IT'S A TRAP! Scandinavian Music Journal

Mustasch - The challenger (video)

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 13:02:13 -0800

No denying that Mustasch are patently uncool and aggressively dumb, but I can't deny I still dig 'em sometimes.

New Mustasch in February

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 12:34:07 -0800

The new Mustasch album "Sounds like hell, looks like heaven" will be released on February 1.

Ralf Gyllenhammar: I am a big baby

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 14:07:57 -0800

Ralf Gyllenhammar of Mustasch flips out on a reporter from the Dala-Demokraten. More here: http://www.medievarlden.se/nyheter/2010/12/anvande-iphone-for-intervju-hotades-med-stryk

Mustasch greatest hits, sort of

Tue, 09 Nov 2010 13:24:21 -0800

Swedish hard-rockers Mustasch have assembled a collection of greatest hits from their 10-year career thus far, rearranged and re-recorded them and assembled them into a new compilation entitled ""The true sound of the new west" which will be released on February 28. Much easier than purchasing than their current label purchasing the rights for the old sound recordings, but whatever. And oh yeah, of course said collection will also include the one requisite new song, "Angel's share".

Mustasch signs with Gain

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 19:49:03 -0700

Swedish hard-rockers Mustasch have signed with Gain/Sony Records for the release of their next album, tentatively due in early 2011.

This week's top 20 Swedish album chart

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 18:43:20 -0800

This week's top 20 Swedish album chart:

01. The Playtones - Rock'n roll dance party
02. Björn Skifs - Da capo
03. Amanda Jenssen - Happyland
04. Zekes - En sån natt
05. Erik Grönwall - Erik Grönwall
06. Torgny Melin - Dansbandsnatt
07. Kent - Röd
08. Melissa Horn - Säg ingenting till mig
09. Calle Kristiansson - Calle Kristiansson
10. Nordman - Korsväg
11. Divine - Divine
12. Freda' - Ett mysterium
13. Willy Clay Band - Blue
14. Lars Winnerbäck - Tänk om jag ångrar mig och sen ångrar mig igen
15. Irya's Playground - Irya's playground
16. Mando Diao - Give me fire!
17. Thåström - Be-bop-a-lula hela jävla dan (1989-2009)
18. Mustasch - Mustasch
19. Tomas Ledin - 500 dagar om året
20. Bo Kaspers Orkester - Samling

2010 Swedish Grammis, the winners

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 12:13:42 -0800

Here are the winners of the 2010 Swedish Grammis:

Album: Thåström - Kärlek är för dom
Childrens album: Bröderna Lindgren - Presenterar meningen med livet!
Folk music/ballad: Sofia Karlsson - Söder om kärleken
Hard rock: Mustasch - Mustasch
Jazz: Jeanette Lindström - Attitude and orbit control
Club/Hip-hop: Promoe - Kråksången
Composer: Amanda Jenssen & Pär Wiksten - Happyland
Female artist: Amanda Jenssen - Happyland
Male artist: Lars Winnerbäck - Tänk om jag ångrar mig och sen ångrar mig igen
Newcomer: Erik Hassle - Hassle
Pop: Fibes, Oh Fibes! - 1987
Rock: Kent - Röd
Producer: Kent & Joshua - Röd
Lyrics: Thåström - Kärlek är för dom
Song: Mando Diao - Dance with somebody
Video: Timbuktu - Välj mej (dir. Daniel Wirtberg & Jonas Rudström)

Full list here: http://www.musikindustrin.se/artikel/1396/Universal_Music_arets_stora_vinnare_pa_Grammisgalan.html

2010 Swedish Grammis, the list

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:48:06 -0800

Here you go, the (almost) full list of nominees for the 2010 Swedish Grammis:

Album:
A Camp - Colonia
Agnes - Dace love pop - The love love love edition
Amanda Jenssen - Happyland
Caroline af Ugglas - Så gör jag det igen
Erik Hassle - Hassle
Kent - Röd
Lars Winnerbäck - Tänk om jag ångrar mig och sen ångrar mig igen
Mando Diao - Give me fire!
Takida - The darker instinct
Thåström - Kärlek är för dom

Folk music/ballad:
Cajsastina Åkerström - Sånger om dej och mej
Esbjörn Hazelius - Blunda och du ska få se
Miriam Aida - Letras ao Brasil
Olle Adolphson - Tystnaden smyger som en katt... 1956-2004
Sofia Jannok - Åssogáttis - By the embers
Sofia Karlsson - Den allra båsta (1999-2009)
Sofia Karlsson - Söder om kärleken
Stefan Sundström - Ingenting har hänt
Taken By Trees - East of Eden
Väsen - Väsen Street

Hard rock:
Candlemass - Death magic doom
Crucified Barbara - 'Til death do us party
Dead By April - Dead By April
Hammerfall - No sacrifice, no victory
Hardcore Superstar - Beg for it
Lillasyster - Det här är inte musik, det här är kärlek
Mustasch - Mustasch
Raised Fist - Veil of ignorance
Renegade Five - Undergrounded universe
Wolf - Ravenous

Jazz:
Alice Babs - As time goes by
Bengt Berger - Beches brew
Georg Wadenius/Arild Jensen - Jul på Svenska
Jan Lundgren Trio - European standards
Jeanette Lindström - Attitude and orbit control
Jonas Kullhammar Quartet - The half naked truth
Lina Nyberg - The snow
Lisa Ekdahl - Give me that slow knowing smile
Magnus Lindgren - Batucada jazz
Trummor & Orgel - Visions

Club/Hip-hop:
Andreas Tilliander - Show
J-Son - Never half stepping
Ken Ring - Hip hop
Lorentz & M Sakarias - Vi mot världen
Mange Schmidt - Odenplan Stockholm 1988
Maskinen - Boys II men
Mohammed Ali - Processen
Näääk - Näääk vem?
Promoe - Kråksången
Swingfly - God bless the IRS

Composer:
Amanda Jenssen & Pär Wiksten - Happyland
Anna Järvinen - Man var bland molnen
Christian Walz - The corner
Deportees - Under the pavement - the beach
El Perro Del Mar - Love is not pop
Joakim Berg & Martin Sköld (Kent) - Röd
Lars Winnerbäck - Tänk om jag ångrar mig och sen ångrar mig igen
Nina Persson, Niclas Frisk, Nathan Larsson (A Camp) - Colonia
Salem Al Fakir - Astronaut
Thåström - Kärlek är för dom

Female artist:
Agnes - Dace love pop - The love love love edition
Amanda Jenssen - Happyland
Anna Järvinen - Man var bland molnen
Caroline af Ugglas - Så gör jag det igen
Jenny Wilson - Hardships!
Laleh - Me and Simon
Melissa Horn - Säg ingenting till mig
Miss Li - Dancing the whole way home
Pernilla Andersson - Ashbury apples
Sarah Dawn Finer - Moving on

Male artist:
Christian Walz - The corner
Erik Hassle - Hassle
Freddie Wadling - The dark flower (Den mörka blomman)
John Me - I am John
Lars Winnerbäck - Tänk om jag ångrar mig och sen ångrar mig igen
Markus Krunegård - Lev som en gris dö som en hund
Olle Ljungström - Sju
Salem Al Fakir - Astronaut
Thåström - Kärlek är för dom
Tingsek - Restless soul

Newcomer:
Adiam Dymott - Adiam Dymott
Dead By April - Dead By April
Erik Hassle - Hassle
John Me - I am John
Jonathan Johansson - En hand i himlen
Larz Kristerz - Hem till dig
Lorentz & M.Sakarias - Vi mot världen
Maskinen - Boys II men
Miike Snow - Miike Snow
Name The Pet - Name the Pet

Pop:
A Camp - Colonia
Asha Ali - Hurricane
BWO - Big science
Calaisa - Grafton Street
El Perro Del Mar - Love is not pop
Fibes, Oh Fibes! - 1987
Jill Johnson - Music row II
Melody Club - Goodbye to romance
Miike Snow - Miike Snow
Peter Bjorn And John - Living thing

Producer:
A Camp - Colonia
Amanda Jenssen & Pär Wiksten - Happyland
Bloodshy & Avant (Miike Snow) - Miike Snow
El Perro Del Mar & Rasmus Hägg - Love is not pop
Goran Kajfes (Magnus Carlson & The Moon Ray Quintet) - Magnus Carlson & The Moon Ray Quintet
Jenny Wilson - Hardships!
Kent & Joshua - Röd
Laleh - Me and Simon
Salem Al Fakir - Astronaut
Thomas Rusiak (Adiam Dymott) - Adiam Dymott

Rock:
[Ingenting] - Tomhet, idel tomhet
Bob Hund - Folkmusik för folk som inte kan bete sig som folk
Deportees - Under the pavement - the beach
Dundertåget - Skaffa ny frisyr
Europe - Last look at Eden
Florence Valentin - Spring Ricco
Kent - Röd
Mando Diao - Give me fire!
Takida - The darker instinct
The Bear Quartet - 89

Lyrics:
Amanda Jenssen - Happyland
Anna Järvinen - Man var bland molnen
Caroline af Ugglas - Så gör jag det igen
El Perro Del Mar - Love is not pop
Joakim Berg (Kent) - Röd
Laleh - Me and Simon
Lars Winnerbäck - Tänk om jag ångrar mig och sen ångrar mig igen
Louise Hoffsten/Peter Lemarc - På andra siden vättern
Melissa Horn - Säg ingenting till mig
Thåström - Kärlek är för dom

For the full list in a hard-to-read format, go here: http://www.grammis.se/

This week's top 20 Swedish album chart

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:55:34 -0800

This week's top 20 Swedish album chart:

01. Jill Johnson - Music row ii
02. Amanda Jenssen - Happyland
03. Peter Jöback - East side stories
04. Larz Kristerz - Om du vill
05. Bo Kaspers Orkester - Samling
06. Lars Winnerbäck - Tänk om jag ångrar mig och sen ångrar mig igen
07. Martin Stenmarck - Septemberland
08. Christer Sjögren - Schlagerminnen
09. Peter Lemarc - Klassiker
10. Europe - Last look at Eden
11. Melissa Horn - Säg ingenting till mig
12. Nisse Hellberg - En modern man
13. Amy Diamond - Swings and roundabouts
14. Takida - The darker instinct
15. Carolina Wallin Pérez - Pärlor och svin
16. Mustasch - Mustasch
17. Daniel Lemma - Rebound
18. Caroline Af Ugglas - Så gör jag det igen
19. Ebba Forsberg - Ta min vals: ebba forsberg sjunger Leonard Cohen
20. Sarah Dawn Finer - Moving on

This week's top 20 Swedish album chart

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:27:49 -0700

This week's top 20 Swedish album chart:

01. Larz Kristerz - Om du vill
02. Lars Winnerbäck - Tänk om jag ångrar mig och sen ångrar mig igen
03. Bo Kaspers Orkester - Samling
04. Christer Sjögren - Schlagerminnen
05. Peter Lemarc - Klassiker
06. Nisse Hellberg - En modern man
07. Melissa Horn - Säg ingenting till mig
08. Europe - Last look at Eden
09. Mustasch - Mustasch
10. Takida - The darker instinct
11. Amy Diamond - Swings and roundabouts
12. Malena Ernman - La voix du nord
13. Per Gessle - Gessle over europe
14. Sarah Dawn Finer - Moving on
15. Caroline Af Ugglas - Så gör jag det igen
16. Mama Kin - In the city
17. Jeanette Lindström - Attitude & orbit control
18. Ebba Forsberg - Ta min vals: ebba forsberg sjunger Leonard Cohen
19. Markus Krunegård - Prinsen av Peking
20. Jerry Williams - Dynamite - live

This week's top 20 Swedish album chart

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 18:21:03 -0700

This week's top 20 Swedish album chart:

01. Larz Kristerz - Om du vill
02. Lars Winnerbäck - Tänk om jag ångrar mig och sen ångrar mig igen
03. Christer Sjögren - Schlagerminnen
04. Nisse Hellberg - En modern man
05. Peter Lemarc - Klassiker
06. Mustasch - Mustasch
07. John Lindberg Trio - Brand new philosophy
08. Takida - The darker instinct
09. Europe - Last look at Eden
10. Elin Ruth Sigvardsson - Cookatoo friends
11. Sarah Dawn Finer - Moving on
12. Ebba Forsberg - Ta min vals: ebba forsberg sjunger Leonard Cohen
13. David Urwitz - Så långt det är möjligt
14. Fernandoz - På väg igen
15. Mando Diao - The malevolence of Mando Diao - The EMI b-sides
16. Malena Ernman - La voix du nord
17. The Real Group - The real album
18. Eva Eastwood - The beat goes on
19. Jerry Williams - Dynamite - live
20. Caroline Af Ugglas - Så gör jag det igen

This week's top 20 Swedish album chart

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 19:17:11 -0700

This week's top 20 Swedish album chart:

01. Larz Kristerz - Om du vill
02. Lars Winnerbäck - Tänk om jag ångrar mig och sen ångrar mig igen
03. Peter Lemarc - Klassiker
04. Mustasch - Mustasch
05. Christer Sjögren - Schlagerminnen
06. Takida - The darker instinct
07. Europe - Last look at Eden
08. Sarah Dawn Finer - Moving on
09. Ebba Forsberg - Ta min vals: ebba forsberg sjunger Leonard Cohen
10. Eva Eastwood - The beat goes on
11. Jerry Williams - Dynamite - live
12. Malena Ernman - La voix du nord
13. Tingsek - Restless soul
14. Caroline Af Ugglas - Så gör jag det igen
15. The Real Group - The real album
16. Erik Hassle - Hassle
17. Mats Bergmans - Premiär
18. Drifters - Ljudet av ditt hjärta
19. Niclas Wahlgren - Plommon
20. Veronica Maggio - Och vinnaren är...

New Mustasch in September

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 18:27:20 -0700

Swedish hard-rockers Mustasch will be releasing a new album on September 30 via Regain Records. More details tba.

Mustasch drummer forced into early retirement

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 17:54:18 -0700

Drummer Mats "Dojan" Hansson has been forced to part with Swedish rockers Mustasch due to muscle tears no doubt a tribute to years of hard playing. Danne McKenzie, already a frequent fill-in replacement, has been announced as his successor.

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 18:48:48 -0700

Mustasch has officially added stand-in guitarist David Johannesson to their permanent lineup. Former guitarist Hannes Hansson left back in June in order to spend more time with his family.

Festival report: Hultsfred 08 (pt. II)

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Gah! It's all such a blur, I barely know where to begin. One thing to mention though -- my Hultsfredfestivalen experience as an American who loves Swedish/Scandinavian music is far, far different than that of the natives. All those bands you Swedes are bored to death of are the ones I'm most excited to see. As for all the foreigners from the UK or the US, I could care less.

Our train arrived Thursday afternoon and were whisked away to the Rockparty HQ for a quick seminar and a whirlwind tour of the Swedish Rock Arkiv (something I would love to revisit when I have more time). Unfortunately, these meetings meant missing the first acts of the festival: Anti-Flag, Markus Krunegård and Parken. Once we finally made it to the festival grounds, I decided to take it easy and start off slow by catching up with old friends such as the dudes from Dagensskiva before watching my first band of the day, Shiloh. And what a great start that was! Pure over-the-top melodrama in fine Svenska tradition. Not many bands can pull that off convincingly, but Shiloh has the exact attitude to make it work. Kudos!

After retreating back to the backstage bar area, we were treated to an encore performance by the adorable Little Marbles, which was cute (are they old enough to be back here, I wondered), but otherwise unexceptional. I'm not sure if they're a band better suited to their peers or what, but it's not for me.

There's a ton of other worthwhile acts I probably should've checked out after that, but again I opted for socialization over the foreign imports and mediocre hip-hop (ie, Adam Tensta and Lazee). No, I decided to wait it out for Familjen at 1:30am and I'm glad I did because it was worth it. Now that was a proper finish for day 1: bright lights and dancing until the sun started to rise in the wee hours. I couldn't quite muster the stamina to catch Özgur Can at quarter-till 3, but I assume it was great. Uh, maybe next time?

Day 2 started off fairly similar to the first. Early (relatively) seminars at Rockparty HQ followed by a tardy festival arrival. Sorry to Palpitation, Raised Fist and The Process; you were on my to-see list, but it wasn't meant to be. Instead, my first act of the day was Billie the Vision and the Dancers. I can't say that I'm that big of a fan to be honest, but they are awfully charming in-person and the packed Teater crowd was loving every minute. Undeniably fun, I must admit. Up next: Säkert!. The band opened the big stage Hawaii and attempted to recreate a living room atmosphere on stage, but it ended up kind of pathetic compared to The Hives' massive neon backdrop which would fill the stage later that evening. Still, the band gave it their all and sounded great. A guest spot from Markus Krunegård and the now-traditional encore of The Wannadies' "My hometown" på Svenska ("Min hemstad") were bonus for those who stuck it out.

Timo Räisänen, on the other hand, had no trouble getting the crowd riled up with a powerhouse lineup that included two drummers. I forget that he used to be a lead guitarist before striking out on his own, so his heroics were all the more surprising and impressive. Maybe not quite my favorite act of the fest, but a strong contender. (also worth noting, this quip which I only caught half of at the time)

A short beer-break later and it was time for the aforementioned Hives to take the stage and show everyone what it takes to a headliner act. Having seen them wow a festival audience before, their usual shtick was comforting and familiar and entertaining as always, so it wasn't until they covered "(Gotta get some action) Now!" by The Hellacopters that my excitement level was peaked. I expected complacent consistency, but that was something special.

Looptroop Rockers were next on my list and they brought a set full of hits, but had a hard time holding my attention. Instead, I found that Afasi & Filthy put on a much better show later that evening at the Teater stage. They weren't an act I expected to catch, so file that one under pleasant surprises. I'm very glad I let my friends drag me along to see them.

Unfortunately, I didn't have time to catch more than three songs from Witchcraft, but what little I did see was awesome. It also marked the first (and last) time I smelled dope at the fest, something that seemed very appropriate considering their heavy stonerrock sound. No, three songs were all I had time for as my presence was required at Pampas for Mustasch, an absolute must-see band I've wanted to catch for a long, long time. People tell me it wasn't their best performance, but whatever it was, I was plenty satisfied. Nice Hasselhoff altar dudes!

Day 3 was far more relaxed than the previous two. No rushing off to seminars, just an easy morning catching up on email and the like before strolling over around mid-afternoo to catch Ane Brun who, I must say, sounded marvelous. I can imagine that she'd be absolutely stunning in a proper theater-type venue, but the Pampas stage was still a nice start for my 3rd and final day of the fest. What a great backing band too! I slipped away after a bit to see a few songs from Herbrightskies, but quickly discovered that was a terrible idea, so it was back to the backstage bar until The Deer Tracks took over Stora Dans. Now this was what I wanted to see: a small band with no expectations who ended up totally flooring me. The core duo of David and Elin was augmented by a small ensemble and the fullness of their sound was amazing. Really looking forward to their new album when it finally comes out now - this is a band to watch out for.

Heeding the advice of IAT contributor Nancy, I made my way across the festival grounds to Atlantis for Miss Li who proved to be every bit as charming as I had hoped. It's worth noting that she held on to her sizable audience even after the football game started also! Firefox AK fared reasonably well too, despite said game. The band might tell you different considering the various technical problems they encountered, but I found the show to be great -- even better than the intimate gig I attended at Kafé 44 earlier in the week. Everything came together in just the right way as far as I was concerned.

After watching lots of dudes get very upset due to Team Sverige's loss (I watched the viewers more than the game), I caught a bit of Those Dancing Days, a band with far more moxie than actual talent for the time being. I don't wish them ill, I just hope they are able to persevere long enough to get good because I think they have the potential. Following that, I took a break and eventually wandered over to catch Denmark's The Blue Foundation, but after waiting 30 minutes with no show, I gave up. You blew it guys.

Otherwise, forget Lykke Li -- she'll tour the US again -- next on my agenda was Håkan Hellström, the one artist I absolutely knew I had see! I made sure I placed myself among the throng for the full fan experience and was rewarded justly. The man is a great entertainer with a great band and he put on a fantastic show. As I said on my blog report, the encore probably should've ended with "Kom igen Lena", but I still walked away more than happy. That was the Swedish festival experience I came for and I didn't dare taint it with any more bands so with that I said goodnight! Back to the bar for final farewells and well-wishing. Until next year?

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 05:35:41 -0700

Guitarist Hannes Hansson has parted ways with Mustasch after playing together for 10 years in order to spend more time at home with his family. The band's current tour plans will continue as planned with a replacement to be announced shortly.

Festival report: Hultsfred 08 (pt. I)

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Man oh man, Hultsfred 2008 sure was one of the busiest occasions so far; never a dull moment. When not trying to attend all the concerts I had circled in my notebook, there where interviews to be done and other important people to talk to, including the Boss himself, Avi Roig, and Craig Bonell from Swedesplease.net - both flown in as honoree guests by STIM, our version of a composer's union over here. To be honest I didn't know what to expect of this year's version of Hultsfredsfestivalen; as a direct result of last years' lousy run Rockparty had much to prove, some people had even started talking about the outcome of this years' festival as a matter of survival (or non survival) of the entire festival itself. And the outcome? Well, I don't know. Ticket sales were not extremely good (except for the one-day tickets / Thursday, when a certain Rage Against The Machine hit the stage), but Rockparty still managed to sell more tickets than last year. With Linkin Park, one of the headliners, cancelling in the last minute (for the second time around) I assume Rockparty made a buck or two there too, hopefully this adds up to the return of the festival in 2009. We'll just have to wait and see.

On to the shows. Having nagged about how much to do and how little time to do it in, I still managed to catch a whole bunch of bands. One of the downsides of having a fascination close to obsession for music, and thus going to nearly every concert and festival available for many years now, is that it's hard to fully enjoy an artist or a band when having already seen the act far too many times. Sure, The Hives, Håkan Hellström, Mustasch and Kristian Anttila are all good bands/artists, but none of their shows were anything out of the ordinary. The Hives were just as crazy and powerful as always (but honestly, what is there for Pelle Almqvist to say or do that Howlin' Pelle hasn't already said and done?), Håkan was emotional as always and the charismatic Ralf Gyllenhammar of Mustasch played his robust clown card (although you need to be a native to fully understand all of his blabbering) perfectly. The same goes for Ane Brun and Tingsek. I still enjoyed their concerts, but I didn't expect anything else and therefore, was hardly surprised. What did surprise me was the massive crowds that turned up to support both Timo Räisänen and the up-and-coming rockers in Takida. I knew Takida had a big following (you tend to have that when just about every song has a chorus fit for everyone to sing along to) but Timo seemed hardly taken by surprise - instead he put on a show worthy any successful indie/pop artist from Göteborg you can think of.

And then there was Annika Norlin. Why, why, why did Rockparty place Annika and her friends in Säkert! on the main stage in mid-daylight? Never mind the daylight come to think of it, but the stage was far too big and the crowd far too small for Säkert! to be able to really get in under your skin. 'Cuz she's got the songs, Annika Norlin is without doubt one of the best Swedish songwriters there is at the moment, but Annika Norlin is not a stage persona. It's a shame, with a more enthusiastic Annika, and a smaller and more intimate venue, Säkert! will surely blow your mind. Speaking of blowing your mind, you didn't miss Johnossi, did you? Because if you did, you missed one of the coolest and greatest live bands there is. Having their second record out, "All they ever wanted", John and Ossi is once again ready to explode from within as soon as they hit the stage. Having seen the lads a couple of times before, with the latest occasion just a month ago, they did alright. With alright I mean they rocked the arse of all other bands that night, you should see them when they really hit the spot - unbelievable.

I did get to see a couple of first timers as well. Crushing hardcore from Raised Fist, electrifying... whatever you call it from the Finnish Disco Ensemble and soothing singer/songwriter from the young sisters Söderberg in First Aid Kit. And Those Dancing Days of course, finally I got a chance to see for myself what the buzz was all about. Nothing, it turned out. Been a long time since I've been to a concert that dull, but they're still young, so hopefully they'll come around. They reminded me about the short performance I watched with Little Marbles when they played a short set backstage. Young skitty girls with horrendous clothing and skitty little melodies, I just don't get it. So, trying to summarize Hultsfred 2008 I must say that I'm satisfied, even though I missed a few acts that I really wanted to see (Lykke Li, A Beautiful Friend, Robyn and Firefox AK, to name a few) and that Petter Seander, bass player in the Kristian Anttila band, didn't keep his promise to take me to that Håkan Hellström barbecue party in the garden of the house rented by EMI (free beer you know...). He now owes me one.
- Christian Stenbacke

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 12:32:18 -0700

Here's the playlist for this week's radio show (Hultsfred special):

01. Familjen - Huvudet i sanden
02. TALK 1
03. Säkert! - Vi kommer att dö samtidigt
04. Robyn - Cobrastyle
05. Håkan Hellström - Kär i en ängel
06. TALK 2
07. Those Dancing Days - Dischoe
08. Mustasch - I hunt alone
09. Johnossi - Party with my pain
10. The Process - Mot Sverige i tiden
11. TALK 3
12. Raised Fist - Breaking me up
13. Firefox AK - Once I was like you (Markus Guentner remix)
14. Dreamboy - Pay attention
15. TALK 4
16. Miss Li - Miss Li
17. Markus Krunegård - Jag är en vampyr
18. Timo Räisänen - My valentine
19. TALK 5
20. The Hives - You dress up for Armageddon

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

Mon, 12 May 2008 11:54:52 -0700

Mustasch, Babylon Bombs and Hell n' Diesel will be playing a special Swedish hard-rock showcase in London on June 5 called the Real Rock of Sweden Expo. More details here: http://www.rrose.se/

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:20:24 -0700

This week's top 20 Swedish album chart:

01. In Flames - A sense of purpose
02. Christer Sjögren - Jubileum 40 år med Christer Sjögren
03. Håkan Hellström - För sent för Edelweiss
04. Streaplers - Rakt av
05. Nordman - Djävul eller gud
06. Linda Bengtzing - Vild & galen
07. Maia Hirasawa - Though, I'm just me (new edition)
08. Markus Krunegård - Markusevangeliet
09. Pugh Rogefeldt - vinn hjärta vinn
10. Monica Zetterlund - Sakta vi gå genom stan - Det bästa med Monica
11. Amy Diamond - Music in motion
12. Kungers - Galaxen
14. Oh Laura - A song inside my head, a demon in my bed
15. Sibel - The diving belle
16. Ane Brun - Changing of the seasons
17. Veronica Maggio - och vinnaren är...
18. Takida - Bury the lies
19. Mustasch - Lowlife highlights
20. Caracola - This is Caracola

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 16:33:57 -0800

Universal Poplab is collaborating with photographer Mikael Göthage on a photo exhibition which will be displayed at Central Station in Göteborg from February 16 through the end of March. UP will also help open the show with a free live performance at the Wish Club on February 16 and some of the pictures on display will end up in the booklet of the band's new album, due out in May via Wonderland Records. Mikael has previously worked with artists such as Robyn and Mustasch and more info on him and his work can be found at his website here: http://www.gothage.com/

Sun, 10 Feb 2008 17:51:52 -0800

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

01. Niccokick - The poet
02. TALK 1
03. Montys Loco - Farewell Mr Happy
04. David Sandström - Apropå det här med att finnas till
05. Mew - Why are you looking grave?
06. TALK 2
07. C.Aarmé - Rhythm
08. Dieter Schöön - Lot's of free Shoes but nowhere to run
09. Meshuggah - Pravus
10. TALK 3
11. Elin Ruth Sigvardsson - Antidote
12. The Bear Quartet - Volksblues
13. Ljudbilden & Piloten - Wedding
14. Lack - Naked girls
15. TALK 4
16. Don't Be A Stranger - Lonely together
17. Namur - Marching
18. NEI - Trip to Luleå
19. TALK 5
20. Printer - All right
21. Moto Boy - Beat heart
22. Christel Alsos - Come back to me
23. TALK 6
24. Promoe - Headache
25. Mustasch - Dogwash
26. Montt Mardié - Too many songs unwritten
27. Pascal - Smärtstillande
28. TALK 7
29. Pan Sonic - Virta 1
30. Pekker - Ass electro
31. Regulations - Police siren
32. TALK 8
33. Deud - Lördag
34. Linus Larsson & John Roger Olsson - Beyond the south tunnel
35. Barra Head - Undermine
36. TALK 9
37. Aerial - Kallisti
38. Paris - Office killer
39. Lukestar - The shade you hide
40. TALK 10
41. Jazkamer - Metal music machine

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 16:43:59 -0800

In February, Regain Records will release a best-of collection from Swedish rockers Mustasch entitled "Lowlife highlight". Expect a new album of fresh material in 2009.

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 16:33:49 -0800

The winners of the Swedish Grammis have been announced:

Best Album: Kent – Tillbaka till samtiden
Best Dance/Hip-Hop/Soul: Adam Tensta – It's a Tensta thing
Best Folk/Visa: Sofia Karlsson – Visor från vinden
Best Group: Kent – Tillbaka till samtiden
Best Hard-rock: Mustasch – Latest version of the truth
Best Jazz: Rigmor Gustafsson – Alone with you
Best Songwriter: Salem Al Fakir – This is who I am
Best Female Artist: Säkert! – Säkert!
Best Male Artist: Salem Al Fakir – This is who I am
Best Live Act: The Hives
Best Song: Lars Winnerbäck w/Miss Li – Om du lämnade mig nu
Best Lyrics: Annika Norlin – Säkert!
Best Newcomer: Salem Al Fakir – This is who I am
Best Producer: Salem Al Fakir – This is who I am
MTV-Prize for Best Video: Johan Söderberg (Familjen – Det snurrar I min skalle)
Export Prize: Bloodshy & Avant

Thu, 27 Dec 2007 11:18:21 -0800

The final list of this year's Swedish Grammi nominees have been confirmed:

Best Album
Kent - Tillbaka Till Samtiden
Lars Winnerbäck - Daugava
Sahara Hotnights - What If Leaving Is A Loving Thing
Salem Al Fakir - This Is Who I Am
Säkert! - Säkert!

Best Dance/Hip-Hop/Soul
Adam Tensta - It's A Tensta Thing
Familjen - Det Snurrar I Min Skalle
Ken - Äntligen Hemma
Mange Schmidt - Känslan Kommer Tillbaks
Petter - God Damn It

Best Folk/Country
Abalone Dots - From A Safe Distance
Ale Möller - Band Djef Djel
Lars Demian - Välkommen Hit
Sofia Karlsson - Visor Från Vinden
Sven-Bertil Taube - Alderville Road - Ord & Toner Av Evert Taube

Best Group
Kent - Tillbaka Till Samtiden
Mando Diao - Never Seen The Light Of Day
Sahara Hotnights - What If Leaving Is A Loving Thing
The Ark - Prayer For The Weekend
The Hives - The Black And White Album

Best Hard-rock/Metal
Entombed - Serpent Saints
Hardcore Superstar - Dreamin' In A Casket
Lillasyster - Hjärndöd Musik För En Hjärndöd Generation
Mustasch - Latest Version Of The Truth
Takida - Bury The Lies

Best Jazz
Alice Babs Med Jan Johansson & Georg Riedels - Orkester Illusion
Bitter Funeral Beer Band W Don Cherry & K. Sridhar - Live In Frankfurt 82
E.S.T. - Live In Hamburg
Nils Landgren - Funk Unit Licence To Funk
Rigmor Gustafsson - Alone With You

Best Songwriter
Annika Norlin - Säkert!
Benny Andersson - Bao 3
Joakim Berg & Martin Sköld - Tillbaka Till Samtiden
Ola Salo - Prayer For The Weekend
Salem Al Fakir - This Is Who I Am

Best Female Artist
Anna Järvinen - Jag Fick Feeling
Laleh - Prinsessor
Miss Li - God Put A Rainbow In The Sky
Sonja Aldén - Till Dig
Säkert! - Säkert!

Best Live Act
Lars Winnerbäck
Lena PH & Orup
Takida
The Hives
Timbuktu

Best Song
Lars Winnerbäck & Miss Li - Om Du Lämnade Mig Nu
Mange Schmidt Feat. Petter - Giftig
Sahara Hotnights - Cheek To Cheek
Salem Al Fakir - Good Song
The Ark - The Worrying Kind

Best Male Artist
Lars Winnerbäck - Daugava
Moneybrother - Mount Pleasure
Måns Zelmerlöw - Stand By For…
Salem Al Fakir - This Is Who I Am
Timbuktu - Oberoendeframkallande

Best Newcomer
Adam Tensta - It's A Tensta Thing
Maia Hirasawa - Though, I'm Just Me
Oh Laura - A Song Inside My Head, A Demon In My Bed
Salem Al Fakir - This Is Who I Am
Säkert! - Säkert!

Best Producer
Benny Andersson - Bao 3
Björn Olsson - Never Seen The Light Of Day
Björn Yttling - Writer's Block & What If Leaving Is A Loving Thing
Jon Joshua Schuman & Kent - Tillbaka Till Samtiden
Salem Al Fakir - This Is Who I Am

Best Lyrics
Annika Norlin - Säkert!
Eva Dahlgren - Petroleum Och Tång
Jason Diakité - Oberoendeframkallande
Joakim Berg - Tillbaka Till Samtiden
Salem Al Fakir - This Is Who I Am

MTV-Prize for Best Video
Adam Tensta - My Cool (Dir: Marcus Lundin)
Familjen - Det Snurrar I Min Skalle (Dir: Johan Söderberg)
Kent - Ingenting (Dir: Mattias Montero/Adam Berg)
Slagsmålsklubben - Malmö Beach Night Party (Dir: Andreas Nilsson)
The Ark - Prayer For The Weekend (Dir: Magnus Renfors / Kindpeople)

Tue, 04 Dec 2007 13:32:52 -0800

This year's Swedish Grammi (Grammy) Award nominees have been announced:

Best album:
Jens Lekman - Night Falls Over Kortedala
Kent - Tillbaka Till Samtiden
Lars Winnerbäck - Daugava
Moneybrother - Mount Pleasure
Sahara Hotnights - What If Leaving Is A Loving Thing
Salem Al Fakir - This Is Who I Am
Säkert! - Säkert!
The Ark - Prayer For The Weekend
The Hives - The Black And White Album
Timbuktu - Oberoendeframkallande

Best dance/hip-hop/soul:
Adam Tensta - It's A Tensta Thing
Dogge Doggelito - Superclasico
Familjen - Det Snurrar I Min Skalle
Fjärde Världen - Världens Ände
Ken - Äntligen Hemma
Mange Schmidt - Känslan Kommer Tillbaks
Million Stylez - From A Far
Petter - God Damn It
September - Dancing Shoes
Vincent - Lucky Thirteen

Best group:
Eldkvarn - Svart Blogg
Kent - Tillbaka Till Samtiden
Mando Diao - Never Seen The Light Of Day
Sahara Hotnights - What If Leaving Is A Loving Thing
Shout Out Louds - Our Ill Wills
The Ark - Prayer For The Weekend
The Hives - The Black And White Album
Oh Laura - A Song Inside My Head, A Demon In My Bed
Peter Bjorn And John - Writer's Block
Weeping Willows - Fear & Love

Best hard-rock/metal:
Arch Enemy - Rise Of The Tyrant
Candlemass - King Of The Grey Island
Clawfinger - Life Will Kill You
Crashdiet - The Unattractive Revolution
Dark Tranquillity - Fiction
Entombed - Serpent Saints
Hardcore Superstar - Dreamin' In A Casket
Lillasyster - Hjärndöd Musik För En Hjärndöd Generation
Mustasch - Latest Version Of The Truth
Takida - Bury The Lies

Best songwriter:
Anna Järvinen - Jag Fick Feeling
Annika Norlin - Säkert!
Benny Andersson - Bao 3
Christian Kjellvander - I Saw Her From Here/I Saw Here From Her
Joakim Berg & Martin Sköld - Tillbaka Till Samtiden
José González - In Our Nature
Moneybrother - Mount Pleasure
Ola Salo - Prayer For The Weekend
Peter Bjorn And John - Writer's Block
Salem Al Fakir - This Is Who I Am

Best female artist:
Anna Järvinen - Jag Fick Feeling
Eva Dahlgren - Petroleum Och Tång
Jaqee - Nouvelle D'amour
Laleh - Prinsessor
Louise Hoffsten - Så Speciell
Maia Hirasawa - Though, I'm Just Me
Miss Li - God Put A Rainbow In The Sky
Sonja Aldén - Till Dig
Sophie Zelmani - Memory Loves You
Säkert! - Säkert!

Best live act:
Benny Anderssons Orkester
Jens Lekman
Lars Winnerbäck
Lena Ph & Orup
Parksommar
Per Gessle
Peter Jöback
Takida
The Hives
Timbuktu

Best song:
Lars Winnerbäck - I Duett Med Miss Li Om Du Lämnade Mig Nu
Mange Schmidt Feat. Petter - Giftig
Markoolio - Ingen Sommar Utan Reggae
Martin Stenmarck - 100 År Från Nu (Blundar)
Måns Zelmerlöw - Cara Mia
Sahara Hotnights - Cheek To Cheek
Salem Al Fakir - Good Song
Sonja Aldén - För Att Du Finns
The Ark - The Worrying Kind
Ola - Natalie

Best male artist:
Christian Kjellvander - I Saw Her From Here / I Saw Here From Her
Jens Lekman - Night Falls Over Kortedala
José González - In Our Nature
Lars Winnerbäck - Daugava
Moneybrother - Mount Pleasure
Måns Zelmerlöw - Stand By For...
Peter Lemarc - Kärlek I Tystnadens Tid
Salem Al Fakir - This Is Who I Am
Timbuktu - Oberoendeframkallande
Timo Räisänen - Love Will Turn You Around

Best newcomer:
Abalone Dots - From A Safe Distance
Adam Tensta - It's A Tensta Thing
Anna Järvinen - Jag Fick Feeling
Maia Hirasawa - Though, I'm Just Me
Måns Zelmerlöw - Stand By For...
Oh Laura - A Song Inside My Head, A Demon In My Bed
Salem Al Fakir - This Is Who I Am
Sonja Aldén - Till Dig
Säkert! - Säkert!
Vincent - Lucky Thirteen

Best producer:
Benny Andersson - Bao 3
Björn Olsson - Never Seen The Light Of Day
Björn Yttling - Writer's Block & What If Leaving Is A Loving Thing
Jari Haapalainen - Svart Blogg
Jon Joshua Schuman & Kent - Tillbaka Till Samtiden
José González - In Our Nature
Laleh - Prinsessor
Maia Hirasawa - Though, I'm Just Me
Salem Al Fakir - This Is Who I Am
Vincent Pontare - Lucky Thirteen

Best lyrics:
Anna Järvinen - Jag Fick Feeling
Annika Norlin - Säkert!
Eva Dahlgren - Petroleum Och Tång
Jason Diakité - Oberoendeframkallande
Joakim Berg - Tillbaka Till Samtiden
Lars Winnerbäck - Daugava
Ola Salo - Prayer For The Weekend
Peter Lemarc - Kärlek I Tystnadens Tid
Plura Jonsson - Svart Blogg
Salem Al Fakir - This Is Who I Am

Go here for the full list: http://www.musikindustrin.nu/mi/smpage.fwx?page=198&NYHETER=8646

Mon, 03 Dec 2007 11:22:11 -0800

The nominees for the Swedish Radio P3 Guld awards have been announced:

Pop:
Anna Järvinen - Jag fick feeling
Friday Bridge - Intricacy
Jens Lekman - Night falls over Kortedala
Sambassadeur - Migration
Taken By Trees - Open Field

Dance:
Aril Brikha - Ex machina
Axwell - collected work
Minilogue - collected work
The Field - From here we go sublime
Tiger Stripes - collected work

Rock/metal:
Arch Enemy - Rise Of The Tyrant
Dark Tranquility - Fiction
Kongh - Counting heartbeats
Marduk - Rom 5:12
Mustasch - Latest version of the truth

Hiphop/soul:
Petter - God damn it
Ken - Äntligen hemma
Adam Tensta - It's a Tensta Thing
Million stylez - From A Far
Basutbudet - Svensk bas

Newcomer:
Adam Tensta
Maia Hirasawa
Million Stylez
Neverstore
Those Dancing Days

Female artist:
Laleh - Prinsessor
Maia Hirasawa - Though, I'm Just Me
Miss Li - God Put A Rainbow In The Sky
September - Dancing Shoes
Säkert! - Säkert!

Male artist:
Danny - Heart. Beats.
Jens Lekman - Night falls over Kortedala
Lars Winnerbäck - Daugava
Mange Schmidt - Känslan kommer tillbaks
Salem Al Fakir - This Is Who I Am

Group:
Kent - Tillbaka till samtiden
Mando Diao - Never Seen The Light Of Day
Sahara Hotnights - What If Leaving Is A Loving Thing
Shout Out Louds - Our Ill Wills
The Ark - Prayer For The Weekend

Song:
Kleerup with Robyn - With Every Heartbeat
Mange Schmidt feat. Petter - Giftig
Oh Laura - Release Me
Sahara Hotnights - Cheek To Cheek
Säkert! - Vi kommer att dö samtidigt

Guldmicken (live):
Laakso
Mustasch
Salem Al Fakir
Säkert!
Timo Räisänen

More info: http://www.sr.se/cgi-bin/p3/nyhetssidor/index.asp?programID=3014

Sat, 20 Oct 2007 18:21:28 -0700

The playlist for this week's radio show:

01. Boys of Scandinavia - Beautiful as a person
02. TALK 1
03. Don't Be A Stranger - Perfect problem
04. Timo Räisänen - Sixteen
05. Promise and the Monster - Sheets
06. TALK 2
07. Deathbed - When hope leaves a body
08. Closer - Sensing the wake
09. TALK 3
10. The Tarantula Waltz - Two arrows
11. Sambassadeur - Subtle changes
12. Anna Järvinen - Götgatan
13. TALK 4
14. Eric Malmberg - Slutet på en epok
15. Mustasch - Bring me everyone
16. September - Until I die
17. TALK 5
18. Leütenhaven - Still life (trompe l'oeil)
19. Frode Haltli - The latter
20. Lykke Li - Little bit
21. TALK 6
22. Downstairs - Peephole city
23. The Cardigans - Don't blame your daughter (Diamonds)
24. Paris - When I laid my eyes on you
25. TST - We are the kids
26. TALK 7
27. Ghost Brigade - Based on you
28. Mikko Singh - Palmun juurella
29. Audionom - Dc2
30. TALK 8
31. Ulver - Solitude
32. The Psyke Project - I get paralyzed
33. Silverbullit - Winter coat
34. TALK 9
35. Bodies Without Organs (BWO) - Let it rain
36. Icos - On my own
37. Torpedo - Hang me high
38. TALK 10
39. Graveyard - Satan's finest

FYI, in case you missed my announcement: next week will be a spooky Halloween-themed program.

Fri, 21 Sep 2007 13:10:05 -0700

This week's top 20 Swedish album chart:

01. Jens Lekman - Night falls over Kortedala
02. Moneybrother - Mount pleasure
03. Povel Ramel - Karameller - Det bästa med Povel Ramel
04. Roland Cedermark - Mirandas dröm
05. Sahara Hotnights - What if leaving is a loving thing
06. Abalone Dots - From a safe distance
07. Per Gessle - En händig man
08. Eva Dahlgren - En blekt blondins ballader
09. Cajsastina Åkerström - Visor från förr & nu
10. Timo Räisänen - Love will turn you around
11. Lasse Stefanz - Vagabond
12. Sonja Aldén - Till dig
14. Danny - Heart beats
15. Ted Gärdestad - För kärlekens skull - Det bästa med
16. Torsson - Det fjärde bästa bandet i Lund
17. Nils Landgren Funk Unit - Licence to funk
18. Oh Laura - A song inside my head, a demon in my bed
19. Sofia Karlsson - Visor från vinden
20. Mustasch - Latest version of the truth

Thu, 30 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0700

"Bring me everyone" will be the second single from Mustasch's latest album "Latest version of the truth". The b-side is "Forever begins today".

Thu, 02 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0700

This week's top 20 Swedish album chart:

01. Eva Dahlgren - En blekt blondins ballader
02. Lasse Stefanz - Vagabond
03. Per Gessle - En händig man
04. Cajsastina Åkerström - Visor från förr & nu
05. The Ark - Prayer for the weekend
06. Markoolio - Värsta Plattan
07. Sarah Dawn Finer - A finer dawn
08. Sahara Hotnights - What if leaving is a loving thing
09. Torgny Melin's - Allting som vi har
10. Ted Gärdestad - För kärlekens skull - Det bästa med
11. Måns Zelmerlöw - Stand by for...
12. Sonja Aldén - Till dig
14. Oh Laura - A song inside my head, a demon in my bed
15. Calaisa - Calaisa
16. Sofia karlsson - Visor från vinden
17. Salem Al Fakir - This is who I am
18. Marie Lindberg - Trying to recall
19. Tommy Körberg - Rakt upp och ner
20. Mustasch - Latest version of the truth

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0700

This week's top 20 Swedish album chart:

01. Lasse Stefanz - Vagabond
02. Eva Dahlgren - En blekt blondins ballader
03. Per Gessle - En händig man
04. Cajsastina Åkerström - Visor från förr & nu
05. Markoolio - Värsta Plattan
06. The Ark - Prayer for the weekend
07. Ted Gärdestad - För kärlekens skull - Det bästa med
08. Mustasch - Latest version of the truth
09. Sahara Hotnights - What if leaving is a loving thing
10. Sarah Dawn Finer - A finer dawn
11. Sofia karlsson - Visor från vinden
12. Oh Laura - A song inside my head, a demon in my bed
14. Salem Al Fakir - This is who I am
15. Torgny Melin's - Allting som vi har
16. Dana Dragomir - Älskade svenska visor
17. Maia Hirasawa - Though, i'm just me
18. Sonja Aldén - Till dig
19. Måns Zelmerlöw - Stand by for...
20. Säkert! - Säkert

MP3: Mustasch - Double nature

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Imagine that if after the so-called "Black album", Metallica didn't become a totally mockery of themselves. Imagine that they still continued to explore the pop aspects of their sound, but never lost track of their thrash roots. I think the result might sound like Mustasch. Well, that is presuming they replaced their drummer along the way as well. Mustasch's new album "Latest version of the truth" pales in comparison to their older work, but it sure kicks the ass of anything Metallica's done since the early 90s. Even adding a lame string section can't stop "Double nature" from totally ruling, something that Metallica tried and failed with 1999's "S&M". So what's the secret? How can Mustasch get away with watering down their sound when those other dudes fail so miserably? Besides having a killer rhythm section, the key is in what I said at the beginning: remember your roots. Think about it! Metallica always had pop aspirations. They got where they are because they wrote great songs that made you want to sing along and pump your first in the air. Catchy and heavy. Doesn't have to be either/or.

Sat, 07 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0700

The playlist for my radio show this week:

01. Death By Kite - Scared of heights
02. TALK 1
03. Kompjotr Eplektrika - Crakkin zombees...
04. Monomen - Asian spacestation
05. José González - Hints
06. TALK 2
07. I Am Bones - Backpackers
08. Ellen Beach - The widespread acclaim
09. Moder Jords Massiva - Ingenting
10. TALK 3
11. Iisole - The words
12. Kornstad - Sweden
13. Cortex - Mind of darkness
14. TALK 4
15. Silverbullit - Run
16. [ingenting] - Hollywood dreams
17. In Flames - The jester race
18. TALK 5
19. Nicolai Dunger - Soul rush
20. Existensminimum - Changing lines
21. Echo Is Your Love - Peace song
22. TALK 6
23. Laakso - The death of us
24. Christian Kjellvander - Words in the wires
25. Mustasch - Double nature
26. TALK 7
27. Tellevika + Firefox AK - Eric
28. Tape - A spire
29. C.Aarmé - Golden retriever
30. TALK 8
31. The Bear Quartet - Put me back together
32. Susanne Sundfør - Walls
33. The Hellacopters - Like no other man
34. TALK 9
35. Aerial - You will all die, all things will

Thu, 05 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0700

This week's top 20 Swedish album chart:

01. Per Gessle - En händig man
02. Lasse Stefanz - Vagabond
03. Ted Gärdestad - För kärlekens skull - Det bästa med
04. Cajsastina Åkerström - Visor från förr & nu
05. The Ark - Prayer for the weekend
06. Sahara Hotnights - What if leaving is a loving thing
07. Torgny Melin - Allting som vi har
08. Markoolio - Värsta Plattan
09. Maia Hirasawa - Though, i'm just me
10. Sarah Dawn Finer - A finer dawn
11. Danny - Heart beats
12. Salem Al Fakir - This is who I am
14. Sonja Aldén - Till dig
15. Måns Zelmerlöw - Stand by for...
16. Oh Laura - A song inside my head, a demon in my bed
17. Mustasch - Latest version of the truth
18. Candlemass - King of the grey islands
19. Timbuktu - Oberoendeframkalland
20. Sofia Karlsson - Visor från vinden

Sat, 23 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0700

The playlist for this week's radio show:

01. Kaizers Orchestra - Ompa til du dør
02. TALK 1
03. Logh - Thieves in the palace
04. Élodie - At the end of the line
05. Beem - Ducker
06. TALK 2
07. Hell On Wheels - Alexander
08. Isolation Years - Albino child
09. Honey Is Cool - Bolero
10. TALK 3
11. Mob - Wait for me
12. Skywriter - For heaven's sake
13. Menfolk - Zero is also a number
14. TALK 4
15. Plain Fade - Datura
16. Division of Laura Lee - Dirty love
17. Det Gamla Landet - Det heliga landet
18. TALK 5
19. Elope - Black eyed citizen
20. Fontän - You, me & a tree
21. Gehenna - Touched and left for dead
22. TALK 6
23. Mustasch - I hunt alone
24. Cobolt - The Atlantic Ocean takes her back
25. Blinders On - Blinders are on
26. Madrugada - Higher
27. TALK 7
28. Dead Letters Spell Out Dead Words - I could have sworn I heard them SING
29. Notre Dame - Into the coven
30. TALK 8
31. The Motorhomes - The man

Thu, 21 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0700

This week's top 20 Swedish album chart:

01. Per Gessle - En händig man
02. Markoolio - Värsta Plattan
03. Ted Gärdestad - För kärlekens skull - Det bästa med
04. Danny - Heart beats
05. Oh Laura - A song inside my head, a demon in my bed
06. Mustasch - Latest version of the truth
07. Tommy Körberg - Rakt upp och ner
08. Sahara Hotnights - What if leaving is a loving thing
09. Streaplers - Bästa!
10. Bosson - Future's gone tomorrow life is here today
11. Måns Zelmerlöw - Stand by for...
12. Sonja Aldén - Till dig
14. Sarah Dawn Finer - A finer dawn
15. The Ark - Prayer for the weekend
16. Salem Al Fakir - This is who I am
17. Sofia Karlsson - Visor från vinden
18. Eldkvarn - Svart blogg
19. Timbuktu - Oberoendeframkalland
20. Takida - Bury the lies

Thu, 14 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0700

This week's top 20 Swedish album chart:

01. Måns Zelmerlöw - Stand by for...
02. Oh Laura - A song inside my head, a demon in my bed
03. Sarah Dawn Finer - A finer dawn
04. Tommy Körberg - Rakt upp och ner
05. Markoolio - Värsta Plattan
06. Sahara Hotnights - What if leaving is a loving thing
07. Danny - Heart beats
08. Mustasch - Latest version of the truth
09. The Ark - Prayer for the weekend
10. Streaplers - Bästa!
11. Sonja Aldén - Till dig
12. Neverstore - Sevenhundred Sundays
14. Sofia Karlsson - Visor från vinden
15. Cornelis Vreeswijk - CV - Det bästa med Cornelis Vreeswijk
16. Eldkvarn - Svart blogg
17. Takida - Bury the lies
18. Torgny Melin - Allting som vi har
19. The Tough Alliance - A new chance
20. Salem Al Fakir - This is who I am

Fri, 08 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0700

This week's top 20 Swedish album chart:

01. Danny - Heart beats
02. Sarah Dawn Finer - A finer dawn
03. Måns Zelmerlöw - Stand by for...
04. Oh Laura - A song inside my head, a demon in my bed
05. Tommy Körberg - Rakt upp och ner
06. Mustasch - Latest version of the truth
07. Markoolio - Värsta Plattan
08. Sofia Karlsson - Visor från vinden
09. Sonja Aldén - Till dig
10. The Ark - Prayer for the weekend
11. Sahara Hotnights - What if leaving is a loving thing
12. Torgny Melin - Allting som vi har
14. Nationalteaterns Rockorkester - Live 2006
15. Takida - Bury the lies
16. Cornelis Vreeswijk - CV - Det bästa med Cornelis Vreeswijk
17. Eldkvarn - Svart blogg
18. Salem Al Fakir - This is who I am
19. The Tough Alliance - A new chance
20. Timbuktu - Oberoendeframkalland

Thu, 31 May 2007 00:00:00 -0700

This week's top 20 Swedish album chart:

01. Måns Zelmerlöw - Stand by for...
02. Oh Laura - A song inside my head, a demon in my bed
03. Svenska Akademien - Gör det ändå
04. The Ark - Prayer for the weekend
05. Mustasch - Latest version of the truth
06. Sonja Aldén - Till dig
07. Takida - Bury the lies
08. Sahara Hotnights - What if leaving is a loving thing
09. Cornelis Vreeswijk - CV - Det bästa med Cornelis Vreeswijk
10. Nanne - Jag måste kyssa dig
11. Sofia Karlsson - Visor från vinden
12. Markoolio - Värsta Plattan
14. Eldkvarn - Svart blogg
15. The Tough Alliance - A new chance
16. Salem Al Fakir - This is who I am
17. Marie Lindberg - Trying to recall
18. Sonata Arctica - Unia
19. Shout Out Louds - Our ill wills
20. Lillasyster - Hjärndöd musik för en hjärndöd generation

Thu, 24 May 2007 00:00:00 -0700

This week's top 20 Swedish album chart:

01. Takida - Bury the lies
02. Mustasch - Latest version of the truth
03. The Ark - Prayer for the weekend
04. Cornelis Vreeswijk - CV - Det bästa med Cornelis Vreeswijk
05. Sonja Aldén - Till dig
06. Sofia Karlsson - Visor från vinden
07. Sahara Hotnights - What if leaving is a loving thing
08. Nanne - Jag måste kyssa dig
09. The Tough Alliance - A new chance
10. Lillasyster - Hjärndöd musik för en hjärndöd generation
11. Markoolio - Värsta Plattan
12. Eldkvarn - Svart blogg
14. Jimmy Jansson - Sån e jag
15. Sonic Syndicate - Only inhuman
16. Shout Out Louds - Our ill wills
17. The Boppers - 30
18. Vikingarna - Bästa kramgoa låtarna 2
19. Marie Lindberg - Trying to recall
20. Salem Al Fakir - This is who I am

Thu, 05 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0700

The latest album from Swedish hard-rockers Mustasch will be called "Latest version of the truth". Look for it on May 18 via Regain Records.

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

Download a sample of the brand new Mustasch single "Double nature": http://www.mustasch.net/audio/Mustasch-Double.Nature(sample).mp3

Fri, 13 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Swedish hard-rockers Mustasch have started work on their next album at Bohus Sound with Tobias Lindell at the helm. Expect a February 2007 release via Regain Records.

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

Swedish hard-rockers Mustasch have signed with Regain Records and will have their "Parasite" EP rereleased worldwide along with a new full-length album.

MP3: Mustasch - I hunt alone

Fri, 07 Jul 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Download today's mp3 and listen to that chunky guitar tone. It doesn't get much meatier than that! And the swagger of that riff perfectly compliments the guitar-tone. When Ralf Gyllenhammar comes in with his wailing vocals and the guitar parts split into harmony, you may just be tempted to throw up the devil horns. Do it! Despite the silly name, Mustasch is not some semi-ironic, Johnny-come-lately metal band. As exemplified by the recent LOTFP manifesto on so-called 'False Metal', there's a mighty thin line between what metalheads consider to be true and the poseurs who pollute the scene. It probably all seems ridiculous to the outsider, but any long-time metal fan will assure you that it really truly is an important issue. Mustasch's 2002 debut full-length "Above all" is a modern classic of true Heavy Metal (with capital letters). It's got all the best elements from bands such as Judas Priest, Black Sabbath and old-school Metallica, but with the extra heaviness made possible by today's recording technology. Many bands try, few succeed.

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

This week's top 20 Swedish album chart:

01. Ola - Given to fly
02. The Poodles - Metal will stand tall
03. Carola - Från nu till evighet
04. Peps Persson Oh boy - Det bästa med Peps Persson
05. Shirley Clamp - Favoriter på Svenska
06. Amy Diamond - Still me still now
07. Benny Anderssons Orkester - Bao på turné
08. Lasse Stefanz - Pickup 56
09. Lars Winnerbäck - Efter nattens bränder - 1996-2006
10. BWO - Halcyon days
11. Eric Gadd - Eric Gadd
12. Totta & Wiehe - Dylan
13. Patrik Isaksson - Patrik Isaksson
14. Anna Christoffersson/Steve Dobrogosz - It's always you
15. Mustasch - Parasite!
16. Laleh - Laleh
17. Sebastian - Sebastian
18. Takida - ...Make you breathe
19. Linda Bengtzing - Ingenting att förlora
20. Eldkvarn - Atlantis

Thu, 01 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0700

This week's top 20 Swedish album chart:

01. Carola - Från nu till evighet
02. Amy Diamond - Still me still now
03. Shirley Clamp - Favoriter på Svenska
04. Lasse Stefanz - Pickup 56
05. The Poodles - Metal will stand tall
06. Benny Anderssons Orkester - Bao på turné
07. Lars Winnerbäck - Efter nattens bränder - 1996-2006
08. Eric Gadd - Eric Gadd
09. BWO - Halcyon days
10. Patrik Isaksson - Patrik Isaksson
11. Kristet Utseende - Sieg hallelujah
12. Magnus Carlsson - Magnus carlsson
13. Totta & Wiehe - Dylan
14. Mustasch - Parasite!
15. Musikal - Mamma Mia
16. Björn Skifs - Decennier sånger från en annan tid
17. Sebastian - Sebastian
18. Atomic Swing - The broken habanas
19. Friska Viljor - Bravo!
20. Lena Malmborg - A new time, a new life, a new religion

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

Check out the video for the new single "Parasite" from Swedish hard-rockers Mustasch: wmv / qt

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

Swedish hard-rockers Mustasch will release a new six-song EP called "Parasite" on May 24 featuring five brand-new tracks and one live track. Listen to a sample: http://www.mustasch.net/audio/Mustasch-Kill.The.Light-sample.mp3

Mon, 16 Jan 2006 00:00:00 -0800

Swedish hard-rockers Mustasch have started work on their fourth album at Studio Bohus with producer Tobias Lindell.

Tue, 06 Dec 2005 00:00:00 -0800

Mustasch's latest gets reviewed at the Daily Vault: http://www.dailyvault.com/2005_12_06-ch.html

Tue, 20 Sep 2005 00:00:00 -0700

"I'm alright" will the next single from Mustasch's latest album "Powerhouse". It comes out on October 26 and will include the exclusive b-side "Forever/Whatever".

Thu, 16 Jun 2005 00:00:00 -0700

This week's top 20 Swedish album chart:

01. Musikal - Mamma Mia
02. The Hellacopters - Rock & Roll Is Dead
03. Ulf Lundell - Högtryck
04. Amy Diamond - This Is Me Now
05. Robyn - Robyn
06. Carola - Störst av allt
07. Kent - Du & Jag Döden
08. Sofia Karlsson - Svarta ballader
09. Timbuktu - Alla vill till himmelen men ingen vill dö
10. Nanne - 20 år med Nanne
11. Ted Gärdestad - Sol vind & vatten - Det bästa
12. Electric Banana Band - Electric Banana Band och Trazan & Banarnes bästa
13. Laleh - Laleh
14. Mustasch - Powerhouse
15. Helena Paparizou - My Number One
16. Bodies Without Organs - Protoype
17. Arvingarna - #8
18. Moneybrother - To Die Alone
19. Jill Johnson - Being Who You Are
20. Shirley Clamp - Lever Mina Drömmar

Delusions of Adequacy reviews Paatos: http://www.adequacy.net/review.php?reviewid=5609

Thu, 09 Jun 2005 00:00:00 -0700

This week's top 20 Swedish album chart:

01. Ulf Lundell - Högtryck
02. Robyn - Robyn
03. Kent - Du & Jag Döden
04. Carola - Störst av allt
05. Amy Diamond - This Is Me Now
06. Nanne - 20 år med Nanne
07. Mustasch - Powerhouse
08. Sofia Karlsson - Svarta ballader
09. Timbuktu - Alla vill till himmelen men ingen vill dö
10. Helena Paparizou - My Number One
11. Electric Banana Band - Electric Banana Band och Trazan & Banarnes bästa
12. Laleh - Laleh
13. Anna Ternheim - Somebody Outside
14. Lars Winnerbäck - Vatten Under Broarna
15. Jill Johnson - Being Who You Are
16. Bodies Without Organs - Protoype
17. Caroline W. - Bossa Supernova
18. Shirley Clamp - Lever Mina Drömmar
19. Moneybrother - To Die Alone
20. Eldkvarn - Atlantis

No One Here is Asking posts some tracks from the new JR Ewing: http://discodeath.blogspot.com/2005/06/jr-ewing-maelstrom.html

Wed, 11 May 2005 00:00:00 -0700

Mustasch has posted the video for their upcoming single "Dogwash": wmv / qt
The band says they were lied to about the release date by their label (it's now May 18 for the single, June 1 for the album) and are offering a full version of the tune "Evil doer" as compensation: http://www.mustasch.net/audio/Mustasch-Evil.Doer.mp3

Thu, 28 Apr 2005 00:00:00 -0700

Check out a sample of the new Mustasch single "Dogwash": http://www.mustasch.net/audio/tmp/Dogwash(sample).mp3

Tue, 19 Apr 2005 00:00:00 -0700

Mustasch has revealed that their new album will be called "Powerhouse". As mentioned before, it's due for release on May 25 in Scandinavia, slightly later in Germany.

Fri, 15 Apr 2005 00:00:00 -0700

Swedish hardrockers Mustasch have confirmed that their upcoming as-yet-untitled new album will be released on May 25. The first single for the song "Dogwash" (b/w "No religion") comes out May 4.

Tue, 07 Dec 2004 00:00:00 -0800

New pics of Mustasch now up at Rockfoto.

Wed, 29 Sep 2004 00:00:00 -0700

Mustasch is heading to Germany for a few shows in December:

12/16 - Logo, Hamburg (GER)
12/17 - Underground, Köln (GER)
12/18 - Knaack, Berlin (GER)

Tue, 13 Jul 2004 00:00:00 -0700

Mustasch is confirmed for the Rock At Sea boat festival in November along with Abramis Brama, half-Swedish/half-US band Meldrum, UK acts Nazareth and Girlschool and more. The show actually takes place at sea on a cruise between Stockholm and Åland, Finland. Is that a recipe for disaster, or what? More info: http://217.27.174.155/jm/hardrock.htm

Tue, 01 Jun 2004 00:00:00 -0700

Download an mp3 of Mustasch's entire show from the last Umeå Open festival http://www.mustasch.net/audio/Mustasch@P3.Live-040527.mp3

Thu, 29 Apr 2004 00:00:00 -0700

Some new, updated tourdates for Swedish hardrockers Mustasch:

05/07 - Statt, Lidköping (SWE)
05/08 - KB, Malmö (SWE)
05/14 - Kolingsborg, Stockholm (SWE)
06/05 - Hovafestivalen, Hova (SWE)
06/18 - Hultsfredsfestivalen, Hultsfred (SWE)
06/19 - Metaltown, Göteborg (SWE)
06/25 - Hjo-Festivalen, Hjo (SWE)
07/10 - Dijkpop, Andijk (NL)
07/11 - Forestglade, Wiesen (AUS)
07/14 - Butlers, Trollhättan (SWE)
07/23 - Tumstock04, Helsingborg (SWE)

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

Go here to download Mustasch videos and desktop images: http://www.mustasch.net/html/Downloads.asp

Tue, 23 Mar 2004 00:00:00 -0800

New pics of Mustasch, Laakso and The Lightbulb Project from the Rookie tour up at Rockfoto.nu.

Tue, 23 Mar 2004 00:00:00 -0800

Mustasch, as expected, has been confirmed for Hultsfred. Their new single "6:36" has been delayed so that the release coincides with the festival.

Fri, 12 Mar 2004 00:00:00 -0800

Göteborg is playing host to a brand new metal festival on June 19 at Bananpiren called Metaltown. Scheduled to play so far are Scandinavian acts Turbonegro and Mustasch along with Brides of Descruction (feat. Nikki Sixx from Mötley Crüe) and Alice Cooper.

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

The new Mustasch single will be for the track "6:36" with "Daybreaker" as the b-side.

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

Mustasch and Pauline are doing a couple of the upcoming Rookie festival tourdates. Read more.

Thu, 05 Feb 2004 00:00:00 -0800

More bands confirmed for Umeå Open: Weeping Willows, Nocturnal Rites, Mustasch and Mattias Alkberg BD.

Fri, 16 Jan 2004 00:00:00 -0800

Excerpts from Swedish Radio program P3 Rock's top albums of the year, as voted on by listeners:

05. Entombed - Inferno
06. Turbonegro - Scandinavian Leather
08. Opeth - Damnation
09. Cult of Luna - The Beyond
10. The Haunted - One Kill Wonder
12. Mustasch - Rat Safari
13. Nasum - Helvete
15. Grand Magus - Monument

The full list is here: http://www.sr.se/p3/rock/

Fri, 16 Jan 2004 00:00:00 -0800

Here are some of the nominees for the Swedish Grammies:

Best Pop Female:
Jill Johnson - Roots and Wings
Lisa Miskovsky - Fallingwater
Miss Universum - Selfelected
Pauline - Candy Rain
Elin Sigvardsson - Saturday Light Naive

Best Pop Male:
Magnus Carlson - Ett Kungarike För En Kram
Per Gessle - Mazarin
José González - Veneer
Peter LeMarc - Det Som Håller Oss Vid Liv
Mauro Scocco - Beat Hotel

Best Pop Group:
Alcazar - Alcazarized
Bo Kaspers Orkester - Vilka Tror Vi Att Vi Är
Da Buzz - More Than Alive
David & The Citizens - Until The Sadness Is Gone
The Knife - Deep Cuts

Best Rock Album (solo):
Eagle-Eye - Cherry Sub Rosa
Christian Kjellvander - Introducing The Past
Lars Winnerbäck och Hovet - Söndermarken
Moneybrother - Blood Panic
Thomas Rusiak - In The Sun

Best Rock Group:
Bad Cash Quartet - Midnight Prayer
Broder Daniel - Cruel Town
The Cardigans - Long Gone Before Daylight
Fireside - Get Shot
Randy - Welfare Problems

Best Songwriter:
Karin & Olof Dreijer
Per Gessle
Lisa Miskovsky & Joakim Berg
Peter Svensson
Moneybrother (Anders Wendin)

Best Lyrics:
Timbuktu (Jason Diakté)
Per Gessle
Peter LeMarc
Nina Persson
Lars Winnerbäck

Best Producer:
Joakim Berg/Simon Norberg
Karin & Olof Dreijer
Pelle Gunnerfeldt
Jari Haapalainen
C. Öfwerman, C. Lundquist & P. Gessle

Best Hip-hop/Soul:
Advance Patrol - Utskrivna
Kaah - Jideblasko
Ken Det - Bortglömda
The Latin Kings - Omerta
Timbuktu - The Botten Is Nådd!

Best Hard Rock:
Backyard Babies - Stockholm Syndrome
Evergrey - Recreation Day
The Haunted - One Kill Wonder
Mustasch - Ratsafari
Opeth - Damnation

Best Jazz:
E.S.T. - Seven Days Of Falling
Rigmor Gustavsson - with I Will Wait For You
Nils Landgren and The Fleshquartet
Jonas Kullhammar Quartet - Plays Loud For The People
Oddjob - Koyo
Bobo Stenson/Lennart Åberg

Best Club/Dance Song:
Hundarna Från Söder - Hundarna Från Söder BAM
Koop - Waltz For Koop - Alternative Takes
Physics - First Flight NSD
Plej - Electronic Music From The Westcoast
Sophie Rimheden - Hi-Fi Mitek

Best Pop/Dance Band:
Barbados - Hela Himlen
Fame - Give Me Your Love
Jan Johansen - X My Heart
Jill Johnson - Discography
Lasse Stefanz - Det Här Är Bara Början

Go here for the full list: http://www.ifpi.se/02.images/01.top/02.subnav_pdf/08.grammis/pdf/Grammisnomineringar_2003.pdf

Fri, 26 Dec 2003 00:00:00 -0800

New pics up at Rockfoto.nu of Hardcore Superstar and Mustasch.

Sat, 20 Dec 2003 00:00:00 -0800

Other notables/honorable mentions:

Cult of Luna - The Beyond & s/t reissue (Earache)
Crushing doom in the vein of Neurosis and Isis, but with a touch of something else that separates them from the rest of the imitators. Hopefully these guys will tour the US because I bet they kill live.

Shout Out Louds - Howl Howl Gaff Gaff (Bud Fox)
Broder Daniel - Cruel Town (Dolores)
These are two of the best Swedish indiepop records this year and I think I actually like the former a bit more than the latter. Broder Daniel has some better songs when taken on their own, but the Shout Out Louds made a better album. I was hoping the latest Bad Cash Quartet would rate too, but it was a huge disappointment.

Zyklon - Aeon (Candlelight)
Ex-Emperor guitarist Samoth proves he can move on and still make quality music. One of the few black-metal releases this year that really caught my interest. Either the scene is stagnant or I've lost interest, not sure.

Motorpsycho & Jaga Jazzist Horns - In the Fishtank (Konkurrent)
It's about time the rest of the world was exposed to these guys. I can do without that one awful funk track, but the rest of this is great stuff. Hopefully the increased international profile of this release will help them get their own music recognized and appreciated.

Randy - Welfare Problems (Burning Heart)
I don't listen to much punk-rock these days, but Randy always delivers. Looking forward to the US tour in February.

The Cardigans - Long Gone Before Daylight (Stockholm Records)
I was really put off by the mellow 70s vibe at first, but once I got over it I found out there were some pretty great songs here. Definitely not what I was expecting, but worth a second glance if you passed it over before.

Ricochets - Ghost of Our Love (White Jazz)
Tiger Lou - Trouble And Desire (Startracks)
Mustasch - Ratsafari (Majesty/Capitol)
Seven Feet Four - Departure/Arrival (Coalition)
Four solid releases from four very different acts. Nothing life changing here, but all still quite good and definitely worth investigating.

Jaga Jazzist - The Stix (Smalltown Supersound)
Supersilent - 6 (Rune Grammofon)
v/a - Money Will Ruin Everything 2xCD + Book (Rune Grammofon)
Norway is really a hotbed for experimental genre-expanding music right now and these three releases are a great place to start. You won't find that elusive "next big thing" here, just music that will make you think. Both Smalltown Supersound and Rune Grammofon are labels to keep an eye on.

Top ten: 2003

Sat, 20 Dec 2003 00:00:00 -0800

Drum roll please! Here it is at last, the It's a trap! top 10 records of 2003...

10. Junior Senior - D-d-don't Stop the Beat (Crunchy Frog/Atlantic)
This record is 100% mindless entertainment and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that, especially when it's done so well. For some reason, the geniuses behind the American version decided to tack on two bonus tracks and totally kill the way the album ends. I don't get it - it ruins the purpose of the fade out that runs back into the first song. Ridiculous.

09. Opeth - Damnation (Koch)
I've always been a big fan of Opeth's softer moments, so I eagerly anticipated the release of this record and was not let down at all. Besides being one of the better live shows I saw this year, this proves that the band can transcend the boundries of the metal genre into realms of prog and melodicism far beyond their peers. The fact that a number of my non-metal friends also consider this one of 2003's best proves it.

08. Kaizers Orchestra - Evig Pint (Broiler Farm)
Take the music of Tom Waits, add a dash of Sixteen Horsepower, throw in a heathy dose of Nordic/Eastern European folk, add some pump organ and metal percussion and you're just about there. The Kaizers manage to strike a great balance of huge pop hooks with a subtle dark and dangerous edge. Don't let the fact they sing in their native Norweigan tongue scare you off because you'd be missing out. I don't need to know what they're saying to know they're good.

07. The Knife - Deep Cuts (Rabid Records)
This is not your usual electropop. The brother/sister duo of Karin and Olof Dreijer use the same elements of others in the genre, but in the process they manage to craft something far more interesting and multifaceted. It may sound like simple dance music at first, but there is far, far more at work here. Karin's unique vocals may put you off at first, but trust me - they are just another part of what makes The Knife great. Give it time.

06. Isolation Years - It's Golden (MNW)
It took me all year to finally understand the qualities that make this record great. I decided to put this on during a drive through the pine forest while on vacation and suddenly it all made sense when combined with the scenery. Isolation Years is a great example of what I love about the Scandinavian scene, especially the bands from around Umeå. Their sound is so distinctive, yet I can't quite put my finger on it. I just know it when I hear it in their lyrics and melodies. So evocative.

05. José González - Veneer (Imperial Records)
This record was surrounded by so much hype I was ready to pan it just because of my contrary nature. But you know what? Sometimes there's tons of hype for a reason. Maybe not quite the second coming of Nick Drake like you may have been led to believe, but still damn good.

04. Moonbabies - The Orange Billboard (Chalksounds/Hidden Agenda)
I've said it before and I'll say it again - this is the pop record of the year. It's almost too flawless, it's so meticulously put together. If it doesn't grab you immediately, I'd check your pulse.

03. Beyond Dawn - Frysh (Peaceville)
Probably the only record this year from a band who followed up a previously great release (the amazingly titled "Electric Sulking Machine") with something even better, other than Logh (see #1). Beyond Dawn never ceases to amaze me as they grow and innovate. You can still hear traces of their doom metal past in their refined, modern sound, but they have moved into a realm beyond genres. Listen to their cover of Autopsy's "Severed Survival" and maybe you'll understand. It really is a crime how underappreciated this band is.

02. Carpet People - More Bad Weather Coming Out of the Rain (Chalksounds)
The perfect companion soundtrack for a long northern winter. The utterly fearless way they let the songs expose themselves by stripping down the instrumentation is stunning. So sparse, somber, striking and dark, but yet so starkly beautiful at the same time.

01. Logh - The Raging Sun (Bad Taste Records)
I can barely think of where to begin here, this album is just too good. Logh never ceases to amaze me with everything they do. Every release of theirs in another gem in their crown and I'm thoroughly convinced at this point that they can do no wrong. Another band who epitomizes what I love about Scandinavian music and whose sound conjures up images of cold Swedish landscapes.

Other notables/honorable mentions:

Randy - Welfare Problems (Burning Heart)
I don't listen to much punk-rock these days, but Randy always delivers. Looking forward to the US tour in February.

US/non-scand records:

Kayo Dot - Choirs of the Eye (Tzadik)
If Radiohead played heavy music and had a far more orchestral bent, they might sound something like this. So amazingly intricate. I hear something new every time I put it on.

Khanate - Things Viral (Southern Lord)
Brutal doom that's so heavy it feels like the sky is going to collapse and suffocate you. Not for everyone, that's for sure.

Johnny Cash - Unearthed (Sony/American)
Merle Haggard - Like Never Before (Hag)
Two American icons of country music, both classic. Johnny Cash may have passed on this year, but his legacy is unbeatable. As for Hag, he's one of those rare artists who keeps getting better as he gets older. "Like Never Before" is his newest and it's full of the kind of wisdom and maturity that just can't be faked.

Should've made last year's list:
EST (Esbjörn Svensson Trio) - Strange Place for Snow (Diesel/Sony)
This year's release "Seven Days of Falling" is pretty good, but it's no match for last year's product. Even my jazz-hating wife likes this album and will listen to it over and over. The way this group combines the classic with the modern is so wonderfully inspired it's no wonder they are one of Europe's top rated acts in the genre.

Thank goodness for filesharing:
Pan Sonic live bootlegs
Somehow the subtleties and excellence of Pan Sonic's minimalist music is transformed into something far greater when amplified and distorted. There's some great recordings floating around out there.

Next year:
So far, I'm looking forward to new releases from Kristofer Åström, Cobolt, C.Armeé, Sahara Hotnights, Soundtrack of Our Lives, Tiger Lou, Weeping Willows and of course, KVLR to name a few. There's also an album in the pipeline from The Hives that's sure to be hyped beyond belief. And then there's the international promotion of José González and The Concretes to look out for, as well as who knows what other flavor-of-the-month they might try to sell you. As always, you know where to come if you want to hear about it first.

Mon, 24 Nov 2003 00:00:00 -0800

The new Shout Out Louds single will be for the song "Please Please Please" and will have a new unique version of "Shut Your Eyes" as the b-side.

Mustasch's recent album "Ratsafari" will be released in Holland on January 12. They will be touring over there in support soon, too.

Thu, 23 Oct 2003 00:00:00 -0700

This week's MTV Up North Nordic video chart:

01. Outlandish - Aicha
02. Lisa Miskovsky - Lady Stardust
03. Mew - 156
04. Lene Marlin - You Weren´t There
05. Broder Daniel - When We Were Winning
06. Beats & Styles - Dynamite
07. Redrama - Hang It Up
08. Lene - It´s Your Duty
09. Kamera - Fragile
10. The Rasmus - In My Life
11. Looptroop - Don´t Hate The Player
12. User - To Feel
13. Whyte Seeds - So Alone
14. Mustasch - Black City
15. Da D.o.n.s - She Don´t Know My Game
16. Paperboys - On The Low
17. Turbonegro - Sell Your Body (To The Night)
18. Bad Cash Quartet - Midnight Prayer
19. Safri Duo - Fallin´ High
20. Span - Papa

Challengers:
01. The Sonnets - Tale Told By The Cynical
02. Bo Kaspers Orkester - Långsamt
03. Nathalie Nordnes - Only Because
04. Equicez - Barnslig
05. Baby Woodrose - Pouring Water

Go to the MTVE.com site to watch and vote for your favorite.

Mon, 20 Oct 2003 00:00:00 -0700

New streaming radio mix on the right - check it out. Some of tracks include new stuff from Mustasch, Shout Out Louds, and Broder Daniel along with unreleased acoustic stuff from Logh and Kristofer Åström.

Fri, 17 Oct 2003 00:00:00 -0700

Here's the top 20 Swedish albums of the week, as reported by Aftonbladet:

01. v/a - Lilla Melodifestivalen 2003
02. Bo Kaspers orkester - Vilka tror vi att vi är
03. Per Gessle - Mazarin
04. Lasse Stefanz - Det här är bara början
05. User - User
06. Carola - Guld platina & passion - det bästa
07. Fred Åkerström - Freds bästa
08. Pauline - Candy rain
09. The Cardigans - Long gone before daylight
10. Ainbusk - En samling
11. E.S.T. - Seven days of falling
12. Bad Cash Quartet - Midnight prayer
13. Robyn - Don't stop the music
14. Anna-Lotta Larson - Tidlöst
15. Lisa Nilsson - Samlade sånger 1992-2003
16. Mustasch - Ratsafari
17. Pugh Rogefeldt - Pughs bästa
18. Lars Winnerbäck & Hovet - Söndermarken
19. Jill Johnson - Discography
20. Sten & Stanley - Samlade tv-hits

Darkane has postponed plans to begin recording their next record due to guitarist Klas Ideberg recent surgery for a slipped disc in his back and also because the band wants more time to finish building their own studio. They are still planning on a springtime release through Nuclear Blast.

Thu, 16 Oct 2003 00:00:00 -0700

This week's MTV Up North Nordic video chart:

01. Outlandish - Aicha
02. Lene Marlin - You Weren´t There
03. Mew - 156
04. The Rasmus - In My Life
05. Bad Cash Quartet - Midnight Prayer
06. Broder Daniel - When We Were Winning
07. Beats & Styles - Dynamite
08. Lene - It´s Your Duty
09. Kamera - Fragile
10. Junior Senior - Rythm Bandits
11. Looptroop - Don´t Hate The Player
12. Paperboys - On The Low
13. Mustasch - Black City
14. Killer - Naughty Boy
15. The Raveonettes - That Great Love Sound
16. Safri Duo - Fallin´ High
17. Da D.o.n.s - She Don´t Know My Game
18. Whyte Seeds - So Alone
19. Fattaru - Bättre
20. Span - Papa

Challengers:
01. Lisa Miskovsky - Lady Stardust
02. Redrama - Hang It Up
03. Turbonegro - Sell Your Body (To The Night)
04. Bosson - You Opened My Eyes
05. User - To Feel

Go to the MTVE.com site to watch and vote for your favorite.

Sun, 12 Oct 2003 00:00:00 -0700

Mustasch - "Ratsafari" (Majesty / EMI Music Sweden)
More awesome hard rock from these guys. If you liked the first album, you'll like this one too as it's pretty much just more of the same. I think they use a bit more drop-d Soundgarden style riffage on this one, but they still mix it up with elements of "Kill 'Em All"-era Metallica, Iron Maiden and a dose of Black Sabbath. There's some really great Sabbath-style bridge and solo parts like on the title track that are simply killer. And of course frontman Ralf Gyllenhammar's vocals are what seal the deal. He's got just the right combination of Dio and Bruce Dickenson's operatic flair with a touch of Danzig's bluesyness. Definitely recommended. The Hellacopters should bring these guys on tour to the US.

Fri, 10 Oct 2003 00:00:00 -0700

Here's the details about those dates that Mustasch is doing with Motörhead in Germany:

11/25 - Columbiahalle, Berlin
11/26 - Docks, Hamburg
11/28 - Thüringerhalle, Erfurt
11/29 - Kick, Herford
11/30 - Soundgarden, Dortmund
12/02 - Alter Schlachthof, Dresden
12/03 - Löwensaal, Nürnberg
12/05 - Stadthalle, Magdeburg
12/06 - E-Werk, Köln
12/07 - Messe Congresscentrum B, Stuttgart
12/09 - Stadthalle, Freiburg
12/10 - Zenith, München

Fri, 10 Oct 2003 00:00:00 -0700

Here's the top 20 Swedish albums of the week, as reported by Aftonbladet:

01. Bo Kaspers orkester - Vilka tror vi att vi är
02. Per Gessle - Mazarin
03. Lasse Stefanz - Det här är bara början
04. Carola - Guld platina & passion - det bästa
05. User - User
06. E.S.T. - Seven days of falling
07. Fred Åkerström - Freds bästa
08. Bubbles - Bless
09. Anna-Lotta Larson - Tidlöst
10. Pauline - Candy rain
11. The Cardigans - Long gone before daylight
12. Bad Cash Quartet - Midnight prayer
13. Robyn - Don't stop the music
14. Shout Out Louds - Howl Howl Gaff Gaff
15. Mustasch - Ratsafari
16. Ainbusk - En samling
17. Lisa Nilsson - Samlade sånger 1992-2003
18. Lars Winnerbäck & Hovet - Söndermarken
19. Kent - Vapen & ammunition
20. Eagle-Eye Cherry - Sub rosa

Pitchfork reviews "Everdom" from Anders Ilar: www.pitchforkmedia.com/record-reviews/i/ilar_anders/everdom.shtml

Thu, 09 Oct 2003 00:00:00 -0700

This week's MTV Up North Nordic video chart:

01. Outlandish - Aicha
02. Mew - 156
03. Lene Marlin - You Weren´t There
04. Lene - It´s Your Duty
05. The Rasmus - In My Life
06. Bad Cash Quartet - Midnight Prayer
07. Beats & Styles - Dynamite
08. Carpark North - Transparant And Glasslike
09. Junior Senior - Rythm Bandits
10. Safri Duo - Fallin´ High
11. Killer - Naughty Boy
12. José Gonzalez - Heartbeats
13. Eagle-Eye Cherry - Skull Tattoo
14. Looptroop - Don´t Hate The Player
15. Da D.o.n.s - She Don´t Know My Game
16. The Raveonettes - That Great Love Sound
17. Whyte Seeds - So Alone
18. Paragon - Lev Ditt Liv
19. Da Buzz - Tonight (Is The Night)
20. Fattaru - Bättre

Challengers:
01. Mustasch - Black City
02. Broder Daniel - When We Were Winning
03. Paperboys - On The Low
04. AYA - Other Side
05. Kamera - Fragile

Go to the MTVE.com site to watch and vote for your favorite.

Thu, 09 Oct 2003 00:00:00 -0700

Mustasch will supporting the legendary Motörhead on tour in Germany. I don't have the full schedule, but it kicks off with a show at Columbiahalle in Berlin on November 25.

Tue, 07 Oct 2003 00:00:00 -0700

Go here for a streaming preview of the new Mustasch album "Ratsafari".

Fri, 03 Oct 2003 00:00:00 -0700

Here's the top 20 Swedish albums of the week, as reported by Aftonbladet:

01. Bo Kaspers orkester - Vilka tror vi att vi är
02. Per Gessle - Mazarin
03. Lasse Stefanz - Det här är bara början
04. Carola - Guld platina & passion - det bästa
05. User - User
06. Pauline - Candy rain
07. Fred Åkerström - Freds bästa
08. E.S.T. - Seven days of falling
09. Mustasch - Ratsafari
10. Bad Cash Quartet - Midnight prayer
11. Anna-Lotta Larson - Tidlöst
12. Lars Winnerbäck & Hovet - Söndermarken
13. The Cardigans - Long gone before daylight
14. Bubbles - Bless
15. ABBA - ABBA Gold - greatest hits
16. Robyn - Don't stop the music
17. Pugh Rogefeldt - Pughs bästa
18. Eagle-Eye Cherry - Sub rosa
19. Lisa Nilsson - Samlade sånger 1992-2003
20. Kent - Vapen & ammunition

Parasol is now the official US outpost for all things Startracks. That means Tiger Lou (US tour in November/December), Kristofer Åström, Christian Kjellvander, Starmarket, Moneybrother, The Lost Patrol, Fireside and more we be readily available for purchasing domestically come mid-October. Jim, why don't you tell me these things before posting about them on the Parasol blog?

Tue, 30 Sep 2003 00:00:00 -0700

Hardrockers Mustasch are touring Sweden in support of their new album "Ratsafari". Dates:

10/15 - KB, Malmö
10/17 - Sticky Fingers, Göteborg
10/18 - Nalen, Stockholm
10/22 - Tavastiaa, Helsingfors
11/01 - Rookie, Hultsfred
11/05 - Arenan, Karlstad
11/07 - Nivå/Monster, Gävle
11/08 - Pipeline, Sundsvall
11/21 - Kulturhuset, Jönköping
11/22 - Björnes / Klubb Kaliber, Mariestad
12/13 - Hjo Park, Hjo
12/17 - Downtown, Örebro
12/18 - Decibel, Västerås
12/19 - Magasin 15, Trollhättan
12/20 - MF Adrian, Uddevalla

Thu, 25 Sep 2003 00:00:00 -0700

With the release this week of their new album "Ratsafari", hard-rockers Mustasch have redone their website design.

Thu, 25 Sep 2003 00:00:00 -0700

By way of Dagensskiva, here is thist week's Swedish student radio top 20:

01. (04) Spearmint "Left Alone Among The Living"
02. (NY) Broder Daniel "When We Were Winning"
03. (01) The White Stripes "I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself"
04. (02) Jet "Are You Gonna Be My Girl"
05. (15) The Knife "Pass This On"
06. (06) The Casual Brothers "Customers Choice EP"
07. (03) Whyte Seeds "So Alone"
08. (05) Shout Out Louds "Shut Your Eyes"
09. (09) David & The Citizens "The End"
10. (13) Peaches "Shake Yer Dix"

11. (NY) Timbaland & Magoo Ft. Missy "Cop That Sh#!"
12. (11) Magnus Carlson "Elin"
13. (ÅT) Outkast "Hey Ya!"
14. (NY) Garbo "Won't Be In Your Way"
15. (07) Heather Nova "River Of Life"
16. (10) The Libertines "Don't Look Back Into The Sun"
17. (12) Clones "Shut Up And Dance"
18. (NY) Belle & Sebastian "Step Into My Office, Baby"
19. (NY) Emmylou Harris "Here I Am"
20. (08) Arab Strap "The Shy Retriever"

Leaving the chart:
14. Grandaddy "El Caminos In The West"
16. Blur "Good Song"
17. Kings Of Leon "Red Morning Light"
18. Muse "Time Is Running Out"
19. Audio Bullys "Way Too Long"
20. Mustasch "Black City"

Thu, 18 Sep 2003 00:00:00 -0700

By way of Dagensskiva, here is thist week's Swedish student radio top 20:

01. (01) The White Stripes "I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself"
02. (15) Jet "Are You Gonna Be My Girl"
03. (02) Whyte Seeds "So Alone"
04. (18) Spearmint "Left Alone Among The Living"
05. (04) Shout Out Louds "Shut Your Eyes"
06. (03) The Casual Brothers "Customers Choice EP"
07. (NY) Heather Nova "River Of Life"
08. (07) Arab Strap "The Shy Retriever"
09. (05) David & The Citizens "The End"
10. (06) The Libertines "Don't Look Back Into The Sun"

11. (NY) Magnus Carlson "Elin"
12. (NY) Clones "Shut Up And Dance"
13. (NY) Peaches "Shake Yer Dix"
14. (12) Grandaddy "El Caminos In The West"
15. (11) The Knife "Pass This On"
16. (NY) Blur "Good Song"
17. (10) Kings Of Leon "Red Morning Light"
18. (16) Muse "Time Is Running Out"
19. (NY) Audio Bullys "Way Too Long"
20. (NY) Mustasch "Black City"

Leaving the chart:
(08) bob hund "Det där nya som skulle vara så bra"
(09) Outkast "Hey Ya!"
(13) The Donnas "Too Bad About Your Girl"
(15) Radiohead "Go To Sleep"
(18) Karl Bartos "I'm The Message"
(19) The Datsuns "MF From Hell"
(20) The Chemical Brothers feat. The Flaming Lips "The Golden Path"

Mon, 01 Sep 2003 00:00:00 -0700

Mustasch says they will be supporting a "very well known international act with a huge following" on the German leg of their European tour in November. Check out the video for the new single "Black City" here.

Fri, 29 Aug 2003 00:00:00 -0700

Mustasch has posted an mp3 of their appearance from P3 Rock the other day. Besides the interview (in Swedish), they play the new single "Black City".

Thu, 21 Aug 2003 00:00:00 -0700

Not to brag or anything (okay, well maybe just a little), but what's up with Musikjournalen reporting on the new soundtrack and single from The Knife today? I posted that stuff way back on 07/07. I guess it's better late than never for them, eh? And then there's the Mustasch news they posted today that I covered back on 07/28. Now if only I could figure out how to make money doing this...

Thu, 21 Aug 2003 00:00:00 -0700

Go here for pics from the Mustasch "Black City" videoshoot.

Wed, 20 Aug 2003 00:00:00 -0700

Listen to a sample of the brand new Mustasch track "Black City" right here.

Mon, 28 Jul 2003 00:00:00 -0700

Hard rockers Mustasch have set September 24 as the release date of their new album "Ratsafari" which will feature ten "gruesome" new tracks. The first single "Black City" comes out August 27 with "Deadringer" as the b-side. As mentioned before, the record was produced by Jacob Hellner, whose previous credits include with Rammstein, Clawfinger and Fläskkvartetten.

Thu, 10 Apr 2003 00:00:00 -0700

Johan Bergqvist reports he has finished up shooting the video for his new single "This Could Be Our Time". And if you look to your right you'll see that you can download an exclusive mp3 of the track right now. But yeah, the video's done and the CD is being sent off to get mastered, so it's on track for its May release. Johan's also got plans for yet another video - on April 26 he's off to shoot one for the song "Lovelace" as he says he "found a nice location with a grand piano." I'll keep you posted.

People in the US - don't forget about Sahara Hotnights on Conan O'Brien tonight along with guest Adam Sandler.

Here's a bunch of pics from the 2001 Avrika fest, including acts such as The Hellacopters, TSOOL, Mustasch, Nasum, and The Haunted.

Problems arose when the grizzly bear appearing in the video went berserk...

Apparently there were some problems onsite at Turbonegro's video shoot for the song "Sell Your Body (To The Night)" which was being filmed in LA with help from the Jackass dudes. Read more at the the band's website.

"Their mesmerising guitar excursions are worthy of early Pink Floyd; the tunes are beyond brilliant; this is, without question, among the most supremely desirable stoner albums you are likely to hear all year" - James Delingpole, Sunday Telegraph, on "Every Time A Bell Rings An Angel Gets Its Wings"

Folks in London get the lucky opportunity to see Logh for free at 93ft East in London on April 14. The show starts at 7:30 and if I was you, I wouldn't miss it.

Been awhile since I heard from these guys, but the Diamond Dogs are going on tour:

4/21 - Monroes, Workingston (UK)
4/22 - Roadmenders, Norhhampton (UK)
4/23 - Markoni Club, Chelmsford (UK)
4/24 - Penningtons Live, Bradford (UK)
4/25 - Baths Hall, Scunthorpe (UK)
4/26 - Cheese and Grain, Frome (UK)
4/27 - Patti Pavilion, Swansea (UK)
4/28 - Camden Underworld, London (UK)
5/02 - Culturen, Västerås
5/08 - El Sol, Madrid (ESP)
5/09 - Stereo, Alicante (ESP)
5/10 - La Casa del Loco, Zaragoza (ESP)
5/13 - University, Granada (ESP)
5/15 - La Nasa, Santiago (ESP)
5/16 - Auditorium Intersecciones, Oviedo (ESP)
5/17 - Azkena, Bilbao (ESP)

Here's the top 20 Swedish albums of the week, as reported by Aftonbladet:

01. The Cardigans - Long gone before daylight
02. v/a - Fame Factory volym 4
03. Lisa Nilsson - Samlade sånger 1992-2003
04. Lars Winnerbäck och Hovet - Söndermarken
05. Mauro Scocco - Beat hotel
06. Cornelis Vreeswijk - Cornelis Vreeswijks bästa
07. Jill Johnson - Discography
08. The Refreshments - On the rocks
09. Dilba - Revolution
10. Emil Sigfridsson - Tillbaka till igår
11. Fernandoz - Vem får din kärlek i natt
12. Roxette - The pop hits
13. Gloria - People like you and me
14. Kent - Vapen & ammunition
15. The Knife - Deep Cuts
16. The Sounds - Living in America
17. Wilmer X - Lyckliga hundar
18. Rikard Wolff - Du får mig (om jag får dig)
19. Anders Widmark featuring Sara Isaksson - s/t
20. Kikki Bettan Lotta - Live från Rondo

This week's Swedish college radio chart (from Dagensskiva):

01. (01) The White Stripes "7 Nation Army"
02. (02) Fireside "All You Had"
03. (08) The Dandy Warhols "We Used To Be Friends"
04. (15) The Knife "You Take My Breath Away"
05. (04) Shout Out Louds "100 Degrees"
06. (09) Her Majesty "F.U.N.E.R.A.L."
07. (03) Timbuktu "Ett brev"
08. (05) Jurassic 5 Ft. Mya "Thin Line"
09. (06) First Floor Power "Happy Endings"
10. (07) The Coral "Don't Think You're The First"

11. (NY) Floetry "Floetic"
12. (14) The Concretes "You Can't Hurry Love"
13. (NY) Interpol "Obstacle 1"
14. (NY) Asian Dub Foundation Ft. Sinead O'Connor "1000 Mirrors"
15. (10) Isolation Years "Open Those Eyes"
16. (11) Blur "Out Of Time"
17. (NY) David & The Citizens "New Direction"
18. (NY) Turbonegro "F**k The World (F.T.W.)"
19. (19) The Kills "Fried My Little Brains"
20. (17) Komeda "Reproduce"

Leaving the chart:
(12) The Donnas "Take It Off"
(13) Melody Club "Covergirl"
(16) Kamera "At Work"
(18) Ron Sexsmith Ft. Chris Martin "Gold In Them Hills"
(20) Lil' Kim Ft. Mr Cheeks "The Jump Off"

ZTV will begin broadcasting a TV version of Hitlisten, Sweden's official sales chart, compiled by IPFI affiliate GLF and published every Thursday.

Magnus Carlson from the Weeping Willows has his new Eggstone-produced solo album coming out July 9. Turns out he's getting even more outside help, this time from film director Lukas Moodysson (Fucking Åmal/Show Me Love, Tillsammans/Together)and Radio Dept. Lukas has reportedly helped out with some lyric writing while Radio Dept. and Magnus played together at their home in Malmö. The first single will be for the song "Jag ber dig", a cover of the Northern Soul-hit "Beggin'" with Swedish lyrics.

Moneybrother is heading on tour in support of his new, forthcoming album "Blood Panic". The dates:

5/21 - Stockholm, Södra Teatern
5/22 - Karlstad, Glada Ankan
5/23 - Oslo, So What
5/30 - Göteborg, Playground @ Pustervik
5/31 - Linköping, Rocksensation
5/27 - Malmö, Trenchtown @ KB

Mobbade Barn Med Automatvapen (MBMA) have a new 12" coming out in May called "Nu Ännu Drygare" with four songs. Breakmecanix and Embee (Loop Troop) handled the production and Timbuktu and Chords make guest appearances.

Here's an interview with Sami Liuski of Rovaniemi, Finland aka 8-Bit Rockers and Bangkok Impact among others. He talks about his upcoming touring activities and the Finnish electronic music scene, among other interesting topics. Those dates:

4/23 - Pianos, NYC, NY
4/24 - Rhode Island
4/25 - Rex Theater, Pittsburgh, PA
4/26 - Touch Supper Club, Cleveland, OH
4/27 - Empty Bottle, Chicago, MI
4/30 - Noise Lab, Seattle
5/01 - Blackbird, Portland, OR
5/02 - Obscura Digital, San Fransisco
5/05 - Knitting Factory, Los Angeles
5/06 - Los Angeles
5/08 - Sin 13, San Antonio
5/09 - The Elysium, Austin, TX
5/10 - Mermaid Lounge, New Orleans
5/11 - Miami
5/13 - Highlight, Chappel Hill, North Carolina
5/14 - Heaven and Hell, Washinton DC
5/16 - Ivy South, NYC, NY, USA

Danish dance duo Junior Senior are heating things up over in Britain. Not only are they in the singles chart at #5 with "Move Your Feet", but they're also planning to do either dates over there in May, starting with Glasgow Barfly on the first and ending with Liverpool Barfly on the 11th.

Division of Laura Lee has lined up a few extra dates around their appearance at the upcoming Coachella fest near LA:

4/21 - Houston, Engine Room
4/22 - Austin, Emos
4/23 - Dallas, Gypsy Tea Room
4/25 - Phoenix, Mason Jar
4/26 - Indio, Coachella

UPDATED: David & the Citizens will be on P3 Pop on April 14 from 10pm till midnight. They'll be playing live and chatting with Hanna in studio. They'll be sure to play the song "Glued to the Light" from the new EP "New Direction" they say, but they'll also be premiering two brand new tracks. As this news implicates, the band is already making plans for their next record - they'll be hitting the studio in May with plans to get it out around September.

In Flames have revealed the details for their forthcoming EP entitled "Trigger". The track listing is as follows:

01. Trigger (single edition)
02. Watch Them Feed (new song)
03. Land Of Confusion (Genesis cover)
04. Cloud Connected (Club Connected Remix)
05. Moonshield (C64 Karoke Version)

Look for it soon on Nuclear Blast. In other news, the band recently returned home from their most recent trek across the US and had this to say on their website:

Hello all, thanx a million for the GREAT support from both old and new fans on In Flames/Mudvayne tour in the US. We had a great time, and as usual we met some really cool people on the road( talking about you, our wonderful fans) and we made some good friends in the other bands- Mudvayne, Grade 8, and Depswa - we really hope to meet up again soon!!!!
On the way home we were forced to make an emergency landing in New Foundland, due to some strange objects on the aircraft that needed closer attention. This of course scared the hell out of us, but luckily it was false alarm, so as we speak we are in Sweden, jet-lagged as hell, but really glad to be on safe ground at home again.
In the end of June we will go back on the road again on a headline spin across the US, bringing some great acts along with us (see soon for official update on this). The tour will take us to places we didn´t hit on the last tour and some that we did play... Hope to see ALL of you out there. Also, watch out for our video/EP for "Trigger" that will be out very soon

Swedish power-metallers Hammerfall have booked themselves a short Czech Republic tour along with the following festival dates:

6/27 - Bang Your Head - Balingen, GER
6/28 - Masters Of Rock, Vizovice, CZ
6/29 - Centre of Town, Jihlava, CZ
6/30 - Hall Lokomotiva, Plzen, CZ
7/04 - Sundsvalls Gatufest - Sundsvall, SWE
7/05 - Töreboda Festival - Töreboda, SWE
7/25 - Karlskoga Stranddagar - Karlskoga, SWE
8/30 - Bloodstock Metalfest - Derby, UK

Transport League has announced that Crash Music Inc. will license their most recent EP "Grand Amputation" for release in the US. It was originally released last year on their own label Hoffa Communications through MNW distribution. In other news, the band reportedly just did some time in the studio with producer J. Reivén (ex-LOK) working on a new demo.