IT'S A TRAP! Scandinavian Music Journal

The Virtues - Bleak ways

Thu, 02 Aug 2012 13:07:00 -0700

Oh hey, a new single from Swedish powerpop act The Virtues! Check them out tonight in Stockholm at Lasse i Parken with Paris and Peter Morén.

Paris - Say it (video)

Fri, 04 May 2012 16:42:08 -0700

"Say it" is the brand new single from Swedish new-wavers Paris and it sounds great.

New Paris EP in late May

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 17:25:37 -0700

Swedish synthpop act Paris will be releasing the new 5-song EP "From Paris to Pluto" on May 30.

Sirius playlist week #10

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 11:26:51 -0700

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

01. KVLR - All there is to hiding out
02. TALK 1
03. The Rollstons - Defender of the frown
04. Turboweekend - Sweet Jezebel
05. Midaircondo - Serenade
06. TALK 2
07. Promoe - The logic of dreams
08. The Kissaway Trail - La la song
09. Karjalan Sissit - Kuolema tuiloo
10. Montt Mardié - Paraply
11. TALK 3
12. Mikko Singh - Laodi majra
13. Jonathan Johansson - All vill ha hela världen
14. My Darling You! - Dressed4success
15. Paris - Another Saturday night
16. TALK 4
17. Heroin and Your Veins - Intoxication
18. Quagmire - We know we don't know
19. Totalitär - Mer skit att välja
20. The Setting Son - Spring of hate
21. TALK 5

Reminder: my show airs every week on Sundays and Mondays at 11pm ET on Sirius XMU. That's channel 26 on Sirius, 43 on XM and 831 for DirecTV subscribers.

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 11:32:59 -0700

Swedish Showcase, together with help from the Swedish Institute, is sending a group of Swedish acts to Belarus in order to "inspire and develop the Belarusian music scene, its artists and organizers." The acts participating: I Love You Baby!, Alice in Videoland, Paris and Pluxus. Dates and details: http://www.swedishshowcase.com/belarus/

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 13:20:19 -0700

Sofia Talvik's duet partner this week is Emma Nylén, both a solo artist (Emmon) and member of the band Paris: http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=41815584

MP3: On Volcano - Ride the wolf

Thu, 29 May 2008 11:09:05 -0700

I've been getting my Finnish shoegaze confused! Murmansk, who I covered on Tuesday, have never been a postrock band. That would be On Volcano, today's featured artists. Gah, so many bios to read I can't keep 'em straight. Anyhow, both are great bands with an awful lot of similarities besides their country of origin as they both employ female vocalists, though I'd say that On Volcano is by far the poppier of the two. Whereas Murmansk piles on heavy layers of sound and tends to bury the vocals into the mix, On Volcano places them front and center. "Ride the wolf", the opening track of their debut EP "My sleep was filled with dreams", even has a bit of early U2 to it, with those martial drum beats and prominent bassline. You also get a bit of new-wave pop, not too far off from what the Swedish band Paris is known for. However, it's on the half-time breakdown on the 2nd half of the song that they really let loose, offering up a barrage of lush guitar textures. So yeah, similar but different but equally awesome.

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

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 16:18:28 -0800

Time Out NY editor Elisabeth Vincentelli talks about some of her favorite 2007 releases including Emmon, Paris and Private: http://determineddilettante.blogspot.com/2008/01/ones-that-got-away.html

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 11:25:29 -0800

Restocks coming in later this week, available to order now: Those Dancing Days, "Upp till kamp!" and Paris. Also look for brand new stuff such as E.S.T./Esbjorn Svensson Trio's latest record "Live in Hamburg", the all-star tribute to Cornelis Vreeswijk's masterwork "Poem, ballader och lite blues", the Brödera Lindgren "Vuxen barnmusik!" (Children's music for adults), the "Alvin Eldpojken" album (actual children's music) and a new 2CD classic Swedish prog collection from MNW. I'll be making them available as soon as they arrive, so check back!

Sun, 18 Nov 2007 12:51:08 -0800

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

01. Kristofer Åström - Just a little insane
02. TALK 1
03. Darkthrone - Canadian metal
04. Sambassadeur - Subtle changes
05. Niccokick - Love & neon lights
06. TALK 2
07. Death By Kite - Bhf. Asta
08. The Alpine - Iceland
09. Pluxus - Bootstrap
10. TALK 3
11. Graveyard - Thin line
12. Hospital - Something in the water
13. Attrap - Just a word away
14. TALK 4
15. Jonna Lee - I wrote this song
16. Paper - My life is going under
17. Broder Daniel - You bury me
18. TALK 5
19. Radio LXMBRG - Score on the floor
20. Maia Hirasawa - Gothenburg
21. Rather Sound Than Safe - The beat
22. Det Gamla Landet - Det heliga landet
23. TALK 6
24. Paris - When I laid my eyes on you
25. No Hope for the Kids - Rainy day
26. Sir Eric Beyond and the Avant-Garde - If this is the way
27. Barra Head - Overseas
28. TALK 7
29. Superfamily - Warszawa
30. Oskar Schönning - S
31. Brick - Automen
32. TALK 8
33. Miss Li - Leave my man alone
34. Kasper Bjørke - Liquid propagnosia
35. Loveninjas - I wanna be like Johnny C
36. Anti Cimex - Only in dreams
37. TALK 9
38. Pan Sonic - Virta 1

Sat, 03 Nov 2007 22:23:48 -0700

Rasmus Kellerman from Tiger Lou was my guest on this week's radio show and this is what we played:

01. TALK 1
02. Tiger Lou - The loyal
03. Sara Berg - Call me from below
04. Thomas Dybdahl - Maury the Pawn
05. Torpedo - Hospital
06. TALK 2
07. The Je Ne Sais Quoi - Heroica
08. Paris - When I laid my eyes on you
09. Isolation Years - Nurse hands
10. Jennie Abrahamson - Songs we sing
11. TALK 3
12. Firefox AK + Tellevika - Eric
13. Winter Took His Life - Lucky star
14. Knugen Faller - Jag vill inte vara med
15. Favorita - Seven comforts
16. TALK 4
17. Mikael Jonasson - Can you dig this?
18. Lindeberg & Can - Forbidden romance
19. John Dahlbäck - Gas
20. TALK 5
21. Ozgur Can - Changed
22. Aril Brikha - Winter
23. TALK 6
24. Rupesh Cartel - Hide like this
25. Madrugada - Hard to come back
26. Mob - Wait for me
27. TALK 7
28. Tiger Lou - Functions

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.

MP3: Paris - When I laid my eyes on you

Tue, 16 Oct 2007 11:51:13 -0700

It's surprisingly easy for a band like Paris to slip under the radar. There's no quirks, no gimmicks; just a solid band playing pop music on conventional rock instruments. But y'know what? Sometimes that's enough. In a world where everything has to be bigger, brasher, more more more, a band like Paris can be awfully refreshing. "When I laid my eyes on you" is the first single from the band's new record "The landlord is kind enough to let us have our little sessions", so named because they recorded most of said album in bassist Mattias Svensson's living room. It's a nice little mid-tempo number with a fuzzy synth doing a counterpoint melody with the vocal line. The chorus takes the same idea and opens it up a bit wider with louder guitars and crashing drums. I love the way they split each line at "find/fine" with a ricocheting guitar chord and a single bar of half-time. There's quite a bit of syncopation going on, though it's softened by conspicuous reverb and delay. Remember, this is essentially disco-pop (hear that doubled-up hi-hat!), so it goes with the territory. Plenty of postpunk acts attempt to exploit similar tactics, but sometimes I want something a bit cheerier and that's exactly where Paris comes in.

Watch the video: [click here]
Buy it: [click here]

Tue, 02 Oct 2007 20:11:39 -0700

New arrivals in the mailorder, in-stock and ready to order!

Mattias Bärjed - Upp till kamp (2CD)
Tarantula Waltz - s/t (CD)
Paris - The landlord is kind enough to let us have our little sessions (CD)
The Je Ne Sais Quoi - Rhythm (CD)
September - Dancing shoes (CD)

Check it out!

Fri, 21 Sep 2007 15:38:08 -0700

"Reader's companion" alums Paris have unveiled a new website in advance of the release of their third album "The landlord is kind enough to let us have our little sessions", due out September 27: http://www.parismusic.se/

Sat, 16 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0700

The playlist for my radio show this week:

01. Pistol Disco - Walking with Jesus
02. TALK 1
03. Heroes & Zeros - Into the light
04. Vijaya - Your gun will never set you free
05. Convoj - My timekeeping heart
06. TALK 2
07. Darkthrone - Too old, too cold
08. A Perfect Friend - Rush hour
09. Death By Kite - Hiroshima
10. TALK 3
11. Fun - I've got a truck
12. Moonbabies - Walking on my feet
13. The Perishers - When I fall
14. TALK 4
15. Regulations - Police siren
16. Viola - Ordinary teenage sensation
17. Björn Kleinhenz - Starlit queen
18. TALK 5
19. Gravy - Glory to our brilliant name
20. Hero Dishonest - Stalin vs Hank Hardy
21. Sophie Zelmani - To know you
22. Ulver - Capitel III: Graablick blev hun vaer
23. TALK 6
24. Håkan Hellström - Ramlar
25. Abhinanda - Highway tonight
26. Single Unit - Passion, pirates & parasites
27. TALK 7
28. Kompjotr Eplektrika - Skulldrummantra
29. The Tiny - Just like you
30. Death Breath - Death breath
31. TALK 8
32. Entombed - Serpent speech
33. The Cardigans - Marvel hill
34. Soviac - I got the ribbah
35. TALK 9
36. The Bear Quartet - Put me back together
37. You Is Stupid - I am history
38. Paris - 60 minutes
39. The Process - Mot Sverige i tiden
40. TALK 10
41. Weeping Willows - I give you the morning

Tue, 29 May 2007 00:00:00 -0700

"Reader's companion" alumni Paris have temporarily revamped their website to announce the release of their new album: http://www.parismusic.se/
The first single "When I laid my eyes on you" is out now and can be heard on myspace: http://www.myspace.com/parissthlm

Thu, 03 May 2007 00:00:00 -0700

"Reader's companion" alumni Paris are currently wrapping up their third album for release this coming August. Look for the first single "When I laid my eyes on you" to be released soon.

Fri, 02 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Swedish synth/indiepop act Paris will be going into the studio on March 19 to begin work on their third album.

MP3: Emmon - Wake up time

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Paris frontwoman Emma Nylén has been working on solo music and DJing under the name Emmon for awhile now, but it was only recently that she signed with Wonderland Records and released her proper debut single "Wake up time". If you're familiar with Paris (maybe you heard their track on "Reader's companion volume two"?), Emmon's music won't be a big surprise. The only real difference is that instead of it being synth-heavy, new-wavey pop, it's all synth/all the time now. It's just as catchy, too. I was kind of hoping that "Wake up time" would be a bit more of a barn-burner, especially considering the title and lead single status, but alas it was not meant to be. It's good, but more in a nice and pleasant sort of way. I wanted set-your-feet-on-fire. Still, there's always hope that someone will crank out a banging remix as I imagine that adding a little oomph to the kick along with pushing up the BPMs could do a lot of good. The Thermostatic remix on the single comes mighty damn close, but it's not quite there. On the other hand, the Helm downbeat remix takes things in the complete opposite direction, stretching it out and transforming it into a languid power-ballad. That's kinda hot too, but for entirely different reasons. Some days I find I actually prefer the latter, but it's not the sort of thing I'd put out as the first single. Second single, maybe.

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

Emma Nylén of Swedish synthpop act Paris (as heard on "Reader's companion volume two") will release her debut solo single "Wake up time" under the name Emmon on November 29 via Wonderland Records. Her debut full-length "The art and the evil" will follow in January.

Mon, 02 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Swedish popsters Paris (as heard on "Reader's companion volume two") are touring Germany in November:

11/02 - Escobar, Rostock (GER)
11/03 - Privatclub, Berlin (GER)
11/04 - Projekt 7, Magdeburg (GER)
11/05 - Bastion, Bochum (GER)
11/06 - Pretty Vacant, Düsseldorf (GER)
11/07 - Cafe Atlantik, Freiburg (GER)
11/08 - JT Keller, Göttingen (GER)
11/09 - Römer, Bremen (GER)
11/10 - Klub Drushba, Halle (GER)
11/11 - K19, Kassel (GER)
11/12 - Künstlerhaus 73, Hamburg (GER)

Mon, 05 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Emmon, the electropop solo project of Emma from Swedish pop act Paris (as heard on "Reader's companion volume two"), has posted two new songs for download: http://www.emmon.se/

Mon, 13 Mar 2006 00:00:00 -0800

I'm not posting a new mp3 today because I have something even better for you, the tracklist for "It's a trap! reader's companion volume two". Behold:

01. HELLO SAFERIDE - If I don't write this song, someone I love will die (SWE)
from the album "Introducing: Hello Saferide" (Razzia)
02. RICOCHETS - Cold outside (NOR)
from the album "Isolation" (KongTiki)
03. VIOLA - Invisible revolution (FIN)
from the album "Anyone can stop us" (If Society)
04. BJÖRN KLEINHENZ - Pocket of gold (SWE)
previously unreleased
05. PLAIN FADE - Itä-Aure (FIN)
previously unreleased
06. THE BEAR QUARTET - Birds are singing deep within the greenery (SWE)
from the album "Saturday night" (A West Side Fabrication)
07. MOONBABIES - Take me to the ballroom (SWE)
from the as-yet-untitled forthcoming third full-length album (Moonbabies Music)
08. MUNCK//JOHNSON - Slavesong (DK)
from the album "Count your blessings" (PonyRec)
09. PHONOPHANI - I.F.A. (NOR)
from the self-titled album (Biophan [1998]/Rune Grammofon [2006])
10. MONEY.PAPER.THEPOLICE - Jim Morrison (SWE)
previously unreleased
11. DET GAMLA LANDET - När vi vaknar (SWE)
previously unreleased
12. THE FIRST MILES - The best one around (DK)
from the album "Aim for the heart, go!" (Little Bad Bear)
13. PARIS - Captain Morgan (SWE)
from the album "Secrets on tape" (Parismusic/V2)
14. THE END WILL BE KICKS - Medicine and airbags (SWE)
previously unreleased
15. DON JUAN DRACULA - Run away with you (NOR)
from the album "Young debutantes II" (Switch Off)
16. TIGER LOU - Nixon (SWE)
from the album "The loyal" (Startracks)
17. THE GRAND OPENING - Slow motion (SWE)
previously unreleased

Artwork is still being finalized, but if you head over to my myspace page you can see the cover art and listen to Björn Kleinhenz's track. Exact release date is still tbc, but I expect CDs in-hand by early April.

Fri, 10 Mar 2006 00:00:00 -0800

Swedish synthpop artist Emmon (aka Emma Nylén of the band Paris) has a new website: http://www.emmon.se/

Paris Secrets on tape Parismusic/V2

Sun, 08 Jan 2006 00:00:00 -0800

I guess we'll always have Paris. That is, bands LIKE Paris that are pretty good, pretty talented, pretty nice to listen to, but somehow a little less than transcendent. This Swedish quartet have made a second album that would be the envy of many lesser bands. The rhythm section is crack, and Annika's pipes are pleasing if sorta rote. Tunes alternate between ringing indie rock ala Elastica, Ladytron and a few others, and Annie-esque dance-pop like "60 minutes" and "Ladies man." And I dig the chiming guitars and retro-delica feel of "Something has to be done" very much. It all sounds dandy on the car stereo as you're zipping down the road, but I don't know...I just wasn't moved by Paris much. The down side of there being so many superb bands in Sweden is that you can be a perfectly fine little outfit, but if you don't have that extra edge, you suffer by comparison. And I just don't hear the edge in this band...not yet. Still better than lots of similar British and American bands, though. Maybe it'll be a grower, we'll see...

MP3: Paris - Another Saturday night

Wed, 16 Nov 2005 00:00:00 -0800

I'm kind of surprised I don't hear more people talking about Paris. I'd figure that even the slightest PR push would ensure that their infectious Blondie-esque new-wave sound finds a ready and willing audience. It certainly doesn't hurt that the band is quite easy on the eyes as well. I know I've been a fan ever since I first heard them and was eagerly awaiting the arrival of their second album, the recently released "Secrets on tape". Granted, it's not much of a departure from the first record, but why complain? I'm always eager for more clever, catchy pop like this. Today's mp3 posting is one of the more upbeat, dance-friendly numbers. I just love the way that the verse slowly builds into that huge chorus. That little dip in the vocals just before everything opens up is just fantastic. You know exactly what's coming next, but the tension of those transition chords make it so much better. Beautifully done.

Wed, 16 Nov 2005 00:00:00 -0800

Thu, 10 Nov 2005 00:00:00 -0800

Check out the video for "Captain Morgan" from Swedish female-fronted new-wave act Paris: http://www.decoyfilm.com/reel.html

Wed, 09 Nov 2005 00:00:00 -0800

Photo: Henrik has updated with new live pics from Asta Kask, CDOASS, Paris and Sophie Rimheden: http://www.photohenrik.com/

Fri, 28 Oct 2005 00:00:00 -0700

This week's top 20 Swedish student radio chart:

01. (01) Kristian Anttila - "Paul Weller"
02. (05) Tiger Lou - "The Loyal"
03. (NY) Test Icicles - "Circle Square Triangle"
04. (NY) Queens of the Stone Age - " Burn the Witch"
05. (07) Christian Kjellvander - "Drunken Hands"
06. (14) Saian Supa Crew - "La Patte"
07. (04) David Sandström Overdrive - "The Crotch of a Saturday"
08. (NY) Arctic Monkeys - "I Bet U Look Good on the Dancefloor"
09. (03) Willowtree - "Attention Ms"
10. (05) Tiga - "You Gonna Want Me"
11. (06) Katie Goes to Tokyo - "Moving From This Town"
12. (19) Sophie Rimheden - "Can You Save Me"
13. (09) Bloc Party - "Two More Years"
14. (NY) Architecture in Helsinki - "Do the Whirlwind"
15. (12) Röyksopp - "What Else is There?"
16. (NY) Thåström - "Fanfanfan"
17. (NY) The Strokes - "Juicebox"
18. (ÅT) Randy - "Razorblade"
19. (15) Princess Superstar - "My Machine"
20. (11) Loveninjas - "Keep Your Love"

Leaving the chart: Acid House Kings, Brakes, CDOASS, Paris, Pharell, Pete Philly & Perquisite and The Rakes

Mon, 17 Oct 2005 00:00:00 -0700

This week's top 20 Swedish student radio chart:

01. (01) Kristian Anttila - "Paul Weller"
02. (02) Tiga - "You Gonna Want Me"
03. (07) Hard Fi - "Hard to Beat"
04. (03) Death Cab for Cutie - "Soul Meets Body"
05. (04) Bloc Party - "Two More Years"
06. (NY) Tiger Lou - "The Loyal"
07. (06) Röyksopp - "What Else is There?"
08. (NY) CDOASS - "A Fair Resort"
09. (09) Suburban Kids With Biblical Names - "Loop Duplicate My Heart"
10. (NY) Princess Superstar - "My Machine"
11. (14) Pharrell - "Can I Have It Like That (med Gwen Stefani)"
12. (10) Kanye West - "Golddigger"
13. (11) Alf - "Sött/salt"
14. (12) Weeping Willows - "I'm Gonna Let Love Find Me"
15. (15) Audio Bullys - "I'm In Love"
16. (05) Acid House Kings - "Tonight is Forever"
17. (NY) System of a Down - "Question"
18. (NY) Paris - "Captain Morgan"
19. (NY) Lil' Kim - "Lighters Up"
20. (08) Svenska Akademien & Promoe - "En varning"

Leaving the chart: Franz Ferdinand, Jem, Panthers, Stars, Tegan and Sara and Turbonegro.

Thu, 06 Oct 2005 00:00:00 -0700

Check out sample clip from the video for "Captain Morgan" from Swedish synthpoppers Paris: ftp://ftp.idg.se/pfa/N90_Paris_part1.mov

Thu, 18 Aug 2005 00:00:00 -0700

Swedish synthpoppers Paris will release their new album "Secrets on tape" on October 5.

Wed, 27 Jul 2005 00:00:00 -0700

The next single from Swedish new-wave act Paris will be for the song "Captain Morgan". A video is currently under production.

Mon, 27 Jun 2005 00:00:00 -0700

Here's this week's MTVe UpNorth video chart:

01. DAD - Scare Yourself
02. Darin - Why Does It Rain
03. Hellacopters - Everything's On TV
04. Robyn - Be Mine
05. Midnight Monkeys - Monkeys On Attack
06. Looptroop - Fort Europa
07. Lene Marlin - How Will It Be
08. Ane Brun / Ron Sexsmith - Song No. 6
09. Jori Hulkkonen - Lo Fiction
10. Paris - 60 Minutes
11. Håkan Hellström - Dom Kommer Kliva På Dig Igen
12. The Maryonettes - Make My Last
13. Span - The Outside
14. London MC - What Is My Name
15. Jim Stärk - Going Down That Lonely Road
16. Soak The Sin - Hands Up
17. Beezewax - I'm Not Where I'm Supposed To Be
18. Cheek - Liiku
19. Amerika - Big City Boy
20. Maria Arredondo - Cross Every River

Go here to vote for your favorite.

Mon, 20 Jun 2005 00:00:00 -0700

Here's this week's MTVe UpNorth video chart:

01. DAD - Scare Yourself
02. Darin - Why Does It Rain
03. Robyn - Be Mine
04. Ane Brun / Ron Sexsmith - Song No. 6
05. Sara Nunes - Simon Can't Sing
06. Looptroop - Fort Europa
07. Lene Marlin - How Will It Be
08. Jori Hulkkonen - Lo Fiction
09. Midnight Monkeys - Monkeys On Attack
10. Paperboys - Wiggle It
11. Paris - 60 Minutes
12. Beezewax - I'm Not Where I'm Supposed To Be
13. Soak The Sin - Hands Up
14. London MC - What Is My Name
15. Håkan Hellström - Dom Kommer Kliva På Dig Igen
16. Hellacopters - Everything's On TV
17. Laleh - Storebror
18. Jim Stärk - Going Down That Lonely Road
19. Cheek - Liiku
20. Anna Ternheim - Shoreline

Challengers:
01. Da Fugitivz - It's All Good
02. Maria Arredondo - Cross Every River
03. Span - The Outside
04. The Maryonettes - Make My Last
05. Amerika - Big City Boy

Go here to vote for your favorite.

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

Here's this week's MTVe UpNorth video chart:

01. DAD - Scare Yourself
02. Darin - Why Does It Rain
03. Looptroop - Fort Europa
04. Smak - Nousen
05. Robyn - Be Mine
06. Ane Brun / Ron Sexsmith - Song No. 6
07. Paris - 60 Minutes
08. Sara Nunes - Simon Can't Sing
09. Paperboys - Wiggle It
10. Jori Hulkkonen - Lo Fiction
11. Diefenbach - Favourite Friend
12. Beezewax - I'm Not Where I'm Supposed To Be
13. Soak The Sin - Hands Up
14. Lene Marlin - How Will It Be
15. Midnight Monkeys - Monkeys On Attack
16. Eskobar - Even If You Know Me
17. London MC - What Is My Name
18. Håkan Hellström - Dom Kommer Kliva På Dig Igen
19. Anna Ternheim - Shoreline
20. Don Diego - Om Ni Undrar

Challengers:
01. Hellacopters - Everything's On TV
02. Laleh - Storebror
03. Jennie Löfgren - Gonna Make You Smile
04. Jim Stärk - Going Down That Lonely Road
05. Cheek - Liiku

Go here to vote for your favorite.

Tue, 07 Jun 2005 00:00:00 -0700

Here's this week's MTVe UpNorth video chart:

01. DAD - Scare Yourself
02. Darin - Why Does It Rain
03. Kristin Frogner - Stars Above My Head
04. Smak - Nousen
05. Looptroop - Fort Europa
06. Ane Brun / Ron Sexsmith - Song No. 6
07. Paris - 60 Minutes
08. Sara Nunes - Simon Can't Sing
09. Paperboys - Wiggle It
10. Diefenbach - Favourite Friend
11. Beezewax - I'm Not Where I'm Supposed To Be
12. Humane - Wish God Was A Woman
13. Robyn - Be Mine
14. Jaqee - Karma
15. Eskobar - Even If You Know Me
16. Jori Hulkkonen - Lo Fiction
17. PH3 - Det Där
18. Prominent - Let's Talk It Over
19. Soak The Sin - Hands Up
20. Håkan Hellström - Dom Kommer Kliva På Dig Igen

Challengers:
01. Don Diego - Om Ni Undrar
02. Midnight Monkeys - Monkeys On Attack
03. Anna Ternheim - Shoreline
04. London MC - What Is My Name
05. Lene Marlin - How Will It Be

Go here to vote for your favorite.

Tue, 31 May 2005 00:00:00 -0700

Here's this week's MTVe UpNorth video chart:

01. Kristin Frogner - Stars Above My Head
02. Sara Nunes - Simon Can't Sing
03. DAD - Scare Yourself
04. Smak - Nousen
05. Ane Brun / Ron Sexsmith - Song No. 6
06. Paperboys - Wiggle It
07. Carpark North - Human
08. Darin - Why Does It Rain
09. Swan Lee - Love Will Keep You Warm
10. Paris - 60 Minutes
11. Looptroop - Fort Europa
12. Humane - Wish God Was A Woman
13. Jaqee - Karma
14. Chick Habit - Rule The World
15. Eskobar - Even If You Know Me
16. Jori Hulkkonen - Lo Fiction
17. PH3 - Det Där
18. Prominent - Let's Talk It Over
19. Nick & Jay - Kan Du Hora Hende Synge
20. Ayesha - The Rose

Challengers:
01. Soak The Sin - Hands Up
02. Robyn - Be Mine
03. Håkan Hellström - Dom Kommer Kliva På Dig Igen
04. Beezewax - I'm Not Where I'm Supposed To Be
05. Diefenbach - Favourite Friend

Go here to vote for your favorite.

Mon, 23 May 2005 00:00:00 -0700

Here's this week's MTVe UpNorth video chart:

01. Kristin Frogner - Stars Above My Head
02. Looptroop - Fort Europa
03. Millencolin - Ray
04. DAD - Scare Yourself
05. Smak - Nousen
06. Carpark North - Human
07. Sara Nunes - Simon Can't Sing
08. Ane Brun / Ron Sexsmith - Song No. 6
09. Swan Lee - Love Will Keep You Warm
10. Jaqee - Karma
11. Chick Habit - Rule The World
12. Madrugada - The Kids Are On High Street
13. Eskobar - Even If You Know Me
14. Humane - Wish God Was A Woman
15. Prominent - Let's Talk It Over
16. Radio LXMBRG - It's Cruel Up North
17. Paperboys - Wiggle It
18. Nick & Jay - Kan Du Hora Hende Synge
19. PH3 - Det Där
20. Max'C - Time 2 Get It On

Challengers:
01. Ayesha - The Rose
02. Tiger Tunes - Highly Invisible
03. Paris - 60 Minutes
04. Darin - Why Does It Rain
05. Jori Hulkkonen - Lo Fiction

Go here to vote for your favorite.

Wed, 04 May 2005 00:00:00 -0700

Here's this week's top 20 Swedish student radio chart:

01. (NY) Mattias Alkberg BD - "Politix"
02. (NY) Jenny Wilson - "Let My Shoes Lead Me Forward"
03. (01) The Tough Alliance - "Keep it Pure"
04. (NY) The Fine Arts Showcase - "The Hazel Ridge"
05. (03) Eels - "Hey Man (Now You're Really Living)"
06. (17) Suburban Kids With Biblical Names - "Funeral Face"
07. (12) Prominent - "Let's Talk it Over"
08. (09) Hal - "Play the Hits"
09. (14) Kent - "Palace & Main"
10. (NY) The White Stripes - "Blue Orchid"
11. (10) Turbonegro - "High on the Crime"
12. (11) Thievery Corporation - "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter"
13. (NY) The Rakes - "Retreat"
14. (19) Håkan Hellström - "Dom kommer kliva på dig igen"
15. (NY) Turin Brakes - "Fishing For a Dream"
16. (NY) The Kills - "Love is a Deserter"
17. (NY) The House of Love - "Gotta Be That Way"
18. (NY) Looptroop - "Fort Europa"
19. (NY) Hello Saferide - "My Best Friend"
20. (NY) Audio Bullys - "Shot You Down"

Leaving the chart: Dreamboy, Weezer, The Coral, Maxïmo Park, Ane Brun, Stevie Wonder, Paris, Faith Evans, The Bravery, Lady Sovereign and Handsome Boy Modeling School.

Wed, 27 Apr 2005 00:00:00 -0700

The new Paris single "60 min" will be officially released in stores on May 25.

Tue, 26 Apr 2005 00:00:00 -0700

Here's this week's Swedish student radio top 20:

01. (01) The Tough Alliance - Keep It Pure
02. (05) Dreamboy - Dance With Me
03. (03) Eels - Hey Man (Now You´re Really Living)
04. (06) Weezer - Beverly Hills
05. (13) The Coral - In The Morning
06. (NY) Maxïmo - Park Graffiti
07. (08) Ane Brun feat. Ron Sexsmith - Song No. 6
08. (09) Stevie Wonder - So What the Fuss
09. (10) Hal - Play The Hits
10. (NY) Turbonegro - High On The Crime
11. (NY) Thievery Corporation - The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter
12. (11) Prominent - Lets Talk It Over
13. (NY) Paris - 60 Minutes
14. (NY) Kent - Palace & Main
15. (ÅT) Faith Evans - Again
16. (14) The Bravery - An Honest Mistake
17. (17) Suburban Kids With Biblical Names - Funeral Face
18. (19) Lady Sovereign - Random
19. (15) Håkan Hellström - Dom Kommer Kliva På Dig Igen
20. (07) Handsome Boy Modeling School - The World's Gone Mad

Leaving the chart: K-OS, The Similou, Varano feat. Chords, Gorillaz, Snoop Dogg and Britta Persson.

Thu, 21 Apr 2005 00:00:00 -0700

Check out the video for "60 minutes" from Swedish new-wave act Paris: http://www.parismusic.se/60min/paris_web.mov
I guess the band is on V2 now?

Tue, 19 Oct 2004 00:00:00 -0700

Swedish synthpop act Paris is busy in the studio working on a new album. A tentative release date has been set for March of next year.

Thu, 23 Sep 2004 00:00:00 -0700

Emmon aka Emma Nylén from Paris has a new demo available entitled "Redroom". Email for more info on how to get a copy.

Thu, 19 Aug 2004 00:00:00 -0700

Swedish synthpop act Paris are doing some dates in Germany:

10/04 - Weltbühne, Hamburg
10/05 - Mudd Club, Berlin
10/06 - Underground, Köln
10/07 - Hafen 2, Offenbach
10/08 - Atomic Cafe, München
10/09 - Tanzklub Volkspark, Halle

Thu, 08 Jul 2004 00:00:00 -0700

New pics of Paris, Ane Brun, Heikki, Radio Dept., Peggy Lejonhjärta and more now up at Musique One Stop: http://www.photohenrik.com/

Thu, 17 Jun 2004 00:00:00 -0700

Emmon aka Emma Nylén from the synthpop band Paris now has a website for her solo project: http://emmonmusic.listen.to/

Streaming playlist: Summertime

Sat, 05 Jun 2004 00:00:00 -0700

DATE ADDED : 06.05.04
LAUNCH : [stream no longer available]

01. The Motorhomes - I wanna make you sing
02. Caesars Palace - Over 'fore it started
03. Paris - Hey sailor!
04. The Fine Arts Showcase - Galveston
05. Junior Senior - Shake your coconuts
06. Moonbabies - In the banshees
07. Bad Cash Quartet - big day coming
08. Broder Daniel - What clowns are we
09. The Hives - Main offender
10. Division Of Laura Lee - Dirty love
11. Komeda - Blossom (got to get it out)
12. Isolation years - (I sat on a) Garbage bin
13. David & the Citizens - Graycoated morning
14. Marit Bergman - Adios amigos
15. The Bear Quartet - Where do you put your hate
16. Soviac - You R an ass (emmon remix)
17. Hell On Wheels - A summer killing a spring
18. Heikki - Former hero
19. Randy - Summer of bros (live)

Wed, 02 Jun 2004 00:00:00 -0700

Swedish synth-pop group Paris is back in the studio working on songs for their next album. You should be able to hear some of the new material at various gigs this summer.

Wed, 12 May 2004 00:00:00 -0700

Chalksounds has posted a new web-single from Soviac for the Emmon (Paris) remix of "Boogie Woogie" entitled "You R an ass". Head on over to download it now: http://www.chalksounds.com/

Tue, 04 May 2004 00:00:00 -0700

Differnet, Sophie Rimheden, Jens Lekman, The Legends, Paris, Slagsmålsklubben, The Kid and Hell on Wheels have all been confirmed for the Ohanami Saturday/Sound of Young Sweden Festival on May 22. Official event website: http://www.ohanamisaturday.com/

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

Soviac will be releasing a new single and video in May for the track "You R an ass" as remixed by Emmon of synthpop group Paris.

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

There's a new festival in Fagersta, Sweden on May 22 with Differnet, Sophie Rimheden, Jens Lekman, The Legends, Paris, The Kid, Slagsmålsklubben and Hell On Wheels. There will also be film, theatre, workshops, graffiti, exhibitions along with other artistic ventures, so it's sure to be a good time. It's online quite yet, but more info will be posted soon at http://www.ohanamisaturday.com/

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

Check out Swedish synthpop band Paris being interviewed from German TV: http://www.ok-magdeburg.de/news_kw16.rm

Thu, 01 Apr 2004 00:00:00 -0800

This week's top 10 Nordic video chart from YLE/Morjen:

01. Steen1 - Jarden träkki (FIN)
02. The Rasmus - Funeral song (FIN)
03. SubUrban Tribe - Silent Rain (FIN)
04. Trilogia - Hei (FIN)
05. DJ Slow - I'm over you Pablo (FIN)
06. Kamera - Suburban boy (SWE)
07. Neljä Ruusua - Elän vain kerran (FIN)
08. Weeping Willows - Stairs (SWE)
09. Nina Rochelle - (Happy) Jag hatar att det e så (SWE)
10. The Alpine - Too many monsters (DK)

Challengers:
01. Paris - Hey Sailor (SWE)
01. Egotrippi - Matkustaja (FIN)
01. Dear - Don't turn the lights on (DK)

Thu, 18 Mar 2004 00:00:00 -0800

This week's top 10 Nordic video chart from YLE/Morjen:

01. Steen1 - Jarden träkki (FIN)
02. Trilogia - Hei (FIN)
03. SubUrban Tribe - Silent Rain (FIN)
04. Nina Rochelle - (Happy) Jag hatar att det e så (SWE)
05. The Alpine - Too many monsters (DK)
06. Kamera - Suburban boy (SWE)
07. The Crash - Still alive (FIN)
08. Patrik Isaksson - 1985 (SWE)
09. Backyard Babies - A song for the outcast (SWE)
10. Neljä Ruusua - Elän vain kerran (FIN)

Challengers:
01. The Rasmus - Funeral song (FIN)
02. Shout Out Louds - Please please please (SWE)
03. Paris - Rainy day in London (SWE)

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

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

01. (01) Phoenix "Everything Is Everything"
02. (02) Marit Bergman Feat. Cecilia Nordlund "Adios Amigo"
03. (05) Tiger Lou "Oh Horatio"
04. (03) Promoe "These Walls Don't Lie"
05. (11) Laakso "Aussie Girl"
06. (07) The Von Bondies "C'mon C'mon"
07. (06) Damien Rice "Volcano"
08. (09) John Frusciante "Song To Sing When I'm Lonely"
09. (04) Josh Rouse "Come Back (Light Therapy)"
10. (10) Jens Lekman "Rocky Dennis In Heaven EP"
11. (15) Swan Lee "I Don't Mind"
12. (08) The Legends "Call It Ours"
13. (NY) Bring Me The Fucking Riot...Man "In Love With The Riot"
14. (14) N.E.R.D. She Wants To Move
15. (NY) Teddybears Sthlm Feat. (Mad Cobra "Cobrastyle"
16. (11) Peaches Ft. Iggy Pop "Kick It"
17. (NY) Starsailor "Four To The Floor"
18. (NY) Last Days Of April "It's On Everything"
19. (18) Organism 12 "Sångfågel"
20. (NY) Graham Coxon "Freakin' Out"

Leaving the chart:
13. Paris "Hey Sailor!"
16. David & The Citizens "Graycoated Morning"
17. Belle & Sebastian "I'm A Cuckoo"
19. Dave Clarke Feat. Chicks On Speed "What Was Her Name?"
20. Missy Elliott "I'm Really Hot"

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

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

01. (13) Phoenix "Everything Is Everything"
02. (NY) Marit Bergman feat. Cecilia Nordlund "Adios Amigo"
03. (NY) Promoe "These Walls Don't Lie"
04. (NY) Josh Rouse "Come Back (Light Therapy)"
05. (02) Tiger Lou "Oh Horatio"
06. (19) Damien Rice "Volcano"
07. (01) The Von Bondies "C'mon C'mon"
08. (07) The Legends "Call It Ours"
09. (12) John Frusciante "Song To Sing When I'm Lonely"
10. (05) Jens Lekman "Rocky Dennis In Heaven EP"
11. (NY) Laakso "Aussie Girl"
12. (06) Peaches feat. Iggy Pop "Kick It"
13. (17) Paris "Hey Sailor!"
14. (16) N.E.R.D. "She Wants To Move"
15. (NY) Swan Lee "I Don't Mind"
16. (04) David & The Citizens "Graycoated Morning"
17. (03) Belle & Sebastian "I'm A Cuckoo"
18. (11) Organism 12 "Sångfågel"
19. (NY) Dave Clarke Feat. (Chicks On Speed "What Was Her Name?"
20. (NY) Missy Elliott "I'm Really Hot"

Leaving the chart:
08. Broder Daniel "Shoreline"
09. Björns Vänner "Alexander Lukas"
10. Shout Out Louds "Please Please Please"
14. Timbaland & Magoo "Indian Flute"
15. Grandaddy "I'm On Standby"
18. The Thrills "Don't Steal Our Sun"
20. Nicolai Dunger "Here's My Song You Can Have It (Album Sampler)"

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

The new Paris single for "Hey Sailor" has been set for a February 11 release date.

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

Musique One Stop is updated with new pics of the Latin Kings and Paris: http://www.photohenrik.com/mos/

Fri, 09 Jan 2004 00:00:00 -0800

Want to be in the new Paris video "Hey Sailor"? Filming takes place January 17 and you can get all the details on the band's website: http://www.parismusic.se/

Fri, 09 Jan 2004 00:00:00 -0800

Here's the nominees for the Swedish Manifest awards:

Pop/Rock:
Hell on Wheels - Oh my God What have I done
Radio Dept. - Lesser matters
Concretes - Concretes
Franke - Optimismens hån
The Knife - Deep cuts

Hardrock/Punk:
Arch Enemy - Anthems of rebellion
Burst - Prey on life
Cult of Luna - The beyond
Katationa - Viva emptiness
Nasum - Helvete

Hip hop/R&B/Soul:
Chords - The garden around the mansion
Speech Defect - Freshcoast gettin' rowdy
Soul Supreme - The Saturday nite agenda
Advance Patrol - Utskrivna
Kaah - Jideblasko international

Postrock/electronica:
Namur - Conquer me
Sagor & Swing - Allt hänger samman
Sophie Rimheden - Hi-fi
Slagsmålsklubben - Den svenske disco
Tape - Milieu

Dance/house/techno:
Hundarna från Söder - Hundarna från Söder
Forss - Soulhack
Plej - Electronic music from the Swedish leftcoast
Stateless - Art of no state
Steve Angello - ...presents tracks

Folk/World music:
Lisa Rydberg - Östbjörka
Frifot - Sluring
Anders Nygårds & Magnus Stinnerbom - Dalahyl
Anders Norrudde, Leo Svensson and Göran Fredriksson - Med hull och hår
Cerro Esperanza Band - Nubes del alma

Singer/Songwriter:
Ane Brun - Spending time with Morgan
Ulf Stureson - Allt jag ville säga
Christian Kjellvander - Introducing the past
Johan Borgert - Johan Borgert
José Gonzàlez - Veneer

Best live artist:
Looptroop
Moneybrother
Randy
Timbuktu med Damn
Killers

Best newcomer:
Miss Universum
José Gonzàlez
Shout Out Louds
Radio Dept.
Paris

Winners are chosen by the SOM (Svenska Oberoende Musikproducenter) (Swedish Independent Musicproducers) and will be announced at an awards ceremony on January 29 at Debaser in Stockholm.

Mon, 15 Dec 2003 00:00:00 -0800

There's a new mp3 on the right from Swedish new-wave synthpop band Paris. Forget about Melody Club, The Sounds, Alice in Videoland, et al - Paris actually writes good songs and appeals to more than just being stylish. Of all the bands in the genre, these guys (and gals) are definitely my favorite that I've heard.

Wed, 10 Dec 2003 00:00:00 -0800

Listen to and vote for your favorite new Swedish Christmas song: http://www.sr.se/p3/morgon/jullatar.stm. Your options are Elin Sigvardsson, Wille Crafoord, Miss Universum, Nina & Kim, Paris and Fattaru.

Fri, 28 Nov 2003 00:00:00 -0800

Here's this week's top 10 Nordic video chart from YLE/Morjen:

01. Glitz - Away from you (FIN)
02. Technicolour - Fireflies (FIN)
03. Nina Rochelle - Taxi 43 (SWE)
04. The Rasmus - The first day of my life (FIN)
05. Garbo - Won't be in your way (DK)
06. Xantom - Miss you (DK)
07. Johnny Deluxe - Elskovspony (DK)
08. Zen Café - Piha ilman sadettajaa (FIN)
09. User - To feel (SWE)
10. Jonna - Kaikki talossa (FIN)

Challengers:
01. The Latin Kings - Cashen dom tas (SWE)
02. Klovner i kamp - Konger i kamp (NOR)
03. Fintelligens - Vaan sil on väliä (FIN)

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

01. Peter LeMarc - Det som håller oss vid liv
02. The Refreshments - Rock 'n' Roll X-mas
03. Markoolio - I skuggan av mig själv
04. Peter Jöback - Jag kommer hem igen till jul
05. Lisa Miskovsky - Fallingwater
06. Carola - Guld platina & passion - det bästa
07. Per Gessle - Mazarin
08. Backyard Babies - Stockholm Syndrome
09. Lasse Stefanz - Det här är bara början
10. Lars Roos - För de som älskar
11. José González - Veneer
12. Bo Kaspers orkester - Vilka tror vi att vi är
13. Mauro Scocco - La Dolce Vita
14. Carola - Jul i Betlehem
15. Christer Sjögren - För kärlekens skull 14 visklassiker
16. Helen Sjöholm / Anders Widmark - Genom varje andetag
17. Mats Ronander - Bästa
18. Bamse - Bamses dunder-hits
19. Broder Daniel - Cruel town
20. Lisa Ekdahl - En samling sånger

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

01. (01) The Coral "Bill Mc Cai"
02. (02) The White Stripes "The Hardest Button To Button"
03. (03) Moneybrother "It's Been Hurting All The Way With You, Joanna"
04. (NY) The Radio Dept. "Pulling Our Weight EP"
05. (04) The Chemical Brothers "Get Yourself High"
06. (05) Niccokick "Turn 27 EP"
07. (12) The Cardigans "Live And Learn"
08. (15) Black Rebel Motorcycle Club "We're All In Love"
09. (11) Monastir "The Shape Up EP"
10. (08) Timbuktu Med Peps "Dynamit"

11. (NY) Yo La Tengo "Today Is The Day EP"
12. (NY) Chicks On Speed "Wordy Rappinghood"
13. (10) Laakso "Demon"
14. (07) Daft Punk "Something About Us"
15. (09) Rocky Dennis "Maple Leaves EP"
16. (NY) M.A.S.S. "Live A Little"
17. (NY) De Stijl "My Own Way"
18. (NY) Radiohead "2+2=5"
19. (18) Travis "The Beautiful Occupation"
20. (NY) The Knife "Handy-Man"

Leaving the chart:
06. Paris "Rainy Day In London"
13. Bring Me The Fucking Riot...Man "Lolita Riotta"
14. The Legends "There And Back Again"
16. Guided By Voices "The Best Of Jill Hives"
17. Slow Train Soul "In The Black Of Night"
19. Primal Scream Ft. (Kate Moss "Some Velvet Morning"
20. The Bear Quartet "Ask Me, Don't Axe Me"

As you've probably already heard, the first couple bands for next year's Hultsfred fest have been confirmed: Broder Daniel, C.Aarmé, Rocky Dennis, The Legends, Snook and The Kid. The show isn't until next July, but tickets go on sale at the end of December. Details: www.rockparty.se

Fri, 21 Nov 2003 00:00:00 -0800

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

01. (07) The Coral "Bill Mc Cai"
02. (NY) The White Stripes "The Hardest Button To Button"
03. (11) Moneybrother "It's Been Hurting All The Way With You, Joanna"
04. (NY) The Chemical Brothers "Get Yourself High"
05. (NY) Niccokick "Turn 27 EP"
06. (01) Paris "Rainy Day In London"
07. (17) Daft Punk "Something About Us"
08. (08) Timbuktu med Peps "Dynamit"
09. (ÅT) Rocky Dennis "Maple Leaves EP"
10. (09) Laakso "Demon"

11. (12) Monastir "The Shape Up EP"
12. (NY) The Cardigans "Live And Learn"
13. (13) Bring Me The Fucking Riot...Man "Lolita Riotta"
14. (14) The Legends "There And Back Again"
15. (NY) Black Rebel Motorcycle Club "We're All in Love"
16. (05) Guided By Voices "The Best Of Jill Hives"
17. (18) Slow Train Soul "In The Black Of Night"
18. (NY) Travis "The Beautiful Occupation"
19. (03) Primal Scream Ft. (Kate Moss "Some Velvet Morning"
20. (04) The Bear Quartet "Ask Me, Don't Axe Me"

Leaving the chart:
02. Christian Kjellvander "Portugal"
06. The Latin Kings "Cashen dom tas"
10. The Kid "Baton Rouge"
15. The Strokes "12:51"
16. Björns Vänner "Vad ska jag med ett foto på dig? "
19. José Gonzales "Crosses EP"
20. The Warlocks "Baby Blue"

Tue, 18 Nov 2003 00:00:00 -0800

New at Rockfoto.nu: Paris from Sticky Fingers in Göteborg on November 15.

Wed, 12 Nov 2003 00:00:00 -0800

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

01. (01) Paris "Rainy Day In London"
02. (07) Christian Kjellvander "Portugal"
03. (02) Primal Scream Ft. (Kate Moss "Some Velvet Morning"
04. (03) The Bear Quartet "Ask Me, Don't Axe Me"
05. (09) Guided By Voices "The Best Of Jill Hives"
06. (04) The Latin Kings "Cashen fom tas"
07. (NY) The Coral "Bill Mc Cai"
08. (NY) Timbuktu Med Peps "Dynamit"
09. (17) Laakso "Demon"
10. (08) The Kid "Baton Rouge"

11. (11) Moneybrother "It's Been Hurting All The Way With You, Joanna"
12. (NY) Monastir "The Shape Up EP"
13. (13) Bring Me The Fucking Riot...Man "Lolita Riotta"
14. (10) The Legends "There And Back Again"
15. (12) The Strokes "12:51"
16. (05) Björns Vänner "Vad ska jag med ett foto på dig?"
17. (NY) Daft Punk "Something About Us"
18. (NY) Slow Train Soul "In The Black Of Night"
19. (NY) José Gonzales "Crosses EP"
20. (16) The Warlocks "Baby Blue"

Leaving the chart:
06. Nicolai Dunger "Hunger"
14. Rocky Dennis "Maple Leaves EP"
15. Captain Murphy "I'm A What"
18. Franz Ferdinand "Darts Of Pleasure"
19. Red Hot Chili Peppers "Fortune Faded"
20. Broder Daniel "When We Were Winning"

Wed, 08 Oct 2003 00:00:00 -0700

Swedish synthpop group Paris will now release their debut album "Yellow Eden" on Ocotober 29, as opposed to the previously reported date of October 15. The band will playing acoustically and signing records that day at Pet Sounds and will be playing a special release party at Kägelbanan in Stockholm. The first single ""Rainy Day in London" comes out October 22 on both CD and as a split 7" with Disco Fever who will provide remixes.

Tue, 16 Sep 2003 00:00:00 -0700

"Yellow Eden" has been confirmed as the title for the debut album from electronic pop group Paris, due out October 15. The record will include 12 tracks, both older songs that originally appeared on the band's demos along with brand new material.

Thu, 11 Sep 2003 00:00:00 -0700

This week's MTV Up North Nordic video chart:

01. Outlandish - Aicha
02. The Rasmus - In My Life
03. The Raveonettes - That Great Love Sound
04. Lene - It´s Your Duty
05. Junior Senior - Rythm Bandits
06. Killer - Naughty Boy
07. Mew - 156
08. Bertine Zetlitz - Twisted Little Star
09. The Lost Patrol feat. Lisa Miskovsky - Alright
10. Paperboys - What U Need
11. Kurt Nilsen - She´s So High
12. Looptroop - Don´t Hate The Player
13. Span - Found
14. Darude - Next To You
15. HIM - The Sacrament
16. Timbuktu - The Botten Is Nådd
17. Beats & Styles - Dynamite
18. Moneybrother - Stormy Weather
19. Nu - Any Other Girl
20. José Gonzales - Crosses

Challengers:
01. The Monotypes - Tonight
02. Carpark North - Transparant And Glasslike
03. Paris - Disco Fever
04. Fattaru - Bättre
05. The Unisex - Take Me Higher

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

Thu, 17 Jul 2003 00:00:00 -0700

Rockfoto.nu has posted a bunch of pics taken at the Avrika festival. Some of the bands pictured include HIM, HÅkan Hellström, Kamera, Looptroop, Mando Diao, Melody Club, Moneybrother, Paris, Shout Out Louds, The Sounds and more.

Fri, 06 Jun 2003 00:00:00 -0700

Happy Swedish National Day.

Turbonegro are doing an online benefit for the St. Pauli Football Club ("the one with skull & crossbones logo" as they say) in the form of three ebay auctions:

"Scandinavian Leather" deluxe box set #666, autographed by the complete band
"Scandinavian Leather" deluxe box set #1910, autographed by the complete band
St. Pauli player jersey with Hank van Helvete lettering on the back and his autograph

Check 'em out, but keep in mind they also promise "more interesting things to follow."

Here's some pictures from Komeda's video shoot for the track "Cul de Sac".

Nicolai Dunger will be providing guest vocals on an upcoming EP from Calexico for the song "Alone again or", originally done by Love. It comes out June 16.

Labrador Records has announced they will now be distributed in Germany by AL!VE with promotion to be handled by C&D Promotion. Their first release over there will be "Kate 97" from Tribeca. For more info contact Stephan.Meyer@alive-ag.de or chris.donn@cdpromotion.de.

Paris has signed a publishing contract with Songs & Stories Publishing.

The latest edition of Doomsday Magazine just came out and it includes interviews with Uncurbed, Totalt Jävla Mörker, Burst and more. More info and some back-issue text: www.doomsdaymag.tk (in Swedish)

NRK has posted Amulet's new video for "Breaking News". Check it.

Hedningarna has posted a couple videos on their new website. The band's new retrospective CD is out now in Finland, Spain and the US and should hit Sweden in September. It contains various tracks from 1989-2003 along with two brand new songs. Read more.

The Confusions, Satirnine, Dynamo Chapel, Paola and The Crystal Committee are now confirmed for the Trästock festival in Skellefteå, Sweden on July 17-19.

Kent's big concert at Stockholm Stadium tonight will be recorded for a future album/DVD release. There's also rumors of various special guests showing up, such as Titiyo and Lisa Miskovsky.

Clawfinger has posted the video clip for their new single "Recipe for Hate": Windows / Real
You can also check out some behind-the-scenes photos from the shoot right here.

The Hives, In Flames, and Flint have been added to Hultsfred fest.

Tue, 20 May 2003 00:00:00 -0700

CD Maxi
01. You're The Storm
02. Hold Me
03. You're The Storm (Sandkvie Session)
04. You're The Storm (El Cortijo Session)

Outbreak will be having a record release show at Etrea in Eskilstuna, Sweden on May 22. The new album "Information Overload" comes out May 26 on Rockstar Records and you can download a couple preview tracks here. Crystal Committee and The Sound OE will also play.

The complete program for Norway's Norwegian Wood festival has been released. Check it:

07/12 - Number Seven Deli, Dandy Warhols, Counting Crows
07/13 - The Rasmus, The Sounds, Linkin Park
07/14 - Dadafon, Jim Stärk, Tom McRae, Ricochets, Dum Dum Boys
07/15 - Fireside, Skin, Gåte, Hellacopters, Audioslave

Read this for more information, band links, the Underwood schedule and tickets.

Göteborg rock band The Mugshots recently put up a new website along with a bunch of mp3s for you to download.

In honor of the French holiday Fete de la Musique comes the Stockholm Musikfest this weekend. Scheduled to appear are Charlie's Magazine, Kajsa Grytt, David Lindh & Hail Marys, Evolver, Jamie Meyer, Paragon, Ison & Fille, Parker, The Sonnets and much more. Admission is free.

Some of the new bands added to the Augustibuller lineup: Fireside, Gusto, Surferosa, Paris, Stabb, Sweet Addiction, Kingston Airforce and Outbreak.

There's going to be a new, small rock fest on July 5 in Kalmar, Sweden called the Slammerfestival featuring 69-Hard headlining along with The Nifters, The Stuckups, The Ghoulies and more.

Wolf has booked time at Abyss Studios with producer/engineer Peter Tägtgren (Hypocrisy) beginning on June 18 to record their third album. They expect to have it out around October on No Fashion Records.

Mon, 19 May 2003 00:00:00 -0700

Okay, I know it's totally goofy, but I posted an mp3 excerpt of the new Weird Al track that parodies The Hives. Download it on the right.

Scandinavianleather.com has put up a Turbonegro trivia contest to compete for special limited edition copies of the new album.

JR Ewing has two new interviews online, one from sandiegopunk.com and another from punk/porn site burningangel.com. And as said before, there's also been another date added on the upcoming Turbonegro/Surferosa Norweigan stadium tour on May 30 in Fredrikstad. Tickets are going fast, so be sure to get yours if you want to attend.

The Cardigans have posted an interview that Magnus did with Amir, Henrik and Mattias, the three gentlemen behind the recent videos. In other news, the band has added a woman named Eva on as their temporary sixth member to play keyboard, guitar and sing back ups on the upcoming summer tour dates. "She is very nice, 163 tall, brunette, a little older than us, very experienced in the Swedish music scene. And she is good looking," they say.

Bergland Productions has announced that Cucumber Slumber (feat. Ståle Storløkken of Supersilent) has started work on a new record and should have it out sometime this coming fall. The band's last album "New Cumber" came out in 2001.

The Sounds will be on David Letterman tonight. Check local listings for airtime.

StillHoldingOn.net recently did an interview with Swedish hardcore act Misconduct. The band also confirmed a bunch of shows on their upcoming European tour with 25 Ta Life. Go here for the latest.

KVLR has posted a whole bunch of new pictures from their recent time in the studio. They recorded a total of four new songs for their next album and plan to do the rest after they return from tour at the end of the summer. And yeah, like I said before, they've been getting assistance from Marcus and Lena of Komeda. If the rough mix stuff I've heard is any indication, the record is gonna be great. Can't wait.

The buzz-band Radio Dept. will be heading over to the US for a few select west coast dates:

07/10-13 - San Francisco, CA - Pop Holiday Fest at Bottom Of The Hill w/Even As We Speak, Aerospace, Pipas, Evening Lights, more
07/15 - Portland, OR at The Blackbird w/Aerospace, Pipas, Evening Lights, The Frenchmen
07/16 - Seattle, WA at Chop Suey

Håkan Hellström will be releasing a new single for the song "Mitt Gullbergs Kaj Paradis" on June 20 that'll include two new songs for b-sides. Just in time for the Kalas tour, eh?

Neovoid has posted a review of ex-black metal band Manes new album "Vilosophe". The label Code666 describes them as a mix of Katatonia, Radiohead and Aphex Twin, but I'm not sure I'd completely agree with that assesment myself. Katatonia yes, but that's a no-brainer for this sort of pop-infused avant metal. Anyhow, I agree that it's a good album and well worth investigating for people who are into different kinds of heavy music.

Read PopMatter's review of "Sky Pilots", the latest album from Finland's Flaming Sideburns.

The full schedule and set times for Pop Dakar have been published. Check it out. Bands scheduled to appear include Paris, Bear Quartet, First Floor Power, Radio Dept. and more.

Here's a short tour diary with photos and video from the recent Narcissists tour in Germany.

Swedish webzine Samson & Rourke has put up a featured review and contest for Logh.

Big news from Nasum! Bassplayer Jesper has decided to leave as to focus on his other band Burst, which he has been involved with for over 10 years with some of his childhood friends. There's no animosity on anyone's part, the time just came to make a decision between the two projects. Read the full statement from the band on the subject. In other smaller news, Nasum has added Urban Skytt from Regurgitate on 2nd guitar and put up a newly redesigned website. As mentioned before, the band will play a record release show for the new album "Helvete" at Hotel Continental in Örebro on May 24.

I first talked about it way back in March, but here's a new MIC Norway feature on the upcoming 'Midnight Sun' tour featuring Supersilent, DJ Strangefruit, Arve Henriksen and Sidsel Endresen that's coming to the UK later this month. Those dates again:

05/22 - Exeter, Phoenix
05/23 - Bath, Bath International Music Festival Pavillion
05/24 - Belfast, Crescent Arts Centre
05/25 - Salisbury, Salisbury Festival
05/26 - Birmingham, Medicine Bar
05/27 - Liverpool, Unity Theatre
05/28 - London, 93 Feet East

Unioncarbideproductions.com sends word that there will indeed be a promo CD from the band available at Hultsfred this year featuring newly remixed versions of the songs "Be Myself Again" and "San Fransisco Boogie". There's also word of a potential commerical release for the single, but nothing's been decided yet. Also by way of UCP.com, comes this article paying tribute to the band. Check it out.

Expressen reports that Timbuktu will be contributing music to the film "Hip Hop Hora". It was directed by Teresa Fabik and premieres on February 6. Björn Kjellman stars. Read more. (in Swedish)

The new album from The Perishers will come out in September with the first single "Sway" to drop in June.

Jakob Hellman, Helena Bergström, Kjell Höglund & Johan Johansson and Tomas Di Leva have all been added to the roster of the Visfestivalen which takes place in Västervik on July 10-12.

Dates scheduled so far for the upcoming Avrikafest tour, featuring the band Kamera along with various DJs and more:

05/30 - Oslo, So What
05/31 - Fredrikstad, Dis Café
06/01 - Göteborg, Sticky Fingers
06/03 - Malmö
06/04 - Örebro
06/05 - Linköping, Platens Bar
06/06 - Stockholm, Debaser/Ultrachrome
06/07 - Karlstad, Arena

Norway's Moonfog records, the label run by Satyr of Satyricon, has signed the new band Disiplin to their roster. The band was started by Savant M of Myrkskog back in 2000 and will be entering the studio in August to record their debut album. "It´s very rare that a new band on the scene succeeds in catching my interest on the strength of a demo alone," says Satyr, "apart from the obvious fact that I enjoy their music and that I have a great belief in their potential, I think they have that undistinguishable Moonfog sound." And the sound he's talking about? Well, Savant describes the band as "based on old school black metal with inspiration from thrash and death metal." Read a recent interview with the band here. (in Norweigan)

Check out the latest edition of reviews and samples from Brainwashed, including writeups on Scandinavian artists such as Supersilent, Erkki Kurenniemi, the "Arctic Hysteria - Early Finnish Avant-Gardeners" comp, and more.

Here's some new dates from Sunride:

06/12 - Tavastia, Helsinki, Finland w/Endstand
08/16 - Nosturi, Helsinki, Finland w/Sweatmaster, Minus SF
08/30 - FUZZFEST 2, Musikens Hus, Göteborg, Sweden w/Mushroom River Band, Terra Firma, Awesome Machine, more

The new album "Through The Red" comes out today and the band will be playing around Europe later this month.

The Hommos have rescheduled their gig at the Barfly Camden in London from May 26 to the 27th.

Johan Bergqvist has finished up work on the video for the song "Lovelace" and posted it online. Check it: low / high
The track comes from a mini-album that was released last September and is being reissued later this summer as a precursor to the forthcoming full length.

More US press for David & the Citizens: The album "For All Happy Endings" is now reviewed on indiepages.com.

Rumor has it that Thirdimension is planning a US tour in the near future.

Another sign things are probably not okay for The (International) Noise Conspiracy? Keyboardist Sara Almgren has been recruited by Marit Bergman to play guitar in her touring band. If you weren't already aware, Sara used to play guitar for the all-girl hardcore/metal act Doughnuts. They released a couple reconds on Victory in the mid-90s. Anyhow, Marit has decided to ditch the guitar on stage so she can, I assume, focus more on her singing. Look for her on the Kalas tour this summer, among other festival dates. In other news, my sources tell me she plans on doing five different cover tunes for her new EP "From Now On" which comes out on June 12. More details when I get 'em.

Laakso will be heading into the studio soon to lay down the tracks for their debut full length. They say to expect a good live sound as evidenced already on their debut EP "Long Beach".

The terminally underappreciated Notre Dame, led by the multitalented Snowy Shaw (Dream Evil, ex-Mercyful Fate, Illwill, etc.), reports that they have completed work on the new album "Creepshow Freakshow Peepshow". Originally titled "Vaudeville le Devil", the album will be the first lacking guitarist Jean-Pierre De Sade and should be out later this year from Osmose Productions.

Wed, 07 May 2003 00:00:00 -0700

Ink19 declares "6" from Supersilent to be "a landmark album." Furthermore, they say "It is a harrowing work of jazz, electronica and ambient textures that is as exciting as it is mind-blowing." Read more.

Peaceville has yet again delayed the release of Beyond Dawn's forthcoming album "Frysh", this time to June 30. If the 3-song sampler is any indication, it's gonna be damn great. Can't wait.

Preorder a copy of the new Her Majesty album "Happiness" and receive an exclusive free pin. Go here.

The latest news from Värttinä, as posted on their website:

[We] just returned from a tour of Scotland, Turkey, Switzerland and France. Edinburgh, Stans and Bern were the highlights with great shows and incredible audience response. Big news from France is that "iki" [the new album] is the Number 3 Best Selling World Music album at the main FNAC shop (Forum) in Paris. Additionally, "iki" is named Album of the Week at Swedish Radio P2 Klingan and World Music Album of the Week on WDR Radio KC6ln. iki also reached Number 6 on the CMJ World Music Chart in USA. In England, "iki" was picked Number 9 in the Songlines magazine Top of the World chart. Finally, "iki" received a glowing review from Songlines Magazine: "From the exhilarating drive of "Nahkaruoska", its jostling rhythms and bristling close harmonies bringing to life a story of infidelity and leather whips, to the sheer beauty of "Maahinen Neito", a song of an unwanted earth maiden, Värttinä's tenth album (celebrating their 20th year) is their most radiant and satisfying to date. .. A totally desirable disc." (Songlines Jan Fairley)

Those of you in Denmark can check out The Cardigans on the 'Barend & van Dorp' show tomorrow night playing their new single "You're the Storm" live. The program starts at 10:30 pm.

Clawfinger's new album "Zeros & Heroes" comes out May 26. Singer Zak Tell says he is confident fans will like it. The band is also hitting the road this summer. Dates so far:

05/17 - Bengtsfors, S
06/12 - Crans-sur-N., CH
06/14 - Bolzano, I
06/18 - Zürich, CH
06/20 - Scharans, CH
06/21 - Burgum, NL
07/05 - Leipzig, D
07/19 - Eberschwang, A
08/01 - Óbudai Island, H
08/08 - Höchstenbach, D

Soviac has booked a number of dates around Sweden this summer:

05/24 - Ronneby, Uterock
05/26 - Stockholm, Debaser w/Paris, Marit Bergman
05/27 - Stockholm, Gula Villan Blowupapanda pre party
05/28 - Göteborg, Valand w/Fox´n wolf
05/29 - Västervik, Oasen
05/31 - Stockholm, Debaser w/7feet4
06/07 - Fredricia, Formanova03 w/The Price Of Ink, Switchblade

Look for a video from the band for song "Boogie Woogie" soon, too.

MTVE.com has posted the new video for "Reconsider Me", the first single from Moneybrother's new album "Blood Panic".

The Norweigan musicians union and the Stavanger Symphonic Orchestra are raising money to send musical instruments to Iraq. So far about 60,000 NOK has been brought in for the effort. Read more. (in Norweigan)

The six finalists for the Roland/SAMI Artistpris 2003:

1. Steroids (rock)
2. Yukon AK (country/pop)
3. Ane Brun (singer/songwriter)
4. Peter Murphy (pop)
5. The Terrible Misstakes (punk)
6. Andreas Giri (pop)

They will all be performing at Alcazar (Nalen) in Stockholm on May 28 to vye for the various prizes in front of a jury of various music industry professionals. Read more. (in Swedish)

Proof that The Hives have reached a significant level of success: Weird Al has parodied them on the song "Angry White Boy Polka" from his new album "Poodle Hat". Congrats guys.

Ed Hartcourt that he will be making a Gröna Lund appearance on August 22.

The Amnestys endagsfestival on May 17 at Mondo in Stockholm will feature Florence Valentin, Shout Out Louds, Paris, Ane Brun and The Concretes.

Dagensskiva gives Logh's new album "The Raging Sun" a 9 out of 10 in their review today. I'd have to agree - I managed to find myself an advance copy and have been listening to it quite a bit. Easily one of the best records I've heard so far this year.

Arch Enemy has set "Anthems of Rebellion" as the title of new new record due out August 26 from Century Media, and in Japan on July 23 from Toy's Factory. Guitarist Michael Amott is quoted as saying "There is a thread of ANTI-establishment and REBELLION that goes through all the songs lyrics and also the artwork, but I wouldn't go as far as calling it a full-blown concept — that kind of stuff usually tends to get in the way of the music... It sounds thicker and more heavy than the last album." Read more. (from Blabbermouth)

Via the pHinnweb mailing list comes this glossary of various terms and items relevant to Finnish art and music.

Entombed's upcoming eigth album "Inferno" has now been delayed to an August 4 release date. Pelle Gunnerfeldt of Fireside produced and I for one am very curious to hear how it turned out.

As hinted at before, David & the Citizens are at Gula Studion (The Yellow Studio) in Malmö with producer Jens Lindgård working on their new record. Word has it that Pelle Ossler of Wilmer X guests on a track along with the klezmer band Tummel on another.

Cold Meat Industry acts IRM and Institut will play the Red Rose in London on May 9. More info here.

Fri, 02 May 2003 00:00:00 -0700

Magnus from The Cardigans reports that "Long Gone Before Daylight" is currently being remixed for 5.1 sound systems at Medley Studios in Copenhagen. So yeah, those of you with home theatre stereo setups will be able to enjoy the record in full surround sound. No word on a release date yet, but I'll keep you posted.

Check out the Nordic Favorites compilation tracklist:

01. Bel Canto - You Rock My World Tonight
02. Eskobar - On The Ground
03. The Rasmus - In The Shadows
04. The Sounds - Living In America
05. Silje Nergaard - Be Still My Heart
06. Funkstar De Luxe W M Mann - Blinded
07. Gåte - Bendik Og År Olilja
08. Luke - Heavens On Fire
09. Grant - Just The Thing
10. Morten Abel - I'll Come Back And Love You Forever
11. Swan Lee - Tomorrow Never Dies
12. The Crash - Star
13. Maria Mena - Free
14. Kristofer Åström - All Lovers Hell
15. Cajsa Stina Åkerström - Himmel Över
16. Junior Senior - Move Your Feet
17. Lordi - Would You Love A Monsterman

Here's another mp3 from Randy's new album "Welfare Problems". The track is called "X-ray Eyes".

Fargo records has picked up Hederos & Hellberg's "Together in the Darkness" for release in the UK. The same label is also putting out the album in France and Spain this month. In related news, Silence is reporting that Mattias Hellberg is planning to record a solo album this summer.

I've already posted some of these dates, but here's a more complete list of the upcoming Gröna Lund shows this summer:

05/09 - Melody Club
05/23 - Dilba, Stephen Simmonds
06/18 - The Sounds
06/27 - Eric Gadd, Kaah
08/15 - Robyn
08/29 - Caesars Palace, Bad Cash Quartet
09/05 - bob hund
09/12 - The Hellacopters

Labrador Records will holding a mini-festival for the label featuring Chasing Dorotea, Laurel Music, Ronderlin plus Dj's: Pontus & Ramo (Douglas Heart) and Henrik Lyngåker (Sonic) at Bommens Salonger on May 9.

Here's an updated lineup for the 5th annual Nordic Roots Festival which takes place in Minneapolis from September 18-21: Filarfolket reunion, Ellika Frisell and Solo Cissokho, Maria Kalaniemi with Sven Ahlbäck and Johan Hedin, Gjallarhorn, Harv and the Swedish trio Nåra.

STIM reports that The Hives made it to #4 on the LA Times list of top 50 bands around today. Iggy Pop, White Stripes and Queens of the Stone Age took the top spots and fellow Swedes Soundtrack of Our Lives came in at a respectable 15.

Blood Music, Björns vänner, CK, Corduroy utd., Dub Sweden, Florence Valentin, Hell on Wheels, Paris and The Danny Says have all been confirmed for the Rundgångsfestivalen in Wämöparken on May 31.

P3 Musikjournalen has posted a whole slew of new confirmations for Kirunafestivalen, Storsjöyran, Spinnrock, Gatufesten. Midtfynsfestivalen and Norbergfestivale.

More on the Mando Diao drama, from Aftonbladet. (in Swedish)

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

In case you missed it, I had a guest review published on Dagensskiva on Saturday.

The Rasmus have now been confirmed for both the June Rock im Park and the June Rock am Ring fests in Germany on the 6th and 8th respectively.

Puffball has a new 7" coming out on Stereodrive! Records, the label of record store Green Hell Records in Münster. "Outlaw" is the a-side title track and "Hornet Rider" is the b-side along with a cover of Merle Haggard's "Momma Tried". And from Southspace webzine, here's a short interview with the band.

Via the band's webiste, here's a review of Logh from NME written by James Jam:

..."Every time..." is a record so fucking dull, so fucking uninspired, that nme finds itself looking for a chainsaw and pricing up cheap flights to Sweden. In the words of the high priest of rock'n'roll fun, Iggy Pop, seek out and destroy.

Logh's response? "James has been bought a planeticket to Sweden. we´re waiting anxiously." Brilliant. In other Logh news, the band reports they are finishing up work on the new video and should have it done next week.

The Norweigan paper VG recently published a long interview with Morten from A-ha. Here's a nice English synopsis plus a link to the article itself.

St. Thomas will be putting out a limited vinyl edition of "Hey Harmony" in mid-May. 300 copies, 180 gram vinyl. He'll have it for sale at the May 10 Rockefeller show in Oslo. He'll also be playing quite a few shows around Europe coming up soon, with more to be announced for June:

April 30 Ålesund - TBC
05/01 - TBA
05/02 - Trondheim Blæst
05/03 - TBA
05/07 - Molde, TBC
05/08 - Sogndal, Meieriet
05/09 - Hønefoss, Alfreds
05/10 - Oslo, Rockefeller
05/14 - Stavanger, Checkpoint Charlie
05/15 - Kristiansand, TBC
05/16 - TBA
05/17 - Skien, Brekkeparken
05/21-23 Sweden, TBA
05/24 - Hamburg, Echochamber im Phonodrom
05/25 - Berlin, Roter Salon
05/26 - Muchen, Club Zwei festival in Atomic
05/28 - TBA (Frankfurt or Koln)
05/29 - Roskilde Gimle Cafe
05/30 - Copenhagen, Loppen
05/31 - Århus, Spot festival
07/18 - Feierwerk Festival, Munich August 8 or 9 Øyafestivalen

Here's some pictures from Randy's show at Groez Rock in Belgium on April 26.

Johan Bergqvist along with Crying Bob Records is putting together a new festival tour called Bobbyfest. The established goal of the tour is to "give you the best independent music there is, for a good price." Sounds good to me. The line-up is Leftlane, The Virtues, Johan Bergqvist, Moody Alan, and Moll Flanders and so far there's just two dates set for May with more set to come in the fall. Details as of now:

05/03 - Mondo, Stockholm
05/17 - Diezel, Halmstad

A day in the life with The Ark: http://www.thearkworld.com/day.htm

It's about friggin' time. Startracks in association with Simba Records has put out a Kristofer Åström & Hidden Truck compilation in America called "Plastered Confessions". Five songs from the previous albums, plus a Steve Earle cover. Better than nothing, I guess. More info here or here.

Green Carnation's upcoming album will be called "A Blessing In Disguise" and it comes out June 16 in the UK, June 17 in the US from Seasons of Mist. In case you were wondering, Green Carnation features various members of In the Woods along with Tchort who did time in Emperor.

Burnitblue.com reviews Jaga Jazzist - "The Stix". It's been out for awhile in the band's home country of Norway, but comes out May 6 in the UK.

DigitalMetal.com reviews Opeth's new album "Damnation".

Sweden's Centinex has announced they will enlist the help of Per Gustafson from Cult of Luna to do the artwork on their new CD "Decadence - Prophecies Of Cosmic Chaos". Timo "The Eyeless" Ketola will handle the layout. Recording begins June 23 at Black Lounge Studios and they expect to have it sometime in October on Candlelight Records.

NRK has finally made Immortal's performance from the Inferno festival available for viewing: http://nrk.no/magasin/upunkt/musikk/inferno_2003/2713354.html

Sweden's buzz-band of the moment Radio Dept. release their debut 7" for "Liebling" b/w "We Would Fall Against The Tide" in the UK today on Rex Records. They'll also be playing their first shows over in London this weekend:

05/02 - The Spitz, 109 Commercial Street, Old Spitalfields Market, E1. w/Apples In Stereo and The Loves
05/03 - The Arts Cafe, 28 Commercial Street, E1., w/Kicker and Sportique

Norway's Sondre Lerche got himself a short feature interview on CNN: 'Sondre Lerche: Sunny sounds from Norway'

Mattias Alkberg of Bear Quartet is working on a solo project called "Begravning" and you can download a sample here.

Here's the winners of this year's Swedish Hip-Hop awards:

Best Album: Looptroop - The Struggle Contuines
Best Song: The Narcissists - Fanatik R.I.P.
Best MC: Timbuktu
Best Producer: Embee
Best Vinyl Release: Highwon - Beats, Rim & Gendish
Best DJ: Confuze
Best Download: Snook - Mognare Än Oss
Best Newcomer/Demo/Self-Released: Frotté - Den Stora Daldansen
Hip-Hop Culture Award: Aerosol/Graffiti: Unik
Hip-Hop Culture Award: B-boy: Hammer Hill B Boys
Crossfade Video Award: Ison and Fille - Fakka Ur
Lifetime Achievement Award: Ken

And speaking of Swedish hip-hop, the latest edition of Sounds Norway (SoNo) is a special on the subject: "everything you need to know about it; and meet a couple of old-timers who think hiphop is the perfect way to air all their grumbles." Check it out.

Some of the new bands confirmed for Avrika fest: Gåte, Kaizers Orchestra, Ralph Myerz & the Jack Herren Band, Shout Out Louds, Paris, JmyHaze Beatbox, Homy, Ricochets, Sparks of Seven, Peter Dolving Band, Thulsa Doom, JR Ewing, Alice in Videoland, Totalt Jävla Mörker and Slagsmålsklubben.

Sunride has confirmed their upcoming tourdates in support of their new album "Through the Red", out May 19 on People Like You Records:

05/01 - 45 Special, Oulu, Finland
05/03 - Pub Bastun, Mariehamn, Åland w/Endstand
05/08 - Klubi, Tampere, Finland w/Dozer
05/09 - Stella Star, Helsinki, Finland w/Dozer
05/10 - Lutakko, Jyväskylä, Finland w/Dozer
05/14 - Kino, Pori, Finland
05/16 - Bar 15, Seinäjoki, Finland
05/17 - Torvi, Lahti, Finland
05/24 - Mikrokosmos, Magdeburg, Germany
05/25 - Knaack, Berlin, Germany
05/26 - Rosenkeller, Jena, Germany
05/27 - Paradox, Ingolstadt, Germany
05/28 - 013, Tilburg, The Netherland

Cult of Luna reports that they have a new drummer - Thomas from The Perishers. I can't confirm it for sure, but my assumption is that Marco Hildén has accepted a permanent position with Logh and moved on. In case you didn't know, Marco has been filling in for them since their drummer Kristofer left recently mid-tour. As reported earlier, Cult of Luna just recently completed work on a new video and is now putting together plans for a full European tour this fall. Details when I get 'em.

It's not exactly new, but here's some pictures and captions from the Avanto '02 fest with Pan Sonic, Erkki Kurenniemi and more.

Burning Heart won't release the new Lost Patrol album until June 2, but you can download a preview mp3 now: Lost Patrol - "Going Going Gone"

Tue, 22 Apr 2003 00:00:00 -0700

There's a new message board in town: http://www.itsatrap.com/wforum/index.php
I'm still working out some kinks, but it should be up and running just fine for the most part.
UPDATE: Everything is pretty much good-to-go. Whatcha waiting for? Come say hi.

Satirnine has posted their upcoming European tour itinerary:

04/24 - Amsterdam, The MAX - NL
04/25 - Den Bosch, W 2 - NL
04/27 - Cologne, Live music Hall - DE
04/29 - Hamburg, Logo - DE
04/30 - Berlin, Columbia Fritz - DE
05/1 - Hannover, Musikzentrum - DE
05/2 - Schweinfurt, Alte Stadt bahnhof - DE
05/3 - Trier, Exil - DE
05/4 - Munchen, Backstage - DE
05/6 - Dornbin, Condrad Sohm - AUT
05/7 - Vienna, Arene - AUT
05/8 - Graz, Orpheum - AUT
05/10 - Milan, Leoncavallo - IT
05/12 - Zurich - Abart - CH
05/13 - Basel, Kaserne - CH
05/14 - Wil, Remise - CH
05/16 - Lyon, MJC - F
05/17 - Barcelona, Mephisto - E
05/18 - Madrid, Gruta 77 - E
05/20 - Valencia, Roxy - E
05/21 - Vigo, Nashville - E
05/22 - Gijon, Cafe albenitz - E
05/23 - Girona, Atzavara - E
05/24 - La Rouche Sur, Le fuzz - F
05/25 - Rennes, Mondo Bizarro - F
05/26 - Tours, Festival - F
05/28 - Portsmouth, Wedge wood room - UK
05/29 - Birmingham, Academy - UK
05/30 - Leeds, Jospehs Well - UK
05/31 - Glasgow, King Tuts Wah Hut - UK
06/3 - London - Garage – UK
06/12 - Hultsfredsfestivalen
08/2 - Augustibuller

Check out this review and pictures from Logh's show in Köln. (in German)

Pitchfork covers a couple joints from the cold, cold north today. They review both Turbonegro - "Scandinavian Leather" and Jaga Jazzist - "Animal Chin". The latter is a group I've actually been listening to a lot and can definitely recommend. The former, well... the less said the better I think.

Here's a streaming video interview with The Ark in English. It includes some political discussion along with behind-the-scenes footage from an acoustic TV performance.

The Sounds US press onslaught has begun. Are they the 'next big thing'? Can they be stopped? The band reports that they have articles in Abercrombie & Fitch Quarterly, FHM, In Style (Dave Grohl Quote), Jane (The Donnas review the album), and W along with the previously mentioned Paper profile. They've also finally confirmed their upcoming dates with the Ravonettes and Vue:

05/24 - Minneapolis, 7th St. Entry
05/25 - Milwaukee, Vnuk's Lounge
05/27 - Chicago, Double Door
05/28 - Cleveland, Beachland Ballroom
05/29 - Detroit, Magic Stick
06/02 - New York, Bowery Ballroom
06/03 - Boston, Paradise Rock Club
06/04 - Philadelphia, North Star
06/05 - Washington DC, 9:30 Club

And don't forget that they're doing other headlining dates in the US, too. Keep your eyes peeled.

KVLR reports they are just about done with six songs for their new album which they have been working on in the studio with Marcus and Lena from Komeda. The material has been described as "poppy." Next up, they plan to hit the road for awhile after which they'll return to the studio to record the second half of the album. Dates confirmed so far:

05/31 - Umeå @ Scharinska Villan w/Logh
06/12 - (D) Trier, Ex House
06/13 - (D) München, Atomic Cafe
06/16 - (D) Frankfurt, Cookys
06/17 - (D) Marburg, Cafe Trauma
06/18 - (D) Hannover, Bei Chez Heinz
06/19 - (D) Berli, Magnet
06/20 - (D) Hamburg, Molotow
06/21 - (D) Kiel, Kieler Woche (Delta Radio Stage)
06/22 - (DK) Fredericia, Kulturmilitzen

The Klerks' new video for the single "Shame" premieres on Wimans ZTV on Monday April 28. They've also got a couple tourdates lined up for the near future:

04/27 - Göteborg, Chalmers Cortegen
04/29 - Örebro, Festivalborg
05/7 - Växjö, Studentkåren
05/8 - Kalmar, Studentkåren
05/9 - Hässleholm, Perrong 23
05/16 - Borlänge, Borlange

Bad Taste Records has posted an mp3 of the title track from Logh's upcoming EP "The Contractor and the Assassin". Check it out. Again, that'll be out May 5.

Check out the Fireside playing live on MTV Morning Glory. The extra guitarist is apparently Calle Olsson.

The lineup for the comp in honor of the Mjuk i Mössan fest in Emmaboda has just been released. Go to rassle.org for more info. Otherwise, here's the tracklist:

01. Comet Gain - Never die
02. john.wayne.shot.me - Introducing the mechanical reindeer
03. Hank - Table 5 (and eating nachos)
04. Laakso - Sunday night
05. Speedmarket Avenue - You set the terms
06. Talking to Teapots - Me, you, Janie and Drew
07. Sagor & Swing - Popkarusellen
08. La Masa - Min megafon
09. Niccokick - I drink to get thrilled
10. Tullycraft - Miss Douglas county
11. The Radio Dept. - Lean back, lean forward
12. Björns Vänner - Tiden (egentligen "Den enda lögn du har kvar")
13. Surrounded - Exit serenade
14. Florence valentin - Haninge punks
15. Her Majesty - Rules to follow
16. Paris - Tonight
17. Bring me the fucking riot...man - Red wine riot
18. Sonny Crocket - Suppose
19. Dr. Higgins - Den vanliga människan

Misconduct just came back Studio Phlat Planet in Gothenburg with Fredrik Reinedahl (Passenger, In Flames, more) where they were working on their new album. The working title is "Fight Back" and the label describes it as "the best and most varied record Misconduct ever delivered." Also, if you preorder it now you can get a special limited edition digipack before the release date in May with extra songs, video and more. The first 250 orders also get "a Special Gift from the band," whatever that means. And as mentioned a looooong time ago, the band is heading out on the road this summer with NYC hardcore act 25 Ta Life. The dates so far:

06/12 - (GER) Bremen/Wehrschloss
06/13 - (GER) Hannover/Faust
06/14 - (GER) Chemnitz/Talschock
06/15 - (GER) Berlin/Knaack-Klub
06/16 - (GER) Tba
06/17 - (HOL) Tba
06/18 - (HOL) Leuwarden/Gloppe Festival
06/19 - (BEL) tba/tbc
06/20 - (FRA) Straßbourg/La Laterie
06/21 - (FRA) Paris/Street Fest
06/22 - (ESP) St. Feliu de Guixlos
06/23 - tba
06/24 - (POR) Lisbon/Tba
06/25 - (ESP) Madrid/Tba
06/26 - (ESP) Tba
06/27 - (FRA) Perpignan/Crockmore
06/28 - (FRA) Nantes, Hardcore Fury Fest w/Sick of it All, Suicidal, Madball,
06/29 - (FRA) tba
06/30 - (ITA) tba
07/01 - (AUS) Vienna/Arena
07/02 - (AUS) Dornbirn/Conrad Sohm
07/03 - (GER) Eisenach/Crocodiel
07/04 - (GER) Leipzig/Conne Island

Startracks/V2 has a DVD out entitled "Hidden Scenery". It features the video for "All Lovers Hell" from Kristofer Åström along with "How Come Your Arms Are Not Around Me" and "Leaving Song" from a live performance he did in Berlin back in 2002. Other artists on it include Christian Kjellvander, Eskobar plus international acts Grandaddy, Elbow, Mercury Rev and more.

Bear Quartet have been confirmed for the free Pop Dakar music fest May 24 at Gula Villan in Stockholm. Other bands scheduled to play include First Floor Power, Grand Tone Music, Radio Dept., Hell on Wheels, Paris and more.

Here's a track-by-track review of that Finnish psych comp I mentioned yesterday.

Tue, 25 Mar 2003 00:00:00 -0800

Hi, I'm a moron. In my haste of getting those Hederos & Hellberg mp3s up, I didn't properly investigate the song titles well enough. The first track is actually called "Songs from Silence" and I should've known that. It's not like I don't have the album or anything. Thanks Steffo.

Solefald reports they will soon have a video for the track "Mont Blanc Providence Crow". It will contain material from Oslo, Paris, and Manchester, along with various TV studio-filmed segments. The band also recently received money from Norsk Tekstforfatterfond to put towards a new album, so they will be heading over to Iceland in June "in order to get inspired and to write new material expanding the musical expression even further." The latest album "In Harmonia Universali" just came out this week and is already gathering positive reviews. I have yet to hear it, but they have definitely proven to be one of the most interesting 'metal' bands in the past. Probably worth checking out. And yes, metal is in quotes for a reason.

MTV UK has put up a Cardigans micro-site featuring all sorts of goodies like an album preview, videos, and photos. There's also another one from One.Tel here. And lastly, people who have already purchased the album can go here for even more exclusive content.

Randy has put up some pictures from recent video shoot for the new song "A Man in Uniform".

Here's some pictures of TSOOL playing Philadelphia on March 22.

The Sounds say they are planning to come back to the US in May before the start of the European festival season. Details when I get 'em. They've also announced that Kamera will be the openers on the upcoming Swedish tour. I've never heard them, but they have samples on their website.

In other rumor news, that MC3 show featuring Nicke from The Hellacopters (among others) was apparently recorded for a future DVD release. Again, no details yet, but I'll pass news along when I hear it.

No rest for the weary, eh? KVLR will be hitting the road again in June to support their latest release "On Planted Streets". A new single might even be in the works, too. Only Germany has confirmed dates so far, but here they are:

6/12 - Ex House, Trier
6/13 - Atomic Cafe, München
6/17 - Cafe Trauma, Marburg
6/20 - Molotow, Hamburg
6/21 - Kieler Woche (Delta Radio Stage), Kiel

Askil Holm's first show on the 'Daydream Receiver Tour 2003' will be in his hometown of Namsos, Norway on March 29. Tickets and more info can be found here. The rest of the dates will be announced shortly.

The Whyte Seeds have announced two dates in Sweden:

3/25 - KB, Malmö
3/26 - Nalen, Stockholm

This week's MTV Up North Nordic video chart:

01. The Rasmus - In The Shadows
02. Roxette - Opportunity Nox
03. Mew - Comforting Sounds
04. Kashmir - Surfing The Warm Industry
05. Kwan - Shine
06. C21 - You Are The One
07. Winta - Emotions
08. The Raveonettes - Attack Of The Ghostriders
09. Bertine Zetlitz - Girl Like You
10. The Cardigans - For What It´s Worth

Challengers:
01. Sparkler - Tiger
02. Isolation Years - Open These Eyes
03. Remedeeh - Learning Lessons
04. Evolver - Love Confidential
05. Slalom - Camshaft

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

Export Music Sweden (ExMS) has put up pictures from the recent showcase at SXSW in Austin. Check it.

P3 Swedish radio will be broadcasting from the Umeå Open this Saturday with performances from Isolation Years (acoustic), Paris, and The Crystal Committee. The broadcast starts at 8:03 pm / 11:03 am Pacific Time and you can listen at the P3 website. Click 'lyssna'. I'll try my best to get some recordings, if I can. I might be getting some pictures, too.

Svenska Akademien + Moder Jords Massiva Propaganda, Voice Of A Generation, DGPP, and User have all been confirmed for the upcoming Augustibuller fest to take place in, you guessed it, August. More info here.

"We don't give a fuck! It's not our problem. Let the tanks roll..."

Thank you Marduk for that great commentary on the war in Iraq.

Grave has offered their apologies to fans on account of the cancellation of the planned European tour with Defleshed. The explanation:

The European tour that was planned for March and April 2003 has been cancelled due to problems with the bookings and scheduling of the tour.
With only 3 weeks to go before the start of the tour we had not recieved what was agreed upon in terms of booked and confirmed shows.
We feel that in such a situation we will rather wait until we can go on a full European tour and play for all of YOU rather than just a few selected countries and shows.
We want YOU to know that Grave really wants to and will tour as soon as we get the opportunity to do a successful tour.

The band still plans on doing their upcoming US tour with Goatwhore, Immolation, and December. The dates so far:

05/27 - Don Hills New York City, NY
05/28 - The Depot Baltimore, MD
05/29 - tba
05/30 - Showplace Theatre Buffalo, NY
05/31 - Newport Music Hall Columbus ,OH
06/01 - Agora Theater Cleveland, OH
06/02 - tba
06/03 - House Of Blues Chicago, IL
06/04 - The Lab St Paul, MN
06/05 - tba
06/06 - Graceland Seattle, WA
06/07 - Meow Meow Portland, OR
06/08 - The Pound San Francisco, CA
06/09 - Galaxy Theatre Santa Ana, CA
06/10 - Key Club Los Angeles, CA
06/11 - Brick By Brick San Diego, CA
06/12 - Huntridge Theatre Las Vegas, NV
06/13 - The Mason Jar Phoenix, AZ
06/14 - Launch PAd Albuquerquee.NM
06/15 - E-9 El Paso, TX
06/16 - Canyon Club Dallas, TX
06/17 - The Backroom Austin, TX
06/18 - Zeppelins New Orleans, LA
06/19 - Masquerade Atlanta, GA
06/20 - tba
06/21 - tba
06/22 - tba
06/23 - Factory 324 Roanoke, VA
06/24 - Hooplas Virginia Beach, VA
06/25 - Ziggy's Winston-Salem, NC
06/26 - Jaxx West Springfield, VA
06/27 - Chantilly's Manchester, NH
06/28 - The Chance Poughkeepsie, NY
06/29 - Stone Pony Asbury Park, N.J

Mon, 03 Mar 2003 00:00:00 -0800

The Cardigans are now scheduled to play a couple German festivals this summer: Rock am Ring on June 6, Rock im Park on June 7.

Christian Kjellvander is working on a video for the track "Homeward Rolling Soldier". Keep an eye out for it around March or April. In the meantime, check him out on tour:

03/05 - Oslo - So What
03/07 - Halmstad - Diezelfestivalern
03/08 - Nybro - Mejeriet
03/14 - Norrköping - Kulturkammaren
03/15 - Jönköping - Kulturhuset
03/17 - München/Germany - Orange House w/Brendan Benson
03/18 - Dresden/Germany - Star Club w/Brendan Benson
03/19 - Berlin/Germany - Magnet w/Brendan Benson
03/20 - Munster/Germany - Gleis 22 w/Brendan Benson
03/22 - Bochum/Germany - Matrix w/Brendan Benson
03/23 - Örebro - Strömpris
04/04 - Helsingborg - The Tivoli
04/05 - Ronneby - Föreningarnas hus
04/15 - Copenhagen/Denmark - Lille Vega
04/16 - Århus/Denmark - VoxHall

See the video for Dub Sweden's new single "Walk Me Home": Modem / Broadband

Wolf will be entering Abyss Studio in June with producer/engineer Peter Tägtgren to work on a new album. Look it around fall from No Fashion Records with cover art from Holm (Mercyful Fate, King Diamond) that will include "a lot of fire." Sweet. They also plan to do a video and tour.

The lineup and dates for the upcoming Norweigan Zoom tour has been annouced. Scheduled to play are Helldorado, Johndoe, Nicolai and X.Lover. The dates:

3/5 - Luftslottet, Grimstad
3/6 - Checkpoint Charlie, Stavanger
3/7 - Caledonien Scene, Kristiansand
3/8 - Sort og Blå Scene, Porsgrunn
3/11 - So What!, Oslo
3/12 - Hulen, Bergen
3/13 - Meieriet, Sogndal
3/14 - Kroa, Volda
3/15 - Tapperiet, Molde
3/20 - Blårock, Tromsø
3/21 - Sinus, Bodø
3/22 - Hydranten, Hamar
3/27 - The Spitz, London

Norway's Sondre Lerche seems to be on his way up in the world, at least over here in the US. Read this feature about his recent show in Baltimore. More info and a sample here.

Lars Winnerãck is back from his self-imposed sabbatical and ready to work on his new album "Söndermarken", whose title is inspired by the Danish park. Read more here. (in Swedish)

This week's MTV Up North Nordic video chart:

01. The Rasmus - In The Shadows
02. C21 - You Are The One
03. St. Thomas -Long, Long Time
04. Winta - Emotions
05. The Raveonettes - Attack Of The Ghostriders
06. The Cardigans - For What It´s Worth
07. Grant - Just The Thing
08. Sahara Hotnights - Alright, Alright
09. Caesars Palace - Candy Kane

Challengers:
01. The Embassy - It Never Entered My Mind
02. Håkan Hellström - Den Fulaste Flickan I Världen
03. Kashmir - Surfing The Warm Industry
04. Desmond Foster - Love, Love, Love
05. The Knife - Heartbeat

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

The Crystal Committee (members of Starmarket) and The Lost Patrol (Dennis from t(I)NC) have both been confirmed for the upcoming Umeå Open fest. Other acts already confirmed include Cult of Luna , Advance Patrol, Ison & Fille, Marit Bergman, My Left One, Paris, and Peckish.

Finish 'polka-metallers' Finntroll have posted a .zip file containing an mp3 of a new song entitled "Visor Om Slutet". It's the first recorded material they've made public since being joined by new vocalist Tapio Wilska. Look for the track to surface on a new release sometime in spring.

Thu, 27 Feb 2003 00:00:00 -0800

Nine's new album has been pushed back to a August/September release, but Jacob Bannon (Converge) has signed on to do the artwork.

On March 28 The Knife will release the third single from their latest album "Deep Cuts". The track is called "You Take My Breath Away" and it featured guest vocals from Jenny Wilson. The b-sides will be two remixes by Emmon and Puppetmasters. A video is also on the way from Puppetmasters member Henry Moore Selder.

Division of Laura Lee will have a CD of their old material reissued in the US this spring from Lovitt Records. It's gonna be called "97-99" and Chad Clark at Inner Ear did the mastering. In the meantime, you can download a preview mp3 on this page.

Remember that item I posted about The Haunted being upset with their label Earache? Well, it seems that singer Marco Aro is calling that whole interview "total bullshit". Read more. (from Blabbermouth)

Katatonia has put up a third and final sample from their forthcoming album on their website. This one's called "Ghost of the Sun". I managed to track down a copy of the three-song promo they released and can report that it definitely sounds good. I'm excited to hear the full-length when it finally comes out on March 24.

The new video for HIM's "Funeral of Hearts" premieres February 28 on Viva, Viva Plus and MTV Central. TV4 in Finland will debut it March 4 on 4POP along with a 'Making of the Video' program.

Listen to P3 between 8 and 9pm on March 4 to hear The Sonnets perform a few live acoustic tracks and do an interview.

Promopop will be holding a showcase event at Lava/Kulturhuset in Stockholm on April 26. The bands scheduled to perform: Wendy, By Heart, The Alpine (DK), Planet Superfly, The Leeches, and Paris.

a-ha has announced the title of their new double live album will be "How Can I Sleep With Your Voice in My Head". It doesn't come out until March 24, but you can listen to preview snippets here. The tracklist:

CD1
Forever Not Yours
Minor Earth Major Sky
Manhattan Skyline
I’ve Been Losing You
Crying In The Rain
The Sun Always Shines On TV
Did Anyone Approach You?
Swing Of Things
Lifelines
Stay On These Roads
Hunting High And Low
Take On Me
Living Daylights
Summer Moved On

CD2
Scoundrel Days
Oranges On Appletrees
Cry Wolf
Dragonfly
Time and Again
Sycamore Leaves
Video track: tour diary

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

01. Emil Sigfridsson - Tillbaka till igår
02. Kent - Vapen & ammunition
03. The Sounds - Living in America
04. Barbados - Rewind
05. Robyn - Don´t stop the music
06. Kikki Bettan Lotta - Live från Rondo
07. v/a - Fame Factory volym 3 final 2002
08. Thomas Rusiak - In the sun
09. A Teens - New arrival
10. Melody Club - Music machine
11. The Knife - Deep Cuts
12. Slaptones - Simplify
13. Magnus Uggla - Klassiska mästerverk
14. The Haunted - One kill wonder
15. Christian Kjellvander - Songs from a two-room chapel
16. Helen Sjöholm - Visor
17. Björn Skifs - Ingen annan
18. Nicke & Nilla - Pannkakor med sylt
19. Johannes Kotschy - And that's why I love you
20. Eric Gadd - Life support

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

01. (01) The Donnas "Take It Off"
02. (02) Placebo "The Bitter End"
03. (05) Shout Out Louds "100 Degrees"
04. (NY) Missy Elliott Ft. Ludacris "Gossip Folks"
05. (NY) Satirnine "Hey No Hell"
06. (04) Isolation Years "Open Those Eyes"
07. (NY) Liam Lynch "United States Of Whatever"
08. (08) Aimee Mann "Pavlov's Bell"
09. (03) Håkan Hellström "Den fulaste flickan i världen"
10. (07) Christian Kjellvander "Broken Wheels"

11. (10) Coldplay "Clocks"
12. (ÅT) Whyte Seeds "Slow Motions"
13. (14) Laakso "Long Beach"
14. (18) Kristofer Åström & Hidden Truck "One Good Moment"
15. (NY) The Dysfunctionals "Payback Time"
16. (15) Pearl Jam "Love Boat Captain"
17. (ÅT) Ed Harcourt "All Of Your Days Will Be Blessed"
18. (06) Caesars Palace "Candy Cane"
19. (11) Ben Harper "With My Own Two Hands"
20. (12) Erlend Öje "Sudden Rush"

Leaving the chart:
(09) The Cardigans "For What It's Worth"
(13) Fireside "Throw It Away"
(16) Mull Historical Society "The Final Arrears"
(17) Reef "Give Me Your Love"
(19) Eminem "Sing For The Moment"
(20) Her Majesty "I'm Fire C'mon!"

"Sweden's most requested demoband" Florence Valentins will be putting out an EP on April 14 called "Allt Dom Bygger Upp Ska Vi Meja Ner". The band plans to play a number of festival gigs this summer, too.

Gloria has a new album called "People Like Me And You" coming out on March 24. The first single will be a cover of the Talking Heads song "This Must Be The Place".

After touring the US for four weeks together, Cato Salsa Experience and The Soundtrack of Our Lives will play together again - this time in Malmö on March 7 and Lund on the 8th.

Stratovarius has announced they will be filming their upcoming show in Milan, Italy for release on a future DVD. The band also says they will be performing a 'secret' show in their native Finland sometime before their next tour. Look for details to be announced on their webpage.

Thu, 20 Feb 2003 00:00:00 -0800

Limbonic Art has broken up. The statement from guitarist Morfeus and guitarist/vocalist Daemon:

We feel that we have reached as far as we could in our collaboration, and do not feel as inspired as we should when it comes to [producing] new quality music. Everything is set for a new beginning for the both of us, and we desire to explore other aspects of our musical interests, so it is time to stop now. The circle is complete, begin another...

Katatonia has posted a second teaser mp3 from their new album "Viva Emptiness", this time for the song "Criminals". Go to their website to download it.

The Cardigans will be performing two acoustic songs on XFM in London on March 4 between 5:30 and 6:30 pm. They'll also be recording an extra track for airplay at a later date. Those not local or unable to pick it up on satellite can listen from their website. The station will also host a live chat with the band at the end of March.

Marit Bergman will be releasing a four-song EP in the US on March 19. The tracks to be included are "It Would Have Been Good", "Nightlife", "I Take My Wings Off You", and "Between the Lines". She'll also be doing those US ExMS shows along with The Sounds, et al. at CBGBs, SXSW, and LA. Yet another Swede ready to break across the ocean?

Dagbladet has posted a short interview with TSOOL. (in Swedish)

Preview the new Erlend Öyes album here.

Mörk Gryning are currently recording their new album at Dug Out Studio with producer Daniel Bergstrand. Look for it on June 6 in Sweden, Europe two weeks later.

Rune Grammofon will be putting out an album of unreleased material from Arne Nordheim on March 17. It's called "Dodeka" and it will consist of 12 electronic pieces "composed from the basic and essential sound material gathered and constructed during Arne Nordheim´s fruitful period in Warsaw in the late sixties."

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

01. (NY) The Donnas "Take It Off"
02. (11) Placebo "The Bitter End"
03. (02) Håkan Hellström "Den fulaste flickan i hela världen"
04. (NY) Isolation Years "Open Those Eyes"
05. (NY) Shout Out Louds "100 Degrees"
06. (06) Caesars Palace "Candy Cane"
07. (NY) Christian Kjellvander "Broken Wheels"
08. (NY) Aimee Mann "Pavlov's Bell"
09. (01) The Cardigans "For What It's Worth"
10. (03) Coldplay "Clocks"

11. (NY) Ben Harper "With My Own Two Hands"
12. (08) Erlend Öje "Sudden Rush"
13. (05) Fireside "Throw It Away"
14. (09) Laakso "Long Beach"
15. (NY) Pearl Jam "Love Boat Captain"
16. (NY) Mull Historical Society "The Final Arrears"
17. (NY) Reef "Give Me Your Love"
18. (NY) Kristofer Åström & Hidden Truck "One Good Moment"
19. (NY) Eminem "Sing For the Moment"
20. (ÅT) Her Majesty "I'm Fire C'mon!"

Leaving the chart:
(04) The Knife "Heartbeats"
(07) Foo Fighters "Times Like These"
(10) Ms Dynamite "Put Him Out"
(12) Paris "Streetlights"
(13) N.E.R.D. "Provider"
(14) Badly Drawn Boy "Born Again"
(15) Maceo Parker "Come By And See"
(16) Eve "Satisfaction"
(17) The Libertines "Time for Heroes"
(18) Calexico "Quattro"
(19) Zwan "Honestly"
(20) Red Hot Chili Peppers "Can't Stop"

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

01. Kent - Vapen & ammunition
02. The Sounds - Living in America
03. Emil Sigfridsson - Tillbaka till igår
04. Robyn - Don´t stop the music
05. Barbados - Rewind
06. v/a - Fame Factory volym 3 final 2002
07. A Teens - New arrival
08. The Haunted - One kill wonder
09. Melody Club - Music machine
10. The Knife - Deep Cuts
11. Magnus Uggla - Klassiska mästerverk
12. Johannes Kotschy - And that's why I love you
13. Christian Kjellvander - Songs from a two-room chapel
14. Helen Sjöholm - Visor
15. Eric Gadd - Life support
16. Sophie Zelmani - Sing and dance
17. Björn Skifs - Ingen annan
18. Roxette - The ballad hits
19. Mando Diao - Bring´em in
20. Joybells gospel choir - Oh happy day - 14 gospel klassiker

The Ark, Entombed, Shenerah, and USCB Allstars have all been confirmed for Westgothafestivalen in Trollhättan on May 24.

The Swedish Hip-Hop Awards will be held April 25 in Stockholm. Nominees to be announced soon.

Guitar player Jens F. Ryland has left black-metallers Borknagar. Band mainman Oystein G. Brun says Jen's "decision is based on various personal reasons, but we would like to state that there is no conflict nor bad blood in relations to the break. On behalf of Borknagar, I wish him all the best for the future!" The band will enter the studio in March to record an album for a late 2003 release.

Children of Bodom guitarist Alexi Laiho recently joined Halford on stage in Japan for a rendition of the Judas Priest classic "Living After Midnight". CoB was the opening act on the Japan tour.

Tue, 18 Feb 2003 00:00:00 -0800

Okay, here's the winners of the Swedish Grammis:

Best artist: Kent
Best song: Kent - "Dom andra"
Best album: Kent - "Vapen & ammunition"
Best pop/rock group: Kent
Best pop/rock, female: Robyn
Best pop/rock, male: Håkan Hellström - "Det är så jag säger det"
Best newcomer: The Sounds
Best lyrics: Joakim Berg (Kent)
Best composer: Joakim Berg (Kent)
Best producer: Martin von Schmalensee, Zed (Kent)
Best hard-rock: Opeth - "Deliverance"
Best jazz: Oddjob - "Oddjob"
Best folk: Stefan Sundström - "Sundström spelar Allan"
Best club/dance: Koop - "Waltz for Koop"
Best hip-hop/soul: Timbuktu - "Watt's dö madderfakking diil"
Open category: v/a - "Nationalsånger"
Government export prize: The Hives

Jeez, does Kent really need to win any more awards? I mean, c'mon now! Anyhow, for the full list of winners, go here. (in Swedish)

Your Halo Is A Radar have been disbanded. Why? Lack of time, careers, paranoia, creative differences, blah blah blah... The usual crap.

Read the full statement from the band.

In Flames reports they are in the middle of working on new material for an album to come this summer. They also say they're excited about the upcoming Ministry/Mudvayne tour: "We are all getting eager to go out on the road again. After all, we´ve had 2½ months off now, and it´s about time to get out there and have some fun."

Here's some new Peter, Björn & John tourdates:

3/15 - Trondheim
3/16 - Oslo
3/22 - Stockholm, DJing at Debaser
3/25 - Jönköping
3/27 - Linköping, DJing at Herrgårn
3/28 - Hässleholm

Kristofer Åström is heading out on the road for probably the last time in awhile as he will most likely be concentrating on Fireside in the future. Here's the dates and be sure to check out his new EP "Dead End" when it comes out March 10:

3/14 - Helsingborg Tivoli - w/Peter Hermansson on piano
3/18 - Uppsala Katalin
3/19 - Sthlm Nalen
3/20 - Malmö KB
3/21 - Lund Stadshallen
3/22 - Göteborg Bommens Salonger
3/23 - Umeå Stationen - w/Peter Hermansson on piano

A number of new bands have been confirmed for the Emmaboda fest including Cato Salsa Experience, Paris, Björns Vänner, Pamplonas, La Masa and Bring Me The Fucking Riot Man. Paris and Cato Salsa have also both been confirmed for this year's Hulsfred fest along with Cult of Luna.

The winners of this year's Norweigan Alarm awards are as follows:

Best live band: Turbonegro
Best metal album: Satyricon - Volcano
Best pop album: Thomas Dybdahl – That Great October Sound
Best rock album: JR Ewing – Ride Paranoia
Best music video: Kaada – No You Don't
Best hip-hop/rap album: Gatas Parlament – Holdning over underholdning
Best jazz album: Dadafon – Visitor
Best song: Satyricon – Fuel For Hatred
Best electronica/techno album: Jaga Jazzist – The Stix
Alarm prize: Ephemera

Metal-Reference.com recently did an interesting interview with Ulver mainman Trickster G aka Garm. Read it here.

Carcrash Records has set the release dates for Dialog Cet's "Konsumera Era" on March 24 and QGMR's "Quiet Is Not Loud" on March 3.

This week's MTV Up North Nordic video chart:

01. The Rasmus - In The Shadows
02. The Cardigans - For What It´s Worth
03. User - You Belong
04. Trucker - I Feel So Sick
05. Caesars Palace - Candy Kane
06. Beats & Styles - Smilin´
07. The Raveonettes - Attack Of The Ghostriders
08. Jon - Right Here Next To You
09. Paperboys - Find My Way

Challengers:
01. Kaah -Du Kan Få Mej
02. Freak Kitchen - Nobody´s Laughing
03. St. Thomas -Long, Long Time
04. Winta - Emotions
05. Blues - Gamla Tider

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

Check out this video of The Cardigans playing live on MTV's Morning Glory.

All the new material is ready and we have also mastered our own pre-production and it sounds awesome in our ears. We rehearse like we are possessed every day and will continue to do so until we go into studio.

That's Silenoz of Dimmu Borgir talking about the band's preparations to go into Studio Fredman on March 3 to record their new album.

Cult of Luna will touring the UK with ISIS in March. If you like heavy music, I highly recommend you check both these bands out. The dates so far:

3/12 – Manchester, UK - Roadhouse
3/13 – Cardiff, UK - Ms1
3/14 – Brighton, UK - Concorde
3/15 – London, UK - Mean Fiddler

Thu, 13 Feb 2003 00:00:00 -0800

Was it just me, or did World Cafe not stream that TSOOL performance yesterday? Did I miss it? Anyone else record it?

Katatonia has put up a 45-second teaser of the new song "Evidence"on their homepage. As stated before, the new album "Viva Emptiness" comes out March 24.

The Hives won two categories at the recent NME awards: 'Best International Band' and 'Best Dressed'. The full list of winners is here.

Isolation Years will release the first single from the new album "It's Golden" on February 17. The track is called "Open Those Eyes" and I have no doubt it will be awesome. The album follows on March 14.

Madrugada is planning to release the song "Majesty" as the next single. It's already been doing quite well in the charts. The rumor is that they're doing an EP and it'll be out on March 5. No word on the b-sides at this time.

Read the transcript of MTVE.com's webchat with The Cardigans. There's actually some pretty good questions from the fans getting asked and answered.

Ulver reports that the "1993-2003: 1st Decade in the Machines" remix comp is now complete. Contributors include the band themselves, Alexander Rishaug, Information, Third Eye Foundation, Upland, Bogdan Raczynski, Martin Horntveth, Neotropic, Stars of the Lid, Fennesz, Pita, Jazzkammer, V/Vm, and Merzbow. It'll be out in March on Jester Records.

In other Ulver news, the band also has announced their next EP will be called "A Quick Fix of Melancholy". It will contain three tracks and over 30 minutes of music that they say will "reflect the title." Author Christian Bök provides the lyrics.

Flow Magazine has themselves an exclusive mp3 from Paragon. The track is called "När Gon Spottar" and was produced by Michel Rocwell. Look for it on the upcoming debut album "Stadsbarn".

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

01. (01) The Cardigans "For What It's Worth"
02. (06) Håkan Hellström "Den fulaste flickan i hela världen"
03. (09) Coldplay "Clocks"
04. (05) The Knife "Heartbeats"
05. (03) Fireside "Throw It Away"
06. (08) Caesars Palace "Candy Cane"
07. (02) Foo Fighters "Times Like These"
08. (NY) Erlend Öje "Sudden Rush"
09. (NY) Laakso "Long Beach"
10. (11) Ms Dynamite "Put Him Out"

11. (NY) Placebo "The Bitter End"
12. (16) Paris "Streetlights"
13. (18) N.E.R.D. "Provider"
14. (04) Badly Drawn Boy "Born Again"
15. (NY) Maceo Parker "Come By And See"
16. (14) Eve "Satisfaction"
17. (13) The Libertines "Time For Heroes"18. (NY) Calexico "Quattro"
19. (15) Zwan "Honestly"
20. (NY) Red Hot Chili Peppers "Can't Stop"

Leaving the chart:
(07) Turin Brakes "Pain Killer"
(10) Supergrass "Seen the Light"
(12) Ed Harcourt "All of Your Days Will Be Blessed"
(17) Dub Sweden "Walk Me Home"
(19) Paola "Interstellar Love"
(20) Her Majesty "I'm Fire C'mon!"

Big Bongo Records is doing a comp to be called Twenty Years Too Soon One Year Too Late - A Tribute To The Nomads" featuring contributions from Sewergrooves, The Hellacopters, Maryslim, bob hund, The Dictators, Entombed, Sons of Cyrus and Nitwitz. In case you are unaware, The Nomads are the forefathers of Swedish garage rock and two of the members now make up The Hellacopters' rhythm section. I don't have a release date, but it should be out soon.

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

01. Kent - Vapen & ammunition
02. The Sounds - Living in America
03. v/a - Fame Factory volym 3 final 2002
04. Barbados - Rewind
05. Robyn - Don´t stop the music
06. A Teens - New arrival
07. Magnus Uggla - Klassiska mästerverk
08. Melody Club - Music machine
09. The Knife - Deep Cuts
10. Johannes Kotschy - And that's why I love you
11. Helen Sjöholm - Visor
12. Sophie Zelmani - Sing and dance
13. Mando Diao - Bring´em in
14. Thåström - På röda sten
15. Joybells gospel choir - Oh happy day - 14 gospel klassiker
16. Nicke & Nilla - Pannkakor med sylt
17. Christian Kjellvander - Songs from a two-room chapel
18. Eric Gadd - Life support
19. Håkan Hellström - Det är så jag säger det
20. v/a - Fame factory vol 2

Swedish singer/songwriter Sofia Loell has done a song to be featured in the upcoming Gwyneth Paltrow film "A View from the Top". Read more here. (in Swedish)

The new Lost Patrol record is scheduled to be out in May. For those that don't know, LP is the solo side project of Dennis Lyxzén from The (International) Noise Conspiracy. Among the various guests to appear on the album are singer/songwriter Lisa Miskovsky, David Sandström (The Facers, ex-Refused), Stefan Granberg (Randy), and Peder Stenberg (Bittersweet). Read more here. (in Swedish)

Nasum reports they have completed their new album "Helvete" which was recorded at the band's own Soundlab Studios by singer/guitarist Mieszko Talarczyk. The tracklisting:

01. Violation
02. Scoop
03. Living Next Door to Malice
04. Stormshield
05. Time to Discharge
06. Bullshit
07. Relics
08. We Curse You All
09. Doombringer
10. Just Another Hog
11. Drop Dead
12. I Hate People
13. Go!
14. The Final Sleep
15. Slaves to the Grind
16. Breach of Integrity
17. The Everlasting Shame
18. Your Words Alone
19. Preview of Hell
20. Illogic
21. Whip
22. Worst Case Scenario

Thu, 06 Feb 2003 00:00:00 -0800

If I installed a message board, would you use it? Just curious - let me know. Otherwise, there's always the guestbook.

Here's the winners of today's P3 Gold Awards:

Best Male Artist – Håkan Hellström "Det Är Så Jag Säger Det"
Best Grouppp – Kent "Vapen & Ammunition"
Best Female Artist – Marit Bergman "3.00 A.M. Serenades"
Best Newcomer – The Sounds
Best Live – The Ark
Best Dance – Håkan Lidbo "Sexy Robot"
Best Rock/Metal – Opeth "Deliverance"
Best Hiphop/Soul – Looptroop "The Struggle Continues"
Best Pop – Doktor Kosmos "Reportage!"

For more info and to listen to the presentation, go here. And don't forget to check out P3 Live over the next two days as a lot of the nominees will be performing.

More dates have been added to the upcoming Sahara Hotnights tour with Ikara Colt and Washdown. They are as follows:

02/27 - Bowery Ballroom New York, NY
02/28 - Maxwell's Hoboken, NJ
03/01 - North Star Philadelphia, PA
03/02 - Black Cat Washington, DC
03/03 - Alley Katz Richmond, VA
03/04 - Cats Cradle Carborro, NC
03/05 - The Echo Lounge Atlanta, GA
03/06 - Jack Rabbits Jacksonville, FL
03/07 - The Social Orlando, FL
03/08 - The Orpheum Tampa, FL
03/10 - Shim Sham Club New Orleans, LA
03/13 - TBA Austin, TX
03/14 - Stubbs Austin, TX
03/15 - Trees Dallas, TX
03/16 - Green Door Oklahoma City, OK
03/17 - TBA Albuquerque, NM
03/18 - Mason Jar Phoenix, AZ
03/19 - Roxy Los Angeles, CA
03/20 - TBA Los Angeles, CA
03/21 - Slim's San Francisco, CA
03/22 - Dantes Portland, OR
03/23 - The Royal Vancouver Canada 03/24 - Graceland Seattle, WA
03/28 - El Torreon Kansas City, MO
04/02 - Mohawk Place Buffalo, NY

As previously noted here, there's going to be quite a few Scandinavian acts at this year's SXSW festival in Austin Texas. Ten from Sweden, seven fren Denmark and Norway and 3 from Finland and Iceland. The three bands Sondre Lerche, Madrugada and Ralph Myerz & The Jack Herren Band will perform together at a Scandinavian showcase show and the rest will be playing other seperate dates during the event. For more info about the Norweigan acts go here. For a list of all the bands performing, go here.

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

01. Kent - Vapen & ammunition
02. A Teens - New arrival
03. The Sounds - Living in America
04. Robyn - Don´t stop the music
05. Magnus Uggla - Klassiska mästerverk
06. v/a - Fame Factory volym 3 final 2002
07. Melody Club - Music machine
08. Barbados - Rewind
09. Thåström - På röda sten
10. Helen Sjöholm - Visor
11. Johannes Kotschy - And that's why I love you
12. Sophie Zelmani - Sing and dance
13. The Knife - Deep Cuts
14. Mando Diao - Bring´em in
15. v/a - Fame factory vol 2
16. Håkan Hellström - Det är så jag säger det
17. Tyskarna från Lund - Metamorphobia
18. Christian Kjellvander - Songs from a two-room chapel
19. The Hellacopters - By the grace of god
20. Benny Anderssons orkester - Benny Anderssons orkester

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

01. (04) The Cardigans "For What It's Worth"
02. (02) Foo Fighters "Times Like These"
03. (01) Fireside "Throw It Away"
04. (05) Badly Drawn Boy "Born Again"
05. (11) The Knife "Heartbeats"
06. (NY) Håkan Hellström "Den fulaste flickan i hela världen"
07. (NY) Turin Brakes "Pain Killer"
08. (03) Caesars Palace "Candy Kane"
09. (08) Coldplay "Clocks"
10. (NY) Supergrass "Seen the Light"

11. (07) Ms Dynamite "Put Him Out"
12. (06) Ed Harcourt "All of Your Days Will Be Blessed"
13. (10) The Libertines "Time for Heroes"
14. (NY) Eve "Satisfaction"
15. (09) Zwan "Honestly"
16. (16) Paris "Streetlights"
17. (12) Dub Sweden "Walk Me Home"
18. (13) N.E.R.D. "Provider"
19. (NY) Paola "Interstellar Love"
20. (20) Her Majesty "I'm Fire C'mon!"

Leaving the chart:
(14) The Raveonettes "Attack of the Ghost Riders"
(15) Oasis "Songbird"
(17) Massive Attack "Special Cases"
(18) Johnny Marr & The Healers "Bangin' On"
(19) Teenage Idols "Teenage Idols from Outer Space"

Thu, 30 Jan 2003 00:00:00 -0800

Looks like The Soundtrack of Our Lives have been added to the bill of the next Coachella Fest on April 27 and 28. Check the TSOOL US site under 'schedule' for updates.

Peter, Björn and John have lined up the following shows:

1/31 Västerås, Culturen (+Venue & Virtues)
2/1 Stockholm, Debaser
3/28 Hässleholm

The band also says they are planning on doing a new single and video in March.

Download the new video for the song "Eagleheart" from Stratovarius here. Be forewarned, it's a 40+ meg .avi file.

Rumor has it that Motorpsycho will reissue their album "The Tussler" later this year with ten bonus tracks. Apparently it's a soundtrack to the Italian film of the same name and was originally released in 1994.

Some of the bands for the upcoming Emmaboda festival have been announced. The Swedish acts include Doktor Kosmos, Laakso, Whyte Seeds, Speedmarket Avenue, Teenage Idols, Mando Diao and Talking to Teapots. More info here.

Madrugada will doing a tour of Norway right before heading over to the US to play SXSW. The dates:

2/5 - Bredtveit Fengsel, Oslo
2/6 - Hydranten, Hamar
2/7 - Folken, Stavanger
2/8 - Hulen, Bergen
2/9 - Hulen, Bergen
2/13 - Uka 2003, Lillehammer
2/14 - Drammen teater og kulturhus, Drammen
2/15r - Studentenes Hus, Gjøvik
2/18 - Rust Club & Scene, Ørsta
2/19 - Strøget, Tromsø
2/20 - Sinus Bodø
2/21 - Studentersamfunnet, Ås
2/22 - Rockefeller, Oslo

MTVE.com put up the video for "Candy Kane" from Caesars Palace. It's pretty entertaining, so check it out. Nothing like doing donuts in a Volvo, eh?

Sophie Zelmani covers Bob Dylan's song "Most Of The Time" for the soundtrack of the upcoming movie "Masked and Anonymous". The film will star Dylan himself along with John Goodman, Penelope Cruz, Jessica Lange, Luke Wilson and Jeff Bridges. More info here.

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

01. Kent - Vapen & ammunition
02. The Sounds - Living in America
03. Melody Club - Music machine
04. Robyn - Don´t stop the music
05. Magnus Uggla - Klassiska mästerverk
06. Barbados - Rewind
07. Helen Sjöholm - Visor
08. v/a - Fame factory vol 2
09. The Knife - Deep Cuts
10. Thåström - På röda sten
11. Christian Kjellvander - Songs from a two-room chapel
12. Eric Gadd - Life support
13. The Hellacopters - By the grace of god
14. Johannes Kotschy - And that's why I love you
15. Mando Diao - Bring´em in
16. Håkan Hellström - Det är så jag säger det
17. Björn Skifs - Ingen annan
18. Kent - B-sidor 95-00
19. Hans Martin - Landet där solen ej går ner
20. Roxette - Ballad hits

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

01. (03) Fireside "Throw It Away"
02. (12) Foo Fighters "Times Like These"
03. (01) Caesars Palace "Candy Kane"
04. (02) The Cardigans "For What It's Worth"
05. (05) Badly Drawn Boy "Born Again"
06. (07) Ed Harcourt "All of Your Days Will Be Blessed"
07. (NY) Ms Dynamite "Put Him Out"
08. (NY) Coldplay "Clocks"
09. (04) Zwan "Honestly"
10. (06) The Libertines "Time for Heroes"

11. (ÅT) The Knife "Heartbeats"
12. (14) Dub Sweden "Walk Me Home"
13. (NY) N.E.R.D. "Provider"
14. (08) The Raveonettes "Attack of the Ghost Riders"
15. (11) Oasis "Songbird"
16. (09) Paris "Streetlights"
17. (NY) Massive Attack "Special Cases"
18. (10) Johnny Marr & The Healers "Bangin' On"
19. (NY) Teenage Idols "Teenage Idols from Outer Space"
20. (NY) Her Majesty "I'm Fire C'mon!"

Leaving the chart:
(13) Mando Diao "The Band"
(15) The Coral "Dreaming of You"
(16) The Hellacopters "Carry Me Home"
(17) The Datsuns "Harmonic Generator"
(18) Echoboy "Automatic Eyes"
(19) The Music "Getaway"
(20) Audio Bullys "We Don't Care"

Tue, 28 Jan 2003 00:00:00 -0800

The nominees for the Swedish Grammys (Grammis) have been announced. Here's a few of the categories:

Best Newcomer:
Marit Bergman – 3.00 AM Serenades
Brolle Jr – Rebellious Heart
Awa Manneh – Sounds Like Me
Melody Club – Music Machine
The Sounds – Living In America

Best Artist:
The Ark – In Lust We Trust
The Hellacopters – By The Grace Of God
Håkan Hellström – Det Är Så Jag Säger Det
Kent – Vapen & Ammunition
Robyn – Don’t Stop The Music

Best Group:
The Ark – In Lust We Trust
Caesars Palace – Love For The Streets
Kent – Vapen & Ammunition
The Sounds – Living In America
Weeping Willows – Into The Light

Best Pop/Rock Male:
Brolle Jr – Rebellious Heart
Eric Gadd – Life Support
Håkan Hellström – Det Är Så Jag Säger Det
Christian Kjellvander – Songs From A Two-Room Chapel
Ulf Lundell – Club Zebra

Best Pop/Rock Female:
Marit Bergman – 3.00 AM Serenades
Paola – Stockcity Girl
Robyn – Don’t Stop The Music
Frida Snell – Black Trillium
Sophie Zelmani – Sing and Dance

Best Album:
The Ark – In Lust We Trust
Caesars Palace – Love For The Streets
Håkan Hellström – Det Är Så Jag Säger Det
Kent – Vapen & Ammunition
Robyn – Don’t Stop The Music

Best Lyrics:
Joakim Berg (Kent)
Håkan Hellström
Ulf Lundell
Ola Salo (The Ark)
Timbuktu

Best Composer:
Joakim Berg (Kent)
Jörgen Elofsson
Håkan Hellström
Andreas Mattson & Niclas Frisk
Ola Salo (The Ark)

Open Category:
v/a – Chess På Svenska
Bob Hund – 10 År Bakåt & 100 År Framåt
v/a – Nationalsånger
Svenska Tjejrockband 1966–1999 – Från Plommons Till Drain
Träd Gräs Och Stenar – Ajn Schwajn Dra

Best Hip Hop/Soul:
Ison&Fille – Vår Sida Av Stan
Looptroop – The Struggle Continues
Awa Manneh – Sounds Like Me
Masayah – Masayah
Timbuktu – Watt’s Dö Madderfakking Diil?

Best Hard Rock/Metal:
The Hellacopters – By The Grace Of God
In Flames – Reroute To Remain
Mustasch – Above All
Opeth – Deliverance
Pathos – Katharsis

The rest of the list is here.

"More than just an album; it's an unforgettable experience." Kerrang magazine gives Cult of Luna's new album "The Beyond" 5 out of 5 Ks. Read the entire review.

Don't forget to check out the wrap-up report for the Rockbjörnen over at Aftonbladet. More pics here, too.

This week's MTV Up North Nordic video chart:

01. Jon - Right Here Next To You
02. Andreas Johnsson - Waterfall
03. Christian - Min Fremtid
04. Kent - FF
05. The Klerks - She, She, She
06. Bombshell Rocks - On My Way
07. Madrugada - Majesty
08. The Spitts - That´s my girl
09. The Sounds - Seven Days A Week

Challengers:
Caesars Palace - Candy Kane
Last Days Of April - All Will Break
Jamie Meyer - Psycho
The Lungz - It´s Alright
Swing Fly feat. ADL and Ayo - Come Get It

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

Read this scandalous interview with Nina Persson of The Cardigans. (in Swedish)

The Cardigans are also beginning their media blitz in anticipation of the new album "Long Before Daylight". They'll be making quite a few TV appearances in the near future:

2/11 - TV4 Documentary
2/12 - ZTV Wimans
2/13 - TV4 Nyheterna (report)
2/14 - TV4 Nyhetsmorgon (2 tunes + interview)
2/15, 2/16, 2/18 - MTV Morning Glory (performance + interview)
2/16 - SVT Söndagsöppet (performance + interview)

Roxette gets a medal from the king. Read all about it. (in Swedish)

Andy McCoy of Hanoi Rocks disputes claims made in Mötley Crüe's bio "The Dirt".

Spiritual Beggars are set to do the following shows in the UK with support from Clutch before heading off to Japan on their own:

4/07 – Dudley, UK @ JB's
4/08 – Glasgow, UK @ Garage
4/09 – Manchester, UK @ Academy 3
4/10 – London, UK @ Mean Fiddler
4/17 – Nagoya, Japan @ Club Quattro
4/18 – Tokyo, Japan @ Shibuya AX
4/20 – Osaka, Japan @ Big Cat
4/22 – Hiroshima, Japan @ Club Quattro

The up and coming group Paris is heading out on a Swedish tour. The dates:

2/06 - Visby Effes
2/07 - Växjö Lokal Bar
2/12 - Stockholm Rabbit Fighter
2/15 - Linköping Flamman
3/01 - Stockholm Yoshimitsu
3/08 - Norrköping Kulturkammaren
3/12 - Lund Mejeriet (w/Melody Club)
3/28 - Uppsala Kal3/Nation
4/10 - Göteborg Gump

Fri, 24 Jan 2003 00:00:00 -0800

I updated yesterday's post with new info about Nicolai Dunger's backing band and their other music experience. Thanks again Niklas!

Dates are currently being booked for KVLR's West Coast/Southwest tour in early March. If you can help, please let me know.

Stickman Records reports that Motorpsycho has US and Japan tour plans in the works. No dates yet, but I'll keep you posted. The label also has revealed the title for the forthcoming Isolation Years record: "It's Golden". Again, no date yet, but I'll let you know.

Amorphis is working on mixing their new album with producer Hiili Hiilesmaa (HIM, Moonspell, Sentenced) at Finnvox Studios. They expect to finished by the end of the month. No word yet on a new label for the band.

Keep your eyes on Norweigen electronic act Röyksopp as they're touring seven US cities in March. European sales are already climbing and accolades are accumulating, but they've yet to catch on fully over here. Will they break? Hype sure is building.

In a sign of potentially bigger things to come, booking agency Luger has now taken on the band Paris. Is the return of new-wave nigh?

DJ Embee (Loop Troop) is currently finishing up work on his new EP with Organism 12 and PSTQ. Four tracks and instruments, two produced by Embee, two by Breakmecanix. Look for it around late February or early March on JuJu Records.

Also from JuJu is the new Timbuk/Promoe (also Loop Troop) "Blind Justice" 12". It comes out on the 27th.

Here's an interesting short interview with Galder of Old Man's Child and Dimmu Borgir. Now resigned to just being a studio-only project, OMC's new album "In Defiance of Existence" just came out in Europe and will be out in the US on March 25 from Century Media.

Darkthrone will be adding exclusive new film footage to the Peaceville CDrom reissues of four of their old albums. As for what the footage will contain, here's what they had to say:

Fenriz and Nocturno Culto will film many hours at their stronghold somewhere in the wilderness in Norway. Like a reality-Darkthrone documentary. Every of the four album will contain at least 5 minutes of this rare piece of filming. They will drink, drink, listen to music, drink etc.....many things will be revealed. They will also interview eachother about all the Peaceville-albums. They will film that much, so it can edited to be a 30 min. documentary

NorthSide Records has new preview mp3s up on their website for upcoming releases from Värttinä and Mari Boine. Check 'em out. (scroll about 2/3rds of the way down the page)

Classic Swedish deathmetal band Dismember is currently working on their next album. The title is "Where Ironcrosses Grow" and it's due out around September on Hammerheart Records. Produced once again by drummer Fred Estby with help from engineer Olle Sandqvist, the new material is described as "darker, a little less melodic and more aggressive than ever" and lyrically "headed even more in the direction of describing war at its ugliest, stories about sick minds creating sick situations and loads of religious criticism." In other words, business as usual.

Thu, 09 Jan 2003 00:00:00 -0800

Check out the spring tour dates for HGH here. The release party for the new album "Seb's Hotel" is February 10 in Oslo.

Here's the latest top 20 Swedish album chart, as reported from Aftonbladet:

01. Melody club - Music machine
02. Kent - Vapen & ammunition
03. The Sounds - Living in America
04. Robyn - Don´t stop the music
05. v/a - Fame factory vol 2
06. Håkan Hellström - Det är så jag säger det
07. Hans Martin - Landet där solen ej går ner
08. v/a - Chess - på svenska
09. Eric Gadd - Life support
10. Roxette - Ballad hits
11. Helene Sjöholm - Visor
12. The Hellacopters - By the grace of god
13. Fredrik Kempe - Songs for your broken heart
14. Björn Skifs - Ingen annan
15. Sven-Ingvars - Guld & Glöd - mer hits än någonsin
16. Christian Kjellvander - Songs from a two-room chapel
17. Little Chris - At last
18. v/a - Fame Factory volym 1
19. Anders Widmark ft. Sara Isaksson - s/t
20. Mando Diao - Bring´em in

It was down for awhile yesterday, but you can now download a preview track from the upcoming Apocalyptica album right here. Warning: you'll probably need to update your Windows Media Player to play the piece, so if this is a problem for you, don't bother.

Rumor has it that the upcoming TSOOL tour this spring will be major markets only, so all you people in your podunk towns are gonna lose out.

Aftonbladet has a short feature on Paris (in Swedish). The band will be opening for Melody Club in Stockholm on January 22.

Buddyhead totally disses the Swedish rock in their best/worst of 2002 list. Yeah, I'm annoyed that the mediocre bands are the ones getting huge too, but I'm not going to write a long diatribe about it. Look for their hissyfit at the very bottom of the page.

The Crown are currently rehearsing and writing new material for their next album, their first one with returned vocalist Johan Lindstrand. Here's what bassist Magnus Olsfelt had to say about it:

Alright, we are right now in the process of rehearsing new material for the next album. This time we are heading for the ultimate and so far it sounds very promising. The new material is pretty diverse but in general the songs have more POWER. Hard-hitting and straight forward, with more natural flow. So that the energy and force comes straight back to you.

Look for it next summer on Metal Blade Records or, in the meantime, catch the band on tour. Dates are here.

Mon, 02 Dec 2002 00:00:00 -0800

New music today on the right: two tracks from the new Swedish-rock tribute to the Rolling Stones "We Love You". First up is Winnerbäck, Dregen, and Nord doing "Dead Flowers". Yes, that's singer-songwriter Lars Winnerbäck, Dregen from Backyard Babies, and studio guitarist extraordinaire Micke "Nord" Andersson all playing together. Pretty cool. Next up is Hederos & Hellberg doing "Shine a Light". It may not be exclusive to the collection, but it's still a damn good track. So sorry to hear they won't be continuing on as a band, but at least we'll still have their two albums and upcoming EP to remember them by.

Sweden´s hottest band at the moment are without a doubt The Sounds. They are so special that they´ve worked with ex-Smashing Pumpkins guitarist James Iha and the Foo Fighters have chosen them as support on their Scandinavian tour.

The Sounds are the band of the week over at MTVE.com. They've got videos to watch and a short interview to read. Their new video for the song "Seven Days a Week" will be on ZTVs Tryck Till this Friday.

The band Paris just signed a publishing contract with Universal Music and and will have a new EP out on Look Left Recordings very shortly.

Kristofer Åström recorded 5 new songs over the weekend. At least a few of them will end up on a mini-CD to be released early next year, if not the whole lot.

Beyond Dawn will have a 12" remix album out soon featuring the artists Trulz&Robin, Verbose, Bjørn Svin, Eva Cazal, Martin Horntvedt, Nextlife, Vildensky and Origami. Their statement on the release:

We are very proud of this line-up and as you see this will simply be a FANTASTIC RELEASE with everything from lush electronica to crackling brokenbeats on pure deathmetal !!! ROCK.

Beyond Dawn have also finalized the title for their upcoming full length. It will be called "Frysh" and it should be out sometime around February. Check their website in the near future for samples to preview.

It's kinda old news now, but guitarist Randy Bachman of Bachman-Turner Overdrive joined The Soundtrack of Our Lives onstage at the band's Vancouver, Canada show for the encore. They ran through 2 BTO classics: "Rock Is My Life, and This Is My Song" and "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet". I sure hope someone taped it!