Swedish doom act S:t Erik will finally see their 2009 debut album "From under the tarn" released on clear vinyl via American label Spora Recordz. It's not obvious, but the band features members who have gone on to a wide variety of acts such as Jeniferever, We are the Storm, Lilla Sällskapet, Ansiktet and Maskinen.

Songs (SWE):
Rytmen i natten - Riddarna
80 vårar - Mattias Alkberg
När nätterna når hamn - Jörgen Kjellgren
Du och Jag - Alf
Stanna klocka stanna - Bob Hund
Next to You - Dante
Museum - Thus: Owls
Redan glömda - Jonathan Johansson
New directions - Jens Lekman
Fish band - Syket

Albums:
The Head And The Heart - The Head And The Heart
Active Child - You are all I see
Big Deal - Lights Out
Bon Iver - Bon Iver, Bon Iver
J Mascis - Several shades of why
Ryan Adams - Ashes and fire
Lanterns On The Lake - Gracious tide take me home
Unknown Mortal Orchestra - Unknown Mortal Orchestra
120 Days - II
John Maus - We must become the pitiless censors of ourselves

Songs:
Big Pink - Stay gold
Friends - I'm his girl
Bon Iver - I can't make you love me / Nick of time
Burial / Four Tet / Thom Yorke - Mirror
Tame Impala - Remember Me
Is Tropical - Zombie
M83 - Wait
Modeselktor / Thom Yorke - Shipwreck
Bombay Bicycle Club - Lights out, words gone
The Joy Formidable - Austere

Videos:

Fish band - Syket

Hej då - Riddarna

Stockholm - Jonathan Johansson

Släpp taget - Alexis Weak

Tody Motmot - Elias Krantz

Looking forward to:

Album releases from: Riddarna, Sailor & I, Existensminimum, Kent.
Like to hear new tunes from: Sonjagon, Ruset, Pascal, Framtiden, Korea Campfire, Dungen, TSOOL, Karl X Johan, Ít's a Bird it's a Plane, Suburban Kids With Biblical Names, Anna von Hausswolff and Dr Alban

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http://www.kvalitat.com/

Watch as We Are the Storm perform "I woke up to the bells" for Kvalität. More pics here: http://www.kvalitat.com/2011/04/we-are-the-storm-i-woke-up-to-the-bells/

Did I scare you? Truth is, I needed a day off and April Fools was a perfect excuse. The reality is that I don't think I can ever fully give this up because how else would I find out about all the new music that interests me? Sure, I could read rehashed press releases on many blogs from whatever artists currently happen to have the best PR and of course there's quite a few excellent genre-specialty sites covering mainstream pop, metal and hip-hop, but if there's anyone else out there covering underground/DIY indie/punk/hardcore/experimental/etc. with the same dedication, depth and breadth as IAT! please let me know so I can retire. I mean it.

Anyhow, the first three months of 2011 are now over and done with so let us now take the time to pause for reflection and for positivity's sake, let us first recount the highlights -- Peter Bjorn and John's "Gimme some" and Paper's "Mischmasch" are easily the two biggest standouts of the lot. Both superb albums, both well worth picking up. Niels Nielsen, Penny Century and Katharina Nuttall all released solid records as well, as did Maim, Iceage, Hymns From Nineveh and First Love, Last Rites. Been listening to Hexvessel and Sail a Whale a bit too, though the latter is a late discovery for me since it was released in 2010. Supersci's newest record "Timelines" from last year is another good one that I missed when it was fresh. Also still plenty to look forward to, Dead Letters Spell Out Dead Words' swansong "Dreadcade" being a top pick, along with the arena-aspiring sounds of We are the Storm and Pixie Carnation and other exciting stuff like Gösta Berlings Saga looking quite promising.

As for reassessing my 2010 top picks, I'm still spinning all three on the regular -- Masshysteri, Dear Euphoria and Okkultokrati -- with no intention of shuffling them aside anytime soon. I revisited Johan Heltne's "Sara," this past weekend too and found that it's only gotten better over time. As for The Bear Quartet, as much I love them (and that's a lot), I don't feel the need to listen to "Monty Python" again for a while. Give me a year or two with that one to see where it stands against the rest of their impressive discography. Robyn, of course, remains tops, but you already knew that. I also revisited Underachiever's second demo and discovered that I totally get it now, while Faster Katt's latest is just ok when compared to the debut and Life Before Man's sole release has me wishfully thinking they'll actually get around to being an active band. 2010 was a good year and it feels good to say that my feelings on most of the records I praised has not diminished.

So while I'm still consistently fighting against burnout and the endless tide of mediocre music that makes its way to me, it's good to take a break to remember that there's still lots of reasons to be excited, both for now and for the future. There's always lots of good music, sometimes you just have to work a bit harder to find it.

At last, the proper debut single from We are the Storm, the first off their forthcoming full-length "To the North-Pole". Been looking forward to this for awhile!

Amanda Bergman
She used to be called "Hajen", then she changed her name. Now she is called "Idiot Wind". She might change again, who cares: she remains the most interesting voice in Sweden.

Du Pacque
I admit I cannot be objective anymore: it's been more than four years since I spread the word around: "the Du Pacque debut album" will be huuuuuge (see my 2009 top ten list for It's a Trap... and even the 2008 one!)

Faråker
When they will not be totally unknown anymore, everybody will love them.

Love is a Burning Thing
The only Swedish band that can make me tolerate the 1980s influence. And their song "Dancer on a chair" is one of the best song to play before to party.

Hjärtat
Did you know the Pixies' sons live in Sweden?

Riddarna
The translation of "rock n' roll" in Swedish? "Riddarna"! I bet their debut will be one of the best Swedish record in 2011.

Ruset
A new electro act. Weird, unexpected, amazing. No one else sounds like Ruset.

Sibling Sense
There are several "grunge" new bands in Sweden. This one is the best.

Tennis Bafra
Half-wankers, half-Kurt Cobain.

Terrible Feelings
My favourite young Swedish punk band. They remind me The Distillers.

We Are the Storm
Usually, a new band does not feature that many members (six!). Usually, a new band does not find their proper sound that fast. Usually, a new band does not make two huge hits ("Danmark" and "I woke up to the bells") before it releases its debut album. Eventually, Broder Daniel have found their dauphins.

You & Me George
A romantic band with romantic songs. They are brand new, but I'm pretty sure they are gonna become a really really great band.

You Say France & I Whistle
Pop hits makers.

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Absolut Noise is a France-based blog devoted to Swedish music.
http://absolutnoise.blogspot.com/

We Are the Storm perform live for Kvalität. Not a cover, but a homage to the great Broder Daniel. Direct link: http://www.kvalitat.com/2010/12/we-are-the-storm-shoreline/

I have to say, I like this song a heckuva lot more than I thought I would. I expected overwrought emo-pop silliness and while The Shiloh are definitely rooted in such terrain, their new single is really just a great pop song. Still leaning towards overwrought perhaps, but in a good way. Though maybe not quite as stellar as We are the Storm's "I woke up to the bells", it's got a similar appeal, it pulls the same heartstrings. Oh, and bonus points for a star turn by the daughter of IAT.MP3 artist Racingpaperplanes/Richard Wilson! Direct link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rX0aB0RfNsc

This year's rendition of Popadelica can be divided into two categories (and of course, one or two bands in the in-between). The Rookies and the Veterans. The Rookies consists of artists that just released their first record or are about to, those bands are always interesting to see live. Here we have acts like First Aid Kit, Bye Bye Bicycle and We are the Storm. First Aid Kit was kind of a disappointment -- not that Johanna and Clara Södergberg didn't pull the songs off or anything -- I just know they can do so much better. Their gig at Arvikafestivalen last year was something out of the ordinary. Perhaps they were a little nervous about actually having a record out now. Or maybe it was the fact that they did their first show with drummer boy Niklas. I'm sure people in the audience were pleased nonetheless.

Bye Bye Bicycle, on the other hand, showed no signs of nervousness or stage fright. Perhaps they should have. Their music is great Göteborg pop at its best, but front man André Vikingsson is a bit too much. I know, it's a whole concept thing, but Bye Bye Bicycle is walking a fine line. Perhaps if I give them, and André definitely, some more time things will give. As for We are the Storm, they are slowly building a buzz about themselves much thanks to the incredibly catchy and direct "I woke up to the bells". Read this for a more detailed review of their concert.

The oldies but goldies then. Here we have Hästpojken, Timo Räisänen, Salem Al Fakir and The Sounds. I really enjoyed the first release from Hästpojken, "Shane Mcgowan" and "Caligula" are still two of my favorite tracks (still frequently represented whenever it's time to put together a playlist of some sort). "Från där jag ropar" is a whole other kind of record and I haven't got used to that one yet. Say what you want about Martin Elisson, at least he looks like he's having fun on stage. The gig at Popadelica two years ago was better though. Timo Räisänen and his men got an award for best live act in 2008. I can see why. Go to a couple of his concerts and you'll realize that's more or less the only thing he's got. I still miss one genuine good song. Salem Al Fakir and The Sounds both did okay, but it rarely gets interesting. Salem got a big cheer when playing his hit single "Keep on walking". It's actually a good song. The Sounds did their best, I'm sure, but they did look a little bit weary.

What about those band in between? The Kissaway Trail was one of those. With their second record, "Sleep mountain", the Danes are out on an extensively tour around Europe. They feel very much New York rather than Odense. I think this will be the year they get the attention they deserve. Denmark's answer to Arcade Fire (more here).

To summarize things -- Popadelica 2010 was just as cozy and inspiring as always. All I can ask for next year is a bit more of warmth in the air; the rest is already taken care of with grace and elegance.

- Christian Stenbacke

Direct link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Frzt-be_nI

I saw a preview of this clip about a month ago and was eager to post it, but was told to hold off until they were ready. Now, We Are the Storm are ready. This is the first taste of the band's new material, recorded live in an old theater in Uppsala, Sweden and it is killer. Now I'm eager to hear more.

01. Am I the only one to find the "hyped" band JJ boring?

02. Since it took me one year or something to actually find some very good things in Kent's previous record "Tillbaka till samtiden", will I like Kent's 2009 record "Röd" next year? Cause, right now, I think it is... well... not that good.

03. Since some friends told me Lykke Li was a nice person, why do I think she takes herself so seriously every time I see her on stage or in interview?

04. C'mon Sweden! Is there really no Swedish label which can sign Dear Euphoria??? Are you deaf or just dumb?

05. Why the Göteborg music scene is still much more interesting than the one in Stockholm?

06. Since I have been ridiculous in my It's a Trap 2007 top 10 where I said that Du Pacque was about to release their debut album and that it was going to be the best one of... 2008, will I pretend in this top 10 that Du Pacque debut record will eventually be out in 2010 and will be a total killer?

07. Is my iTunes right? Did I actually listen to Mattias Alkberg "Nerverna" more than The Bear Quartet "89" ?!!

08. How could I love so much Existensminimum's album "OK boys" this year, when I found his first one so lame?

09. Will there be in 2010 and how will sound the debut albums of Absolut Noise "darling" bands Bad Hands, Bedroom Eyes, Hajen, Holana, Johan Tenbrink, Love is a Burning Thing, The Open Up and Bleeds, Outmen, Poppets, Palpitation, Sibling Sense, Skatan, This is Head, We Are the Storm and You Say France & I Whistle?

10. Will Promise & the Monster release a new album one day?

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Absolut Noise is a France-based blog devoted to Swedish music.
http://absolutnoise.blogspot.com/

Erik Enocksson - Man tänker sitt (soundtrack, although the movie was not as good as I wanted it to be)

The Mary Onettes - Dare EP

Stig Dagerman - Bibliography (books)

Animal Collective - In the flowers (song)

The Radiohead re-releases

Arcade Fire - Miroir noir (DVD, I know it was released in late 2008, but I got around to watch it this summer)

Bored to Death (tv-series)

The Kissaway Trail - Favourite dream (song)

Jeniferever - Spring tides (for being way too underrated)

Strage Text by Fredrik Strage (book)

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We are the Storm are currently (mid-Nov) recording a short movie as an alternative way of releasing/presenting new music and also writing songs for an upcoming full-length release that is going to be recorded before the thawing of the streets of Uppsala.
http://wearethestormblog.blogspot.com/
http://www.myspace.com/wearethestormmusic

01. TALK 1
02. Kommun - I don't say anything
03. On Volcano - Out of sight
04. Turboweekend - Something or nothing
05. TALK 2
06. The Idle Hands - Hearts
07. Thåström - Linnéa
08. Fronda - Mitt allt
09. TALK 3
10. We Are the Storm - A song for our city
11. High Hats - The end
12. Wardruna - Kauna
13. Halph - New money
14. The Scrags - TV messed up mind
15. TALK 4
16. They Live - Magic glasses
17. Ison & Fille - Jag skratter idag
18. Nitad - Rädslan
19. TALK 5
20. Elmo - Shine down on us

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.

Fare You Well - Overload EP
This is what I expect modern, heart-on-your-sleeve pop/rock to sound like except it almost never does. The lyrical content might be a little overly sentimental for this grumpy old man, but I love those all those huge vocal harmonies, anthemic choruses and little unexpected melodic twists -- it's the sound of a band that knows exactly what they're doing and does it well. If careers were still built on radio, I bet this band would be huge.
DOWNLOAD

Livaventura - Those who walk the last mile
I'm not sure what exactly happened behind the scenes with these guys, but their album "...And they slept with their eyes open" made my 2009 best-of contender list as soon as I first heard it in late 2008. And then its release date was pushed back. And then it got delayed again. Then they parted ways with vocalist Henriette Nielsen and decided to continue on as a trio. Somewhere along the line, they recorded a new album and posted for free on their website. It's at a less-than-optimal bitrate, but if you dig noisy, hard-driving indierock you need to check these guys out.
DOWNLOAD

Okkultokrati - Knarkskog EP
This one's actually available as a physical object, but a 7" limited to a mere 200 copies is a souvenir for the die-hard, not a model of conspicious consumption. 2009 was a good year for ugly, negative hardcore and a good source for it was Norway. Okkultokrati are at the top of the pack.
DOWNLOAD

Penny Century - Valencia EP
Far and away my favorite indiepop release of 2009, I mean it. Not too cloying, never too twee; just quality Norrland pop rock'n'roll. If you like Park Hotell (you should), you've love this too. Doesn't hurt that Mattias Alkberg of The Bear Quartet lends his vocals to two of the five songs, but they would still be a fantastic band even without his help.
DOWNLOAD

We Are the Storm - s/t EP
Göteborg used to have a monopoly on melodramatic indierock, but these guys from Uppsala are taking over. They take the epic heartache of Broder Daniel and channel it through midwestern emo/pop/rock styles of yesteryear to create something exciting, something worth paying attention to. We Are the Storm are a band bursting with potential.
DOWNLOAD

01. I Are Droid - Sevenfold
02. TALK 1
03. [ingenting] - Halleluja!
04. Montys Loco - Farewell Mr Happy
05. Turboweekend - Something or nothing
06. José González - How low
07. TALK 2
08. Ison & Fille - Ikväll vi är kungar
09. Arcana - Invisible motions
10. Eskju Divine - Darkness all around
11. TALK 3
12. Murmansk - Silver heel
13. Björn Kleinhenz - HAZ 920
14. David Sandström Overdrive - Songs that maybe won't be forgotten
15. Randy - Evil
16. TALK 4
17. The Bombettes - Oh boy
18. We Are the Storm - Where we used to be heroes
19. Elmo - Young love
20. The Bear Quartet - Volksblues (ft. Karin Dreijer Andersson)
21. TALK 5
22. Mattias Alkberg - Jag bara tänkte, liksom, att

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.

As mentioned before, the band's entire EP is available for free download here.

01. Rigas - It's a shame
02. TALK 1
03. Sonic Ritual - Take the edge off
04. Logh - Death to my hometown
05. Hanna Hirsch - Framtid och besvär
06. The Amazing - Dragon
07. TALK 2
08. Promoe - Growing up on the road
09. Robert Svensson - I was summer, you were
10. Thåström - Linnéa
11. TALK 3
12. Murmansk - Sumac
13. Röyksopp - This must be it
14. Fy Fan - Snick snack
15. We are the Storm - A song for our city
16. TALK 4
17. Truckfighters - Monte gargano
18. The Psyke Project - For us to see for us to help
19. Dear Euphoria - Tell me
20. TALK 5
21. Samuraj Cities - 2 close 2 yr hrt

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.