IT'S A TRAP! Scandinavian Music Journal

The Silent Ballet reviews Motorpsycho

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 15:33:41 -0700

The Silent Ballet weighs in on the new Motorpsycho album "The death defying unicorn": http://thesilentballet.com/reviews/2012/03/motorpsycho-and-st-le-storl-kken-the-death-defying-unicorn

Listen to Norway Jan/Feb 2012 new release spotlight

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:02:21 -0800

Listen to Norway has posted a round-up of new releases from January/February, highlighting new albums from artists such as Tord Gustavsen Quartet, Nordic Voices, Motorpsycho and more: http://www.listento.no/mic.nsf/doc/art2012020609363579684596

Death defying unicorn preview

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:16:33 -0800

Preview the new Motorpsycho double-album "The death defying unicorn": http://3voor12.vpro.nl/luisterpaal/albums/The-Death-Defying-Unicorn.html

Death defying unicorn details

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 19:33:56 -0800

Rune Grammofon has posted details for the upcoming Motorpsycho double-album concept work and Ståle Storløkken collaboration "The death defying unicorn": http://www.runegrammofon.com/artists/motorpsycho/rcd-2124-motorpsycho-and-stale-storlokken-the-death-defying-/

Rune Grammofon acts live in London

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 19:05:04 -0800

Rune Grammofon artists Jenny Hval and Phaedra will be making their London debut together at the Borderline on March 19. And in related news, labelmates Motorpsycho will be playing London as well, at the Garage on April 12.

Rune Grammofon release schedule update

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 18:29:47 -0800

Here's an update on Rune Grammofon's release schedule for Q12012:

01/20 - Bushman's Revenge - A little bit of big bonanza (CD/LP)
01/20 - Bushman's Revenge - Never mind the botox (LP)
02/17 - Motorpsycho with <>Ståle Storløkken - The death defying unicorn (2CD/2LP)
03/02 - Astrïd - High blues (CD)
03/02 - Volcano the Bear (UK) - Golden rhythm / Ink music (CD/LP)
03/16 - Susanna - Wild dog (CD)

Rune Grammofon to release new records from Bushman's Revenge, El Doom, Motorpsycho

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 18:07:53 -0800

Rune Grammofon will be releasing two new records from Bushman's Revenge in January, along with the debut from El Doom & The Born Electric (ex-The Cumshots/Thulsa Doom) followed by, in February, a new double album from Motorpsycho. Samples at the label's website: http://www.runegrammofon.com/mp3player/

Jonas Jonsson - Samtidigt, en timme från stan

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 16:44:59 -0800

Jonas Jonsson of Swedish indie act Bedroom Eyes has recorded a new 4-track EP under his own name which finds him doing Swedish-language covers of Teenage Fanclub, Motorpsycho, Big Star and Beth Orton. Download for free and get more details (including videos, lyrics and chords!) at his website: http://www.jonasjonsson.net/

Motorpsycho + Ståle Storløkken - Orgelfest (live video)

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 17:58:40 -0800

Motorpsycho and Ståle Storløkken perform live at the Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, Norway for Orgelfest, an epic night of improv jams based around the church's organ. Motorpsycho will be doing it again at Domkirke in Oslo on November 28.

Rune Grammofon confirms new Motorpsycho live album

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 21:57:11 -0700

Rune Grammofon will release the new Motorpsycho live album "Roadwork vol. 4 - Intrepid skronk" on April 8 on both CD and 2xLP: http://www.runegrammofon.com/artists/motorpsycho/rcd-2110-motorpsycho-roadwork-vol-4-intrepid-skronk-cd/

Spellemann 2010 nominees

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 14:23:10 -0800

The nominees for this year's Spellemann awards, the Norwegian Grammy, have been announced:

Female Artist:
Christel Alsos - Tomorrow is (Sony Music)
Ida Maria - Katla (Nightliner/Universal Music)
Ingrid Olava - The guest (Universal Music)
Susanne Sundfør - The brothel (EMI Music Norway)

Male Artist:
Moddi - Floriography (Impeller Recordings)
Odd Nordstoga - November (Sonet/Universal Music)
Thom Hell - All good things (Voices Music and Entertainment)
Thomas Dybdahl - Waiting for that one clear moment (Universal Music)

Pop Group:
deLillos - Hjernen er alene i Operaen (Warner Music Norway)
I was a king - Old friends (Hype City Recordings/Voices Music and Entertainment)
Kråkesølv - Bomtur til jorda (Kråkesølv Plateselskapet/Grand Sport Records)
Madcon - Contraband (Cosmos Music Group)

Electronic:
Bjørn Torske - Kokning (Smalltown Supersound)
Lindstrøm & Christabelle - Real life is no cool (Smalltown Supersound)
Ost & Kjex - Cajun lunch (Voices Music and Entertainment/Dynamic Music)

Rock:
Blood Command - Ghostclocks (Tiger Safari/Fysisk Format)
Kvelertak - Kvelertak (Indie Recordings)
Motorpsycho - Heavy metal fruit (Rune Grammofon)
Serena-Maneesh - No 2: Abyss in b minor (Smalltown Supersound/4AD)
Tommy Tokyo & Starving for My Gravy - Go time, showtime & absolute war (Warner Music Norway)

Metal:
Enslaved - Axioma Ethica Odini (Indie Recordings)
Ihsahn - After (Tuba Records/Candlelight)
Shining - Blackjazz (Indie Recordings)
Solefald - Norrøn livskunst (Indie Recordings)

Hip-Hop:
Karpe Diem - Aldri solgt en løgn (Cosmos Music Group)
Lars Vaular - Helt om natten, helt om dagen (Cosmos Music Group)
Salvador Sanchez - Happy daze (MTG Productions)

Folk:
Gjermund Larsen trio - Aurum (Heilo/Grappa Musikkforlag)
Ingvill Marit Buen Garnås og Per Anders Buen Garnås - Salme, segn & solbøn (Talik Da)
Sondre Bratland/Annbjørg Lien - Alle vegne (Kirkelig Kulturverksted)
Unni Boksasp Ensemble - Keramello (Øra Fonogram)

Jazz:
Elephant9 - Walk the nile (Rune Grammofon)
Ivar Antonsen/Vigleik Storaas - Dialogues (Ponca Jazz Records)
Paolo Vinaccia - Very much alive (Jazzland Recordings)
Supersilent - 10 (Rune Grammofon)
Trondheim Jazz Orchestra - Triads and more (Midtnorsk Jazzsenter)

Open Class:
Beady Belle - At Welding Bridge (Jazzland Recordings)
Jaga Jazzist - One-armed bandit (Universal Music)
Karl Seglem - Ossicles (Nor CD/Ozella Music)
Pelbo - Pelbo (Denstad Rec Play Forward/Rhinoprod)
Petter Wettre/Audun Kleive - The only way to travel 2 (Household Records)

Lyrics:
Bare Egil Band - I fyr og flamme (Grappa/Duplex)
Erik Fosnes Hansen - Neste stasjon Grorud (Daworks Records)
Ingrid Olava - The guest (Universal Music) Odd Nordstoga - November (Sonet/Universal Music)
Susanne Sundfør - The brothel (EMI Music Norway)

Pop Composition:
Gjermund Larsen - Aurum (Heilo/Grappa)
Ingrid Olava - The guest (Universal Music)
Odd Nordstoga - November (Sonet/Universal Music)
Susanne Sundfør - The brothel (EMI Music Norway)
Thom Hell - All good things (Voices Music and Entertainment)

Newcomer:
Bjørn Johan Muri (Universal Music)
Frida Ånnevik (Grappa Musikkforlag)
Kvelertak (Indie Recordings)
Moddi (Impeller Recordings)
Thomas Eriksen (Warner Music Group)

Winners will be announced on March 5. More here: http://www.spellemann.no/

Motorpsycho planning two albums, tour

Tue, 11 Jan 2011 15:26:27 -0800

Motorpsycho is planning on releasing a live album later this year as well as a new studio record based on the material they performed with Ståle Storløkken and the Trondheim Jazzorkester at last year's Moldejazz Festival. The band will also be touring a bit in April and here's what's confirmed so far:

04/13 - Azkena, Bilbao (ESP)
04/14 - Rocksound, Barcelona (ESP)
04/15 - 12 & Medio, Murcia (ESP)
04/16 - El Sol, Madrid (ESP)
07/14-17 - Burg Herzberg Festival, Breitenbach (GER)

Dagbladet top 20 for 2010

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 12:14:00 -0800

Dagbladet's top 20 Norwegian albums of 2010:

01. Kvelertak - Kvelertak
02. Susanne Sundfør - The Brothel
03. Motorpsycho - Heavy Metal Fruit
04. Lars Vaular - Helt om natten, helt om dagen
05. Serena Maneesh - S-M No 2: Abyss In B Minor
06. Thomas Dybdahl - Waiting For That One Clear Moment
07. Ost & Kjex - Cajun Lunch
08. Hellbillies - Leite etter lykka
09. Odd Nordstoga - November
10. Kråkesølv - Bomtur til jorda
11. Röyksopp - Senior
12. Shining - Blackjazz
13. Karpe Diem - Aldri solgt en løgn
14. Frida Ånnevik - Synlige hjerteslag
15. Narum - Ælt som var søkk borte
16. Lindstrøm & Christabelle - Real Life Is No Cool
17. Casiokids - Topp stemning på lokal bar
18. Bjørn Eidsvåg - Rundt neste sving
19. Grande - You Are The Night
20. Kenneth Ishak & The Freedom Machines - Kenneth Ishak & The Freedom Machines

Link: http://www.dagbladet.no/2010/12/07/kultur/musikk/musikkanmeldelser/anmeldelser/arets_beste/14613152/

Motorpsycho and Elephant9 to play London

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 16:29:47 -0800

Listen to Norway reports that quality acts Motorpsycho and Elephant9 will be teaming up for a one-off UK gig at the Borderline on November 24: http://www.listento.no/mic.nsf/doc/art2010111714473471404898

Burning Ambulance on Timothy's monster

Fri, 12 Nov 2010 16:55:37 -0800

Burning Ambulance reviews the expanded reissue of Motorpsycho's "Timothy's monster", which is especially interesting as it's written by someone with an admitted ignorance of the band's long career, thus coming to the music with absolutely no prejudice and/or preconceived notions: http://burningambulance.com/2010/11/08/motorpsycho/

99 Minutes #6

Mon, 04 Oct 2010 14:47:49 -0700

Episode #6 of Norwegian music podcast "99 Minutes" is now online: http://www.listento.no/mic.nsf/doc/art2010100410432464509498
Featured artists include Dimmu Borgir, Alog, Monzano, Supersilent, Hanne Hukkelberg, Jenny Hval, Motorpsycho and more.

This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart

Fri, 17 Sep 2010 19:57:33 -0700

This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart:

01. Diverse artister - Melodi Grand Prix Junior 2010
02. Skambankt - Søvnløs
03. Hellbillies - Leite etter lykka
04. Harrys Gym - What was ours can't be yours
05. A-ha - 25
06. Contrazt - Ser på verden
07. Vestlandsfanden - Livets Glade Plommer
08. The Respatexans - Hellbilly Heaven
09. Susanne Sundfør - The Brothel
10. Kvelertak - Kvelertak
11. Beady Belle - At Welding Bridge
12. Elg - Storm
13. Diverse artister - Go'natt
14. Knutsen & Ludvigsen - Knutsen & Ludvigsens beste
15. Roy Lønhøiden - Tilbake i tid - de beste sangene
16. Torbjørn Egner - Samlede CD-er
17. Jan Toft - Alle e aleina
18. Karpe Diem - Aldri Solgt En Løgn
19. Motorpsycho - Timothy's Monster
20. Lars Vaular - Helt om natten, Helt om dagen

This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 19:08:56 -0700

This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart:

01. Hellbillies - Leite etter lykka
02. Contrazt - Ser på verden
03. Vestlandsfanden - Livets Glade Plommer
04. A-ha - 25
05. Susanne Sundfør - The Brothel
06. Guren Hagen - Takke Meg Tel
07. Roy Lønhøiden - Tilbake i tid - de beste sangene
08. Kvelertak - Kvelertak
09. Motorpsycho - Timothy's Monster
10. Knutsen & Ludvigsen - Knutsen & Ludvigsens beste
11. Jan Toft - Alle e aleina
12. Aasmund Nordstoga - Friaren
13. Karpe Diem - Aldri Solgt En Løgn
14. Trond Granlund - Sanger jeg lærte av faren min
15. Diverse artister - Go'natt
16. Stage Dolls - Always
17. Lars Vaular - Helt om natten, Helt om dagen
18. Madrugada - Industrial Silence
19. Donkeyboy - Caught in a Life
20. Steff Nevers - Ain't no bad life

MP3: Mindy Misty - Volcano sea

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 12:07:28 -0700

Yes, I am a total sucker for noisy indierock, especially if it has a distinct 90s bent, and Norway's Mindy Misty fit that bill to a tee. Not that I want to get all grumpy-old-man about it, but I like what I like and there's no getting around it and this stuff goes straight to the heart. Anyhow, they've apparently been kicking around for awhile already since the upcoming record "Generic communion" will be their 3rd release (due out September 6 via their own Handmade Records), but this is the first I've heard of them and I'm way, way into it. They've got tons of thick Sonic Youth-esque harmonies and when they combine it with that oh-so-Scandinavian sense of melody, they can't lose. Give me slightly buried vocals and a hard-driving rhythm section on top of that and I'm sold. Easy and done! So if you dig KVLR, early Motorpsycho, Unwound, Dinosaur Jr., etc etc... you will be into this. And you should.

This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 16:20:31 -0700

This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart:

01. Hellbillies - Leite etter lykka
02. Contrazt - Ser på verden
03. Motorpsycho - Timothy's Monster
04. Susanne Sundfør - The Brothel
05. Alexander Rybak - No Boundaries
06. Jan Toft - Alle e aleina
07. Vestlandsfanden - Livets Glade Plommer
08. Kvelertak - Kvelertak
09. Aasmund Nordstoga - Friaren
10. Guren Hagen - Alle de beste
11. Roy Lønhøiden - Tilbake i tid - de beste sangene
12. Karpe Diem - Aldri Solgt En Løgn
13. Knutsen & Ludvigsen - Dum og Deilig - Knutsen og Ludvigsen
14. Trond Granlund - Sanger jeg lærte av faren min
15. Lars Vaular - Helt om natten, Helt om dagen
16. Donkeyboy - Caught in a Life
17. Elg - Storm
18. Diverse artister - Go'natt
19. Madrugada - Industrial Silence
20. Celine - Jentekveld

Defender EP coming via Mas-Kina

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 16:23:10 -0700

Mas-Kina Recordings will be releasing a 10" + digital EP from Norwegian thrash/bluegrass act Defender on August 30. Listen at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/defender1986
PS, the band features Håkon Gebhardt (ex-Motorpsycho/HGH).

99 Minutes #4

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 15:53:44 -0700

Episode #4 of Listen to Norway's "99 minutes" podcast series is now online: http://www.listento.no/mic.nsf/doc/art2010081612422029193408
Featured artists include Valkyrien Allstars, Motorpsycho, Arne Nordheim, Kvelertak, Todd Terje, The Whitest Boy Alive and more, plus an interview with renown jazz pianist Tord Gustavsen.

Motorpsycho boxset in the works

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 17:51:13 -0700

There will be a 4CD Motorpsycho boxset released in August to coincide with the band's special performance of "Timothy's monster" at Øyafestivalen: http://www.ballade.no/nmi.nsf/doc/art2010061512350674097962 (in Norwegian)

99 Minutes #3

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 17:27:47 -0700

The latest episode of Listen to Norway's podcast series "99 minutes" is up now: http://www.listento.no/mic.nsf/doc/art2010061414132951596246
Featured artists include Hanne Hukkelberg, Håkon Kornstad, Ost & Kjex, Katzenjammer, Arve Henriksen, Motorpsycho and Karin Krog.

Rune Grammofon to be "Label in Residence" at Moldejazz

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 17:17:01 -0700

Rune Grammofon will be a special "Label in Residence" at this year's Moldejazz Festival in Molde, Norway beginning on July 19. The label is celebrating their 100th release and will exhibiting sleeve art from at their catalog as well as presenting many affiliated artists such as In The Country, Puma, Stian Westerhus with Sidsel Endresen, Bushman's Revenge, Espen Eriksen Trio, Biosphere with Nils Petter Molvær and also a special commissioned work from Motorpsycho and Ståle Storløkken (Supersilent, Humcrush, Elephant9) to be performed with the Trondheim Jazz Orkester and Trondheimsolistene. More info: http://www.moldejazz.no/2010/

The fans decide: "Timothy's monster"

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:07:03 -0800

"Timothy's monster" has been selected as the one album Motorpsycho will perform in its entirety at this year's Øyafestivalen: http://www.oyafestivalen.com/pages/eng/593-motorpsychos_masterpiece_timothys_monster_to_be_played_at_oeya

This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 19:17:59 -0800

This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart:

01. Navigators - The Straight And Narrow
02. Diverse artister - Melodi Grand Prix 2010
03. Ingrid Olava - The Guest
04. Donkeyboy - Caught in a Life
05. WigWam - Non Stop Rock'N'Roll
06. Bjørn Eidsvåg - De Beste
07. Jahn Teigen - Teigen - 40 Største Hits
08. Sivert Høyem - Moon Landing
09. Bjørn Hellfuck - Innforjævlig
10. Frøya - My American Dream
11. Dum Dum Boys - Tidsmaskin
12. John Olav Nilsen & Gjengen - For Sant Til Å Være Godt
13. Joddski (Jørg1) - Krig & Kjærlighet
14. Motorpsycho - Heavy Metal Fruit
15. Casiokids - Topp Stemning På Lokal Bar
16. Kråkesølv - Trådnøsting
17. Moddi - Floriography
18. D-Techs - From the Street to the Stage
19. Jaga Jazzist - One-Armed Bandit
20. Stage Dolls - Always

This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 18:46:33 -0800

This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart:

01. Ingrid Olava - The Guest
02. Diverse artister - Melodi Grand Prix 2010
03. Donkeyboy - Caught in a Life
04. Bjørn Hellfuck - Innforjævlig
05. WigWam - Non Stop Rock'N'Roll
06. Joddski (Jørg1) - Krig & Kjærlighet
07. Bjørn Eidsvåg - De Beste
08. Casiokids - Topp Stemning På Lokal Bar
09. Jahn Teigen - Teigen - 40 Største Hits
10. Motorpsycho - Heavy Metal Fruit
11. Frøya - My American Dream
12. John Olav Nilsen & Gjengen - For Sant Til Å Være Godt
13. Moddi - Floriography
14. Sivert Høyem - Moon Landing
15. Jaga Jazzist - One-Armed Bandit
16. Dum Dum Boys - Tidsmaskin
17. Diverse artister - Dugnad For Haiti
18. N'Jie Haddy - World of the free
19. Stage Dolls - Always
20. Shining - Blackjazz

This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 16:15:35 -0800

This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart:

01. Diverse artister - Melodi Grand Prix 2010
02. WigWam - Non Stop Rock'N'Roll
03. Donkeyboy - Caught in a Life
04. Frøya - My American Dream
05. Moddi - Floriography
06. Bjørn Eidsvåg - De Beste
07. Ingrid Olava - The Guest
08. Rasmus og værdens beste band - Puppan te pappa
09. Sivert Høyem - Moon Landing
10. Motorpsycho - Heavy Metal Fruit
11. Vidar Johnsen & Peter Nordberg - Ild & Vatten
12. Ila Auto - Ila Auto
13. Jahn Teigen - Teigen - 40 Største Hits
14. N'Jie Haddy - World of the free
15. John Olav Nilsen & Gjengen - For Sant Til Å Være Godt
16. Stage Dolls - Always
17. Uncle Deadly - Monkey Do
18. Claudia Scott/Casino Steel/Ottar Big Hand Johansen - Honky Tonk Night - The Best
19. Dum Dum Boys - Tidsmaskin
20. Jaga Jazzist - One-Armed Bandit

This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 13:56:55 -0800

This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart:

01. WigWam - Non Stop Rock'N'Roll
02. Diverse artister - Melodi Grand Prix 2010
03. Donkeyboy - Caught in a Life
04. Frøya - My American Dream
05. Uncle Deadly - Monkey Do
06. Motorpsycho - Heavy Metal Fruit
07. Bjørn Eidsvåg - De Beste
08. Jaga Jazzist - One-Armed Bandit
09. Kaizers Orchestra - Maskineri
10. Stage Dolls - Always
11. Vidar Johnsen & Peter Nordberg - Ild & Vatten
12. N'Jie Haddy - World of the free
13. Claudia Scott/Casino Steel/Ottar Big Hand Johansen - Honky Tonk Night - The Best
14. John Olav Nilsen & Gjengen - For Sant Til Å Være Godt
15. Jahn Teigen - Teigen - 40 Største Hits
16. Sivert Høyem - Moon Landing
17. Rita Eriksen - Frelsesarmeens Juleplate 2009
18. Ila Auto - Ila Auto
19. d'sound - Starts and Ends
20. Shining - Blackjazz

This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:45:36 -0800

This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart:

01. Bjørn Eidsvåg - De Beste
02. Frøya - My American Dream
03. WigWam - Non Stop Rock'N'Roll
04. Motorpsycho - Heavy Metal Fruit
05. Donkeyboy - Caught in a Life
06. Jaga Jazzist - One-Armed Bandit
07. Sivert Høyem - Moon Landing
08. Stage Dolls - Always
09. Dina Misund - Listen
10. John Olav Nilsen & Gjengen - For Sant Til Å Være Godt
11. Shining - Blackjazz
12. Claudia Scott/Casino Steel/Ottar Big Hand Johansen - Honky Tonk Night - The Best
13. N'Jie Haddy - World of the free
14. Vidar Johnsen & Peter Nordberg - Ild & Vatten
15. Dum Dum Boys - Tidsmaskin
16. d'sound - Starts and Ends
17. Torbjørn Egner - Samlede CD-er
18. Jahn Teigen - Teigen - 40 Største Hits
19. Jonas Fjeld feat Henning Kvitnes - Den Gamle Veien
20. Ihsahn - After

Motorpsycho to release new 7" on Rune Grammofon

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:03:01 -0800

Rune Grammofon will be releasing a new Motorpsycho 7" on February 22 featuring a short version of the track "X-3 (knuckleheads in space)" b/w "I.C.U (boinganoid)", an unreleased track from the recent "Heavy metal fruit" sessions. 1000 copies in a Kim Hiorthøy (as with all RG releases), preorder available soon.

Motorpsycho will play your favorite album at Øya

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 11:34:20 -0800

Motorpsycho is letting fans vote on which album they will play in its entirety at this year's Øyafestivalen: http://oyafestivalen.com/pages/eng/547-motorpsycho_plays_your_favourite_album_at_oeya

This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 17:27:22 -0800

This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart:

01. Motorpsycho - Heavy Metal Fruit
02. Frøya - My American Dream
03. Bjørn Eidsvåg - De Beste
04. Donkeyboy - Caught in a Life
05. Stage Dolls - Always
06. Shining - Blackjazz
07. Vidar Johnsen & Peter Nordberg - Ild & Vatten
08. Claudia Scott/Casino Steel/Ottar Big Hand Johansen - Honky Tonk Night - The Best
09. Sivert Høyem - Moon Landing
10. John Olav Nilsen & Gjengen - For Sant Til Å Være Godt
11. Pony the Pirate - This is Our Psychopedia!
12. d'sound - Starts and Ends
13. WigWam - Non Stop Rock'N'Roll
14. Dum Dum Boys - Tidsmaskin
15. Jahn Teigen - Teigen - 40 Største Hits
16. Alf Prøysen - De kjente og kjære sangene
17. Jonas Fjeld feat Henning Kvitnes - Den Gamle Veien
18. Torbjørn Egner - Samlede CD-er
19. Lindstrøm and Christabelle - Real Life Is No Cool
20. Kråkesølv - Trådnøsting

2009 Spellemannprisen nominees

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 12:53:16 -0800

The nominees for the 2009 Spellemannprisen (the Norwegian Grammy) have been announced:

Female Artist:
Ane Brun - Live At Stockholm Concert Hall (Det Er Mine, Balloon Ranger Recordings)
Hanne Hukkelberg - Blood From A Stone (Propeller Recordings)
Julie Dahle Aagård - Stompin' Feet (Sweet Morning Records)
Noora Noor - Soul Deep (Blue Mood)

Male Artist:
Alexander Rybak - Fairytales (EMI Music Norway)
Martin Hagfors - Men and flies (ME Records)
Sivert Höyem - Moon Landing (Hektor Grammofon)
Sondre Lerche - Heartbeat Radio (Rounder Records/Decca Records/Universal Music)

Pop Group:
Datarock - Red (VME/Yap Records)
Donkeyboy - Caught In A Life (Warner Music Norway)
Kings Of Convenience - Declaration Of Dependence (Virgin/EMI Music Norway)
Kråkesølv - Trådnøsting (Diger)
Montée - Isle Of Now (VME)

Electronica:
Lindstrøm & Prins Thomas - 2 (Eskimo Recordings/VME)
Mungolian Jetset - We Gave It All Away (Smalltown Supersound/VME)
Röyksopp - Junior (Virgin/EMI Music Norway)
Vinter In Hollywood - Outbreak (MTG/Vulcano Records)

Rock:
DumDum Boys - Tidsmaskin (oh Yeah!/EMI Music Norway)
Heroes & Zeros - Simian Vices Modern Devices (Nightliner/Sonet/Universal Music)
John Olav Nilsen & Gjengen - For Sant Til Å Være Godt (VME)
Motorpsycho - Child Of The Future (Rune Grammofon)
Skambankt - Hardt Regn (Tuba Records)

Metal:
Code - Resplendent Grotesque (Tabu Recordings)
Immortal - All Shall Fall (Dunder Records)
The Cumshots - A Life Less Necessary (Rodeostar)
Årabrot - The Brother Seed (Norway Rat Recordings)

Hip-hop:
Chris Lee - Love Ghost (Oslo Records/Bonnier Amigo Music)
Lars Vaular - D'e Glede (VME)
Tommy Tee - Studio Time (Bonnier Amigo Music)

Jazz:
Håvard Stubø Quartet - Way Up (Bolage)
Kim Johannesen/Svein Magnus Furu/Tore Sandbakken - Kayak (Aimsoundcity)
Nils-Petter Molvær - Hamada (Emarcy/Universal Music)
Solveig Slettahjell - Tarpan Seasons (SloMO/Universal Music)
Tord Gustavsen Ensemble - Restored, Returned (ECM)

Open Class:
Crimetime Orchestra - Atomic Symphony (Jazzaway Records)
Kristin Asbjørnsen - The Night Shines Like The Day (Emarcy/Universal Music)
Knut Reiersrud - Gitar (Jazzland Recordings/Universal Music)
Mari Boine - Sterna Paradisea (Lean/Universal Music/Emarcy)
When - Homage Series Vol.1: Sun Ra (Jester)

Lyrics:
Anne Grete Preus - Nesten Alene (Warner Music Norway)
Kjartan Kristiansen/Aslak Dørum - DumDum Boys; Tidsmaskin (EMI Music Norway)
Stein Torleif Bjella - Heidersmenn (EMI Music Norway)
Sverre Knudsen - La Det Brenne (Ohyeah!)
Tønes - Sobihob (VME)

Best Newcomer:
Alexander Rybak
Donkeyboy
John Olav Nilsen & Gjengen
Kråkesølv
Vilde Frang

More here: http://spellemann.no/

Motorpsycho + Supersilent = Motorpsilent

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 20:16:51 -0800

Nö Music reports that revered rock institution Motorpsycho and likewise renown avant combo Supersilent will be joining forces as Motorpsilent for a 15-date Norwegian tour in March: http://www.nomusicmedia.com/2009/12/20/motorpsilent-the-supergroup/

Top 10s for 2009: Jens Åker (Holy Ghost, ex-Trapdoor Fucking Exit/Java/Ashram)

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 01:00:00 -0800

Thanks for including me in this, it was fun!
So here goes, in almost no particular order:

01. Finally getting my shit together and working on music again.

02. Jesus Lizard @ Debaser. Old people rule.

03. Motorpsycho live and on record. Norwegian people rule.

04. Kenny's Corner @ Larry's Corner. Great bookstore for all your esoteric / non-fiction / music / weird phenomena needs.

05. Java cd is out.

06. Neil Young archives vol. 1. Very old, Canadian people also rule.

07. Making spiritual progress.

08. Re-discovering Govindas Ayurvedic, vegetarian restaurant.

09. Quintana having a healthy, beautiful baby boy. Newborn people rule.

10. Polvo re-uniting and releasing "In prism".

---------------------------
Jens' new project with fellow ex-TFE member Thomas Hedblom is called Holy Ghost and they are currently working on material and hoping to put something out in 2010. His old band Java released a retrospective disc on Dead Bird Records earlier this year.
http://www.myspace.com/deadbirdsrecords
http://www.myspace.com/trapdoorfuckingexit

"Heavy metal fruit" details

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 18:30:16 -0800

Rune Grammofon has posted details for the new Motorpsycho album "Heavy metal fruit", due out January 15: http://www.runegrammofon.com/artists/motorpsycho/rlp-2093-motorpsycho_-heavy-metal-fruit

New Motorpsycho album in January

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:03:21 -0800

There will be yet another new Motorpsycho album in January, their third in less than 2 years. It will be called "Heavy metal fruit" and label Rune Grammafon will be releasing it on both CD and vinyl.

This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 12:08:06 -0700

This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart:

01. Mari Boine - Sterna Paradisea
02. Alexander Rybak - Fairytales
03. Thomas Dybdahl - En Samling
04. A-ha - Foot Of The Mountain
05. Petter Carlsen - You Go Bird
06. Contrazt - Uten Kart og Kompass
07. Espen Lind, Kurt Nilsen, Alejandro Fuentes og Askil Holm - Halleluja Live Vol. 2
08. Sibbe - Best Of
09. Röyksopp - Junior
10. Susanna & The Magial Orchestra - 3
11. Lollipop - Lollipop - 50 beste
12. Narum - Samma Hen Du Fær
13. Finn Wang - Boots, Balls & Velvet
14. Henning Kvitnes - Tid for latskap
15. Motorpsycho - Child Of The Future
16. Trøste & Bære - Drita full før Drøbaksundet
17. Reidar Larsen - Kom in te oss
18. Stavangerensemblet - Samlekasse
19. BigBang - Edendale
20. Jens Carelius - The Beat Of The Travel

This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 13:45:50 -0700

This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart:

01. Alexander Rybak - Fairytales
02. A-ha - Foot Of The Mountain
03. Röyksopp - Junior
04. Sibbe - Best Of
05. Espen Lind, Kurt Nilsen, Alejandro Fuentes og Askil Holm - Halleluja Live Vol. 2
06. Motorpsycho - Child Of The Future
07. Lollipop - Lollipop - 50 beste
08. Trøste & Bære - Drita full før Drøbaksundet
09. Narum - Samma Hen Du Fær
10. Reidar Larsen - Kom in te oss
11. Henning Kvitnes - Tid for latskap
12. Jens Carelius - The Beat Of The Travel
13. BigBang - Edendale
14. Noora Noor - Soul Deep
15. D.D.E. - Ut av kontroll
16. Randi Tytingvåg - Red
17. Postgirobygget - Øyeblikk
18. Tone Damli Aaberge - I Know
19. Terje Formoe - Hiv o'hoi - Kaptein Sabeltanns beste
20. Erik og Kriss - Tabu

This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 12:27:46 -0700

This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart:

01. Alexander Rybak - Fairytales
02. A-ha - Foot Of The Mountain
03. Espen Lind, Kurt Nilsen, Alejandro Fuentes og Askil Holm - Halleluja Live Vol. 2
04. Motorpsycho - Child Of The Future
05. Lollipop - Lollipop - 50 beste
06. Sibbe - Best Of
07. Röyksopp - Junior
08. Narum - Samma Hen Du Fær
09. Postgirobygget - Øyeblikk
10. Reidar Larsen - Kom in te oss
11. Henning Kvitnes - Tid for latskap
12. BigBang - Edendale
13. Erik og Kriss - Tabu
14. Trøste & Bære - Drita full før Drøbaksundet
15. Tone Damli Aaberge - I Know
16. D.D.E. - Ut av kontroll
17. Datarock - Red
18. Smurfene - Smurfeparty 2
19. Terje Formoe - Kaptein Sabeltann og den forheksede øya
20. Too Far Gone - Sola i ryggen

Pre-orders for Fire!, Motorpsycho begins Monday

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:23:50 -0700

Rune Grammofon will beging taking pre-orders for the debut album "You like me five minutes ago" from all-star Swedish freejazz act Fire! on Monday: http://www.runegrammofon.com/artists/fire_/rlp-3091---fire_-you-liked-me-five-ago-_lp_
Fire! consists of Mats Gustafsson (The Thing), Johan Berthling (Tape) and Andreas Werliin (Wildbirds & Peacedrums). The official release date is August 10. Also, note that the new Motorpsycho LP will also be available for preorder next week as well.

New Motorpsycho LP gets release date

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 16:17:21 -0700

Motorpsycho's new LP "Child of the future" is confirmed for an August 7 release via Rune Grammofon: http://www.runegrammofon.com/artists/motorpsycho/rlp-2088---motorpsycho_-child-of-the-future-_lp_

Motorpsycho working on concept album

Wed, 27 May 2009 14:33:15 -0700

Nö Music reports that Motorpsycho is working on a "space opera": http://www.nomusicmedia.com/2009/05/27/motopsycho-in-space/

New Motorpsycho album to be vinyl-only

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 17:02:54 -0700

Norwegian rock legends Motorpsycho will be releasing their new album "Child of the future" this coming June via Rune Grammofon on vinyl only with no download component. As the label says, "So if you are in the unlikely position of not owning a record player, this is the time to do something about it." Said record will contain seven tracks and was recorded in Chicago, IL with renown engineer Steve Albini.

Monolithic finally release album

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 20:02:24 -0700

Monolithic, the Norwegian free-jazz/metal duo of Stian Westerhus (Jaga Jazzist, Puma) and Kenneth Kapstad (Motorpsycho, ex-Dadafon/Animal Alpha), have finally released their long-awaited debut album "Black science" via Roggbif Records. Apparently said record was recorded back in 2006, but it's taken 3 years to bring it to light.

Bob Haley to record new album with Håkon Gebhardt in March

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 12:25:32 -0800

Bob Haley will be recording their next album in early March with producer Håkon Gebhardt (ex-Motorpsycho, HGH).

Motorpsycho and Jello Biafra team up for Patrick Fitzgerald tribute

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 18:05:21 -0800

Motorpsycho have recorded a track with Jello Biafra for a Norwegian Patrick Fitzgerald tribute record: http://www.myspace.com/440482258
Other relevant contributors include The School and 3rd & the Mortal, among others.

Spellemann 2008

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 12:42:01 -0800

The nominees for the Spellemannprisen (Norwegian Grammy) have been announced: http://www.spellemann.no/
Here's a few of the categories:

Female artist:
Ane Brun - Changing Of The Seasons (Det Er Mine)
Ingrid Olava - Juliet's Wishes (EMI Music Norway)
Maria Mena - Cause And Effect (Sony Music)
Marit Larsen - The Chase (EMI/Virgin)
Male artist:
Bjørn Eidsvåg - Pust (Petroleum/Sony Music)
Julian Berntzen - Rocket Ship Love (Universal Music)
Thom Hell - God If I Saw Her Now (Voices Of Wonder)
Åge Aleksandersen og Sambandet - Katalysator (EMI Music Norway/Solregn)
Pop group:
Lester - This Village (Deaf Ear Records)
Real Ones - All For The Neighbourhood (Warner Music)
The Margarets - Twenty Years Erased (Division Records as)
Electronica:
Lindstrøm - Where You Go I Go Too (Smalltown Supersound)
Mental Overdrive - You Are Being Manipulated (Smalltown Supersound)
Skatebård - Cosmos (Digitalo Enterprises)
Rock:
Grand Island - Boys & Brutes (Racing Junior)
Lukestar - Lake Toba (Phone Me)
Motorpsycho - Little Lucid Moments (Rune Grammofon)
Tommy Tokyo & Starving For My Gravy - Smear Your Smiles Back On (Warner Music)
Metal:
Benea Reach - Alleviat (Tabu Recordings)
Enslaved - Vertebrae (Indie Recordings)
Keep of Kalessin - Kolossus (Indie Recordings)
Jazz:
Helge Lien Trio - Hello Troll (Ozella/Musikklosen)
Mathias Eick - The Door (ECM/Grappa)
Moment - Paradiso (Schmell)
Radka Toneff - Butterfly (Curling Legs as)
Open class:
Annbjørg Lien - Waltz With Me (Heilo)
Farmers Market - Surfin' USSR (Ipecac)
H.K.H. Kronprinsesse Mette-Marits Utvalgte Salmer - Sorgen og Gleden (Kirkelig Kulturverksted)
Lars Horntveth - Kaleidoscopic (Smalltown Supersound)
Best newcomer:
Erlend Bratland - True Colors (Sony Music)
Ida Maria - Fortress Round My Heart (Nightliner/Universal)
Ingrid Olava - Juliet's Wishes (EMI Music Norway)
Katzenjammer - Le Pop (Propeller Recordings)
Best video:
Beady Belle - Self-Fulfilling (Jazzland Records/Sonet/Universal)
Madcon - Liar (Bonnier Amigo Music)
Madrugada - Look Away Lucifer (Malabar Recording Company)
Maria Mena - All This Time (Sony Music)
Thom Hell - My Heart Is Longing For A Soul (Voices Of Wonder)

MP3: Simon Says No! - Shiver

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 11:28:46 -0800

More 90s indie nostalgia? Sure, why not! Norway's Simon Says No! doesn't really mine the same territory as say, Sad Day for Puppets -- they've got more in common with bands like Culkin or maybe Giant Boar, 'cept that's not right either. Simon Says No! is more muscular, heavier. I'm actually reminded a lot of fellow Norwegian act Cadillac who evoked similar 90s alt-rock feelings with a bit more of a detached stoner vibe. There might be a little Motorpsycho and 120 Days in there too, however the one band that's the strongest touchstone for me would have to be Chavez. Especially on tracks like "Shiver", with its big, beefy riffs and that continually buzzing part persisting throughout. It's a good formula, even if the song itself loses its luster once you get past the immediacy of the big guitars. Too many starts and stops, not enough memorable melodies to latch onto. Still, as demo bands go, I can't complain. There's potential.

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 15:05:40 -0800

Norwegian artist Kenneth Ishak (Beezewax) is currently at Ocean Sound Recordings with Jörgen Wall and Bent Sæther (Motorpsycho) working on new material.

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 17:06:25 -0700

New Motorpsycho tourdates:

10/12 - Zakk, Düsseldorf (GER)
10/13 - Mousonturm, Frankfurt (GER)
10/14 - Forum, Bielefeld (GER)
10/15 - Beatpol, Dresden (GER)
10/16 - Arena, Wien (AUS)
10/18 - Het Depot, Leuven (BEL)
10/22 - Pumpe, Kiel (GER)

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:07:55 -0700

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

01. Anna Maria Espinosa - Everyday
02. TALK 1
03. Tobias Hellkvist - Vintervarm
04. The Bear Quartet - Needs vs. facts
05. The Social Services - Baltic Sea
06. TALK 2
07. Kristofer Åström - The dark
08. Honey Is Cool - You're a horse
09. Reeperbahn - Hjälte
10. Voices Break the Silence - The way
11. TALK 3
12. Hebosagil - River
13. Pan Sonic - Lähetys
14. Silverbullit - Only gold
15. TALK 4
16. Josè González - Down the line
17. Motorpsycho - Serpentine
18. NEI - Hello
19. Claws Costeau - Finnuggla
20. TALK 5
21. Hello Saferide - I thought you said summer is going to take the pain away

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

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:51:20 -0700

PopMatters has a short take review of the latest Motorpsycho record "Little lucid moments": http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/60609/motorpsycho-little-lucid-moments

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 10:50:20 -0700

Motorpsycho played a few US gigs this past week including Terrastock and have now settled into Electrical Audio in Chicago to record some new material with Steve Albini.

Thu, 15 May 2008 17:13:34 -0700

This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart:

01. Kurt Nilsen - Rise To The Occasion
02. Vassendgutane - Xo
03. Ida Maria - Fortress Round My Heart
04. Malin - Pang
05. Maria Haukaas Storeng - Hold On Be Strong
06. Hilde Louise Asbjørnsen - Sound Your Horn
07. Madrugada - Madrugada
08. Ane Brun - Changing Of The Seasons
09. Julian Berntzen - Rocketship Love
10. Eick, Mathias M/Balke/Kleive - The Door
11. Diverse artister - Sorgen og gleden: Matte Marit
12. Elvira Nikolaisen - Indian Summer
13. Hovedøen Social Club - Que Viva Noruega
14. Thom Hell - God If I Saw Her Now
15. Ingrid Olava - Juliets Wishes
16. Ingeborg Selnes - The Zoo
17. Kaizers Orchestra - Maskineri
18. Sondre Bratland - Det er den draumen
19. Roy Lønhøiden - Når dagen demrer blått
20. Motorpsycho - Little Lucid Moments

Thu, 08 May 2008 13:22:53 -0700

This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart:

01. Kurt Nilsen - Rise To The Occasion
02. Vassendgutane - Xo
03. Malin - Pang
04. Madrugada - Madrugada
05. Maria Haukaas Storeng - Hold On Be Strong
06. Ane Brun - Changing Of The Seasons
07. Lassie N The Lads - Storyteller
08. Diverse artister - Sorgen og gleden: Matte Marit
09. Elvira Nikolaisen - Indian Summer
10. Ingrid Olava - Juliets Wishes
11. Thom Hell - God If I Saw Her Now
12. Julian Berntzen - Rocketship Love
13. Celine - Bæstevænna
14. Surferosa - The Beat On The Street
15. Kaizers Orchestra - Maskineri
16. Roy Lønhøiden - Når dagen demrer blått
17. Sondre Bratland - Det er den draumen
18. Publiners - driv
19. Gluecifer - kings of rock
20. Motorpsycho - Little Lucid Moments

Wed, 07 May 2008 12:38:17 -0700

Norwegian legends Motorpsycho have lined up a few additional US shows besides Terrastock:

06/20 - Wexner Center for the Arts, Columbus, OH
06/21 - Terrastock Festival, Louisville, KY
06/22 - Empty Bottle, Chicago, IL

Thu, 01 May 2008 16:19:51 -0700

This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart:

01. Kurt Nilsen - Rise To The Occasion
02. Vassendgutane - Xo
03. Madrugada - Madrugada
04. Malin - Pang
05. Diverse artister - Sorgen og gleden: Matte Marit
06. Ane Brun - Changing Of The Seasons
07. Thom Hell - God If I Saw Her Now
08. Kaizers Orchestra - Maskineri
09. D.D.E. - 15 år live
10. Elvira Nikolaisen - Indian Summer
11. Ingrid Olava - Juliets Wishes
12. Motorpsycho - Little Lucid Moments
13. Publiners - driv
14. Farmers Market - Surfin' Ussr
15. Vidar Johnsen & Peter Nordberg - Ord & Øgonblick
16. Secret Garden - Inside I'm singing
17. Gluecifer - kings of rock
18. Madcon - So Dark the Con of Man
19. The National Bank - Come On Over To The Other Side
20. Surferosa - The Beat On The Street

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 11:51:24 -0700

Motorpsycho have revealed the tracklist for the new "Haircuts" DVD: http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=52508595&blogID=385530998

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 16:47:58 -0700

Here's this week's top 20 Norwegian album chart:

01. Vassendgutane - Xo
02. Madrugada - Madrugada
03. Malin - Pang
04. Diverse artister - Sorgen og gleden: Matte Marit
05. Thom Hell - God If I Saw Her Now
06. Ane Brun - Changing Of The Seasons
07. Motorpsycho - Little Lucid Moments
08. Kaizers Orchestra - Maskineri
09. Ingrid Olava - Juliets Wishes
10. Elvira Nikolaisen - Indian Summer
11. Gluecifer - Kings of rock
12. Farmers Market - Surfin' Ussr
13. Minor Majority - Candy store (2 CD edition)
14. Roy Lønhøiden - Når dagen demrer blått
15. Surferosa - The Beat On The Street
16. Vidar Johnsen & Peter Nordberg - Ord & Øgonblick
17. Secret Garden - Inside I'm singing
18. Paal Flaata - Old Angel Midnight
19. Publiners - Driv
20. Glenn Lyse - Come Closer

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 12:34:16 -0700

This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart:

01. Vassendgutane - Xo
02. Thom Hell - God If I Saw Her Now
03. Diverse artister - Sorgen og gleden: Matte Marit
04. Motorpsycho - Little Lucid Moments
05. Ane Brun - Changing Of The Seasons
06. Madrugada - Madrugada
07. Ingrid Olava - Juliets Wishes
08. Elvira Nikolaisen - Indian Summer
09. Roy Lønhøiden - Når dagen demrer blått
10. Kaizers Orchestra - Maskineri
11. Secret Garden - Inside I'm singing
12. Vidar Johnsen & Peter Nordberg - Ord & Øgonblick
13. Paal Flaata - Old Angel Midnight
14. Surferosa - The Beat On The Street
15. The National Bank - Come On Over To The Other Side
16. Glenn Lyse - Come Closer
17. Farmers Market - Surfin' Ussr
18. Valkyrien Allstars - Valkyrien Allstars
19. Grand Island - Boys And Brutes
20. Gaute Ormåsen - Drømmesang

MP3: Cadillac - Locomotive

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 11:24:09 -0700

I posted Cadillac's cover of "Arabian knights" by Siouxsie and the Banshees way, way back when the album "Magnetic city" first came out, but now with the band broken up and moving on to new projects (New Violators and The Moving Ooos, for example), I figure it's time to revisit 'em. Opening track "Locomotive" provides the best example of what the band was capable of- killer fuzz riffs, breakneck drumming and surprising melodies. I love the rhythm section breakdown on the verse; the toms are so ridiculously busy, but that's what gives the track its tremendous momentum, thus befitting the title. If you dig quirky hard rock like countrymates Motorpsycho or even Queens of the Stone Age, you'll dig this too.

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 17:04:34 -0700

This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart:

01. Motorpsycho - Little Lucid Moments
02. Ingrid Olava - Juliets Wishes
03. Diverse artister - Sorgen og gleden: Matte Marit
04. Ane Brun - Changing Of The Seasons
05. Madrugada - Madrugada
06. Kaizers Orchestra - Maskineri
07. Vassendgutane - Xo
08. Paal Flaata - Old Angel Midnight
09. Secret Garden - Inside I'm singing
10. Vidar Johnsen & Peter Nordberg - Ord & Øgonblick
11. The National Bank - Come On Over To The Other Side
12. Madcon - So Dark the Con of Man
13. Glenn Lyse - Come Closer
14. Farmers Market - Surfin' Ussr
15. Hellbillies - Spissrotgang
16. CC Cowboys - På Svalbard uten strøm
17. Gaute Ormåsen - Drømmesang
18. Valkyrien Allstars - Valkyrien Allstars
19. Susanne Sundfør - Take One
20. Beady Belle - Belvedere

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

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 12:54:56 -0700

MIC Norway profiles new hyped artist Ingrid Olava: http://www.mic.no/mic.nsf/doc/art2008040111171434987411

Also at MIC Norway, a profile of Motorpsycho and their epic new album "Little lucid moments": http://www.mic.no/mic.nsf/doc/art2008040115590765032730

Sun, 16 Mar 2008 17:48:55 -0700

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

01. The Bear Quartet - Put me back together
02. TALK 1
03. Karin Ström - Silent night
04. Camouflage - Syster sol
05. Ulf Ljusberg - Whatever was
06. TALK 2
07. Juvelen - Don't mess
08. Invocator - Breed of sin
09. The Grand Opening - Secrets revealed
10. TALK 3
11. Motorpsycho - For free
12. Coldworker - Flammable
13. Mixtapes & Cellmates - Photo Jenny
14. TALK 4
15. Egil Olsen - Singer/songwriter
16. Last Days of April - Will the violins be playing?
17. Desert Planet - Riot sector 68
18. TALK 5
19. Printer - Satisfaction
20. Psyke Project - Physical romance
21. Promise and the Monster - Light reflecting papers
22. TALK 6
23. Marybell Katastrophy - Hidden agenda
24. Pan Sonic - Johdin
25. Opération Zéro - Etude no. 1
26. TALK 7
27. Jonas Game - Nothing to lose
28. Mari Boine - Tundra flower
29. Vapnet - Plötsligt händer det inte
30. TALK 8
31. Moto Boy - Ride my wild heart
32. Markus Krunegård - Jag är en vampyr
33. Gravy - Behind my walls
34. TALK 9
35. Looptroop Rockers - The building
36. Victims - Victims in blood #5
37. Anna Leong - Guillotine
38. Zeigeist - Humanitarianism
39. TALK 10
40. Ef - Appendix

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 11:47:40 -0800

Motorpsycho have posted a couple rare tracks on their myspace page from the 1997 EP "Have spacesuit will travel": http://www.myspace.com/motorpsychopage
Also note that the tracklist for the forthcoming record "Little lucid moments" is posted in the sidebar.

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 17:20:45 -0800

Updated tourdates for Norwegian legends Motorpsycho:

04/25 - Rockefeller, Oslo (NOR)
04/28 - Røkeriet Verftet, Bergen (NOR)
05/17 - Postbahnhof, Berlin (GER)
05/18 - Live Music Hall, Köln (GER)
05/20 - Backstage, München (GER)
05/22 - Viper, Firenze (ITA)
05/23 - Alpheus, Roma (ITA)
05/24 - Velvet, Rimini (ITA)
05/25 - Alcatraz, Milano (ITA)
05/28 - Effenar, Eindhoven (NL)
05/29 - Tivoli, Utrecht (NL)
05/30 - Schlachthof, Bremen (GER)
05/31 - Fabrik, Hamburg (GER)
06/19 - Terrastock Festival, Louisville, KY
07/19 - Fulda, Burg Herzberg Festival (GER)

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 16:54:33 -0800

New German dates for Motorpsycho:

05/17 - Postbahnhof, Berlin
05/18 - Live music hall, Cologne
05/20 - Backstage werk, Munich
05/30 - Schlachthof, Bremen
05/31 - Fabrik, Hamburg

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 11:47:24 -0800

The new Motorpsycho album "Little lucid moments" will be four songs. Of what length, I have no idea.

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 17:19:07 -0800

Rune Grammofon will be handling the vinyl for Motorpsycho's forthcoming album "Little lucid moments", due out, as mentioned before, on March 31. Also on the way from RG is Danish act Skyphone's sophomore album "Avellaneda" which will be released on February 25.

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 12:28:36 -0800

Motorpsycho's new album "Little lucid moments" is confirmed for release on March 28. As for the long-promised DVD, look for that to finally get released around the same time the band heads out on tour, dates for which will be announced shortly.

Tue, 15 Jan 2008 12:32:30 -0800

Motorpsycho's new album is reportedly delayed due to "technical reasons" and will probably not be ready for a March/April release as planned.

Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:12:21 -0800

Norwegian act Motorpsycho has been confirmed for next year's Terrastock Festival, scheduled to take place June 19-22 in Louisville, Kentucky. Read more: http://www.terrascope.co.uk/Terrastock7/main.htm

Mon, 10 Dec 2007 11:44:47 -0800

Stickman Records reports that the forthcoming Motorpsycho DVD "Haircuts" is nearing completion - they just sent it to get its government age rating and then it's off to the pressing plant. More details soon!

Wed, 05 Dec 2007 13:21:06 -0800

MIC Norway reports that legendary Norwegian act Motorpsycho has permanently enlisted Kenneth Kapstad (Monolithic, Dadafon) as their new drummer: http://www.mic.no/mic.nsf/doc/art2007120514080081082627
A new album is already recorded and due out for release in the spring.

Sun, 02 Dec 2007 15:49:25 -0800

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

01. Soviac - I got the ribbah
02. TALK 1
03. Downstairs - Peephole city
04. Moonbabies - At the ballroom
05. Tar... Feathers - You are lucky to have nothing
06. TALK 2
07. Truckfighters - Atomic
08. Jonas Kullhammar Quartet - Corny waltz
09. Mixtapes & Cellmates - Quiet
10. TALK 3
11. Norma - The dark
12. Karin Ström - Klaustrofobi
13. Vapnet - Tjernobyl
14. TALK 4
15. Montt Mardié - The windmill turns all the same
16. Motorpsycho - Hyena
17. Musti Laiton - Tämän iltainen
18. Holiday Fun Club - Hamburg in the night
19. TALK 5
20. Rigas - It's a shame
21. Repoman - Jawbone night
22. Iisole - The words
23. TALK 6
24. The Fine Arts Showcase - Modern love
25. Kasper Bjørke - Back & spine (Fidel Astro remix)
26. Promoe - Headache
27. TALK 7
28. Viola - Imaginary times
29. New Decade - While tonight still is
30. Promise and the Monster - Sheets
31. Trapdoor Fucking Exit - Choking on teeth
32. TALK 8
33. Totalitär - Nej vi ska inte ha nåt
34. Him Kerosene - Whatever get you by
35. The Social Services - Up in arms
36. Jens Lekman - The opposite of hallelujah
37. Boeoes Kaelstigen - Flir
38. TALK 9
39. Maia Hirasawa - And I found this boy

Thu, 06 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Håkon Gebhardt from Motorpsycho/HGH has put together another Norwegian supergroup under the name Rock Furore. The core band features Anders Møller (Euroboys, My Midnight Creeps), Cato Thomassen (Cato Salsa Experience), Øyvind Osa (El Caco), Marcus Forsgren (The Lionheart Brothers) and Anne Lise Frøkedal (Harry's Gym) and will be performing a special show at Chateau Neuf in Oslo on September 8 for the 25th anniversary of Norsk Rockforbunds and will feature even more special guests. For more tourdates and details, go here: http://www.musikknyheter.no/news/2843

Sat, 14 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0700

The playlist for my radio show this week:

01. At the Gates - Suicide nation
02. TALK 1
03. Moving Oos - Stronger
04. Eskju Divine - Hold on
05. Mechanical Bird - Sunday
06. TALK 2
07. Mixtapes & Cellmates - Quiet
08. DS13 - Thrash lifestyle
09. Montt Mardié - Metropolis
10. Junior Senior - Can I get get get
11. TALK 3
12. Niccokick - Love & neon lights
13. Kristofer Åström - I collect knives
14. Death Breath - His protoplasmic worship
15. TALK 4
16. Mob - Ghost track
17. MZ412 - Unhealing wounds
18. Ugress - Manhattan sapphire
19. TALK 5
20. Shining - Låt oss ta allt från darandra
21. No Hope for the Kids - Rainy day
22. Moneybrother - Det blir ingen dans
23. Amandine - For all the marbles
24. TALK 6
25. Familjen - Det snurrar i min skalle
26. Last Days of April - Aspirins and alcohol
27. M:40 - När bomberna faller
28. TALK 7
29. Espen Jørgensen - The immaculate conception
30. Motorpsycho - For free
31. The Carny - Man under the sun
32. TALK 8
33. Karin Ström - Klaustrofobi
34. Badun - Pulsen
35. Meshuggah - Future breed machine
36. Värttinä - Mero
37. TALK 9
38. Randy - Better than art
39. Closer - Open casket
40. Alog - Buffalo demon
41. TALK 10
42. On Trial - Speaking of witch

Sat, 05 May 2007 00:00:00 -0700

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

Top 10s for 2006: It's a trap!

Fri, 15 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0800

Official top 10 releases for 2006, in alphabetical order:

There was a glut of good music in 2006, but only a few truly great albums. I found myself enjoying a very high percentage of the music that came my way, but very little remained in regular rotation for any length of time. Too much of a good thing? Perhaps. Regardless, I had some trouble compiling my list since I wanted to ensure that my selections were fit for posterity. That means albums like The Knife's "Silent shout" and Motorpsycho's "Black hole/black canvas" were out, despite being admirable pieces of work. They deserve high praise, but I simply didn't listen to them that much. Similarly, I'm From Barcelona and Peter Bjorn and John were off the list because their 2006 releases pale in comparison to what came before (both the original "Sing!!" demo EP from IFB and PB&J's "Falling out" are 100% unfuckwithable). What's left? Well, lots actually. The difficulty is separating all the 8s from the 9s and 10s. Let's get going then:

01. Aerial - Black rain from the bombing (Nomethod)
It came out in January and stuck with me throughout the entire year. That alone says something. As for the music, it's an amazing display of epic bombast and twisting riffs. Why can't more post-rock be noisy like this?
MP3: Time is on fire

02. The Book of Daniel - Songs for the Locust King (Black Star Foundation)
A late in the year release so I was reluctant to list it, but there's no denying the quality. Full of wisdom and poetry.
MP3: The camels parade

03. C.Aarmé - Vita (Carcrash/Burning Heart)
The brightest stars always burn out the fastest. RIP.
MP3: We are the world

04. Closer - Tokpela EP (Closersounds)
One of those bands I fell in love with the moment I first heard it. Heavy rock doesn't get better than this.
MP3: Open casket

05. Johndoe - Dødvinkel (JHND)
This one snuck up on me and is probably the one record on this list I've listened to the most.
MP3: Kjøtere

06. Montys Loco - Man overboard (NONS)
God, I hate the genre label 'folktronic', but I really can't think of a better way to describe this. Quirky instrumentation and arrangements aside, the music is simply brilliant and would work in any context.
MP3: Wasteland

07. Namur - Songs from the Valley of Baca (Thehourislate)
It's probably for the best that David Åhlén retired this stage moniker because this will be hard to top. Nothing wrong with quitting while you're ahead.
MP3: Marching

08. Raison d'Être - Metamorphyses (Cold Meat Industry)
I honestly don't believe I've heard another dark-ambient album this good. Ever.
MP3: Metamorphyses phase I

09. Oskar Schönning - Happy jazz, please (Amigo)
Another one of those records that found its way into steady rotation without much thought. Echoes of that other famous bassist/bandleader Charles Mingus along with fellow Swede Jan Johansson, but with an ear to the future.
MP3: Happy jazz, please

10. Sonores - Elefanten (Structures Sonores)
These guys asked me if I wanted to co-release this with them and I said no because I thought I was too busy. I blew it.
MP3: Jonathan

Best two demos I heard all year: Circle Six and Iisole

Four favorite non-Scandinavian releases:
Converge - No heroes (Epitaph)
Kayo Dot - Dowsing anenome with copper tongue (Robotic Empire)
Jesu - Silver (Hydra Head)
Rome - Berlin (Cold Meat Industry)

Two old metal warhorses who prove that age doesn't mean a thing: Iron Maiden & Slayer

What to expect for 2007? Well, my predicted goth revival for 2006 didn't live up to expectations even though it seemed to spawn quite a few excellent releases (The Kid and 1999, for example). Regardless, I'm not going to let that stop me from making more asinine predictions. My pick for the new trend of 2007: industrial/EBM. I swear, it's gonna happen. It's time.

Honorable mentions:
Asha Ali - s/t (NONS)
Detektivbyrån - Hemvägen (Danarkia)
The Fine Arts Showcase - Radiola (Adrian Recordings)
Kazakstan - s/t (Katalyst)
Knife and Ape - Hex! (Deleted Art)
Lampshade - Let's away (Glitterhouse)
Lemonator - At the presence of great beauty (Odor)
Once We Were - Contra (Tenderversion)
Britta Persson - Top quality bones... (Amigo)
Plain Fade - Aure (Punos Sound)
Promoe - White man's burden (Burning Heart)
Tsukimono - Neé (Kalligrammofon)

Thu, 19 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0700

After 10 years of being available as vinyl-only releases, German label Stickman has finally reissues the three Motorpsycho EPs "Wearing yr smell", "The nerve tattoo" and "Manmower" on CD.

Tue, 29 Aug 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Norwegian all-star noise trio DEL finally released their debut studio album "Five dolls for an August moon" this week via Synesthetic Recordings and will be performing a record release show at Sound of Mu in Oslo on August 31. The band consists of Kjell Runar "Killer" Jenssen (Origami Arktika, ex-Motorpsycho), Lasse Marhaug (Jazkamer, Nash Kontroll, Testicle Hazard) and Per Gisle Galåen (Slowburn, Ranheim) and are joined by friend and frequent collaborator Fredrik Ness Sevendal on this recording. Read more: http://www.synestheticrecordings.com/SYRE018.htm

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

The new album "Melody mountain"Susanna and the Magical Orchestra has been confirmed for an August 14 release via Rune Grammofon. The disc was produced by Helge Sten aka Deathprod (Supersilent, Motorpsycho) and will include ten songs, all covers of artists such as Prince, AC/DC, Scott Walker and Leonard Cohen. Listen to the first single "Love will tear us apart" (Joy Division) at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/susannamagical

Thu, 08 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Go here to check out a new interview with Snah from Motorpsycho translated from Japanese: http://motorpsychonews.blogspot.com/2006/06/interview-with-snah.html

Thu, 18 May 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Neumu on the latest from Motorpsycho: http://neumu.net/fortyfour/2006/2006-00085/2006-00085_fortyfour.shtml

MP3: On Trial - Kill city lights

Wed, 17 May 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Denmark's On Trial has been around for over 10 years now and their new album "Forever" is their first since 2002's "Blinded by the sun". Apparently it's also the first record they've done since losing Guf Lorenzen and Anders Skjødt who left to start Baby Woodrose. Their age and maturity shows - unlike upstart hardrockers such as Wolfmother and The Sword, On Trial is capable of writing real songs that transcend the usual genre labels and clichés. It's more than just a few cool riffs put next to eachother. In the same way that Motorpsycho looks back to the heyday of classic rock for inspiration, On Trial too looks backwards. However, while both bands might have one foot in the past, they are still marching forward. On Trial plays things a little more straight and doesn't stray as far from their fuzz-soaked, revved-up rock'n'roll sound. Forget those other young bands, this is the real rock revival.

Fri, 12 May 2006 00:00:00 -0700

German-based label Stickman Records (Motorpsycho, KVLR) has licensed The Fine Arts Showcase's most recent album "Radiola" for a wider release and will be putting it out on August 25.

Fri, 05 May 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Check out numerous video clips from Motorpsycho's recent show in Berlin: http://motorpsychonews.blogspot.com/2006/05/berlin-videos.html

Mon, 24 Apr 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Go here for the setlist and videoclips from Motorpsycho's tour kickoff: http://motorpsychonews.blogspot.com/2006/04/trondheim-setlist_23.html

Podcast: Q1 highlights

Fri, 14 Apr 2006 00:00:00 -0700

DATE ADDED : 04.14.06
LENGTH : 37:37 min
DOWNLOAD : itsatrap_podcast_04142006.mp3 (26.5mb)
RSS : [click here]

Tracklist:
01. Montys Loco - Wasteland
02. The Knife - Silent shout
03. Namur - Marching
04. Aerial - A limbless stare
05. Motorpsycho - In our tree
06. The Fine Arts Showcase - I don't worry
07. The Alpine - Trigger
08. Lampshade - By and by I come

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

According to the Motorpsycho news blog, the band has acquired the services of Øyvind Brandtsegg as a touring musician, filling the role once occupied by Helge Sten/Deathprod. Read more: http://motorpsychonews.blogspot.com/2006/04/good-vibes.html

Motorpsycho Black hole / Blank canvas Stickman Records

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

I am not familiar at all with Motorpsycho's career but from what I understand they like to explore a lot of genres. Well "Black hole / Black canvas" certainly qualifies as a very diverse record, as diverse as I have heard. Once upon a time, it was an admired quality for band to be diverse. I mean, the Rolling Stones went from country to blues to rockabilly on a single record and nobody ever complained. Nowadays, bands that do that are accused of being "unfocused" or some other crap. Well Motorpsycho are Krautrock, stoner-rock, even a bit post-punk and I love every minute of it. What is even better is the fact that it all makes sense because they have a great sense of melody and they use it with consistency throughout their explorations. Great record.

Tue, 14 Mar 2006 00:00:00 -0800

New mp3 today from Motorpsycho, one of Norway's greatest rock bands, if not the greatest. Word on the street is that the band's new double album "Black hole black canvas" is the band's best work in many, many years and you know what? It's true. For many people, the term "prog-rock" conjures up images of bands like Rush or some other sort of noodly wanker with stupid hair, but when I apply it to Motorpsycho, I'm using it as it was originally intended. Motorpsycho is progressive - they stretch the boundries of genre to create something amazing. In the same way that many 70s classic rock acts used to evade pigeonholing, "Black hole black canvas" is all over the map musically, but always grounded and held together by the band's amazing sense of melody. It's distinctive and immediately recognizable. This particular song that I've posted today is the album's first single "Hyena". It's a powerful pop song with a grandiose, soaring quality that I just love. Recommend listening? Hell yes.

MP3: Motorpsycho - Hyena

Tue, 14 Mar 2006 00:00:00 -0800

New mp3 today from Motorpsycho, one of Norway's greatest rock bands, if not the greatest. Word on the street is that the band's new double album "Black hole black canvas" is the band's best work in many, many years and you know what? It's true. For many people, the term "prog-rock" conjures up images of bands like Rush or some other sort of noodly wanker with stupid hair, but when I apply it to Motorpsycho, I'm using it as it was originally intended. Motorpsycho is progressive - they stretch the boundaries of genre to create something amazing. In the same way that many 70s classic rock acts used to evade pigeonholing, "Black hole black canvas" is all over the map musically, but always grounded and held together by the band's amazing sense of melody. It's distinctive and immediately recognizable. This particular song that I've posted today is the album's first single "Hyena". It's a powerful pop song with a grandiose, soaring quality that I just love. Recommend listening? Hell yes.

Aerial Black rain from the bombing Nomethod

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

I never cared for the term "post-rock," and I can't believe such an unimaginative phrase is used as a designation for so much great stuff. But okay, that's the banner under which Swedish rockers Aerial will find themselves placed, as they play long, rousing, atmospheric, guitar-based songs with minimal vocals. They're damn good, too, and there's a whirlwind of aural activity blowing through each of the four tunes on this CD. Think Sonic Youth meets Motorpsycho, or something like that. "A limbless stare" has a punk sort of fury to it (lyrics really aren't important, and you can't decipher most of them anyway, as they're mixed low), and the creatively titled "Yet recalls nothing save that it once had a message to convey" is 13 minutes of blazing, densely textured guitar angst. One major complaint: you can barely hear the bass on most of this record; what's up with that, guys? It seriously diminishes the power of the first two tracks, particularly. This music screams for a more balanced rhythm section. But I dig the epic scope of Aerial's sound, and they seem like the kind of band that are only gonna grow more and more exciting over time.

Fri, 13 Jan 2006 00:00:00 -0800

It's been a few years since Motorpsycho has done much of anything and I suspect that a lot of people have only heard of them in passing. Maybe you know their contribution to the "In the fishtank" series in which they collaborated with the Jaga Jazzist horn section. Or perhaps you've heard of producer/musician Deathprod/Helge Sten and his long-time involvement with the band. Whatever the case may be, Motorpsycho is this week's 'Flashback Friday' pick. I'm not as well-versed in the band's older, more jagged-edged material as I should be, so I've decided to post a track from their 2001 album "Phanerothyme". At this point in the band's career they decided to sound less like Jesus Lizard and a whole lot more like Yes. Sound confusing? I'm sure the transition baffled a lot of people. What remained intact the whole time though was their melodic sensibility - no matter what era of the band your listening to (even going into the band's more recent Krautrock exploration), you can always tell when it's Motorpsycho. I figure this song is a good place to start. Can't wait for the new album "Black hole/Blank canvas" when it comes out on March 20. I have no idea what to expect.

MP3: Motorpsycho - Go to California

Fri, 13 Jan 2006 00:00:00 -0800