IT'S A TRAP! Scandinavian Music Journal

Sunshine Rabbits - Asassynation (video)

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:48:06 -0700

No idea how I've never heard of Sunshine Rabbits before, especially considering the names involved -- Cecilia Nordlund (Souls, Monkeystrikes), Lotta Wenglén (Dollykollot), Petra Lilja (Sobsister) and Carolina Carlbom (The Pusjkins) -- but this is incredibly entertaining. The band's new LP "Aiming for the flesh" will be released on May 16.

Cecilia Nordlund - Alla sa att allting var farligt (video)

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 11:25:56 -0800

Swedish indierock mainstay Cecilia Nordlund (Monkeystrikes, Souls) teams up with electropop producer Johan Sigerud and sings in Swedish for the very first time.

MP3: Cilihili - Happy without the boy

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 13:54:21 -0700

"Happy without the boy" directly confronts all old maid/independent woman stereotypes, prejudices and presumptions to say that, yes, a woman can be happy by herself. She does not need a man to complete her, nor does it make her gay or weird or anything else. Absolutely nothing worth fretting over. Of course, people talk and let's not even get into women who decide to forgo children, that's a whole 'nother rat-hole. Cilihili (aka Cecilia Nordlund from Souls/Monkeystrikes, also live w/Fever Ray) has always been a strong, pro-female artist both on and off stage (she also works with Popkollo for instance), but even better that she lays it out in song in no uncertain terms. Better than that, it's by far the highlight of her album "Not listening".

Cilihili debut finally out now

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 18:27:21 -0800

Cilihili, the new pseudonym of Cecilia Nordlund (ex-Monkeystrikes, Souls), finally released her debut album "Not listening" and you can preview a few tracks at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/cilihili

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 11:42:20 -0800

Fever Ray, the solo project of Karin Dreijer Andersson from The Knife, has revealed that her debut album will be released on March 18 via Rabid Records in Sweden, March 23 in Europe via Cooperative Music and on March 24 via Mute in the US and Etc Etc in Australia/NZ. The album was produced with assistance from Christoffer Berg and Van Rivers & The Subliminal Kid and will include a guest appearance from Cecilia Nordlund (Souls, Monkeystrikes, Cilihili). The first single "If I had a heart" will be officially released on December 15 and an Andreas Nilsson-directed video will be ready sometime before the end of the year. Oh, and look for a tour to kick off in Sweden at the end of March as well.

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:52:13 -0700

Cecilia Nordlund (ex-Monkeystrikes, Souls) will finally release her debut solo album under the name Cilihili on January 14 via Margit Music. Preview at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/cilihili

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 10:42:16 -0700

Here's the playlist for this week's radio show:

01. Pascal - Längtar efter dig
02. TALK 1
03. Division of Laura Lee - Central Park
04. New Decade - While tonight still is
05. Abduktio - Uutisia rintamalta
06. TALK 2
07. Echo Is Your Love - Lion tamer vs tigers
08. Fireside - Silver muscle car
09. Him Kerosene - Ladybugs
10. TALK 3
11. NEI - New morning
12. The Bear Quartet - All your life
13. Park Hotell - Dead ringers
14. KVLR - Spit
15. Electric Retard - Skate girl
16. TALK 4
17. Samuraj Cities - Ugly kids are alright
18. Barra Head - Iron to skin
19. Death By Kite - Himmelfahrtskommando
20. TALK 5
21. Blithe - Haven
22. Starmarket - You can't come
23. Lukestar - White shade
24. Monkeystrikes - Tahonga take away
25. TALK 6
26. Voices Break the Silence - This awful friend

Reminder: My show on Sirius Left of Center (channel 26) airs Sundays at 11pm ET with repeats on Monday at the same time.

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 12:03:17 -0700

Marit Bergman's new single "300 slow days in a row" featuring Titiyo is now available to her subscribers. I'd expect it to be streaming on myspace next week maybe with the (very entertaining) Cecilia Nordland (Monkeystrikes) directed video to follow.

MP3: Monkeystrikes - Tahonga take away

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 11:14:09 -0700

Cecilia Nordlund has been a prominent Swedish artist for a long time, dating back to the mid-90s and her bands Souls to Monkeystrikes in 2005 and (hopefully) her upcoming solo album. There's also that one song she did with Marit Bergman that ending up as sort of a minor international indie hit, but in leiu of new material to share, I'd rather focus on Monkeystikes. The band only released one record, but it's a great one. Songs such as opener "Tahonga take away" build on the heavier alt-rock sound of her previous act (think: Pixies, Breeders, etc.), tempering it with a more sophisticated lyrical approach. It's a busy song and they manage to fit a lot in these two short minutes. Surprisingly dynamic too- listen for the small nuances that differentiate the verses, taking it beyond the typical verse-chorus/soft-loud approach. Obviously, that aspect is still present, but it's less obvious/clichéd. Every time I hear this I think, "why don't I listen to Monkeystrikes more often?" So far the best answer I can come up with is that I'm a fool.

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 11:04:06 -0700

Somehow I almost forgot to post this week's radio show playlist:

01. Bloodbath - Blasting the virginborn
02. TALK 1
03. Håkan Hellström - Långa vägar
04. Montys Loco - Farewell Mr. Happy
05. Victims - Bomben har fallit
06. TALK 2
07. Death By Kite - Sweet M
08. Ef - Thrills
09. The Bombhappies - Nothing at all
10. TALK 3
11. Motorpsycho - The alchemyst
12. Marybell Katastrophy - Hidden agenda
13. TALK 4
14. In Flames - Moonshield
15. Maskinen - Alla som inte dansar (100dirty remix)
16. The Social Services - Baltic Sea
17. TALK 5
18. Peter Morén - Social competence
19. Lack - Bombing the moon
20. Dmitry Fydorov - Signal
21. TALK 6
22. Looptroop Rockers - The building
23. Six Guns - Think positive
24. Nybakat! - Limu limu lima
25. TALK 7
26. Saft - Sizzling
27. Electric Retard - Greenvalley High
28. Lukestar - The shade you hide
29. Samtidigt Som - Constant in motion
30. TALK 8
31. Bad Cash Quartet - Monday morning
32. Monkeystrikes - I'm sorry, but I'm very dramatic
33. Commando M Pigg - Shoeshine boy
34. Weeping Willows - Touch me
35. TALK 9
36. Pistol Disco - Beat of the tune

Thu, 19 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Hey look, ex-members of Monkeystrikes (among other bands) performing Death in June songs: http://www.myspace.com/downinjune

Sat, 30 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0700

The playlist for this week's radio show on Sirius:

01. TALK 1
02. Fattaru - Stila upp din skit
03. Samuraj Cities - Thxa1000000
04. The Fine Arts Showcase - I don't worry
05. TALK 2
06. Imagine I Had Hands - Captive
07. Scraps of Tape - Pickpockets vow
08. FAP - Jag drar till sjöss en sväng jag
09. TALK 3
10. Hello Saferide - I was definitely made for these times
11. Mainliners - Good storm
12. Breach - Gheeá
13. TALK 4
14. Him Kerosene - Neutrino
15. Familjen - Nu händer det igen
16. Sista Sekunden - D.I.We
17. Nine - Time has come
18. TALK 5
19. Emperor - Towards the pantheon
20. September - Can't get over (Long disco mix)
21. Kornstad - Turkey, Texas
22. TALK 6
23. Camouflage - Syster sol
24. Lolita Pop - Salta diamanter
25. Leather Nun - Gimme gimme gimme
26. TALK 7
27. Superfamily - I could be a real winner
28. Juvelen - Hanna
29. The Book of Daniel - Death caps and moonshine
30. Monkeystrikes - Serial faller in lover
31. TALK 8
32. Torpedo - Hang me high
33. Erik Enocksson - The lingering procession
34. Hederos & Hellberg - No fun
35. TALK 9
36. Death By Kite - Himmelfahrtskommando
37. The Tough Alliance - Something special
38. Seance - Controlled bleeding
39. TALK 10
40. Shout Out Louds - Hard rain

Fri, 23 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0800

The Knife are sponsoring a new single to benefit the woman of Ystad Penitentiary. Contributing artists include Cecilia Nordlund (Monkeystrikes, Souls) and Lotta Wenglen as well as producer Oskar Ling (Promoe, Hans Appelqvist) who will mix the project. Read more: http://www.aftonbladet.se/vss/noje/story/0,2789,1006940,00.html

Thu, 21 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0800

Check out Angels in Jail, the new project of ex-Monkeystrikes/Souls frontwoman Cecilia Nordlund: http://www.myspace.com/angelsinjail
I've been wondering what she's been up to - it's been awhile since we've heard anything new and that last (well, only) Monkeystrikes album was so good.

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

Monkeystrikes appears to have broken up: http://www.monkeystrikes.com/

Top 10s for 2005: It's a trap!

Thu, 15 Dec 2005 00:00:00 -0800

Top ten albums for 2005 (in alphabetical order):

01. A-ha - Analogue (Universal)
I'm not usually one to fall for big pop albums like this, but A-ha has the class, maturity and songwriting skills to pull it off right.

02. Alog - Miniatures (Rune Grammofon)
This Norwegian duo combines electronic music, found-sound and analog instruments in astounding ways. The tools are anything but new, but the sounds they create are brilliant.

03. Bear Quartet - Saturday night (A West Side Fabrication)
Sweden's leading indierock act promised a difficult album and they delivered. Very few bands this far into their career would continue to innovate and evolve like The Bear Quartet.

04. Det Gamla Landet - s/t (Aa)
The soundtrack to a spaghetti western that has yet to be made. Beautiful and Evocative. [BUY]

05. Hyacinth House - s/t (True Music Production)
The dark horse of my list. It's very rare that some unknown, unproven band makes such an impact on me, but HH was such a band. On the surface there isn't really anything too special about these guys: country/twang with a healthy dose of classic rock. Been there, done that, right? Wrong.

06. Isolation Years - Cover the distance (NONS)
While not the best album of their career thus far ("It's golden" is my current #1), this is still 1000x more satisfying than so many other records I heard in 2005. I know I'll be able to put this on five years from now and will still enjoy it just the same.

07. Logh - A sunset panorama (Bad Taste/Hydrahead)
As with Isolation Years, this album is not Logh's best work, but it's still damn good. They took a brave, high-minded concept (recording live in the studio with almost zero overdubs) and pulled it off. [BUY]

08. Plain Fade - Lies, sanctions and cruise missles (Punos Sound)
I knew from the very first moment I heard Plain Fade that they were something special. After months of waiting for the debut CD to arrive, I was able to confirm it. [BUY]

09. The Psyke Project - Daikini (CPH-Sound)
As Aversionline said, "this is one of those rare instances where all of the typical "skull-crushing", "paint-peeling", "face-ripping", "ear-shredding" analogies do indeed apply." The finest heavy record I've heard in ages. [BUY]

10. Tiger Lou - The loyal (Startracks)
What don't I love about Tiger Lou? Every new release improves upon the last and of course the latest record is no exception. [BUY]

Honorable mentions:

Hello Saferide - Introducing... (Razzia)
I didn't really get behind this album at first because it's just so... nice. I usually tend towards edgier stuff, y'know? But my wife, bless her heart, kept playing it and it kept growing on me.

Moneybrother - To die alone (Burning Heart)
Even though it didn't make my final top 10 list, I know this is probably the #1 Swedish pop album for a lot of people. Of all the majorly hyped acts this year, Moneybrother truly deserved it.

Monkeystrikes - You hate my beautiful love (Dust Music)
Another album that I learned to love through repeated listenings by my wife. Seriously underappreciated.

David Sandström Overdrive - Go down (Mofab Teg)
Another strong contender for the top 10 that just didn't quite make it. Just like Isolation Years, this will still sound just as satisfying in years to come.

The End Will Be Kicks - s/t (Chalksounds)
Long awaited and much anticipated. Thank god it lives up to expectations. Nobodoy does noisy Norrland indierock like Niklas Quintana. [BUY]

Notable EPs:

Convoj - s/t (Chalksounds) [BUY]

Firefox AK - What's that sound (Razzia/Combat Disc) [BUY]

I'm From Barcelona - Sing!! (self-released)

Seven Feet Four - To kill is easy (Hysteri/Tenderversion) [BUY]

Torpedo - Declare despair (Strange Fruit)

Thu, 29 Sep 2005 00:00:00 -0700

Photo: Henrik has updated with new pics of Monkeystrikes, Silverbullit, Mattias Alkberg BD and Håkan Hellström: http://www.photohenrik.com/

Mon, 18 Jul 2005 00:00:00 -0700

New mp3 today from Monkeystrikes, the band fronted by Cecilia Nordlund. A lot of you probably first heard Cecilia from her duet with Marit Bergman on "Adios amigos", but some of you might also remember her from her mid-90s indierock act Souls. Monkeystrikes' debut album "You hate my beautiful love" has been out for a little while already, but I've only just started to really get into it. It's interesting to hear just how much Cecilia has grown over the years, both as a vocalist/performer and as a songwriter. The new material manages to strike a perfect balance between the bombast of her earlier material and a new-found pop sensibility, all rounded out by her strong personality. It's especially apparent on songs like the one I've posted today - what starts as a pretty little love tune takes a turn for the morbid for verse two and then returns to the chorus hook to build and repeat until it wraps up at just over 3 minutes. The whole album is just stock full of gems like this and I can't recommend it enough. Check it out.

Podcast: Summer bummer

Thu, 30 Jun 2005 00:00:00 -0700

DATE ADDED : 06.19.05
LENGTH : 31:44 min
DOWNLOAD : itsatrap_podcast_06302005.mp3 (22.3mb)
RSS : [click here]

Tracklist:
01. Dexter's Moon - In the end
02. Kristofer Åström - The coo coo
03. Det Gamla Landet - Solnedgång över lele
04. Susanna and the Magical Orchestra - Jolene
05. Amandine - Stitches
06. Bear Quartet - Mom and dad
07. Hederos & Hellberg - Pale blue eyes
08. Monkeystrikes - With or without me

Podcast: Feel-good summer mix

Tue, 14 Jun 2005 00:00:00 -0700

DATE ADDED : 06.14.05
LENGTH : 34:16 min
DOWNLOAD : itsatrap_podcast_06142005.mp3 (24.1mb)
RSS : [click here]

Tracklist:
01. Desert Planet - Breakout button
02. Randy - Beware (feat. Fat Mike)
03. The First Miles - Baby baby baby baby baby baby baby I love you
04. Moneybrother - My lil girl's straight from heaven
05. Double-O - Call of a lifetime
06. Caesars - Get off of my cloud
07. Monkeystrikes - Let's go to Hawaii
08. The Fine Arts Showcase - Galveston
09. Tigerbombs - 1000 sparks
10. Eric Beyond - Step off
11. Giant Robot - Boys and girls

Mon, 13 Jun 2005 00:00:00 -0700

The second single from the new Monkeystrikes album is the song "Let's go to Hawaii" and you can download an mp3 here: http://www.monkeystrikes.com/letsgo.mp3
Look for a video to hit the air shortly, too.

Mon, 09 May 2005 00:00:00 -0700

This week's Musikbyrån update features videos from The Tough Alliance, Paragon, Monkeystrikes, Efterklang and more: http://svt.se/svt/jsp/Crosslink.jsp?d=32531

Mon, 18 Apr 2005 00:00:00 -0700

Listen to a stream of the new Monkeystrikes single "You hate my beautiful love" over at the band's website: http://www.monkeystrikes.com/
The new album of the same name comes out April 27 via Dust Music.

Mon, 14 Mar 2005 00:00:00 -0800

Monkeystrikes debut full-length album "You Hate My Beautiful Love" has been confirmed for release on April 27 via Dust Music. The recording was handled by Nathan Larson at Tambourine Studios and features guest appearances from Marit Bergman, Nina Persson and David Sandström.

Top ten: First half 2004

Wed, 23 Jun 2004 00:00:00 -0700

The summer is here and the solstice has passed, leaving us smack dab in the middle of the calendar. 'Bout time we took a look back, right? Back at the beginning of 2004 I declared it to be the year of the singer/songwriter and whaddya know - they make up the majority of the lists you're about to read. Lists? As in plural? Yup, while I count up my top album picks for the year so far (+ one EP), colleague Jim Kelly of Parasol chimes in with his top EP picks. So let's get to it! In no particular order...

Avi's top 10 albums of the year so far:

01. Sophie Zelmani - Love affair (Columbia)
Okay, so this technically came out in the final week of 2003, but as far as I'm concerned, it might as well be from 2004. Who the heck puts out a new album at that time anyways? Regardless of release date, it's a great record - quiet and understated and full of sweetness and beauty. It never quite whallops you over the head with it's positive qualities either, rather it slowly unfurls them like tentacles, slithering them into your brain.

02. David Sandström - The dominant need of the needy is to be needed (Mofab Teg)
Part of this album's appeal lies in its element of surprise. It's nothing like any of David's previous work with Refused and it really isn't much like his first solo album either. In no way did I expect something as folky as this. We're talking clever lyrics and good songs, the kind of stuff you can imagine playing around a campfire. A solid piece of work the whole way through.

03. Kristofer Åström - Loupita (Startracks)
Kristofer's last couple EP releases were good, but I was definitely not ready for how amazing "Loupita" is. I can't quite put my finger on what makes it so special though. Is it Mattias Friberg's (Logh) production? Britta Persson's guest vocals? The song selection themselves? I'm not sure, but the end result is amazing. I have no doubt that this will remain as one of my favorite albums for the entire year.

04. Tiger Lou - Is my head still on? (Startracks)
Startracks scores with yet another up-and-coming singer/songwriter. Tiger's earlier EPs never completely blew me away, but then I saw him live and was mightily impressed. Only then was I able to go back and listen to the older stuff with newfound appreciation. Something about hearing him play solo made me better understand what he was was about. Then this debut full-length came out and knocked me slack-jawed. The talent that was only hinted at from before finally became realized. Everything about him was stepped up a notch, be it the songwriting, the playing or the vocals. If he continues on like this, I think it's just the first step of what could be quite a career.

05. Sivert Høyem - Ladies and gentlemen of the opposition (EMI Norway)
With this record, Sivert faced the difficult job of distinguishing himself as a solo performer apart from his main act Madrugada. With a voice as distinctive as his, that's no easy task. But you know what? He succeeds, even outdoing that other band's more recent work. The mood is lighter and the songwriting is breezier and I think the excitement of doing something a bit different shines through. One can't wallow in gloom all the time, y'know. And that's not to say it's all sunshine either, there's still plenty of emotional depth, it's just conveyed differently. I knew I liked this record as soon as I first heard it, but it's getting even better with repeated listens. End-of-year contender? Yep.

06. The End Will Be Kicks - If you see them tell them I love them EP (Chalksounds)
As yes, my one EP pick of the lot. Niklas Quintana from Him Kerosene/Breach strikes back with a new band and kicks out the motherfucking jams. We're talking about huge intertwining guitar melodies, all done in Niklas' distinctive and unique style. Can I say best debut of 2004? My only complaint: it's only four songs long. More!

07. C.Aarmé - s/t (Burning Heart/Carcrash/Epitaph)
This album is simply vicious. Never once do they let up the full-throttle attack, from the moment they start to the very bitter end. So amazingly tight and energetic. I'm glad Epitaph had the good sense to license this for a US release as hopefully that means I'll get a chance to see 'em play live on these shores. Make it happen, dammit! Just don't send 'em out on a lame package tour. I'd feel bad for other sorry bands that'll be forced to follow them on stage night after night.

08. Koma - Tsunami (Black Star Foundation/Fullsteam Records)
I feel like a broken record I've said it so many times already, but this record truly surprised me. At first I was just like "meh, more mid-tempo heavy melodic rock - I guess the Ozzfest crowd is still into this stuff," but then I made myself go back for repeated listens and was justly rewarded. This is good stuff: epic riffs, melodic vocals, good melodies, huge choruses and plenty of true heaviness. It's amazing that so many bands try to do this stuff (ahem, see anything recent from Roadrunner Records) and fail so miserably, but goshdarnit, Koma figured it out.

09. Marit Bergman - Baby dry your eye (BMG)
Marit creates perfect pop albums. She's got heartfelt ballads, goofy pop singalongs and everything in between. As always, a lot of her appeal for me lies in her straightforward accessibility and simplicity. There is just something so basic, honest, sweet and heartfelt about her. I'd even go as far to say there's something timeless about her. It's the kind of pop music that transcends the era in which it's created, as the sentiments and ideas are the sorts of things that will never sound dated. But is it a classic? Let's talk in another few years.

10. KVLR - s/t (Stickman/It's a trap!)
If I didn't love this album so much, I wouldn't have put it out. Simple as that. Just like TEWBK, it's got everything I look for in the music I love: loud guitars, complex, yet delicate melodies, and pounding drums. Perfect.

Jim's top 10 EPs of the year so far:

01. Jens Lekman - Maples Leaves EP (Secretly Canadian/Service)
02. Jens Lekman - Rocky Dennis EP (Secretly Canadian/Service)
Twenty-two-year-old wunderkind songwriter Jens Lekman, the artist formerly known as Rocky Dennis, is the Swedish Scott Walker, the Scandinavian Morrissey, a Nordic Stephin Merritt, and the Arctic's very own Divine Comedy... Lusciously lofi orchestral pop bliss combines late-60's soft pop, lotsa piano, sampled beats and a sweet voice full of camp and heartbreaking melancholy and distinctive turns of phrase, morose to the point of paralysis or catharsis he hasn't sorted out which.

03. Eskju Divine - Darkness All Around EP (Imperial Recordings)
Debut of melodramatic pop otherworldliness from Eskju Divine, who have chosen to eschew guitar and focus on piano, bass and drums. That said you will not believe the heights of anthemic grandeur the band can attain without the axe. Names are being dropped like Coldplay, Ben Folds, and even classic U2, along with being likened to 70s symphonic pop, but that doesn't begin to explain the overwhelming, incandescence beauty of ED's massive, melodious soundscapes balanced with timeless pop and beautiful voices, ambitious arrangements clothed in sweltering reverb. Out of all these EPs this is the strongest and most enticing, as I suspect the album will be even huger.

04. José González - Stay In The Shade EP (Imperial Recordings)
The newest EP from acclaimed Swedish/Argentine minstrel whose debut album, "Veneer", garnered José comparisons to Nick Drake, Mark Kozelek, Elliott Smith, and Father & Son Buckley. "Stay In The Shade" is taken from "Veneer", while the two new songs, "Down The Hillside" and "Sensing Owls" are among his very best tunes to date. Also included is a lovely cover of Kylie Minogue's "Hand On Your Heart" and a long lush instrumental. José's a total genius, there's no getting around it.

05. Pete Thompson - Self-Titled EP (Johnny Brattom)
Starkly psychedelic Nordic folkrock masquerading as melancholy Americana? Like British soft-popper John Cunningham with a Neil Young infatuation, Pete's voice is warm like the sun, blazing in fact, and backed strummy acoustic guitars and luminous harmonies. The highlight here is the simply described "Folk Song", with it's muted accordion lead and gloriously subdued falsetto harmonies on the chorus. This one is all about moonlight.

06. Rundfunk - Kings & Queens EP (A Westside Fabrication)
Stockholm's Rundfunk offers dizzying electro-pop and technofunk grooves bombarded with squiggly synths and guitar, shaded with hip-hop, house, Latin and 70s AM radio pop. The single "Kings & Queens" is a singalong psychedelic pomp-romp, rivaling the Elephant 6 and Kindercopre rosters for sheer opiate-ability, and kitchensinkness, plus there's even a bagpipe solo. Encompasses everything from Stones Roses to Pet Shop Boys to Avalanches to Magnetic Fields, with a mood-enhancing beatboxing loosey-goosey-ness.

07. Hip Whips - s/t EP (Dubious/S56)
Incredible debut from Scandinavian soul-pop-rock outfit Hip Whips, an organ-saturated riot! Songs range from pulse-racing rave-ups to eyelash-fluttering ballads to languid, luminous psychedelia? What propels The Hip Whips is The Holy Spirit of Rock 'n' Roll and Blue-Eyed Soul burning incandescently within the heart of mainman Markus Lindmark. Lindmark sings, possessed by phantoms of eras long past and kicks the Hammond organ-overdrive (actually a huge old wooden Korg) so hard you can hear the beast's veneers creaking and wheezing. while the rhythm section artfully swaggers or strolls, depending on their mood. Think Spencer Davis Group, ? And The Mysterians, The Stones, Procol Harum, Van Morrison. But what really sets Hip Whips apart is the most loving homage to late sixties recording values (or lack thereof?). It is such a freakin' timewarp, it is so very very very 1967 that it does not even qualify as "retro". A seance of classic rock, soul, and pop. Probably this came out in 2003, but new to me in 2004, and more likely qualifies as a mini-album with 9 tracks, although a couple are lovely little between-song interludes. But who cares?

08. Eric Beyond - Step Off EP (Flora & Fauna/Idiotwind)
Sir Eric Beyond redefines twee. Known as The Most Sensitive Guy In Stockholm, an eccentric singer-songwriter-nature-lover from Stockholm, has finally released his debut EP. Upon first listen there's no doubt Eric deserves the title. The four songs feature Eric's meek and moving, teensy tiny popsongs sung in his exquisitely squeaky falsetto (Beyond, indeed)? EP features guest appearances from Nina Persson (The Cardigans) and Ludvig Rylander (The Concretes, The Chrysler, Moder Jords Massiva), among others. The title track's chorus features one of the best listener double-takes of all time! Old highschool pal Nina Persson joins Eric for a duet on "Prom Night" and I had no idea Nina could sing so high! Or is that Eric?

09. David & The Citizens - Bill Chill EP (Adrian Recordings)
Bear Quartet vocalist Mattias Alkberg joins David & The Citizens for this brand new tune, "Big Chill", a guitar-pop romp with a rollicking punk edge. A great way for BQ fans to check out D+TC and vice versa. A mutual appreciation society might result. The EP also features an alternate version of "Let's Not Fall Apart" (with pal Sara Culler on background vocals), plus two exclusive tunes, both rather Belle & Sebastian-esque: "Everything You'll Never See" employs a dramatic trumpet while "Kellerman's Song" gently weeps. One of Sweden's best pop bands? Nifty fold out poster sleeve.

10. Monkeystrikes - Angry Knees EP (Planekonomi)
Simmering guitar-rock with a defiantly sultry swing from Stockholm's Monkeystrikes, like Blondie meets Babes In Toyland meets Bikini Kill, with some extremely feverish production. Monkeystrikes feature former members of The Souls, including vocalist-guitarist Cecelia Nordlund, who unveils an intensity bordering on immolation, what with her smoldering riffs and vocal pyrotechnics. For fans of high-octane action like Sahara Hotnights, the searing sensuality of The Cardigans, and fiery Pixies-styled riff-and-lick-blasts? "Lost On The Lawn" is my favorite here, and it, in keeping with the theme of heat and combustion, just explodes. Beautifully designed digipak...orange.

Thu, 20 May 2004 00:00:00 -0700

Monkeystrikes and Universal Poplab are playing some of the dates on the Arvika Festival tour. Details: http://www.galaxen.se/

Mon, 26 Apr 2004 00:00:00 -0700

More bands confirmed for Popaganda: Bergman Rock, Tough Alliance, David & The Citizen, Division of Laura Lee, Last Days of April, Monkeystrikes, Fine Arts Showcase, Action Biker, Jmyhaze Beatbox, Differnet, Slagsmålsklubben, The Light Bulb Project, Anna Ternheim, Eskju Divine, Fibi Frap and Wonderboy. More info: http://www.popaganda.nu/

Tue, 20 Apr 2004 00:00:00 -0700

The new Revolver webzine is online with a feature on Monkeystrikes: http://www.revolver.nu/ (in Swedish)

Wed, 14 Apr 2004 00:00:00 -0700

Via Dagensskiva, here's this week's top 20 student radio chart:

01. (01) Morrissey "Irish Blood, English Heart"
02. (15) Franz Ferdinand "Matinee"
03. (08) Jens Lekman "You Are The Light"
04. (03) The White Stripes "There's No Home For You Here"
05. (07) The Streets "Fit But You Know It"
06. (02) Graham Coxon "Freakin' Out"
07. (06) Infinite Mass "No.1 Swartskalle"
08. (09) Pitch Black "It's All Real"
09. (12) Basement Jaxx "Plug It In"
10. (04) Her Space Holiday "My Girlfriend's Boyfriend"
11. (05) Promoe "These Walls Don't Lie"
12. (NY) The Tough Alliance "Make It Happen"
13. (11) Teddybears Sthlm Feat. Mad Cobra "Cobrastyle"
14. (14) Syd Matters "Black & White Eyes"
15. (NY) Kelis "Trick Me"
16. (20) Division Of Laura Lee "Does Compute"
17. (NY) Dilated Peoples Feat. Kanye West "This Way"
18. (16) Monkeystrikes "Angry Knees"
19. (17) Automato "The Single"
20. (NY) Scissor Sisters "Take Your Mama"

Leaving the chart:
10. I Am Kloot "From Your Favourite Sky"
13. Geeza "I Know You Don't Like Me (I Hate You)"
18. Kanye West "Through The Wire"
19. Eskobar "Bring The Action"

Sun, 11 Apr 2004 00:00:00 -0700

Musique One Stop has updated with new pics of Marit Bergman, Monkeystrikes and Speedmarket Avenue: http://www.photohenrik.com/mos/

Mon, 29 Mar 2004 00:00:00 -0800

Next weekend Monkeystrikes will be heading to Stockholm to make a video for the song "Angry Knees" with Henry Moore Selder. That's the title track to their new EP which comes out March 31 via Planekonomi. Full tracklist:

01. Lost on the Lawn
02. Lovecontainer
03. Angry Knees
04. Wont stop rock n´roll

Wed, 03 Mar 2004 00:00:00 -0800

Monkeystrikes will make an appearance on the Swedish TV show Musikbyrån on March 10 where they will do an interview and premiere their new video for "Angry Knees".

Tue, 02 Mar 2004 00:00:00 -0800

It shouldn't really be all that surprising considering their collaboration on the song "Adios Amigos", but it's now confirmed that Monkeystrikes will be supporting Marit Bergman on her upcoming tour. Those dates again:

03/31 - KB, Malmö
04/01 - Storan, Göteborg
04/02 - Nalen, Stockholm
04/03 - Kårallen, Linköping
04/09 - Folkets Park, Huskvarna
04/10 - Metropol, Hultsfred
04/11 - Mejeriet, Nybro
04/16 - Dinos, Sandviken
04/24 - Rust, Köpenhamn

Thu, 26 Feb 2004 00:00:00 -0800

New artists added to the Umeå Open lineup: Turbonegro, Metric, Chords, Dismember, Tiger Lou, Moonbabies, Monkeystrikes, Swing-A-Ling Movement, DJ Topaz, Sagor & Swing, Indiffernet, Ninja Massacre, Tidy-Ups, Tor Lundmark & Songes and Sofia Gustafsson.

Fri, 20 Feb 2004 00:00:00 -0800

Monkeystrikes tour dates in Sweden:

03/31 - KB, Malmö
04/01 - Storan, Göteborg
04/02 - Nalen, Stockholm
04/03 - Kårallen, Linköping
04/10 - Metropol, Hultsfred
04/11 - Mejeriet, Nybro
04/16 - Dinos, Sandviken
04/24 - Rust, Köpenhamn

Thu, 19 Feb 2004 00:00:00 -0800

A bit of Planekonomi news...

Monkeystrikes is getting ready to shoot a video for the first single "Lost on the Lawn" from their debut EP "Angry Knees". Henry Moore Selder (The Hives, The Knife, Jimi Tenor) will direct. Also, on the same day the EP is released on March 31, the band will hit the road for a couple weeks. Dates and details soon.

The next Mattias Alkberg BD single from his album "Tunaskolan" will be "Don Quixote" and it will be released in April. As for the album track "Levande Begravd" ("buried alive"), look for a special limited edition 7" of that coming soon from Hot Stuff. It's a cover of Swedish punk legends Liket Lever just in case you were unaware (like me).

Lastly, the label would like to welcome Stockholm-based band Stella Rocket to the family. Their debut album was produced by the ever-talented Jari Haapalainen of Bear Quartet and will be out soon. In case you didn't know, Jari's previous credits include bands such as The Concretes, Laakso and Moneybrother.

Mon, 09 Feb 2004 00:00:00 -0800

Former indie queen Marit Bergman is back in business and got her website online again. Her new single "Adios Amigos" is a duet with Cecilia from Monkeystrikes and should be out real soon. The major label debut album follows on March 17 and the tour will kick off on the 31st. More details soon.

Wed, 21 Jan 2004 00:00:00 -0800

This coming March, Swedish indie label Planekonomi will release the debut EP "Angry Knees" from Monkeystrikes. This new band features vocalist Cecilia Nordlund and bassist Johan Karlsson of the seminal Swedish rockband Souls and the recording was produced by Nille Perned (Wannadies, Kent). But that's not all! I've got a semi-exclusive preview mp3 for you to enjoy. Check it out on the right.

Tue, 20 Jan 2004 00:00:00 -0800

Swedish booking agency Luger has added Monkeystrikes and Mattias Alkberg BD (Bear Quartet) to their roster. Look for new tourdates from both of them shortly.