Female artist: Susanne Sundfør - Susanne Sundfør (Your Favourite Music)
Male artist: Magnet - The Simple Life (Sony BMG)
Pop group: Superfamily - Warszawa (Propeller Rec.)
Electronica: Salvatore - Days Of Rage (Racing Junior)
Rock: My Midnight Creeps - Histamin (MMC Records)
Country: Hellbillies - Spissrotgang (EMI Music Norway)
Metal: Mayhem - Ordo Ad Chao (Season Of Mist)
Hip-hop: Madcon - So Dark The Con Of Man (Bonnier Amigo)
Jazz: Petter Wettre - Fountain Of Youth (Household Records)
Open class: Live Maria Roggen - Circuit Songs (Jazzland)
Music video: Dimmu Borgir - The Serpentine Offering (Nuclear Blast) Dir: Patrick Ullaeus
Newcomer: Tine Thing Helseth - Haydn/Hummel/Albinoni/Neruda (Simax Classics)
Hit: Madcon - "Beggin'" (Bonnier Music)
Spellemann: Hellbillies
Hederspris: Dum Dum Boys

For all categories, go here: http://www.spellemann.no/

Female artist:
Ane Brun - Live In Scandinavia (Det Er Mine/V2)
Christel Alsos - Closing The Distance (Sony BMG)
Sissy Wish - Beauties Never Die (Sony BMG)
Susanne Sundfør - Susanne Sundfør (MBN)

Male artist:
Kenneth Ishak - Silver Lightning From A Black Sky (Division Records As)
Magnet - The Simple Life (Sony BMG)
Sivert Høyem & The Volunteers - Exiles (Hektor Grammofon)
William Hut - Nightfall (Universal Music AS)

Pop group:
Blind Archery Club - The Union (Sony BMG)
Superfamily - Warszawa (Propeller Rec.)
The Royalties - The Royalties (Blister Music)
Vidar Johnsen & Peter Nordberg - Ord Og Ögonblick (Sony BMG)

Electronica:
Alog - Amateur (Rune Grammofon)
Diskjokke - Staying In (Smalltown Supersound)
Salvatore - Days Of Rage (Racing Junior)

Rock:
BigBang - Too Much Yang (Warner Music/Grandsport Records)
Moving Oos - Peace And Love (Kong Tiki Records)
My Midnight Creeps - Histamin (MMC Records)
Raga Rockers - Übermensch (EMI/Pilot/Virgin)
The Lionheart Brothers - Dizzy Kiss (Racing Junior)

Country:
Hellbillies - Spissrotgang (EMI Music Norway)
Hemisfair - Blue Blue Grass Of Home (Wilma Records/Playground Music)
Shit City - God Bless Our Home (Voices of Wonder)
Steinar Albrigtsen - Moment Of Peace (Sony BMG)

Metal:
Audrey Horne - Le Fol (Indie Recordings)
Dimmu Borgir - In Sorte Diaboli (Nuclear Blast)
Mayhem - Ordo Ad Chao (Season Of Mist)
Red Harvest - A Greater Darkness (Season Of Mist)

Hip-hop:
El Axel - It Is Wha It Is (Pass It Records)
Madcon - So Dark The Con Of Man (Bonner Amigo)
Tommy Tee - No Studio No Time-The Wait (Tee Productions)

Folk:
Berit Opheim - Den Blide Sol (NorCD AS)
Ragnhild Furebotten - Endelig Vals (Talik Da)
Sigrid Moldestad - Taus (Heilo)
Trio Mediaeval - Folk Songs (ECM/Grappa)

Jazz:
Fossum-Aarum Quartet - F.A.Q. (Schmell)
Jon Balke - Book Of Velocities (ECM/Grappa)
Petter Wettre - Fountain Of Youth (Household Records)
Sharp Nine - Sudoku (The Real Thing Da/Staffan)
The Core - Office Essentials (Jazzland)

Open class:
Frode Haltli - Passing Images (ECM/Grappa)
Live Maria Roggen - Circuit Songs (Jazzland)
Pust - Femkant (Pust Records)
Shining - Grindstone (Rune Grammofon)
The Source - The Source Of Christmas - Live (Grappa Musikkforlag AS)

Best music video:
Dimmu Borgir - The Serpentine Offering (Nuclear Blast)
Heroes & Zeros - A Strange Constellation (Nightliner/Universal)
My Midnight Creeps - Don`t Let’Em Bring You Down (MMC Records)
Turbonegro - Do You Do You Dig Destruction (Scandinavian Leather Recordings)
WE - Hurdy Gurdy (Nun Music)

Best Newcomer:
Christel Alsos - Closing The Distance (Sony BMG)
Heroes & Zeros - Strange Constellations (Nightliner/Universal)
Susanne Sundfør - Susanne Sundfør (MBN)
Tine Thing Helseth - Haydn/Hummel/Albinoni/Neruda (Simax Classics)
Valkyrien Allstars - Valkyrien Allstars (Heilo)

Best song:
Kurt Nilsen - "Push Push" (Sony BMG)
Madcon - "Beggin'" (Bonnier Music)
Postgirobygget - "Tidløs" (EMI Music Norway)
Sichelle - "Fuck Deg" (Eccentric Music)
Venke Knutson - "Holiday" (Universal)

Read more: http://www.spellemann.no/

01. Shining - Grindstone
02. Jonas Fjeld - Amerikabesøk
03. Superfamily - Warszava
04. Prins Thomas - Cosmo Galactic Prims
05. The Lionheart Bros. - Dizzy Kiss
06. BigBang - Too Much Yang
07. Supersilent - 8
08. Hellbillies - Spissrotgang
09. My Midnight Creeps - Histamin
10. Magnet - The Simple Life
11. Madcon - So Dark the Con of Man
12. DHG - Supervillain Outcast
13. Diskjokke - Staying In
14. Håkon Kornstad - Single Engine
15. King Midas - Sorry
16. Raga Rockers - Übermensch
17. Susanne Sundfør - Susanne Sundfør
18. Manes - How The World Came To An End
19. Ungdomskulen - Cry-Baby
20. Diverse Artister - NRK Sessions - Club 7 Scene

More info: http://www.dagbladet.no/kultur/2007/12/04/520147.html?11967690211196769021]]> Tue, 04 Dec 2007 18:06:19 -0800 news general awards http://www.itsatrap.com/n/19937 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/19937 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/19937#comments Lots of Nordic music coverage in the Washington Post Express today: Jens Lekman / Shout Out Louds / Magnet]]> Thu, 25 Oct 2007 12:20:33 -0700 news reviews interviews http://www.itsatrap.com/n/19514 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/19514 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/19514#comments The nominees for this year's Alarm Awards have been announced:

Rock:
120 Days - 120 days
Big Bang - Too much yang
My Midnight Creeps - Histamin
King Midas - Sorry
The Lionheart Brothers - Dizzy kiss

Pop:
Marit Larsen - Under the surface
Rockettothesky - To sing you apple trees
Superfamily - Warszawa
Magnet - The simple life
Susanne Sundfør - Susanne Sundfør

Metal:
Dimmu Borgir - In sorte diaboli
Satyricon - Now diabolical
Audrey Horne - Le fol
Mayhem - Ordo ad Chaou
Keep of Kalessin - Armada

Jazz:
Supersilent - 8
Shining - Grindstone
Håkon Kornstad - Single engine
Tord Gustafssen Trio - Being there
Hanne Hukkelberg - Rykerstrasse 68

Electronica:
Kim Hiorthøy - My last day
Lindstrøm - It’s a feedelity affair
Pleasure - Pleasure 2
The Whitest Boy Alive - Dreams
Bjørn Torske - Feil knapp

Hip-hop/Rap:
el Axel - It is what it is
Karpe Diem - Rett fra hjertet
Darkside of the Force - El dia de los puercos
Tungtvann - Siste Skanse
Samvirkelaget - Musikk

Newcomer:
Susanne Sundfør
Moving Oos
Ida Maria
Rockettothesky
Elvira Nicolaisen

Live:
Big Bang
Superfamily
King Midas
The Grand
Samvirkelaget

Go here for more details or to vote for your favorite: http://www.alarmprisen.no/2007/index.php/og-de-nominerte-er/#more-76]]> Thu, 27 Sep 2007 11:55:07 -0700 news general awards http://www.itsatrap.com/n/19400 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/19400 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/19400#comments Magnet will tour the US with Stars to support the US release of his most recent album "The simple life", out now on Filter Recordings. Here's the dates:

10/19 - Joe's Pub Headline, NYC, NY
10/20 - Joe's Pub Headline, NYC, NY
10/23 - World Cafe Live Headline, Philadelphia, PA
10/25 - DC9 Headline, Washington DC
10/26 - Cat's Cradle, Chapel Hill, NC
10/27 - The Variety, Atlanta, GA
10/28 - Club Downunder, Tallahassee, FL
10/30 - Stubb's, Austin, TX
10/31 - House of Blues, Dallas, TX
11/02 - The Vic, Chicago, IL
11/03 - Pantages, Minneapolis, MN
11/04 - Slowdown, Omaha, NE
11/06 - The Gothic, Denver, CO
11/08 - Rialto, Tucson, AZ
11/11 - Chop Suey, Seattle, WA
11/13 - Cafe DuNord, San Francisco, CA
11/14 - The Roxy, Los Angeles, CA
]]> Thu, 20 Sep 2007 16:56:24 -0700 news live http://www.itsatrap.com/n/162 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/162 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/162#comments This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart:

01. Raga Rockers - Ubermensch
02. Minor Majority - Candy store (2CD edition)
03. Kari Bremnes - Live
04. Postgirobygget - Tidløs
05. Trond-Viggo Torgersen - Det du kan + noe rart & noe nytt
06. Vazelina Bilopphøggers - Bensin på bålet
07. Bare Egil Band - Sanger fra Bare Egil By
08. Audrey Horne - Le fol
09. Diverse artister - Melodi Grand Prix Junior 2007
10. Raga Rockers - Ragas beste 1983 - 2000
11. Superfamily - Warszawa
12. Turbonegro - Retox
13. Susanne Sundfør - Susanne Sundfør
14. The Kids - Hits fra Kids
15. BigBang - Too Much Yang
16. Magnet - The Simple Life
17. 120 Days - 120 Days
18. Henning Kvitnes - Ut av veggen
19. Cortina - Been a long time
20. Trang Fødsel - Hammock]]> Thu, 06 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0700 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/271 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/271 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/271#comments Upcoming shows for Norwegian supergroup The National Bank:

10/10 - La Maroquinerie, Paris (FRA)
10/12 - VoxHall, Århus (DK) w/Magnet
10/13 - Vega, Copenhagen (DK) w/Magnet]]> Thu, 30 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0700 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/280 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/280 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/280#comments This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart:

01. Minor Majority - Candy store (2 CD edition)
02. Postgirobygget - Tidløs
03. Trond-Viggo Torgersen - Det du kan + noe rart & noe nytt
04. Bare Egil Band - Sanger fra Bare Egil By
05. Superfamily - Warszawa
06. Vazelina Bilopphøggers - Bensin på bålet
07. Diverse artister - Melodi Grand Prix Junior 2007
08. Susanne Sundfør - Susanne Sundfør
09. The Kids - Hits fra Kids
10. BigBang - Too Much Yang
11. Magnet - The Simple Life
12. Turbonegro - Retox
13. Raga Rockers - Ragas beste 1983 - 2000
14. 120 Days - 120 Days
15. Cortina - Been a long time
16. Heroes & Zeros - Strange Constellations
17. Diverse artister - Vi ganger med sanger
18. Susanna - Sonata Mix Dwarf Cosmos
19. Vamp - I full symfoni (med KORK)
20. Vigdis Eidsvåg - Eg undras]]> Thu, 30 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0700 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/360 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/360 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/360#comments This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart:

01. Postgirobygget - Tidløs
02. Trond-Viggo Torgersen - Det du kan + noe rart & noe nytt
03. Diverse artister - Melodi Grand Prix Junior 2007
04. The Kids - Hits fra Kids
05. Superfamily - Warszawa
06. Bare Egil Band - Sanger fra Bare Egil By
07. Turbonegro - Retox
08. Susanne Sundfør - Susanne Sundfør
09. Trang Fødsel - Hammock
10. Vamp - I full symfoni (med KORK)
11. Magnet - The Simple Life
12. BigBang - Too Much Yang
13. Ni liv - Telemarkarna
14. Malin - Malin på månen
15. Thomas Dybdahl - Science
16. Heidi Hauge - Some broken hearts
17. Mira Craig - Tribal dreams
18. Rasmus og værdens beste band - Kyssing er heslig
19. Vigdis Eidsvåg - Eg undras
20. El Cuero - El Cuero]]> Thu, 23 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0700 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/442 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/442 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/442#comments This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart:

01. Postgirobygget - Tidløs
02. Trond-Viggo Torgersen - Det du kan + noe rart & noe nytt
03. Bare Egil Band - Sanger fra Bare Egil By
04. The Kids - Hits fra Kids
05. Diverse artister - Melodi Grand Prix Junior 2007
06. Trang Fødsel - Hammock
07. Superfamily - Warszawa
08. Turbonegro - Retox
09. Susanne Sundfør - Susanne Sundfør
10. BigBang - Too Much Yang
11. Vamp - I full symfoni (med KORK)
12. Magnet - The Simple Life
13. Kim Hiortøy - My last day
14. Thomas Dybdahl - Science
15. Mira Craig - Tribal dreams
16. The Moving Oos - Peace & Love
17. Malin - Malin på månen
18. Heidi Hauge - Some broken hearts
19. Heroes & Zeros - Strange Constellations
20. Jonas Fjeld og Chatham C. - Amerikabesøk]]> Thu, 16 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0700 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/629 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/629 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/629#comments This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart:

01. Postgirobygget - Tidløs
02. Trond-Viggo Torgersen - Det du kan + noe rart & noe nytt
03. The Kids - Hits fra Kids
04. Diverse artister - Melodi Grand Prix Junior 2007
05. Trang Fødsel - Hammock
06. Turbonegro - Retox
07. Susanne Sundfør - Susanne Sundfør
08. Heidi Hauge - Some broken hearts
09. Mira Craig - Tribal dreams
10. BigBang - Too Much Yang
11. Superfamily - Warszawa
12. Torbjørn Egner - Kardemommeby
13. Torbjørn Egner - Karius og Baktus + 16 beste viser
14. Torbjørn Egner - Hakkebakkeskogen
15. Samvirkelaget - Musikk
16. Vamp - I full symfoni (med KORK)
17. Raga Rockers - Ragas beste 1983 - 2000
18. Magnet - The Simple Life
19. Malin - Malin på månen
20. Vassendgutane - Ungkar med dobbeltseng]]> Thu, 26 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0700 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/822 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/822 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/822#comments This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart:

01. Diverse artister - Melodi Grand Prix Junior 2007
02. Postgirobygget - Tidløs
03. Turbonegro - Retox
04. The Kids - Hits fra Kids
05. Trang Fødsel - Hammock
06. Mira Craig - Tribal dreams
07. Susanne Sundfør - Susanne Sundfør
08. Heidi Hauge - Some broken hearts
09. Superfamily - Warszawa
10. BigBang - Too Much Yang
11. Jonas Fjeld og Chatham C. - Amerikabesøk
12. Vømlingan - Vømmølminner
13. Magnet - The Simple Life
14. Thomas Dybdahl - Science
15. Marit Larsen - Under The Surface
16. Heroes & Zeros - Strange Constellations
17. Silje Nergaard - Darkness out of blue
18. Malin - Malin på månen
19. Datarock - Datarock
20. 120 Days - 120 Days]]> Thu, 05 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0700 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/958 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/958 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/958#comments This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart:

01. Turbonegro - Retox
02. Diverse artister - Melodi Grand Prix Junior 2007
03. BigBang - Too Much Yang
04. The Kids - Hits fra Kids
05. Susanne Sundfør - Susanne Sundfør
06. Superfamily - Warszawa
07. Dimmu Borgir - In Sorte Diaboli
08. Vømlingan - Vømmølminner
09. Tord Gustavsen Trio - Being There
10. Magnet - The Simple Life
11. Samvirkelaget - Musikk
12. TNT - The New Territory
13. Silje Nergaard - Darkness out of blue
14. Vamp - I full symfoni (med KORK)
15. Jokke & Valentinerne - Prisen for popen
16. Gest - I grevens tid
17. Hardingrock - Grimen
18. Geir Børresen/Smurfene - I Smurfeland
19. Tone Damli Aaberge - Sweet Fever
20. Jonas Fjeld og Chatham C. - Amerikabesøk]]> Thu, 21 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0700 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/1055 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/1055 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/1055#comments This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart:

01. Diverse artister - Melodi Grand Prix Junior 2007
02. Vømlingan - Vømmølminner
03. The Kids - Hits fra Kids
04. BigBang - Too Much Yang
05. Samvirkelaget - Musikk
06. Susanne Sundfør - Susanne Sundfør
07. Dimmu Borgir - In Sorte Diaboli
08. TNT - The New Territory
09. Magnet - The Simple Life
10. Superfamily - Warszawa
11. Tone Damli Aaberge - Sweet Fever
12. Tord Gustavsen Trio - Being There
13. Heroes & Zeros - Strange Constellations
14. Silje Nergaard - Darkness out of blue
15. D.D.E. - No går det så det suse
16. Jonas Fjeld og Chatham C. - Amerikabesøk
17. Steinar Albrigtsen - Moments of Peace
18. My Midnight Creeps - Histamin
19. Vidar Busk and the Voo Doodz - Jookbox Charade
20. Rune Rudberg - Rett fra sofaen]]> Thu, 14 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0700 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/1150 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/1150 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/1150#comments This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart:

01. The Kids - Hits fra Kids
02. BigBang - Too Much Yang
03. Susanne Sundfør - Susanne Sundfør
04. Samvirkelaget - Musikk
05. Dimmu Borgir - In Sorte Diaboli
06. Tord Gustavsen Trio - Being There
07. TNT - The New Territory
08. Tone Damli Aaberge - Sweet Fever
09. Superfamily - Warszawa
10. Silje Nergaard - Darkness out of blue
11. Magnet - The Simple Life
12. Heroes & Zeros - Strange Constellations
13. D.D.E. - No går det så det suse
14. Vidar Busk and the Voo Doodz - Jookbox Charade
15. Steinar Albrigtsen - Moments of Peace
16. Jonas Fjeld og Chatham C. - Amerikabesøk
17. My Midnight Creeps - Histamin
18. Rune Rudberg - Rett fra sofaen
19. Malin - Malin på månen
20. Finn Kalvik - Komplett Klassisk Kalvik]]> Thu, 07 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0700 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/1240 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/1240 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/1240#comments This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart:

01. Samvirkelaget - Musikk
02. Superfamily - Warszawa
03. Susanne Sundfør - Susanne Sundfør
04. The Kids - Hits fra Kids
05. Dimmu Borgir - In Sorte Diaboli
06. Tord Gustavsen Trio - Being There
07. Magnet - The Simple Life
08. Tone Damli Aaberge - Sweet Fever
09. BigBang - Too Much Yang
10. TNT - The New Territory
11. Heroes & Zeros - Strange Constellations
12. Monomen - Monomen
13. Ulf Risnes - Ingen andre
14. Jonas Fjeld og Chatham C. - Amerikabesøk
15. Vamp - I full symfoni (med KORK)
16. Vidar Busk and the Voo Doodz - Jookbox Charade
17. Silje Nergaard - Darkness out of blue
18. Marit Larsen - Under The Surface
19. Steinar Albrigtsen - Moments of Peace
20. Finn Kalvik - Komplett Klassisk Kalvik]]> Thu, 31 May 2007 00:00:00 -0700 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/25887-mixtapes-cellmates-s-t-nomethod http://www.itsatrap.com/n/25887-mixtapes-cellmates-s-t-nomethod http://www.itsatrap.com/n/25887-mixtapes-cellmates-s-t-nomethod#comments Mixtapes & Cellmates' recent full-length seems to add weight to my idealistic, dreamer's philosophy; the first instants of "Hold" took me back to warm summer evenings in Stockholm with its wonderfully interwoven elements of Magnet, Last Days of April, and the Radio Dept. This unique layering of influences doesn't detract from the distinctly original approach of the members, instead giving the compositions the ability to bring whispers of nostalgia to a recognizable volume while still etching itself into the present. Mixtapes & Cellmates is a flowing expanse of youthful energy and maturely crafted songs. The production wonderfully highlights the talents of the members: electronic elements provide many of the core facets of the melodies, but without becoming annoying or distracting, providing the backdrop for the soft, yet confident vocals and lost, sprawling guitar lines. The end product is a collection of confidently written, well presented, and full-bodied songs, even in the sparser sections of compositions like "The better half of cynical boys". Mixtapes & Cellmates holds as much dawn as it does early evening, giving it the versatile strengths required to be both a good summer and winter album; hopeful even in its darker moments, as I'd like to look back on these moments of youth in five years.]]> Wed, 30 May 2007 00:00:00 -0700 reviews http://www.itsatrap.com/n/1331 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/1331 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/1331#comments This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart:

01. Dimmu Borgir - In Sorte Diaboli
02. Susanne Sundfør - Susanne Sundfør
03. The Kids - Hits fra Kids
04. Tone Damli Aaberge - Sweet Fever
05. BigBang - Too Much Yang
06. Magnet - The Simple Life
07. Jonas Fjeld og Chatham C. - Amerikabesøk
08. TNT - The New Territory
09. Steinar Albrigtsen - Moments of Peace
10. Vidar Busk and the Voo Doodz - Jookbox Charade
11. D.D.E. - No går det så det suse
12. Heroes & Zeros - Strange Constellations
13. Sivert Høyem & The Volunteers - Exiles
14. Marit Larsen - Under The Surface
15. Tord Gustavsen Trio - Being There
16. Silje Nergaard - Darkness out of blue
17. Vamp - I full symfoni (med KORK)
18. Finn Kalvik - Komplett Klassisk Kalvik
19. My Midnight Creeps - Histamin
20. Skambankt - Eliksir]]> Thu, 24 May 2007 00:00:00 -0700 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/1417 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/1417 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/1417#comments This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart:

01. Dimmu Borgir - In Sorte Diaboli
02. Tone Damli Aaberge - Sweet Fever
03. TNT - The New Territory
04. Susanne Sundfør - Susanne Sundfør
05. BigBang - Too Much Yang
06. Magnet - The Simple Life
07. Vidar Busk and the Voo Doodz - Jookbox Charade
08. Tord Gustavsen Trio - Being There
09. Jonas Fjeld og Chatham C. - Amerikabesøk
10. D.D.E. - No går det så det suse
11. Heroes & Zeros - Strange Constellations
12. Steinar Albrigtsen - Moments of Peace
13. Silje Nergaard - Darkness out of blue
14. Thomas Dybdahl - Science
15. Finn Kalvik - Komplett Klassisk Kalvik
16. My Midnight Creeps - Histamin
17. Mayhem - Ordo Ad Chao
18. Kristin Asbjørnsen - Wayfaring Stranger - A Spiritual Songbook
19. Shit City - God bless our home
20. Jokke & Valentinerne - Prisen for popen]]> Thu, 17 May 2007 00:00:00 -0700 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/1502 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/1502 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/1502#comments This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart:

01. Dimmu Borgir - In Sorte Diaboli
02. BigBang - Too Much Yang
03. Susanne Sundfør - Susanne Sundfør
04. Magnet - The Simple Life
05. Tord Gustavsen Trio - Being There
06. D.D.E. - No går det så det suse
07. Christel Alsos - Closing The Distance
08. Jonas Fjeld og Chatham C. - Amerikabesøk
09. Heroes & Zeros - Strange Constellations
10. Finn Kalvik - Komplett Klassisk Kalvik
11. Steinar Albrigtsen - Moments of Peace
12. Silje Nergaard - Darkness out of blue
13. Mayhem - Ordo Ad Chao
14. Rune Rudberg - Rett fra sofaen
15. Thomas Dybdahl - Science
16. Lomsk - Amerikabrevet
17. My Midnight Creeps - Histamin
18. Jokke & Valentinerne - Prisen for popen
19. Kristin Asbjørnsen - Wayfaring Stranger - A Spiritual Songbook
20. Röyksopp - The Understanding]]> Thu, 10 May 2007 00:00:00 -0700 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/1564 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/1564 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/1564#comments Friday's Sirius Blog Radio playlist:

01. The Alpine - Mondays look the same
02. TALK 1
03. Gravy - Back with the nerds
04. Giant Robot - Best match
05. Jomi Massage - A detail
06. TALK 2
07. Broder Daniel - Shoreline
08. The Grand Opening - Don't drop off
09. Moonbabies - Take me to the ballroom
10. Britta Persson - Oh how wrong
11. TALK 3
12. Lemonator - Would you die for me?
13. Trapdoor Fucking Exit - Short ends
14. Billie the Vision and the Dancers - Overdosing with you
15. TALK 4
16. Folie - Rocin
17. Robyn - Handle me
18. Laakso - Norrköping
19. TALK 5
20. Magnet - I walk the line
21. Isolation Years - Albino child
22. KVLR - Construction work
23. TALK 6
24. Anna Leong - 61
25. Tigerbombs - One giant leap
26. Motorpsycho - Hyena
27. TALK 7
28. Oskar Schönning - Other birds
29. Pan Sonic - Rähinä II / Mayhem II
30. Mercyful Fate - Evil
31. TALK 8
32. Ricochets - Come around over
33. Ghost Brigade - Based on you
34. Smalltown - The music
35. Popface - In the night
36. TALK 9
37. Circle Six - 1]]> Sat, 05 May 2007 00:00:00 -0700 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/1586 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/1586 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/1586#comments This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart:

01. BigBang - Too Much Yang
02. Tord Gustavsen Trio - Being There
03. D.D.E. - No går det så det suse
04. Susanne Sundfør - Susanne Sundfør
05. Jonas Fjeld og Chatham C. - Amerikabesøk
06. Heroes & Zeros - Strange Constellations
07. Mayhem - Ordo Ad Chao
08. Magnet - The Simple Life
09. Sivert Høyem & The Volunteers - Exiles
10. Steinar Albrigtsen - Moments of Peace
11. Silje Nergaard - Darkness out of blue
12. Marit Larsen - Under The Surface
13. Vamp - I full symfoni (med KORK)
14. Christel Alsos - Closing The Distance
15. Lomsk - Amerikabrevet
16. Ane Brun - Live in Scandinavia
17. Øystein Sunde - Sundes verden
18. My Midnight Creeps - Histamin
19. Rune Rudberg - Rett fra sofaen
20. Madrugada - Live At Tralfamadore]]> Thu, 03 May 2007 00:00:00 -0700 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/1677 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/1677 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/1677#comments This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart:

01. BigBang - Too Much Yang
02. Tord Gustavsen Trio - Being There
03. Susanne Sundfør - Susanne Sundfør
04. D.D.E. - No går det så det suse
05. Mayhem - Ordo Ad Chao
06. Magnet - The Simple Life
07. Jonas Fjeld og Chatham C. - Amerikabesøk
08. Sivert Høyem & The Volunteers - Exiles
09. Silje Nergaard - Darkness out of blue
10. Steinar Albrigtsen - Moments of Peace
11. Christel Alsos - Closing The Distance
12. Marit Larsen - Under The Surface
13. Vamp - I full symfoni (med KORK)
14. My Midnight Creeps - Histamin
15. Øystein Sunde - Sundes verden
16. Madrugada - Live At Tralfamadore
17. Åge Aleksandersen - Original
18. Ane Brun - Live in Scandinavia
19. Askil Holm - Harmony Hotel
20. Draumir - The Island]]> Thu, 26 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0700 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/1776 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/1776 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/1776#comments This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart:

01. BigBang - Too Much Yang
02. Tord Gustavsen Trio - Being There
03. D.D.E. - No går det så det suse
04. Susanne Sundfør - Susanne Sundfør
05. Jonas Fjeld og Chatham C. - Amerikabesøk
06. Magnet - The Simple Life
07. Steinar Albrigtsen - Moments of Peace
08. Christel Alsos - Closing The Distance
09. Sivert Høyem & The Volunteers - Exiles
10. Vamp - I full symfoni (med KORK)
11. Silje Nergaard - Darkness out of blue
12. Ane Brun - Live in Scandinavia
13. Marit Larsen - Under The Surface
14. Röyksopp - Back to mine
15. Askil Holm - Harmony Hotel
16. My Midnight Creeps - Histamin
17. Madrugada - Live At Tralfamadore
18. Susperia - Cut From Stone
19. Kristin Asbjørnsen - Wayfaring Stranger - A Spiritual Songbook
20. Kjell Inge Torgersen - Aks av gull]]> Thu, 19 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0700 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/1872 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/1872 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/1872#comments This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart:

01. BigBang - Too Much Yang
02. Magnet - The Simple Life
03. Susanne Sundfør - Susanne Sundfør
04. Steinar Albrigtsen - Moments of Peace
05. D.D.E. - No går det så det suse
06. Jonas Fjeld og Chatham C. - Amerikabesøk
07. Vamp - I full symfoni (med KORK)
08. Sivert Høyem & The Volunteers - Exiles
09. Christel Alsos - Closing The Distance
10. Silje Nergaard - Darkness out of blue
11. Röyksopp - Back to mine
12. Ane Brun - Live in Scandinavia
13. Marit Larsen - Under The Surface
14. Rune Rudberg - Rett fra sofaen
15. Sissel - De beste 1986-2006
16. Draumir - The Island
17. Askil Holm - Harmony Hotel
18. Susperia - Cut From Stone
19. William Hut - Nightfall
20. Odd Nordstoga - Heim te mor]]> Thu, 12 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0700 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/1952 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/1952 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/1952#comments This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart:

01. Magnet - The Simple Life
02. BigBang - Too Much Yang
03. Susanne Sundfør - Susanne Sundfør
04. Jonas Fjeld og Chatham C. - Amerikabesøk
05. D.D.E. - No går det så det suse
06. Steinar Albrigtsen - Moments of Peace
07. Draumir - The Island
08. Silje Nergaard - Darkness out of blue
09. Sivert Høyem & The Volunteers - Exiles
10. Vamp - I full symfoni (med KORK)
11. Christel Alsos - Closing The Distance
12. Ane Brun - Live in Scandinavia
13. Marit Larsen - Under The Surface
14. Odd Nordstoga - Heim te mor
15. William Hut - Nightfall
16. Sissel - De beste 1986-2006
17. Kristin Asbjørnsen - Wayfaring Stranger - A Spiritual Songbook
18. My Midnight Creeps - Histamin
19. Askil Holm - Harmony Hotel
20. El Caco - From Dirt]]> Thu, 05 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0700 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/2037 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/2037 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/2037#comments MIC Norway on Magnet and his new album "The simple life": http://www.mic.no/mic.nsf/doc/art2007032913281326014190]]> Thu, 29 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0700 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/2401 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/2401 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/2401#comments Magnet's new album "The simple life" has been confirmed for a Norwegian release on March 26. Listen to two tracks at myspace: http://myspace.com/magnet]]> Thu, 01 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0800 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/3083 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/3083 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/3083#comments Look for a new album from Norwegian singer/songwriter Magnet around March.]]> Thu, 11 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0800 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/4351 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/4351 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/4351#comments Norway's Magnet will support Imogen Heap on tour in the US this fall. Dates are here: http://homeofmagnet.com/tour/]]> Wed, 20 Sep 2006 00:00:00 -0700 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/6507 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/6507 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/6507#comments LullaByes posts live tracks from Magnet's SXSW performance: http://www.lullabyes.net/blog/2006/03/magnet-031606.html]]> Wed, 22 Mar 2006 00:00:00 -0800 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/6706 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/6706 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/6706#comments Perfect Porridge interviews Magnet: http://www.perfectporridge.com/2006/03/magnet_speaks.html]]> Wed, 08 Mar 2006 00:00:00 -0800 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/6726 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/6726 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/6726#comments Pitchfork reviews the new Magnet album: http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/record-reviews/m/magnet/tourniquet.shtml]]> Wed, 08 Mar 2006 00:00:00 -0800 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/6767 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/6767 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/6767#comments Reviews, pics and even video from Magnet's recently started US tour: http://www.homeofmagnet.com/2006/03/tour-reviews-photos-and-video.html]]> Mon, 06 Mar 2006 00:00:00 -0800 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/6879 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/6879 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/6879#comments New Nordic music reviews in the latest High Bias update:

Backyard Babies - Live live in Paris
José González - Stay in the shade
Magnet - The tourniquet
Truckfighters - Gravity X]]> Tue, 28 Feb 2006 00:00:00 -0800 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/6906 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/6906 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/6906#comments New Scandinavian music reviews at PopMatters today including both Magnet and Burst.]]> Wed, 22 Feb 2006 00:00:00 -0800 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/7034 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/7034 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/7034#comments Magnet is Spin.com's artist of the day: http://www.spin.com/features/band_of_the_day/2006/02/060213_magnet/index.html]]> Tue, 14 Feb 2006 00:00:00 -0800 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/7048 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/7048 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/7048#comments Chromewaves on Jens Lekman with a few tidbits about Radio Dept., The Cardigans and Magnet thrown in for good measure: http://www.chromewaves.net/index.php?itemid=2120]]> Tue, 14 Feb 2006 00:00:00 -0800 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/7168 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/7168 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/7168#comments Updated US dates for Magnet:

02/22 - Paradise, Boston, MA w/Stars
02/23 - Beyond, Philadelphia, PA w/Stars
02/24 - Black Cat, Washington DC w/Stars
02/25 - Webster Hall, New York, NY w/Stars
03/07 - Troubadour, Los Angeles, CA w/Isobel Campbell
03/08 - Café Du Nord, San Francisco, CA w/Isobel Campbell
03/09 - Triple Door, Seattle, WA w/Isobel Campbell
03/14 - Hotel Cafe, Los Angeles, CA]]> Mon, 06 Feb 2006 00:00:00 -0800 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/26297-magnus-eliassen-second-grace-monomegamy-music http://www.itsatrap.com/n/26297-magnus-eliassen-second-grace-monomegamy-music http://www.itsatrap.com/n/26297-magnus-eliassen-second-grace-monomegamy-music#comments Magnus Eliassen, has just made a singer/songwriter opus that's about as filled with sweet, melodic, achingly lovely odes to matters of the heart as any record you've ever heard. And I'm not gonna suddenly get cynical or poke fun at it, either. The 11 tracks on this debut CD comprise a truly poignant, haunting song cycle that should connect emotionally with anyone who has ever been in love (or fearful of losing it). With a gentle voice that recalls Sondre Lerche (and occasionally Even Johansen/Magnet, minus the latter's weariness) and a singularly romantic aesthetic, Eliassen offers warm, folksy guitar strumming and touches of poppy electronics here and there over which he delivers one sparkling tribute/confession of love after another. "I wanna fight for you/But I don't wanna win/If I'm not the right for you/And if I am I always spin/I can't lose you," goes a verse in the largely acoustic "Grace." Eliassen's falsetto on "Falling in love" is exquisite, and sentiments like "You're so beautiful, I go crazy" that would come across as cliched or sappy in the hands of a lesser artist resonate with emotional purity here. "Write back," the paradoxically bouncy "Weakness," the closing "Until we meet again" with its intimate half-whispered vocal: they're all beautiful songs. In the melodic, jaunty number "Follow me," Eliassen repeatedly sings "Are you with me?/Will you come follow me?" You bet we will, Magnus, my friend--as long as you keep making exceptionally pretty, heartfelt recordings like this.]]> Tue, 24 Jan 2006 00:00:00 -0800 reviews http://www.itsatrap.com/n/7552 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/7552 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/7552#comments Magnet will do a couple West Coast dates with Isobel Campbell (ex-Belle and Sebastian) in March:

03/07 – Troubadour, Los Angeles
03/08 – Café DuNord, San Francisco
03/09 – Triple Door, Seattle]]> Thu, 12 Jan 2006 00:00:00 -0800 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/7623 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/7623 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/7623#comments Updated Magnet live dates:

01/24 - ULU, London (UK) w/Dios (Malos)
02/22 - Paradise, Boston, MA
02/23 - Beyond, Philadelpia, PA
02/24 - Black Cat, Washington DC
02/25 - Webster Hall, NYC
03/16 - SXSW, Austin, TX]]> Mon, 09 Jan 2006 00:00:00 -0800 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/7694 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/7694 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/7694#comments The nominees for this year's Spellemann (the Norwegian Grammy) have been announced:

Female artist:
Ane Brun - A Temporary Dive (Det Er Mine/V2)
Lene Marlin - Lost In A Moment (EMI)
Marthe Valle - It's A Bag Of Candy (Grammar Records)
Maria Mena - Apparently Unaffected (Sony BMG)
Simone - Last Days And Nights (Daworks)

Male artist
Alejandro Fuentes - Diamonds Or Pearls (Sony BMG)
Magnet - The Tourniquet (Atlantic)
Robert Post - Robert Post (Universal)
Sofian - This Is Sofian (C+C Records)

Pop group:
Jim Stärk - Jim Stärk (Sweet Recordings)
Ravi & Dj Løv - Den Nye Arbæidsdagn (Sony BMG)
Röyksopp - The Understanding (EMI)

Electronica:
Alog - Miniatures (Rune Grammofon)
Datarock - Datarock Datarock (Yap/VME)
Toy - Toy (Smalltown Supersound)

Rock:
Bigbang - Poetic Terrorism (Gransport Records)
JR Ewing - Maelstrom (Sony BMG)
Madrugada - The Deep End (EMI)
My Midnight Creeps - My Midnight Creeps (MMC Records)
Serena-Maneesh - Serena-Maneesh (Honeymilk)

Metal:
Audrey Horne - No Hay Banda (Dog Job/Tuba Records)
El Caco - The Search (Black Balloon Records)
Extol - Blueprint (Century Media)
Stonegard - Arrows (Bonnier)

Hip-hop/Rnb:
Cast - Problembarn (Pass It Records)
Paperboys - When Worlds Collide (Bonnier)
Tommy Tee - Tommy Tycker Om Mej (Tee Productions/C+C Records)

Jazz:
Hans Mathisen - Quiet Songs (Curling Legs AS)
Jimmy Rosenberg/Stian Carstensen - Rose Room (Hot Club Records)
Karin Krog/Bergen Big Band - Seagull (Grappa Musikkforlag AS)
Sigurd Køhn Quartet - This Place (Heidi Køhn)
Solveig Slettahjell - Pixiedust (Curling Legs AS)

Open class:
Arild Andersen Group - Electra (ECM/Grappa)
Beady Belle - Closer (Jazzland)
Jaga Jazzist - What We Must (Smalltown Supersound)
Nils Petter Molvær - Er (Universal)
Shining - In The Kingdom Of Kitsch You Will Be A Monster (Rune Grammofon)

Best newcomer:
Animal Alpha - Pheromones (Racing Junior)
Audrey Horne - No Hay Banda (Dog Job/Tuba Records)
Draumir - Draumir (Playground/Little Hill)
Marthe Valle - It's A Bag Of Candy (Grammar Records)
Sofian - This Is Sofian (C+C Records)

Best song:
Alejandro Fuentes - Stars (Sony BMG)
Kurt Nilsen - Never Easy (Sony BMG)
Madrugada w/Ane Brun - Lift Me (Det Er Mine/V2/EMI)
Maria Mena - Miss You Love (Sony BMG)
Ravi & Dj Løv - Tsjeriåu Me De Månråus (Sony BMG)

Music video:
Maria Mena - Miss You Love (Sony BMG)
Animal Alpha - Bundy (Racing Junior)
Ravi & Dj Løv - E-Ore (Sony BMG)
Robert Post - Got None (Universal)
Röyksopp - What Else Is There (EMI)

For all categories, go here: http://www.ifpi.no/spellemann/nomlst.html
Winners will be announced on January 28.]]> Tue, 03 Jan 2006 00:00:00 -0800 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/7744 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/7744 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/7744#comments Norwegian singer/songwriter Magnet has been confirmed for next year's SXSW festival in Austin, Texas to coincide with a full US tour. His latest album "The tourniquet" comes out over here in February via Filter Recordings.]]> Wed, 28 Dec 2005 00:00:00 -0800 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/25539-top-10s-for-2005-popsicle http://www.itsatrap.com/n/25539-top-10s-for-2005-popsicle http://www.itsatrap.com/n/25539-top-10s-for-2005-popsicle#comments Popsicle is run by Spinguy and Luke. We have such different taste in music that we decided to split the top ten list in two, so here it is, in no particular order...

Spinguy's picks:

01. Labrador - Instamatic Lovelife
This is a hands down no brainer for Scandinavian number one of the year. Everything we love about pop music from the past 40 years was distilled down into this album and made new again. What's more, he made that difficult feat seem effortless. A milestone.

02. Dive - Unfortunately Dead
I think this is the most brilliant new band about today and I cannot wait for the full length. Possessing the dark, jerky (yet poppy) flavour of Joy Division with a pained and unique vocal reminiscent of Johnny Rotten, who couldn't love this, besides Luke that is....

03. Acid House Kings - Sing Along With...
Again, despite having so much music under their belt already this band delivered another timeless classic. They appear to be the well that has no bottom, and God bless them for it as they are an all time indie treasure.

04. Girlfriend - Blue Sky Love Scene
The choices are starting to get crowded here but this set itself apart with some brilliant UK styled guitar work and genuinely classic songs. Yeah, it's been done, but rarely this good.

05. Charade - Best Is Yet To Come
From the ashes of the Shermans comes this debut which managed to be sugary without being sweet, and adult without losing it's ties to youth. On top of that it was full of classic pop tunes.

Honourable mentions:
Husky Rescue - Country Falls
Tiger Baby - Lost In You
Handsome Train - This Engine Should Do EP

Luke's picks:

01. Magnet - The Tourniquet
When I heard that SoCal pop maestro Jason Falkner was co-producing and playing all over the newest Magnet CD I almost peed my pants. It was like two of my favourite musical worlds colliding, and it didn't disappoint. The former Libido frontman goes from strength to strength on his third album, and as was the case with his last album, it's really not like anything he's done before. Where will this intrepid Norwegian go next? Be sure to check out Libido drummer Brighton Gay's London-based band Costar too.

02. A-ha - Analogue
Living in North America for the last 12 years (where these guys are considered 80's one-hit wonders despite releasing classic albums for 20 years) I had come to think of A-ha as something of a guilty pleasure that no one would understand. I was vindicated last night as I stood among 15,000 crazed fans at Wembley where they proceeded to blow everyone away. They were so good that we're going down to Brighton to see them again on Saturday. Oh, and the new album is killer from start to finish. Guitarist Paul Waaktaar's side-project Savoy also released their superb self-titled fifth album this year which I recommend in equal measure.

03. The Perishers - Let There Be Morning
I was just coming down off a period of extended over-exposure to their debut "From Nothing To One" when the follow-up was released. Granted, this was actually a couple of years ago, but I believe most of us outside Sweden count this as a 2005 release and it's a testament to the strength of this album that I am still playing it all the time going into 2006. If lilting melancholic balladeering is your thing, this album is for you. Ola Klüft has a beautiful voice and writes amazing songs...simple as that.

04. The Mopeds - Fortissimo
It's been four years since their last album and "Fortissimo" is a great return to form for this Malmö trio. They are studio wizards and this album is brimming with frenetic high energy power pop that bursts from the speakers from start to finish. My only complaint was the Pink Moon-esque running time of the CD. I would have thought that four years would turn up more than 32 minutes of album-worthy material!

05. Kate Bush - Aerial
OK OK, it's far from Scandinavian, but "Aerial" has been on daily rotation on my ipod since the day it was released and I can't imagine writing a 'best of year' list without it. I find more depth and substance to it with every listen. A rare and beautiful work of art.

Honourable mentions:
The Cardigans - Super Extra Gravity
Ane Brun - A Temporary Dive
Jay Jay Johanson - Rush

"Riot On An Empty Street" by Kings Of Convenience is one of those unusual albums that we both loved this year but it doesn't appear on either of our lists for reasons that are too petty and insignificant to go into!


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

Popsicle is a Scandinavian pop mailorder based in Canada that specializes in hard-to-find out-of-print titles and signed new releases.
www.indiespinzone.com/popsicle.html

]]> Fri, 23 Dec 2005 00:00:00 -0800 articles top10s http://www.itsatrap.com/n/8077 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/8077 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/8077#comments New UK dates for Magnet:

01/22 - King Tuts, Glasgow
01/23 - Late Room, Manchester
01/24 - ULU, London]]> Fri, 02 Dec 2005 00:00:00 -0800 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/8379 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/8379 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/8379#comments Magnet's latest album "The tourniquet" will be available in the US via iTunes on November 15, in stores on February 7, 2006.]]> Fri, 04 Nov 2005 00:00:00 -0800 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/8463 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/8463 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/8463#comments Check out the video for "Fall at your feet" from Norwegian singer/songwriter Magnet: wm / rm]]> Mon, 31 Oct 2005 00:00:00 -0800 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/8656 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/8656 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/8656#comments Magnet on tour in the UK with Athlete and Gemma Hayes:

10/25 - Apollo, Manchester
10/26 - Apollo, Manchester
10/27 - Academy, Newcastle
10/28 - Academy, Glasgow
10/29 - Corn Exchange, Edinburgh
10/31 - Centre, Brighton
11/01 - Hammersmith Apollo, London]]> Fri, 14 Oct 2005 00:00:00 -0700 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/8763 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/8763 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/8763#comments "Fall at your feet" will be the first proper single from the new Magnet album "The tourniquet" and will include the exclusive b-side "This bird can never fly". A video was filmed on Devil's Island, outside Bergen recently and should be out sometime around mid-November, the same time the proper single is released.]]> Mon, 10 Oct 2005 00:00:00 -0700 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/26438-magnet-tourniquet-warner-music-group http://www.itsatrap.com/n/26438-magnet-tourniquet-warner-music-group http://www.itsatrap.com/n/26438-magnet-tourniquet-warner-music-group#comments Even Johansen is an introspective kinda guy; his tunes are almost always suffused with melancholy and yearning. But he's never maudlin, 'cause Johansen has a way of simultaneously tugging at your heartstrings and keeping your attention with evocative music details. His third CD as Magnet finds Johansen simply doing more of his wistful thing, with maybe a few more songs hitting the mark than on the previous "On your side". This is soft rock, but it's really quite lovely. "Hold on" features an unexpected banjo and very airy "Bah bah" backing vocals in the song's closing minute or so that reel you right in. On "The pacemaker" there's a sound that resembles rapidly dripping water and the keyboard sounds not unlike a toy piano; such elements prevent the song from being mere easy listening. "All you ask" somehow combines a near-reggae and waltz rhythm in curious fashion; this plus Johansen's jump to a falsetto a couple of times pushes the song to the plus side of marginal. "Deadlock" is classic Nordic melancholy; the tinkly mix sounds almost Icelandic, in fact. Very nice indeed. "I don't think I can do this no more," our boy sings several times. Sure ya can, Ev...you're a natural at this kinda thing. "Miss her so" is vintage lovelorn Magnet; if this sweet acoustic ballad doesn't make the little girls tear up, I don't know what will. And "Blow by blow" is downright hypnotic; very cool arrangement, almost Beatle-ish. Although a few tunes do generate a rhythm you can tap your foot to, just expect mostly whispery balladry and poignancy. Not quite a classic, but wonderfully soothing when you're in the mood.]]> Sun, 02 Oct 2005 00:00:00 -0700 reviews http://www.itsatrap.com/n/9272 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/9272 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/9272#comments Here's a roundup of English reviews for the new Magnet album "The Tourniquet": http://www.homeofmagnet.com/2005/08/new-reviews-contest.html]]> Tue, 30 Aug 2005 00:00:00 -0700 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/9360 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/9360 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/9360#comments Magnet is the single of the week at XFM in the UK: http://www.xfm.co.uk/Article.asp?id=109169
You can also check out a live session he did with them right here: http://www.xfm.co.uk/Article.asp?id=109087]]> Tue, 23 Aug 2005 00:00:00 -0700 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/9373 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/9373 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/9373#comments Norway seems to be adept at exporting quality singer/songwriters these days. Both Sondre Lerche and Magnet seem to be doing quite well for themselves abroad and now there's upstart Robert Post to contend with. While I don't find his album as consistently good from beginning to end as the other aforementioned artists' most recent work, Robert is still a formidable entry into the genre. He's got such an amazingly effortless singing voice - just listen to the way he nails that high note on the final chorus of the song I've posted today. That kind of performance is simply undeniable. He sounds so natural and at-ease - he's a power-pop sensation just waiting to happen. Even though his just-released debut album tends to be a bit heavy on filler IMO, the three or four standout tracks do a fine job of making up for it. Definitely recommend for fans of Jason Falkner, Brendon Benson, Ben Christophers and the like.]]> Mon, 22 Aug 2005 00:00:00 -0700 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/9414 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/9414 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/9414#comments London's Evening Standard reviews Magnet's live show at 93 Feet East from Wednesday night: http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/music/articles/20115645]]> Fri, 19 Aug 2005 00:00:00 -0700 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/9483 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/9483 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/9483#comments New international tourdates for Norwegian singer/songwriter Magnet:

10/09 - Chinnery's, Southend (UK)
10/10 - Komedia, Brighton (UK)
10/11 - The Fleece, Bristol (UK)
10/13 - The Scala, London (UK)
10/14 - Soundhaus, Northampton (UK)
10/15 - Rescue Rooms, Nottingham (UK)
10/16 - Cockpit, Leeds (UK)
10/18 - King Tuts Wah-Wah Hut, Glasgow (UK)
10/19 - Academy 3, Manchester (UK)
10/20 - Barfly, Liverpool (UK)
11/09 - Club Quattro, Osaka (JAP)
11/10 - Club Quattro, Tokyo (JAP)]]> Mon, 15 Aug 2005 00:00:00 -0700 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/9581 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/9581 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/9581#comments Listen to streaming samples of every track from Magnet's new album "The tourniquet": http://homeofmagnet.com/tourniquet_stream.html]]> Mon, 08 Aug 2005 00:00:00 -0700 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/9744 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/9744 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/9744#comments NME is streaming the new Magnet video "Hold me": http://www.nme.com/features/113091.htm]]> Fri, 22 Jul 2005 00:00:00 -0700 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/9751 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/9751 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/9751#comments The Magnet website has some more details concerning the new single "Hold on": http://www.homeofmagnet.com/]]> Thu, 21 Jul 2005 00:00:00 -0700 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/9938 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/9938 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/9938#comments Magnet's new album "The tourniquet" will be released in UK on August 22 via Atlantic Records and will be preceeded by an exclusive double 7" for the single "Hold on" which will feature the semi-exclusive tracks "Good mourning" (a Megadeth cover? Doubtful, but I remain optimistic) and "The mute". But fear not vinyl-haters - they tracks will also be available via iTunes. In related news, look for UK dates to be announced shortly for September besides the previously announced full-band gig at 93 Feat East in London on August 17.]]> Wed, 29 Jun 2005 00:00:00 -0700 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/9998 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/9998 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/9998#comments This week's top Norwegian albums:

01. De Lillos - Festen er ikke over det er kake igjen
02. Lene Marlin - Lost in a moment
03. Div Art - Melodi Grand Prix Jr.2005
04. Åge Aleksandersen - To skritt frem
05. Madrugada - The deep end
06. Sandra - Døgnvill
07. Magnet - The tourniquet
08. Div Art - Idol 2005
09. Turboneger - Party animals]]> Thu, 23 Jun 2005 00:00:00 -0700 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/10291 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/10291 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/10291#comments MIC Norway profiles Magnet on the occasion of the release of his third album "The tourniquet": http://www.mic.no/mic.nsf/doc/art2005053114530384231631]]> Wed, 01 Jun 2005 00:00:00 -0700 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/10572 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/10572 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/10572#comments The new Magnet album "The tourniquet" has been confirmed for a May 30 release in Norway via Atlantic/Warner and will come out all over the rest of the world later on in the fall. The disc was self-produced by Magnet with the assistance of Jørgen Træen, Jason Falkner and Yngve Sætre. Tracklist:

01. Hold on
02. Duracellia
03. The pacemaker
04. Believe
05. All you ask
06. Deadlock
07. Fall at your feet
08. Blow by blow
09. Miss her so
10. Jaws]]> Tue, 10 May 2005 00:00:00 -0700 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/11576 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/11576 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/11576#comments Magnet has cancelled his SXSW (Austin, TX) and Sunkissed Norwegian Centinery gig (UK) appearances due to recording committments. He is currently busy tracking his new album and doesn't want to interrupt the flow of his work.]]> Wed, 23 Feb 2005 00:00:00 -0800 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/11936 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/11936 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/11936#comments Here's this week's top 20 Swedish album chart:

01. Lars Winnerbäck - Vatten under broarna
02. Dark Tranquility - Character
03. The Ark - State of the Ark
04. Lena Philipsson - Det gör ont en stund på natten men inget på dan
05. Anna Ternheim - Somebody Outside
06. Fernandoz - Minnenas allé
07. Daniel Lindström - Daniel Lindström
08. Magnus Uggla - Den tatuerade generationen
09. Christian Walz - Paint by Numbers
10. Lasse Stefanz - Röd Chevrolet
11. Benny Anderssons Orkester - Bao!
12. Soundtrack of Our Lives - Origin vol. 1
13. Peter Jöback & Göteborgs symfoniker - Storybook
14. Uno Svenningsson - Ett andetag från dig
15. Melody Club - Face the Music
16. Totta Näslund - Totta 7: Soul!/På drift
17. Marie Fredriksson - The Change
18. Björn Afzelius & Mikael Wiehe - 1993 - Malmöinspelningarna
19. Arne Domnérus - Best of Dompan
20. Gyllene Tider - Finn 5 fel!

DJ Martian has the scoop on the 'Fresh Air at Fabric' one-day Norwegian music festial in London featuring performances by a wide range of artists including Annie, Magnet, Nils Petter Molvaer, Satyricon, Biosphere, WE and much more: http://djmartian.blogspot.com/2005_01_01_djmartian_archive.html#110677852973580507
Definitely something not to be missed.]]> Thu, 27 Jan 2005 00:00:00 -0800 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/11952 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/11952 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/11952#comments I'm not sure if this means no ExMS showcase in NY and LA, but here's the list of bands playing the two "Nordic Nights" showcases at The Drink On 6th at SXSW:

03/17:
Ske (ICE)
Tina Dico (DK)
The Low Frequency in Stereo (NOR)
Epo-555 (DK)
Powersolo (DK)
22 Pistepirkko (FIN)

03/18:
Teitur (DK)
Magnet (NOR)
The Crash (FIN)
The Ark (SWE)
Surfer Rosa (NOR)
The Blue Van (DK)]]> Wed, 26 Jan 2005 00:00:00 -0800 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/12063 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/12063 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/12063#comments Another new mp3 posted today from the Norwegian Johnny Cash tribute "We walk the line". This song from Karen Jo Fields is quite a bit different than the Magnet track I posted on Monday. It's still very much a classic Cash tune, but it's far more lighthearted and truer to the original version. Now, I don't know much about Karen Jo besides what's written in her official bio, but she's got a great voice and good feel for the material. I also really like the way this song sounds when sung from a female perspective - I think it even works a bit better in that regards. I'm not quite as enthused that they switched the classic Luther Perkins guitar melody to the acoustic, but it works.

I could go on and on about almost every song on this comp, but I'm going to stop here. I really had trouble picking just two. Hopefully my choices served you well enough that you'll seek out the rest - it's definitely worth it.]]> Wed, 19 Jan 2005 00:00:00 -0800 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/12104 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/12104 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/12104#comments It might come as a surprise, but when I'm not listening to some band from Scandinavia, I spend a lot of time listening to classic country music. No, really. So when I heard about the "We walk the line" Norwegian tribute to Johnny Cash recorded live at Oslo Prison that came out last year, I was ecstatic. It took me a little while to track down a copy, but oh man was it worth it. Sure, there's a couple stiff tracks and some weird song choices (c'mon now, just because John covered "Solitary man" on "American IV" does not make it his song), but almost all of it is golden. Take this Magnet tune for example, as posted today on the right. Magnet bravely reworks the song in his own style and makes it transcendent. Granted, he'd probably have to try extra hard if he really wanted to ruin one of the greatest love songs ever written, but it does take a good deal of courage to change something so well known. Very, very recommended. Check back later this week for another song from this comp - I had such a hard time selecting which outstanding track to post that I'm gonna showcase more than one.]]> Mon, 17 Jan 2005 00:00:00 -0800 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/12158 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/12158 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/12158#comments Norway's Rec90, home of bands such as Lorraine, Poor Rich Ones and Magnet's debut album, has signed Twinklehead, Bob & Dave and Lu:d. More info soon.]]> Thu, 13 Jan 2005 00:00:00 -0800 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/12692 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/12692 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/12692#comments Norwegian singer/songwriter Magnet is doing a string of shows around the LA area along with some TV appearances:

12/02 - KCRW presents Magnet at The Fold @ Tangier w/Jesca Hoop
12/03 - Late Late Show w/guest host Michael Ian on CBS
12/06 - Viper Room w/Foreign Born, On The Speakers (early show)
12/09 - Listen for "Lay lady lay" during episode 5 of "The OC" on Fox
12/12 - KCRW presents Magnet at the Troubador w/Phoenix]]> Tue, 30 Nov 2004 00:00:00 -0800 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/12697 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/12697 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/12697#comments Daily Texan editor Tito Belis selects "On your side" by Magnet as his number one album of the year: http://www.dailytexanonline.com/news/2004/11/30/Entertainment/Top-5.Records.Of.2004-816822.shtml
Further down the page you can also find writer Leslie Flynn who selects The Rasmus for number one.]]> Tue, 30 Nov 2004 00:00:00 -0800 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/12913 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/12913 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/12913#comments Up-and-coming Norwegian singer/songwriter Magnet will be releasing a special EP this holiday season entitled "Minus" featuring his cover of the classic song "Let it snow". The disc will be released on CD in the UK and Japan, but in the US it will only be available via iTunes. Here's the full tracklist:

01. Let It Snow
02. Clean Slate
03. Heaviest Heart
04. Dead Happy
05. Big Black Moon
06. Clean Slate (The Bee's Remix)

"Let it snow" is also slated to be featured in an upcoming episode of the popular Fox TV show "The OC", The official release date for the EP is November 19.]]> Tue, 09 Nov 2004 00:00:00 -0800 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/13068 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/13068 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/13068#comments Peep the video for Magnet's cover of "Lay lady lay": http://www.filter-mag.com/media/interior.178.html]]> Thu, 28 Oct 2004 00:00:00 -0700 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/13381 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/13381 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/13381#comments PopMatters reviews Magnet: http://popmatters.com/music/reviews/m/magnet-onyourside.shtml]]> Wed, 06 Oct 2004 00:00:00 -0700 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/13461 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/13461 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/13461#comments Indieworkshop reviews the US release of Magnet: http://indieworkshop.com/reviews/1167/]]> Wed, 29 Sep 2004 00:00:00 -0700 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/13462 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/13462 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/13462#comments Speaking of Magnet, here's his upcoming live appearance schedule:

10/12 - Rothko, NYC
10/14 - Pianos, NYC

He'll also be appearing on KEXP at 10am Eastern/7am Pacific and KCRW's Morning Becomes Eclectic on October 14 at 10:30 Eastern/7:30am Pacific.]]> Wed, 29 Sep 2004 00:00:00 -0700 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/13600 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/13600 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/13600#comments Norwegian singer/songwriter Magnet will have his single "Lay Lady Lay" featured in episode 5 of this coming season's TV program "The OC" here in the US. Quite a few indie/underground acts have benefitted greatly from exposure on this show, so it'll be interesting to see if it catches on.]]> Mon, 20 Sep 2004 00:00:00 -0700 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/13780 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/13780 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/13780#comments Filter has selected Magnet as one of their artists to watch: http://www.filter-mag.com/artists/interior.94.html]]> Tue, 07 Sep 2004 00:00:00 -0700 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/14022 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/14022 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/14022#comments Norwegian singer/songwriter Magnet will finally see the US release of his most recent album "On your side" on October 19 via Filter US Recordings. The US version of the CD will include three bonus tracks and, as hinted at by the press release, touring will follow.]]> Wed, 18 Aug 2004 00:00:00 -0700 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/14023 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/14023 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/14023#comments Speaking of Magnet, you can stream some live tracks him, Kings of Convenience and many more from the Summer Sundae Weekender Festival in the UK that happened earlier this month: http://www.bbc.co.uk/6music/out/festivals2004/summersundae/interviews.shtml]]> Wed, 18 Aug 2004 00:00:00 -0700 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/14239 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/14239 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/14239#comments Magnet, aka Norwegian singer/songwriter Even Johansen, has licensed his most recent album "On your side" to Filter Recordings/BMG for a US release on September 28. He'll also be playing a show in LA as part of the 'Best of 2004 Filter show' in September as well. Apparently, his music can also be heard on the new TV show "Rescue Me". So far they're playing the old track "Chasing Dreams", but I understand that newer stuff will be coming later. And lastly, Even is recording a special holiday song for use on "The O.C.".]]> Fri, 30 Jul 2004 00:00:00 -0700 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/14620 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/14620 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/14620#comments Magnet has been confirmed for the V Festival just outside of London. The set time is still yet-to-be-determined, but he'll play on Saturday August 21 at Weston Park, Staffordshire and Sunday August 22 at Hylands Park, Chelmsford.]]> Thu, 24 Jun 2004 00:00:00 -0700 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/14668 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/14668 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/14668#comments Norwegian singer/songwriter Magnet aka Even Johansen reports he is about halfway done with a new album. No word on when he'll finish, as he is still doing a number of European festival appearances this summer such as the V Festival and Big Chill, both in the UK. In other news, he reports that he's working on a US release for "On Your Side" and hopes to have it out over here around September and should hopefully also tour in support.]]> Fri, 18 Jun 2004 00:00:00 -0700 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/15330 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/15330 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/15330#comments The Cardigans, Jessica Fletchers and Magnet have all been confirmed for the Norwegian Wood Festival on June 19.]]> Fri, 30 Apr 2004 00:00:00 -0700 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/16004 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/16004 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/16004#comments Check out the e-card for the new Magnet single "Lay Lady Lay", a cover of the Dylan classic with guest vocals from Gemma Hayes: http://www.hyperlaunch.com/magnet/]]> Mon, 15 Mar 2004 00:00:00 -0800 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/16155 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/16155 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/16155#comments The full schedule has been confirmed for Norway's Ole Blues Festival in late April and the lineup is pretty much a complete who's who of Norwegian music. Some of names listed include Fenrik Lane (feat. World Idol champ Kurt Nilsen), Magnet, Sondre Lerche, Thomas Dybdahl, Gluecifer, Datarock, Evil Tordivel, Jaga Jazzist, Kaizers Orchestra and tons more. Full details: http://www.oleblues.net/]]> Fri, 05 Mar 2004 00:00:00 -0800 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/16252 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/16252 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/16252#comments Some of the winners of the Spellemannprisen, the Norwegian version of the Grammy:

Best music video: Kaizers Orchestra - Evig Pint
Dance band: Ole Ivars
Pop group: Ephemera
Hip hop: Equicez
Blues/country: Vidar Busk
Rock: Turbonegro
Best female pop soloist: Bertine Zetlitz
Best male pop soloist: Magnet (Even Johannessen)
Metal: Dimmu Borgir
Open class: Niko Valkeapää
Jazz: Atomic
Best newcomer: Julian Berntsen
Hederspris: Wenche Myhre
Spellemann: Silje Nergaard
Best song: Kurt Nilsen - She's so high

Read more: http://www.mic.no/mic.nsf/doc/art2004030115152272157473]]> Mon, 01 Mar 2004 00:00:00 -0800 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/16469 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/16469 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/16469#comments The winners of Norway's Alarm Awards:

Pop: Magnet
Rock: Turbonegro
Jazz: Supersilent
Lydverketprisen: Karin Park
Metal: Dimmu Borgir
Video: Paperboys - Hey Man
Live: Turbonegro
Hip Hop/Rap: Equicez
Petreprisen: Ephemera
Electronica: Ralph Myerz & The Jack Herren Band]]> Mon, 16 Feb 2004 00:00:00 -0800 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/16526 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/16526 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/16526#comments Some of the new bands on the City Sound Festival lineup: Magnet, Vidar Busk, Division of Laura Lee, Amulet, JR Ewing, Le Mans, Differnet and Beezewax.]]> Wed, 11 Feb 2004 00:00:00 -0800 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/25394-streaming-playlist-singer-songwriters-pt-1 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/25394-streaming-playlist-singer-songwriters-pt-1 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/25394-streaming-playlist-singer-songwriters-pt-1#comments DATE ADDED : 02.08.04
LAUNCH : [stream no longer available]

01. Nicolai Dunger - Hunger
from the album "Here's my song, you can have it... I don’ want it anymore /Yours 4-ever Nicolai Dunger"
Nicolai is already starting to gain a bit of international recognition with his last 2 albums "Soul Rush" and "Tranquil Isolation". The former had him teamed up with acclaimed Swedish jazz group Esbjörn Svensson Trio and is absolutely sublime. The backing musicians provide just the right context to accentuate his strengths, especially his Van Morrison-isms. The latter was recorded with alt-folk hero Will Oldham and isn't nearly as solid to my ears. There's some great highlights, but the relaxed, improvised feel only goes so far. If a little more time and thought went into it, I think it could've been a lot better.
Anyhow, there's a new record and a new collaboration, this time with Mercury Rev. Unlike "Tranquil Isolation", you can tell a lot of forethought went into this album as the arrangements and embellishments are much more involved. I don't quite rank it as high as "Soul Rush", but it's still damn good.
Really, what it comes down to with Nicolai is that he's an amazing talent who's unafraid to try new things. Even though I may prefer his more produced work, I know he'll never be content to take the path of least resistance and do straightforward pop records. He's constantly challenging himself and I absolutely respect that. That means he might never gain a large commercial audience, but it assures his integrity and a more meaningful body of work.

02. Marit Bergman - Girl figure skater
from the album "3 am serenades"
Marit's music can be deceptively simple. It took me awhile to realize that while she may seem to be yet another standard, straightforward pop songstress, there's far more depth to her than most. This song is a great example of her sweet pop skills tempered with a bit of melancholic undertones.
Aside from her music, Marit was also known around Sweden as a Madonna-like figure of relentless self-promotion. She was a 100% DIY success story up until recently when she signed with a major. I can't blame her if she'd rather concentrate on the music and leave the business side to others. New album coming very soon.

03. St. Thomas - The railroad
from the album "Total Lee - The songs of Lee Hazelwood"
I admit it - I'm not that familiar with most of St. Thomas' work. He kind of strikes me as the Norwegian Nicolai Dunger, except that his music is far more typical alt-country kind of stuff. Not bad, but not really my thing.

04. Thomas Dybdahl - Honey
from the album "Stray dogs"
I ignored Thomas Dybdahl for awhile because I thought his best-selling career in Norway pegged him as just another boring pop artist. But I was wrong - sometimes an artist is popular simply because they are good and this is indeed one of those times. Thomas has a fantastic smoky voice and a great laidback, easygoing style. The barebones instrumentation on this most recent album really suits him quite well. He sounds so natural and at ease, that it's hard not to get sucked in.
Because of his success in his native Norway, I think it's highly likely that we'll see an extended international push for Thomas. He's already scheduled to play SXSW in March in the US. Along with Sophie Zelmani, this is someone I find myself listening to a lot of lately.

05. Jens Lekman - Cold Swedish winter
live from P3 Pop 09/29/03
His studio material doesn't do much for me, but this song (as with the other two I've heard from this live set) are just amazing. But you don't have to listen to what I have to say - there's enough other people out there who are enamored with his "Maple Leaves" EP that I'm a minority with my vote of restrained enthusiasm. He's got such a good voice, I just think the acoustic guitar with vocals approach is all he needs.

06. Christian Kjellvander - Words in the wires
live from Sodra Teatern 02/25/2003
His voice reminds me a lot of Richard Buckner, but Christian Kjellvander is far, far more consistent both in the high quality of his songwriting and his vocal delivery. I'm often lukewarm about alt-country stuff, but Christian is a good example of Sweden doing the genre justice yet again.
People who dig this should probably start out with the "Introducing the past" collection he put out recently which includes material from his indierock days with Loosegoats as well as his collaboration with his brother Gustav in Songs of Soil. I would not at all be surprised to see him break out beyond the borders of Scandinavia.

07. Moneybrother - It's been hurting all the way with you Joanna
from the album "Blood panic"
This year's Swedish indiepop idol taking the throne previously occupied by Håkan Hellström. Moneybrother aka Anders Wednin started out playing 3rd-wave ska with Monster before he branched out on his own and scored a huge hit in Sweden with this album. He's got a great Clash-influenced reggae-rock style and he's been raking up awards one after another. The first single "Reconsider me" is just one of those classic tunes that sticks with you the first time you hear it and this latest one ain't so bad either. The true test of his talent will be in the strength of his next record.

08. Sophie Zelmani - Truth
from the album "Love affair"
Even though they squeaked out this record just before New Year's, I still consider it the best thing I've heard so far this year. Take the sound of Daniel Lanois-produced Emmylou Harris and dampen it with the quiet restraint of someone like Stina Nordenstam and you'll have the sound of Sophie's new album. I've been a fan of everything she's done, but she really nailed it with "Love Affair". Simply gorgeous.

09. Magnet - Last day of summer
from the album "On Your Side"
Magnet aka Even Johansen is a artist from Norway who is one of the new breed of singer/songwriters infusing electronic elements with their music. Both feet are still firmly planted in the guitar troubadour tradition (he covers Dylan, you can't get more trad than that), but he's unafraid to experiment with modern studio techniques. This last album has been gathering awards and accolades all over ever since it came out and it's really no surprise - he's obviously quite talented. If you like UK artist Ben Christophers, I think you'd definitely dig Magnet. He doesn't have the falsetto or Thom Yorke aspirations of Christophers, but there are strong similarities in their production and approach. Magnet's more breathy vocals are light and airy without being too whispy or weak. Definitely someone who we'll be hearing a lot more from as he constantly is expanding his audience and reach.

10. Sondre Lerche - Two way monologue
from the album "Two way monologue"
The ever-so-charming Sondre Lerche is a young lad from Norway who has already tasted a bit of international success, touring worldwide and opening for the likes of Elvis Costello. And you know what? He deserves it - he writes fabulous songs, very much the classic Beatles tradition and is just so eminently likable. I have no doubt that he's got a fantastic, long career ahead of him.

]]> Sun, 08 Feb 2004 00:00:00 -0800 articles podcast http://www.itsatrap.com/n/16620 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/16620 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/16620#comments Norwegian singer/songwriter Magnet is heading to the UK to support Zero 7 in March. The first couple dates will be solo and the rest will be full band, but I'm not sure which are which. Anyhow, here's the dates:

03/15 - Colston Hall, Bristol
03/16 - Guildhall, Southhampton
03/18 - Octagon, Sheffield
03/19 - Carling Academy, Manchester 03/20 - Carling Academy, Glasgow
03/22 - Carling Academy, Birmingham
03/23 - UEA, Norwich
03/25 - Dome, Brighton
03/26 - Brixton Academy, London
03/27 - Brixton Academy, London

The new single "Lay Lady Lay", a cover of the Bob Dylan song with Gemma Hayes contributing guest vocals, will come out March 22 on 7" and CD. The b-sides will be a of "Clean Slate" from The Bee, Tom Middleton's mix of "Last Day of Summer" and the exclusive track "Wish Me Well".]]> Thu, 05 Feb 2004 00:00:00 -0800 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/16666 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/16666 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/16666#comments Magnet is playing Australia in March:

03/03 - Ric1s Café, Brisbane
03/04 - Hopetoun Hotel, Sydney
03/05 - Pony, Melbourne
03/06 - Rob Roy Hotel, Melbourne
03/07 - Grace Emily Hotel, Adelaide
03/09 - Annandale Hotel, Sydney]]> Tue, 03 Feb 2004 00:00:00 -0800 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/16733 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/16733 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/16733#comments Better late than never, Panorama.no lists their top picks from 2003:

Best Norwegian single:
01. Girls Keep Secrets in the Strangest Ways – Ephemera
02. Lay Lady Lay – Magnet feat. Gemma Hayes
03. Fuck the World – Turbonegro
04. Salt & Pepper – Kaizers Orchestra
05. Et Sunnhetstegn – Johndoe
06. Think Twice – Ralph Myerz And The Jack Herren Band
07. Breaking news – Amulet
08. Skull EP – Martin Horntveth
09. You're the One that I Want – Jim Stärk feat. Claudia Scott
10. Lorraine EP – Lorraine

Best Norwegian album:
01. On Your Side – Magnet
02. The Ghost of Our Love – Ricochets
03. Waffy Town – Julian Berntzen
04. Evig Pint – Kaizers Orchestra
05. It's a Record – Sergeant Petter
06. The Perfect Cure – Lorraine
07. Scandinavian Leather – Turbonegro
08. Stray Dogs – Thomas Dybdahl
09. Hin Bordende Sod og Sø – Ásmegin
10. No Time Wasted – Jim Stãrk]]> Thu, 29 Jan 2004 00:00:00 -0800 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/17128 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/17128 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/17128#comments Here's most of the nominees for the Spellemannprisen, Norway's answer to the Grammy:

Female pop soloist:
Lene Marlin - "Another Day"
Karin Park - "Superworldunknown"
Bertine Zetlitz - "Sweet Injections"

Male pop soloist:
Julian Berntzen - "Waffytown"
Thomas Dybdahl - "Stray Dogs"
Magnet - "On Your Side"

Pop group:
D'Sound - "Doublehearted"
Ephemera - "Air"
Number Seven Deli - "Falkner Street"

Electronica:
Snuten - "Welcome to the Jungle"
Ulver - "Teachings in Silence"
Xploding Plastix - "The Donca Matic Singalongs"

Rock:
Amulet - "Danger! Danger!"
Ricochets - "The Ghost Of Our Love"
Thulsa Doom - "And Then Take You To a Place Where Jars Are"
Turbonegro - "Scandinavian Leather"
We - "Lightyears Ahead"

Blues/Country:
Vidar Busk - "Love Buzz"
Amund Maarud - "Ripped, Stripped and Southern Fried"
Tumbleweed - "Once More, With Feeling"

Metal:
Dimmu Borgir - "Death Cult Armageddon"
Enslaved - "Below the Lights"
Old Man's Child - "In Defiance of Existence"

Hip-Hop:
Diaz - "Velkommen Hjem Andres"
Equicez - "State of Emergency"
Paperboys - "The Great Escape"

Jazz:
Atomic - "Boom Boom"
Toe Brunborg Quartet - "Gravity"
Karin Krog - "Where You At?"
Christian Wallumrød Ensemble - "Sofienberg Variations"
Håvard Wiik - "Postures"

Open class:
Anne-Lise Berntsen/Nils Asheim - "Kom Regn"
Hallvard Bjørgum & Co- "Free Field"
Motorpsycho/Jaga Jazzist Horns - "In the Fishtank"
Niko Valkeapää - "Niko Valkeapää"
When - "Pearl Harvest"

Music video:
Diaz - "Hvem er denne karen"
Folk og Røvere - "Utadæsjælåpplevelse"
Kaizers Orchestra - "Evig Pint"
Thomas Dybdahl - "Cecilia"
Bertine Zetlitz - "Girl Like You"

Best newcomer:
Julian Berntzen - "Whaffy Town"
Equicez - "State of Emergency"
Rebekka Karijord - "Neophyte"
Kurt Nilsen - "I"
Karin Park - "Superworldunknown"

Best song:
Maria Arrendondo - "In Love With An Angel"
David - "Wild At Heart"
Folk og Røvere - "Utadæsjælåpplevelse"
Lene Marlin - "You Weren’t There"
Kurt Nilsen - "She’s So High"

Go here for the rest: http://www.nrk.no/musikk/3399677.html]]> Mon, 05 Jan 2004 00:00:00 -0800 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/17276 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/17276 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/17276#comments Adressa's top 10 Norweigan CDs of 2003:

01. The Ricochets - The Ghost of Our Love
02. King Midas - Romeo turn
03. Magnet - On Your Side
04. Thomas Dybdahl - Stray Dogs
05. Johndoe - Rastløs Rock `n Roll
06. Julian Berntzen - Waffy Town
07. Sgt. Petter - It`s a record
08. Dipsomaniacs - Praying Winter
09. Motorpsycho & Jaga Jazzist - In the Fishtank
10. Lionheart Brothers - White Angel, Black Apple

Read more: http://www.adressa.no/kultur/article.jhtml?articleID=462217]]> Wed, 17 Dec 2003 00:00:00 -0800 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/17300 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/17300 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/17300#comments It's not too dissimilar from the Dagbladet list (see 12/09), but here's the top 21 records of the year from Norway's Aftenposten:

01. Equicez - "State Of Emergency"
02. Magnet - "On Your Side"
03. Thomas Dybdahl - "Stray Dogs"
04. King Midas - "Romeo Turn"
05. Vidar Busk - "Love Buzz"
06. Turbonegro - "Scandinavian Leather"
07. Ephemera - "Air"
08. Rebekka Bakken - "The Art Of How To Fall"
09. Tord Gustavsen Trio - "Changing Places"
10. Supersilent - "6"
11. Enslaved - "Below The Lights"
12. El Corazón - "El Corazón"
13. Karen Jo Fields - "Chase The Blue"
14. St. Thomas - "Hey Harmony"
15. Dimmu Borgir - "Death Cult Armageddon"
16. Bertine Zetlitz - "Sweet Injections"
17. Kaospilot - "Kaospilot"
18. Cloroform - "Hey You Let's Kiss"
19. Kaizers Orchestra - "Evig Pint"
20. Jaa9 & OnklP - "Bondegrammatikk - The Mixtape"
21. Ricochets - "The Ghost Of Our Love"]]> Tue, 16 Dec 2003 00:00:00 -0800 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/17406 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/17406 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/17406#comments Dagbladet's top 10 Norweigan albums of the year:

01. Magnet - On Your Side
02. Equicez - State Of The Emergency - Generation Equiz
03. Ephemera - Air
04. King Midas - Romeo Turn
05. Thomas Dybdahl - Stray Dogs
06. Sergeant Petter - It's A Record
07. Atomic - Boom Boom
08. Turbonegro - Scandinavian Leather
09. Vidar Busk - Love Buzz
10. Kaizers Orchestra - Evig Pint

Now the question is whether any of these will hold up to international scrutiny, now that Norway is said to be the "new" Sweden, whatever that means. I'm sure frantic record execs are busy scrounging for someone to place their bets on now that the buzz has been started. I'm not sure any of these guys fit the bill either. Kaizers Orchestra is my own personal favorite of the bunch, but they sing in their native tongue, so you can scratch them from the list. Turbonegro is great, but they have waaaaaaay too many homosexual undertones for middle America. But what do I know? We'll see what happens. Read more: http://www.dagbladet.no/kultur/2003/12/09/385705.html (in Norweigan)]]> Tue, 09 Dec 2003 00:00:00 -0800 news