been moving around quite a bit. First I moved to Luleå for the music gymnasium they had there. Which, by the way, was quite terrible. And then I became really sick. So I moved back home for a year or so. Then, after that, I moved to Gothenburg at the same time as I got signed on a Luleå-based record company named BD Pop. And they sold half of the contract to Stockholm-based Bonnier Amigo. So the timing with me living in Gothenburg was slightly bad. I had to travel to Luleå and Stockholm all the time. So after one year I moved up to Stockholm. This was in 2007.</p>
<p>I released <i>"Kamikaze heart"</i> when I lived there. But then they dropped me from Bonnier Amigo, and I moved home to Jokkmokk again to live in my parents house for a while. But now, about one month ago, I moved back to Luleå again. And it feels like I want to stay here.</p>
<div class="spacer"></div>
<p><strong>I've only been as far north as Umeå, so I'm curious as to what it's like. How does it compare to other parts of Norrland/the rest of Sweden?</strong></p>
<p>Jokkmokk is nothing but nature. If you don't like silence, snowy winters, midnight sun and great views, it is not the place to be. I kind of like the heavy season changes. It's cruel and beautiful. But I think it's because I grew up there.</p>
<p>I like to take walks in the midnight sun out in the forest... Or at least I like the thought about taking long walks in the forest. It feels romantic. But it gets really boring in the long run. I can only live there for short periods of time. I don't want to grow old there. Or maybe that's exactly what I want to do. In a little house where no one else can find or disturb me. Maybe that's where I'll find peace.</p>
<div class="spacer"></div>
<p><strong>How do you think your surroundings affect you as an artist? I can hear a definite <b>Broder Daniel</b> influence (intentional or not), but I'm curious as to what other influences you draw from, musical and otherwise.</strong></p>
<p>I am a product of everything I see, hear and feel. I love <b>Broder Daniel</b>. Especially when I started to write music in my early teenage years. I don't really listen to them anymore, but I know that <b>Elmo</b> sounds very much like <b>Broder Daniel</b>. Disturbing for some people - 'cause they sometimes think that I want to become the new <b>Henrik Berggren</b>. But as a fan of the band, I know that no one can trespass on the symbolic status that he has, and the culture around the band.</p>
<p>So my music isn't very original. I think the power and integrity in my songs are that you can feel that I really mean what I sing. That it's for real.</p>
<p>I don't try to sound like anything else, and I don't try to sound like something you've never heard before. I just try to be honest with what I do. I think you can hear that if you listen to my music.</p>
<p>Another very big influence for me is <b>Jakob Hellman</b>. But I think its more likely to be heard in my new Swedish project. Since it's in Swedish.</p>
<p>Nowadays I mostly listen to instrumental music. The soundtracks from epic 80's movies like <i>"Rocky II"</i>, <i>"Karate Kid"</i> and <i>"The Neverending Story"</i> go straight into my heart. If I listen to pop music, it's probably something uncool like <b>Niklas Strömstedt</b> or <b>Enrique Iglesias</b>.</p>
<p>I sort out and pick up small fragments of good melodies or lyric phrases and make them my own. You can call it stealing or whatever. That's how it's done. The song <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3fAMebS-wk&fmt=18" target="_blank"><i>"Die alive"</i></a> from my new album is, for example, heavily influenced by Springsteen's <i>"Radio Nowhere"</i> and the song <i>"Once"</i> is something <b>Agnetha Fältskog</b> did earlier.</p>
<p>I'm letting through more of my background and hometown in my new songs, compared to <b>Elmo</b>. My song lyrics always go hand in hand with my life. I write about things I know.</p>
<div class="spacer"></div>
<p><strong>How so exactly?</strong></p>
<p>I'm letting through more of my self in these songs. The are, in a way, closer to the chest. Mostly because it's in Swedish and the influences are more under the surface.</p>
<div class="spacer"></div>
<p><strong>Do you find your subject matter changing as you get older?</strong></p>
<p>I don't know really. I guess I've become more thoughtful. Less fuck off attitude and more pensive. But I think it's up to the listener to decide.</p>
<div class="spacer"></div>
<p><strong>Is there a particular direction you aim to go?</strong></p>
<p>It is hard to tell. I'd like to do more songs like <i>"Skogens ljus"</i>. Kind of sounds like <b>Sigur Rós</b>, in a way. I think that vibe only can be found in the northern parts of Sweden. By the Arctic Circle. And I think it's unexplored. We'll see what happens.</p>
<div class="spacer"></div>
<p><strong>So I understand you are putting the band <b>Elmo</b> to rest at the end of the month?</strong></p>
<p>Yes, <b>Elmo</b> will be no more. Luleåkalaset will be the last gig.</p>
<div class="spacer"></div>
<p><strong>How and why did you come to that decision?</strong></p>
<p>It had to be done. <i>"Once"</i> is the ultimate <b>Elmo</b> record as I see it. I can't take it any further.</p>
<div class="spacer"></div>
<p><strong>What exactly makes it the ultimate record?</strong></p>
<p>The ultimate <b>Elmo</b> record. Important to say...</p>
<p>It is more clear. It is darker, more dreamy and the sound is messed up. It pends between dark blue and pitch black in the lyrics. With maybe one ore two exceptions. It is hard to talk about these things without sounding ridiculous.</p>
<p>The debut, <i>"Kamikaze heart"</i>, is a very young, sunny and hopeful CD full of longing. With some dark undertones. <i>"Once"</i>, on the other hand, is an album that speaks the truth. That tells it like it is - right here and right now. Emotionally.</p>
<p>That was the only goal I had. I did not care if it had a hit single, smooth sound or anything like that. Money had absolutely no power in the process of making this album. I did not listen to anyone else but me, and it turned out exactly as I wanted it to.</p>
<div class="spacer"></div>
<p><strong>And why do you think you can't go any further?</strong></p>
<p>It is complete. And <b>Elmo</b> is driven by a very youthful over belief in one's self. <b>Elmo</b> against the world. Very dramatic. I'm still like that, but that side of me had to make place for other things. It has not gone away with age, but it has gone aside.</p>
<div class="spacer"></div>
<p><strong>What does "further" even mean to you in this context?</strong></p>
<p>It just has to end.</p>
<div class="spacer"></div>
<p><strong>So you are planning to concentrate on making music under your own name now?</strong></p>
<p>Yes, full heartedly.</p>
<div class="spacer"></div>
<p><strong>What are your plans for the future?</strong></p>
<p>I want to see what happens to my Swedish songs. Maybe release an album and to play live, of course. I hope that people will like it, so I can go on and get appreciation for what I'm meant to do. I kind of see it like that. I can't really see me do anything else.</p>
<div class="spacer"></div>
<p><a href="http://www.itsatrap.com/?n=31157">More here</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
	<pubDate>Tue, 28 Jul 2009 13:15:06 -0700</pubDate>
	<category>articles</category>
	<category>interviews</category>
</item>
<item>
	<title>Sirius playlist week #30</title>
	<link>http://www.itsatrap.com/n/31135-sirius-playlist-week-30</link>
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	<comments>http://www.itsatrap.com/n/31135-sirius-playlist-week-30#comments</comments>
	<description><![CDATA[Here's the playlist for this week's radio show Sirius XMU:
01. I Are Droid - Sevenfold
02. TALK 1
03. [ingenting] - Halleluja!
04. Montys Loco - Farewell Mr Happy
05. Turboweekend - Something or nothing
06. José González - How low
07. TALK 2
08. Ison & Fille - Ikväll vi är kungar
09. Arcana - Invisible motions
10. Eskju Divine - Darkness all around
11. TALK 3
12. Murmansk - Silver heel
13. Björn Kleinhenz - HAZ 920
14. David Sandström Overdrive - Songs that maybe won't be forgotten
15. Randy - Evil
16. TALK 4
17. The Bombettes - Oh boy
18. We Are the Storm - Where we used to be heroes
19. Elmo - Young love
20. The Bear Quartet - Volksblues (ft. Karin Dreijer Andersson)
21. TALK 5
22. Mattias Alkberg - Jag bara tänkte, liksom, att
Reminder: my show airs every week on Sundays and Mondays at 11pm ET on Sirius XMU. That's channel 26 on Sirius, 43 on XM and 831 for DirecTV subscribers.]]></description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Here's the playlist for this week's radio show Sirius XMU:</p>
<p class="indent">01. <b>I Are Droid</b> - Sevenfold<br/>
02. TALK 1<br/>
03. <b>[ingenting]</b> - Halleluja!<br/>
04. <b>Montys Loco</b> - Farewell Mr Happy<br/>
05. <b>Turboweekend</b> - Something or nothing<br/>
06. <b>José González</b> - How low<br/>
07. TALK 2<br/>
08. <b>Ison & Fille</b> - Ikväll vi är kungar<br/>
09. <b>Arcana</b> - Invisible motions<br/>
10. <b>Eskju Divine</b> - Darkness all around<br/>
11. TALK 3<br/>
12. <b>Murmansk</b> - Silver heel<br/>
13. <b>Björn Kleinhenz</b> - HAZ 920<br/>
14. <b>David Sandström Overdrive</b> - Songs that maybe won't be forgotten<br/>
15. <b>Randy</b> - Evil<br/>
16. TALK 4<br/>
17. <b>The Bombettes</b> - Oh boy<br/>
18. <b>We Are the Storm</b> - Where we used to be heroes<br/>
19. <b>Elmo</b> - Young love<br/>
20. <b>The Bear Quartet</b> - Volksblues (ft. <b>Karin Dreijer Andersson</b>)<br/>
21. TALK 5<br/>
22. <b>Mattias Alkberg</b> - Jag bara tänkte, liksom, att</p>
<p>Reminder: my show airs every week on Sundays and Mondays at 11pm ET on Sirius XMU. That's channel 26 on Sirius, 43 on XM and 831 for DirecTV subscribers.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<pubDate>Mon, 27 Jul 2009 12:51:36 -0700</pubDate>
	<category>news</category>
	<category>sirius</category>
</item>
<item>
	<title>Elmo to play final show on July 31</title>
	<link>http://www.itsatrap.com/n/31048-elmo-to-play-final-show-on-july-31</link>
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	<comments>http://www.itsatrap.com/n/31048-elmo-to-play-final-show-on-july-31#comments</comments>
	<description><![CDATA[It's a shame since I've just discovered them (and have been listening constantly), but Elmo will be playing their final show at Kulekalaset in Luleå on July 31. On a more positive note however, mainman Magnus Ekelund is doing new stuff under his own name på Svenska -- listen at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/magnusekelund (via)]]></description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It's a shame since I've just discovered them (and have been listening constantly), but <b>Elmo</b> will be playing their final show at Kulekalaset in Luleå on July 31. On a more positive note however, mainman <b>Magnus Ekelund</b> is doing new stuff under his own name på Svenska -- listen at myspace: <a href="http://www.myspace.com/magnusekelund" target="_blank">http://www.myspace.com/magnusekelund</a> (<a href="http://musikenligtjerry.blogspot.com/2009/07/en-djarv-pilot-och-ny-despertionspop-pa.html" target="_blank">via</a>)</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<pubDate>Tue, 14 Jul 2009 16:14:16 -0700</pubDate>
	<category>news</category>
	<category>live</category>
	<category>general</category>
</item>
<item>
	<title>Sirius playlist week #28</title>
	<link>http://www.itsatrap.com/n/31019-sirius-playlist-week-28</link>
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	<description><![CDATA[Here's the playlist for this week's radio show Sirius XMU:
01. Samtidigt Som - Vid min sida
02. TALK 1
03. Tortyr - Ingen anger
04. Tribulation - Beyond the horror
05. The Fine Arts Showcase - Lovesick
06. TALK 2 (Umeå Punk City set)
07. The Bombettes - Oh boy
08. Industri Royal - Location location location
09. Regulations - Different needs
10. Moloken - Followers
11. Inständg - Kött är mord
12. Knugen Faller - Jag vill inte vara med
13. The Rats - Everything is a trap
14. TALK 3
15. Elmo - Blind heart
16. Logh - Forest eyes (RBG version)
17. Shining - Plågoande O'Helga plågoande
18. TALK 4
19. NEI - City of gold
20. Svart - Honey, honey
21. Fare You Well - It's almost over
22. TALK 5
23. Samuraj Cities - 2 close 2 yr hrt
Reminder: my show airs every week on Sundays and Mondays at 11pm ET on Sirius XMU. That's channel 26 on Sirius, 43 on XM and 831 for DirecTV subscribers.]]></description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Here's the playlist for this week's radio show Sirius XMU:</p>
<p class="indent">01. <b>Samtidigt Som</b> - Vid min sida<br/>
02. TALK 1<br/>
03. <b>Tortyr</b> - Ingen anger<br/>
04. <b>Tribulation</b> - Beyond the horror<br/>
05. <b>The Fine Arts Showcase</b> - Lovesick<br/>
06. TALK 2 (Umeå Punk City set)<br/>
07. <b>The Bombettes</b> - Oh boy<br/>
08. <b>Industri Royal</b> - Location location location<br/>
09. <b>Regulations</b> - Different needs<br/>
10. <b>Moloken</b> - Followers<br/>
11. <b>Inständg</b> - Kött är mord<br/>
12. <b>Knugen Faller</b> - Jag vill inte vara med<br/>
13. <b>The Rats</b> - Everything is a trap<br/>
14. TALK 3<br/>
15. <b>Elmo</b> - Blind heart<br/>
16. <b>Logh</b> - Forest eyes (RBG version)<br/>
17. <b>Shining</b> - Plågoande O'Helga plågoande<br/>
18. TALK 4<br/>
19. <b>NEI</b> - City of gold<br/>
20. <b>Svart</b> - Honey, honey<br/>
21. <b>Fare You Well</b> - It's almost over<br/>
22. TALK 5<br/>
23. <b>Samuraj Cities</b> - 2 close 2 yr hrt</p>
<p>Reminder: my show airs every week on Sundays and Mondays at 11pm ET on Sirius XMU. That's channel 26 on Sirius, 43 on XM and 831 for DirecTV subscribers.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<pubDate>Mon, 13 Jul 2009 11:18:48 -0700</pubDate>
	<category>news</category>
	<category>sirius</category>
</item>
<item>
	<title>Sirius playlist week #26</title>
	<link>http://www.itsatrap.com/n/30901-sirius-playlist-week-26</link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.itsatrap.com/n/30901-sirius-playlist-week-26</guid>
	<comments>http://www.itsatrap.com/n/30901-sirius-playlist-week-26#comments</comments>
	<description><![CDATA[Here's the playlist for this week's radio show Sirius XMU:
01. Miss Li - Dancing the whole way home
02. TALK 1
03. Graveless - The covenants genocide
04. Abramis Brama - Kylan kommer inifran
05. NEI - City of gold
06. TALK 2
07. Love Potion - Nitefever
08. Pistol Disco - Beat of the tune
09. Black Sheep - We're gonna die
10. The End Will Be Kicks - Little pill
11. TALK 3
12. Tribulation - Crypt of Thanatophilia
13. Makabert Fynd - Folkfacist, halvnazist
14. Bruket - Polisen lägger pussel
15. TALK 4
16. The Bear Quartet - I was a weapon
17. Mangrove - Pieces of our yesterday
18. Elmo - Shine down on us
19. TALK 5
20. Aqua - Back to the 80s
Reminder: my show airs every week on Sundays and Mondays at 11pm ET on Sirius XMU. That's channel 26 on Sirius, 43 on XM and 831 for DirecTV subscribers.]]></description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Here's the playlist for this week's radio show Sirius XMU:</p>
<p class="indent">01. <b>Miss Li</b> - Dancing the whole way home<br/>
02. TALK 1<br/>
03. <b>Graveless</b> - The covenants genocide<br/>
04. <b>Abramis Brama</b> - Kylan kommer inifran<br/>
05. <b>NEI</b> - City of gold<br/>
06. TALK 2<br/>
07. <b>Love Potion</b> - Nitefever<br/>
08. <b>Pistol Disco</b> - Beat of the tune<br/>
09. <b>Black Sheep</b> - We're gonna die<br/>
10. <b>The End Will Be Kicks</b> - Little pill<br/>
11. TALK 3<br/>
12. <b>Tribulation</b> - Crypt of Thanatophilia<br/>
13. <b>Makabert Fynd</b> - Folkfacist, halvnazist<br/>
14. <b>Bruket</b> - Polisen lägger pussel<br/>
15. TALK 4<br/>
16. <b>The Bear Quartet</b> - I was a weapon<br/>
17. <b>Mangrove</b> - Pieces of our yesterday<br/>
18. <b>Elmo</b> - Shine down on us<br/>
19. TALK 5<br/>
20. <b>Aqua</b> - Back to the 80s</p>
<p>Reminder: my show airs every week on Sundays and Mondays at 11pm ET on Sirius XMU. That's channel 26 on Sirius, 43 on XM and 831 for DirecTV subscribers.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<pubDate>Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:44:16 -0700</pubDate>
	<category>news</category>
	<category>sirius</category>
</item>
<item>
	<title>MP3: Tyrant - The rebirth... (reclaim the flame)</title>
	<link>http://www.itsatrap.com/n/30837-mp3-tyrant-the-rebirth-reclaim-the-flame</link>
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	<comments>http://www.itsatrap.com/n/30837-mp3-tyrant-the-rebirth-reclaim-the-flame#comments</comments>
	<description><![CDATA[Pretty much the only thing I really feel like listening to these days is old-school death metal. Well, that and Elmo, but we'll revisit them at another time. I'm not particularly angry or anything, I just like the way it sounds, especially when it's played in its rawest, more purest form. No blazing blastbeats, no overcooked technicality, just pure sickness -- that's what Tyrant is all about. Their debut LP (today's mp3 is the title track) is actually a couple years old now, but I only just recently got into 'em so it's new to me and perhaps maybe new to you too. Not that it sounds "new", but that's precisely the point! It's a perfect tribute to old masters such as Hellhammer/Celtic Frost, Autopsy, Venom and so on, infused with the classic tones that Sweden is known for. Fitting that the members of the band are all old heads too; so many youngsters seem to miss the point or refuse to take it seriously. These dudes have their hearts in it, that's for sure, and they know exactly what they're doing. "This is the rebirth, reclaim the flame! It's time to raise the dead!" Hell yeah.]]></description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Pretty much the only thing I really feel like listening to these days is old-school death metal. Well, that and <b>Elmo</b>, but we'll revisit them at another time. I'm not particularly angry or anything, I just like the way it sounds, especially when it's played in its rawest, more purest form. No blazing blastbeats, no overcooked technicality, just pure sickness -- that's what <b>Tyrant</b> is all about. Their debut LP (today's mp3 is the title track) is actually a couple years old now, but I only just recently got into 'em so it's new to me and perhaps maybe new to you too. Not that it sounds "new", but that's precisely the point! It's a perfect tribute to old masters such as <b>Hellhammer</b>/<b>Celtic Frost</b>, <b>Autopsy</b>, <b>Venom</b> and so on, infused with the classic tones that Sweden is known for. Fitting that the members of the band are all old heads too; so many youngsters seem to miss the point or refuse to take it seriously. These dudes have their hearts in it, that's for sure, and they know exactly what they're doing. <i>"This is the rebirth, reclaim the flame! It's time to raise the dead!"</i> Hell yeah.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<enclosure url="http://www.itsatrap.com/playlist/tyrant-the_rebirth.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg" />
	<pubDate>Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:08:33 -0700</pubDate>
	<category>mp3s</category>
</item>
<item>
	<title>Sirius playlist week #25</title>
	<link>http://www.itsatrap.com/n/30826-sirius-playlist-week-25</link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.itsatrap.com/n/30826-sirius-playlist-week-25</guid>
	<comments>http://www.itsatrap.com/n/30826-sirius-playlist-week-25#comments</comments>
	<description><![CDATA[Here's the playlist for this week's radio show Sirius XMU:
01. Samuraj Cities - 2 close 2 yr hrt
02. TALK 1
03. Pirate Love - Laughing gas
04. Fare You Well - Overload
05. Kap Kap - Steel wheels
06. TALK 2
07. Elmo - Two becomes one
08. Johndoe - Hardt som faen
09. The Black - On the descent to hell
10. The Amazing - Dragon
11. TALK 3
12. The Bear Quartet - I was a weapon
13. Aerial - All refrain
14. Mögel - Håll mig hårt
15. TALK 4
16. Je Suis Animal - Painted in my face
17. Katatonia - Deadhouse
18. Pixie Carnation - Little sister
19. Björn Kleinhenz - Show me love
20. TALK 5
21. New Decade - I guess you ran from something
Reminder: my show airs every week on Sundays and Mondays at 11pm ET on Sirius XMU. That's channel 26 on Sirius, 43 on XM and 831 for DirecTV subscribers.]]></description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Here's the playlist for this week's radio show Sirius XMU:</p>
<p class="indent">01. <b>Samuraj Cities</b> - 2 close 2 yr hrt<br/>
02. TALK 1<br/>
03. <b>Pirate Love</b> - Laughing gas<br/>
04. <b>Fare You Well</b> - Overload<br/>
05. <b>Kap Kap</b> - Steel wheels<br/>
06. TALK 2<br/>
07. <b>Elmo</b> - Two becomes one<br/>
08. <b>Johndoe</b> - Hardt som faen<br/>
09. <b>The Black</b> - On the descent to hell<br/>
10. <b>The Amazing</b> - Dragon<br/>
11. TALK 3<br/>
12. <b>The Bear Quartet</b> - I was a weapon<br/>
13. <b>Aerial</b> - All refrain<br/>
14. <b>Mögel</b> - Håll mig hårt<br/>
15. TALK 4<br/>
16. <b>Je Suis Animal</b> - Painted in my face<br/>
17. <b>Katatonia</b> - Deadhouse<br/>
18. <b>Pixie Carnation</b> - Little sister<br/>
19. <b>Björn Kleinhenz</b> - Show me love<br/>
20. TALK 5<br/>
21. <b>New Decade</b> - I guess you ran from something</p>
<p>Reminder: my show airs every week on Sundays and Mondays at 11pm ET on Sirius XMU. That's channel 26 on Sirius, 43 on XM and 831 for DirecTV subscribers.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<pubDate>Mon, 22 Jun 2009 11:25:09 -0700</pubDate>
	<category>news</category>
	<category>sirius</category>
</item>
<item>
	<title>MP3: Elmo - Darkness falls</title>
	<link>http://www.itsatrap.com/n/30727-mp3-elmo-darkness-falls</link>
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	<description><![CDATA[Too much work to do, not enough time to crawl through the daily updates. Let's make this quick: Elmo are a melodramatic pop band from way the fuck up north in Sweden who sound more than a little like Broder Daniel. I know that totally sounds like a recipe for disaster on paper, but somehow they pull it off -- I've been listening to the new album "Once" over and over ever since I received in earlier this week. No, they're not as brilliant as the original masters of teenage melancholy, but I'll shrug it off when hit with grandiose sentiments such as "We were not supposed to die!" So over the top! I'm loving it.
Stream the whole damn record at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/elmoswe]]></description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Too much work to do, not enough time to crawl through the daily updates. Let's make this quick: <b>Elmo</b> are a melodramatic pop band from way the fuck up north in Sweden who sound more than a little like <b>Broder Daniel</b>. I know that totally sounds like a recipe for disaster on paper, but somehow they pull it off -- I've been listening to the new album <i>"Once"</i> over and over ever since I received in earlier this week. No, they're not as brilliant as the original masters of teenage melancholy, but I'll shrug it off when hit with grandiose sentiments such as <i>"We were not supposed to die!"</i> So over the top! I'm loving it.<br/>
Stream the whole damn record at myspace: <a href="http://www.myspace.com/elmoswe" target="_blank">http://www.myspace.com/elmoswe</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
	<enclosure url="http://www.itsatrap.com/playlist/elmo-darkness_falls.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg" />
	<pubDate>Fri, 12 Jun 2009 18:00:49 -0700</pubDate>
	<category>mp3s</category>
</item>
<item>
	<title></title>
	<link>http://www.itsatrap.com/n/19565</link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.itsatrap.com/n/19565</guid>
	<comments>http://www.itsatrap.com/n/19565#comments</comments>
	<description><![CDATA[BD Pop has new singles from Ludvig Svartholm and Elmo posted on myspace: http://www.myspace.com/bdpop]]></description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>BD Pop has new singles from <b>Ludvig Svartholm</b> and <b>Elmo</b> posted on myspace: <a href="http://www.myspace.com/bdpop" target="_blank">http://www.myspace.com/bdpop</a>]]></content:encoded>
	<pubDate>Mon, 01 Oct 2007 15:16:30 -0700</pubDate>
	<category>news</category>
	<category>multimedia</category>
</item>
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