IT'S A TRAP! Scandinavian Music Journal

Svensk Musik interviews Britta Persson

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 18:36:56 -0400

Svensk Musik talks to Britta Persson about her upbringing and growth as a songwriter, among other subjects: http://svenskmusik.org/article/britta-persson/

Britta Persson live in Germany, The Netherlands

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 20:03:24 -0500

Britta Persson is heading abroad for a few dates in May:

05/09 - Comet Club, Berlin (GER)
05/10 - Falkendom, Bielfeld (GER)
05/11 - Paradiso, Amsterdam (NL)
05/12 - Rotown, Rotterdam (NL)
05/13 - Ekko, Utrecht (NL)

This week's Last.fm chart

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 12:59:33 -0500

Here is the It's a Trap! listening group top 10 artists of the week unique to our group:

01. Firefox AK
02. The Bear Quartet
03. H�kan Hellstr�m
04. Kent
05. Veronica Maggio
06. Cut Copy
07. Lykke Li
08. S�kert!
09. The Radio Dept.
10. Britta Persson

Do you listen to music on your computer or with an iPod? Please join us and make your playlist count! Go here to learn more: http://www.last.fm/help/

Manifest 2011 winners

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 11:16:04 -0500

Here are the winners of this year's Manifest Awards, Sweden's alternative/indie Grammy:

Pop: Anna von Hausswolff - Singing from the grave
Dance: Cloud - H�kar�ngen Space Program
Synth: Code 64 - Trialogue
Hardrock: Ghost - Opus eponymous
Danceband: Shake - Request vol 1
Rythym: Million Stylez - Everyday
Jazz: Lekverk - Everyday
Punk: Antipati - Fr�gor som r�r det allm�nna
Hip-Hop: Zacke - Visst �r det vackert
Best live: Robyn
Unsigned: Katakomb
Rock: The Bear Quartet - Monty Python
Folk/Visa: OK Star Orchestra - Sound classique
Experimental: New Tango Orquesta - Vesper
Singer/Songwriter: The Tallest Man On Earth - Wild hunt
Best lyricist: Johan T Karlsson (Familjen)
Best composer: Britta Persson

More here: http://www.manifestgalan.se/

Kriget post album for free

Mon, 10 Jan 2011 12:39:11 -0500

Drums, bass and sax = Kriget, a new combo featuring Per Nordmark (Fireside, Britta Persson, etc.), Crille Roth (Monster, Hets) and Gustav Bendt (Moneybrother, Club Killers) respectively. Download the band's debut record "What a day" for free/donation: http://www.kriget.com/

Musik med Britta Persson #2

Wed, 05 Jan 2011 19:05:30 -0500

PSL has posted another great live performance from Britta Persson: http://psl.svt.se/psl/2011/01/05/musik-med-britta-persson-2/

Top tens for 2010: It's a Trap!

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 13:17:20 -0500

Not everything in the picture above is officially a 2010 release, but they are all various things I picked up this past year and would recommend you do the same, should the opportunity present itself. Bonus points to anyone who can name every record pictured! Anyhow, as I was saying, there was quite a lot of really good music released in 2010, but at the same time, very few crossed the line into greatness. This year, only three albums made the cut.

Dear Euphoria - This night will flee (Given Productions/Herbivor Music)

A deep and richly satisfying listening experience that speaks of love and emptiness and the vast space between, with each repitition revealing new insight. Beautifully haunting.

Masshysteri - s/t (Ny V�g/Feral Ward)

The perfect pop-punk album. RIP.

Okkultokrati - No light for mass (Fysisk Format/Lilla Himmel/Odio Sonoro/Ormeyngel Records)

Apocalyptic visions set to a soundtrack of the rawest metal/punk sludge. A zeitgeist-defining album of unmatched ugliness.

Best Song:

Susanne Sundf�r - The brothel
I still get goosebumps every time.

Best Demo:

Underachiever - This is where I lost the ability to love
Faster Katt - Demo 2010

The notion of a demo is almost completely lost in this digital age, but there are still those who carry the torch, preferring to test the waters with honest, rough-edged recordings before commiting to any sort of "official" release. In 2010 I listened to way more, way better demo/self-released material this year than any big-name releases, so this list could be a lot longer, but these two stuck with me the longest.

Other Records Worth Mentioning

Like I said at the top, there really were a lot of really good albums this year. Here's a few more that might not rate as high as the three above, but are all well worth your time:

The Bear Quartet - Monty Python (Adrian Recordings)
BQ's endless restlessness and constant desire to innovate remains one of their greatest assets, but it also means that they sometimes miss the mark. Still, the band remains one of Sweden's all-time greats, if not the greatest.

Darkthrone - Circle the wagons (Peaceville)
The opposite of BQ in that the band is continually regressing, but very similar in the approach that they continually churn an almost overwhelming amount of quality material.

Enforcer - Diamonds (Earache/Heavy Artillery)
Too goofy to be truly great, but guaranteed to stay in steady rotation for years to come.

Johan Helte - Sara, (Raffaella)
On the cusp of greatness. Ask me again about this record in six months.

Kimono - Easy music for difficult people (Kimi Records)
My sleeper pick of the year. It's hard to cite exactly what's so gripping about this record, I just know that I keep listening to it regularly.

Monzano - By this time last year everything will seem younger (Spoon Train Audio/How is Annie Records)
Another one on the cusp. Not sure anymore if I permanently burned myself out on these literary indie gents from Norway or if it's one that'll come back to me after some time apart.

Britta Persson - Current affair medium rare (Selective Notes)
More than a few exceptional moments (see "Toast to M" for example), but not enough cohesion.

Robyn - Body talk (Konichiwa Records)
There's a reason this is on everyone's list.

S�kert! - Facit (Razzia Records)
A good album that simply hasn't connected with me as much as I had hoped.

The Tallest Man on Earth - The wild hunt (Dead Oceans)
Another one that made a lot of year-end lists for good reason.

Tiger Tape - I woke up in H�kar�ngen (Cosy/Lo And Behold)
My favorite indiepop album of 2010.

Plus a few more names: Ikons, Haust, Sl�a Knivar, Lapko, Fun, Meleeh, Moto Boy... and let us not forget all of the amazing reissues from The Crypt such as Pan-Thy-Monium, Crypt of Kerberus, Uncanny, Furbowl and so on. So yeah, lots of good music. No complaints!

N�jesguiden top 20 Swedish albums for 2010

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 11:55:00 -0500

N�jesguiden's top 20 Swedish albums of 2010:

01. Robyn - Body talk, part 2
02. H�kan Hellstr�m - 2 steg fr�n paradise
03. The Radio Dept. - Clinging to a scheme
04. Oskar Linnros - Vilja bli
05. The Bear Quartet - Monty Python
06. This is Head - 0001
07. Robyn - Body talk, part 1
08. S�kert! - Facit
09. Ludwig Bell - Jag har f�rs�kt f�rklara
10. Daniel Adams-Ray - Svart, vitt och allt d�remellan
11. Britta Persson - Current affair medium rare
12. Moto Boy - Lost in the call
13. The Concretes - WYWH
14. Joel Alme - Waiting For the Bells
15. Tove Styrke - Tove Styrke
16. Andreas S�derlund - Daustralien
17. Orup - F�dd i November
18. Embee - The mellow turning moment
19. Various Artists - Sonja �kesson tolkad av
20. Bandjo - Bandjo

Link: http://nojesguiden.se/artiklar/arets-svenska-skivor-2010

2011 Swedish Grammis

Tue, 14 Dec 2010 14:42:38 -0500

Here's the nominees for the 2011 Swedish Grammis:

Best album:
H�kan Hellstr�m - 2 Steg Fr�n Paradise
Oskar Linnros - Vilja Bli
Robyn - Body Talk
S�kert! - Facit
The Radio Dept. - Clinging To a Scheme

Best artist:
H�kan Hellstr�m
Johnossi
Oskar Linnros
Petter
Robyn

Best song:
Anna Bergendahl - This Is My Life
Daniel Adams-Ray - Gubben I L�dan
Eric Saade - Manboy
Erik Gr�nwall - Higher
Johnossi - What's The Point
Mohombi - Bumpy Ride
Oskar Linnros - Fr�n Och Med Du
Robyn - Dancing On my Own
Salem Al Fakir - Keep On Walking
Swedish House Mafia � One

Best group:
Dungen - Skit I Allt
H�stpojken - Fr�n D�r Jag Ropar
Johnossi - Mavericks
Kent - En Plats I Solen
The Radio Dept. - Clinging To A Scheme

Best folk/visa:
Blandade Artister - Sonja �kesson Tolkad Av
First Aid Kit - The Big Black & The Blue
Jonas Knutsson - Bl�sl�tar
Ola Magnell - Rol�s
Toni Holgersson - Ibland Kallar Jag Det K�rlek

Best hardrock/metal:
Ghost - Opus Eponymous
Khoma - A Final Storm
Pascal - Orkanen N�rmar Sig
Sabaton - Coat Of Arms
Watain - Lawless Darkness

Best jazz:
Dan Berglunds Tonbruket - Tonbruket
Goran Kajfes - X/Y
Magnus Carlson & The Moon Ray Quintet - Echoes
Oddjob - Clint
Peter Asplund Quartet - Asplund Meets Bernstein

Best songwriter:
Annika Norlin & Henrik Oja - Facit
H�kan Hellstr�m - 2 Steg Fr�n Paradise
Klas �hlund & Robyn - Body Talk
Oskar Linnros - Vilja Bli
Pernilla Andersson - �

Best female artist:
Anna Von Hausswolff - Singing FromThe Grave
Britta Persson - Current Affair Medium Rare
Pernilla Andersson - �
Robyn - Body Talk
S�kert! - Facit

Best male artist:
Daniel Adams-Ray - Svart Vitt Och Allt D�remellan
H�kan Hellstr�m - 2 Steg Fr�n Paradise
Oskar Linnros - Vilja Bli
Salem Al Fakir - Ignore This
The Tallest Man On Earth - The Wild Hunt

Best newcomer:
Anna Von Hausswolff - Singing From The Grave
Ceo - White Magic
First Aid Kit - The Big Black & The Blue
Oskar Linnros - Vilja Bli
Swedish House Mafia - Until One

Best producer:
Adrian Lux
Joakim �hlund & H�kan Hellstr�m
Klas �hlund
Max Martin
Red One

Best international success:
Dungen
Max Martin
Red One
Robyn
Swedish House Mafia

Best lyrics:
Annika Norlin - Facit
H�kan Hellstr�m - 2 Steg Fr�n Paradise
Ola Magnell - Rol�s
Oskar Linnros - Vilja Bli
Plura Jonsson - K�rlekens V�g - En M�ssa

Best urban/dance:
Boeoes Kaelstigen - Tanum Teleport
Familjen - M�nskligheten
Petter - En R�ddare I N�den
PH3 - PH3 L�ser Ett Fall
Swedish House Mafia - Until One

Best Innovator:
Johnossi
Robyn
Nomy
Magnus Weideskog
Iamamiwhoami

Winners will be announced at a ceremony at Kungliga Operan in Stockholm on January 17.

Current affair medium rare goes abroad

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 20:25:57 -0500

Britta Persson's latest album "Current affair medium rare" will finally be getting an international release in 2011. Firstly, Dying Giraffe Music will be putting it out in Holland, Belgium and Luxembourg on January 17. Next up is Germany, Austria and Switzerland who will get the record on February 4 via Soulfood. After that...?

Top tens for 2010: Kvalit�t

Mon, 06 Dec 2010 12:10:36 -0500

Top 2010 from Kvalit�t

01. www.kvalit�t.com is online

02. Songs:
Uphill � Korea Campfire
Marken l�g stilla � Dungen
Meet a bear � Britta Persson
M�ne �ver F�r�sund � Pascal
Whan we go to war � Tobias Fr�berg
Play the world � Nina Kinert
David � The Radio Dept.

03. Albums:
0001 � This is Head
Singing from the grave � Anna von Hausswolff
Shallow grave � The Tallest Man on Earth
Clinging to a scheme � The Radio Dept.
Bigfield � Harald Bj�rk
Gl�m allt, Sl�pp allt EP - Riddarna

04. Videos:

05. Newcomers of the year:
Ruset � www.myspace.com/ruset
Hj�rtat - www.myspace.com/makemefeelnothing
Riddarna - www.myspace.com/riddarna

06. Kvalit�t hope 2011 will bring:
Albums from Sonjagon, Ruset, Sibling Sense, Hj�rtat, Existensminimum, Pascal and Dr. Alban.

---------------------------
Kvalit�t is a live music video site based in Sweden.
http://www.kvalitat.com/

Sonja �kesson tribute preview

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 14:41:15 -0500

Preview a number of the tracks from the new Sonja �kesson tribute comp just released on Playground Music: http://blogs.playgroundmusic.com/sweden/artister/sonja-akesson-tolkad-av
Featured artists include Kajsa Gritt, Sofia Karlsson, Britta Persson, Frida Hyv�nen and Annika Norlin (Hello Saferide, S�kert!).

This week's Last.fm chart

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 16:50:51 -0500

Here is the It's a Trap! listening group top 10 artists of the week, unique to our group:

01. H�kan Hellstr�m
02. The Bear Quartet
03. The Radio Dept.
04. The Concretes
05. S�kert!
06. Familjen
07. Britta Persson
08. Christian Kjellvander
09. Jens Lekman
10. Junip

Do you listen to music on your computer or with an iPod? Please join us and make your playlist count! Go here to learn more: http://www.last.fm/help/

Sonja �kesson, set to music

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 14:20:52 -0400

PSL reports that Swedish poet Sonja �kesson has had her words put to music by an illustrious cast of female artists, including Kajsa Gritt, Britta Persson, Annika Norlin, Sofia Karlsson and Nina Ramsby, and will be released as an album on November 24. Full tracklist details: http://blogg.svt.se/psl/2010/10/28/frida-annika-och-anna-sjunger-sonja-akesson-antligen/

Britta Persson - Toast to M (video)

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 16:50:08 -0400

Gaffa has the premiere of Britta Persson's new video for "Toast to M": http://gaffa.se/tv/clip/490

Britta Persson - Toast to M

Wed, 06 Oct 2010 13:35:41 -0400

"Toast to M" is oddly cheery sounding for a song about suicide, but I suppose that's the point. It's about making peace, not wallowing in misery. It's also an obvious standout on Britta Persson's new record "Current affair medium rare", which is one of three great new Swedish albums out this season, all fairly obvious picks from established artists. As with the others, one of Britta's best qualities is her consistent progression -- she abandoned straightforward girl-with-a-guitar based songwriting with previous album "Kill Hollywood me" and has now gone further into rhythm-heavy composition, building songs around memorable beats. Naturally, having someone as gifted as Per Nordmark (Fireside, Bad Hands, etc... playing Friday at Debaser Malm� for IAT! Clubnights) as your sideman certainly helps, but let's not diminish Britta's wonderful phrasing, among other highpoints. There's lots to like, moreso on the record as a whole.
Also note that Britta Persson will be one of Club Killers' special "secret" guests at Strand on October 8 where she will be singing "Bleeding love" and "Kids in America" with the band. So there you go, two must-see shows on each side of Sweden. I won't be anywhere close, but I would if I could.

Britta Persson lines up next single

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 18:31:59 -0400

"Toast to M" will be Britta Persson's next single, officially out on October 8.

Britta Persson - Toast to M/Meet a bear (live video)

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 14:40:26 -0400

Watch Britta Persson perform a couple new songs on Swedish morning TV: http://www.brittapersson.com/wp/2010/09/early-one-morning/

Sirius playlist week #39

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 12:31:05 -0400

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

01. Simian Ghost - Beat on the brat
02. TALK 1
03. End of All - Folkhemmet
04. In These Woods - Bear
05. The Bells - Outside
06. Britta Persson - Some girls some boys
07. TALK 2
08. Kr�kes�lv - Nordavind mot varme kinn
09. Tomas Halberstad - The pendulum swings again
10. WhoMadeWho - Left hand of the boxser
11. TALK 3
12. S�kert! - K�ttet �r svagt
13. Next Life - Battle tactics
14. Kaka - Candyman
15. The Fine Arts Showcase - Spanish kerosene
16. TALK 4
17. Kimono - Black
18. Axe - Up against common sense
19. NNDC - Mouthful of diamonds
20. Sl�a Knivar - Anticimex
21. Enforcer - Take me to hell
22. TALK 5
23. Ikons - Imperiet

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.

This week's top 20 Swedish album chart

Fri, 24 Sep 2010 13:42:13 -0400

This week's top 20 Swedish album chart:

01. S�kert! - Facit
02. Ola - Ola
03. Robyn - Body talk pt.2
04. Robyn - Body talk pt.1
05. Oskar Linnros - Vilja bli
06. Kent - En plats i solen
07. Anne-Lie Ryd� - Dans p� rosor
08. Pernilla Andersson - �
09. Darin - Lovekiller
10. Mikael Wiehe - Ta det tillbaka!
11. Drifters - Stanna hos mig
12. Irya's Playground - Irya's Playground
13. Melissa Horn - S�g ingenting till mig
14. The Bear Quartet - Monty Python
15. Lisa Nilsson - 20 - En jubileumssamling
16. Stefan Sundstr�m - 5 dagar i Augusti
17. Lasse Stefanz - Texas
18. Britta Persson - Current affair medium rare
19. Takida - The darker instinct
20. Eric Saade - Masquerade

This week's Last.fm chart

Wed, 22 Sep 2010 17:22:19 -0400

Here is the It's a Trap! listening group top 10 artists of the week, unique to our group:

01. S�kert!
02. The Bear Quartet
03. H�kan Hellstr�m
04. Robyn
05. Junip
06. The Concretes
07. The Radio Dept.
08. Familjen
09. Jonathan Johansson
10. Britta Persson

Do you listen to music on your computer or with an iPod? Please join us and make your playlist count! Go here to learn more: http://www.last.fm/help/

This week's top 20 Swedish album chart

Fri, 17 Sep 2010 15:08:49 -0400

This week's top 20 Swedish album chart:

01. Robyn - Body talk pt.2
02. Robyn - Body talk pt.1
03. Oskar Linnros - Vilja bli
04. Darin - Lovekiller
05. Drifters - Stanna hos mig
06. Kent - En plats i solen
07. Anne-Lie Ryd� - Dans p� rosor
08. Pernilla Andersson - �
09. Mikael Wiehe - Ta det tillbaka!
10. Dungen - Skit i allt
11. Lisa Nilsson - 20 - En jubileumssamling
12. Stefan Sundstr�m - 5 dagar i Augusti
13. Melissa Horn - S�g ingenting till mig
14. Britta Persson - Current affair medium rare
15. Lasse Stefanz - Texas
16. Eric Saade - Masquerade
17. Hoffmaestro & Chraa - The storm
18. Sonic Syndicate - We rule the night
19. Lars Winnerb�ck - T�nk om jag �ngrar mig och sen �ngrar mig igen
20. Brolle - Best of

This week's Last.fm chart

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 17:29:03 -0400

Here is the It's a Trap! listening group top 10 artists of the week, unique to our group:

01. Loney Dear
02. Kent
03. Familjen
04. Robyn
05. H�kan Hellstr�m
06. The Bear Quartet
07. Britta Persson
08. Jonathan Johansson
09. Junip
10. The Radio Dept.

Do you listen to music on your computer or with an iPod? Please join us and make your playlist count! Go here to learn more: http://www.last.fm/help/

Musik med Britta Persson

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 20:12:42 -0400

Watch Britta Persson perform live for PSL: http://blogg.svt.se/psl/2010/09/06/musik-med-britta-persson

Sirius playlist week #33

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 11:05:34 -0400

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

01. Johan Heltne - Krieg ist krieg und schnaps ist schnaps
02. TALK 1
03. Tiger Tape - She is fiction
04. Terrible Feelings - Blank heads
05. Pistol Disco - Organ and drum
06. TALK 2
07. Ludwig Bell - K�rlek slutar alltid med br�k
08. Bonghit - Maratondr�m
09. Murmansk - Silver heel
10. TALK 3
11. Robyn - Criminal intent
12. Pettersson & Fredriksson - Langas
13. Lapko - A new bohemia
14. TALK 4
15. The Megaphonic Thrift - Candy sin
16. Park Hotell - Trouble kid
17. Champagne Riot - Heart stab
18. TALK 5
19. Britta Persson - Meet a bear

Reminder: my show airs every week on Sundays and Mondays at 11pm ET on Sirius XMU (except this week -- there's no repeat tonight). That's channel 26 on Sirius, 43 on XM and 831 for DirecTV subscribers.

Comviq presents Britta Persson

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 20:33:23 -0400

Britta Persson is Swedish cell service Comviq's artist of the month for August: http://www.comviq.se/britta_start.html
Check out the link for free download of the new track "Big fuss".

Britta Persson - Meet a bear (video)

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 11:51:20 -0400

The bizarro physics make my head hurt. In a good way, I think. Direct link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btsrJDFOT18

Meet a what?

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 12:39:53 -0400

Fluxblog asks questions about the new Britta Persson single "Meet a bear": http://www.fluxblog.org/2010/07/words-i-couldnt-understand

Britta Persson - Meet a bear (mp3)

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 11:47:44 -0400

Sign up for Britta Persson's mailing list, get a free download of her new single "Meet a bear": http://www.brittapersson.com/meetabear/

Britta Persson - Meet a bear

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 12:37:04 -0400

The new Britta Persson single "Meet a bear" is now streaming at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/brittapersson

Sirius playlist week #23

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 11:51:29 -0400

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

01. TALK 1
02. Dear Euphoria - Coming down
03. Magnus Pelander - A sinner's child
04. Monzano - Grand siblings
05. TALK 2
06. Haust - Pointing and laughing
07. Pets - A good day for telling lies
08. Adventure Of - Time will tell
09. Swedish House Mafia - One
10. TALK 3
11. Supersci - Snap out of it
12. Pearl Fiction - The ruby fever
13. Britta Persson - Meet a bear
14. TALK 4
15. Nidingr - Reginsmol
16. The Bear Quartet - You you you you you you
17. Grande - You are the night
18. Rasmus Kellerman - The greatness & me
19. TALK 5
20. Susanne Sundf�r - The brothel

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.

Britta Persson - Some girls some boys

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 14:36:52 -0400

Hear a new song from Britta Persson off her forthcoming album "Current affair medium rare": http://soundcloud.com/brittap/04-some-girls-some-boys
FWIW, I'll be playing her new single "Meet a bear" on my next radio show.

Britta Persson confirms single for June, locks down album release

Mon, 24 May 2010 16:53:44 -0400

"Meet a bear", the first single from Britta Persson's forthcoming album "Current affair medium rare", will be officially released on June 14. As for the full-length, that's officially confirmed for release on September 8 via Selective Notes/Razzia Records.

Selective Notes adds Insense to their roster

Fri, 21 May 2010 17:30:11 -0400

Selective Notes (Khoma, Britta Persson) has taken on Norwegian metal act Insense as a management client: http://selectivenotes.com/?p=253

Britta Persson signs with Selective Notes

Mon, 10 May 2010 12:30:31 -0400

Razzia Records label partners Selective Notes (Khoma) have signed the wonderful and talented Britta Persson and will be releasing her new album "Current affair medium rare" in either August or September. Full press release here: http://selectivenotes.com/?p=224

PSL interviews Britta Persson, previews new material

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:59:15 -0500

PSL talks to Britta Persson: http://blogg.svt.se/psl/2010/03/11/prat-med-britta-persson/
Worth noting even for those of you who don't understand Swedish because they preview a few songs from Britta's forthcoming album.

House of Tomidas - Dark times! (Brus & Knaster)

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 13:11:36 -0500

It's funny, sometimes, how one look at an album cover will conjure up all sorts of references as to the genre a band will fit into or what other bands they'll sound like. Upon seeing the "Dark times!" cover grunge old-timers Mudhoney spring to mind, mainly due to a loose visual connection with some of their album art. When the music kicks in, though, the comparison couldn't be any more detached. The first thing that's noticeable on this album is Britta Persson's vocal performance, which is altogether more eclectic and burlesque than demonstrated on her solo releases. No straightforward indiepop here; rather a gathering of musicians capable of holding their own at any '30s cabaret, yet easily translatable to the present day. The unique combination of quirky song arrangements coupled with Persson's evocative, haunting voice pours forth images of a vaudevillian French setting and that's a very enjoyable aspect of this album. On the other hand, songs like "Daytime drunk" and "From hand to mouth" offer a more contemporary take on things and it's proof of the genius in the band's composition skills that these sit perfectly with their more eccentric, old-time tunes. "The letter" is the biggest surprise on here, a dark creeper that sits right in the middle of a generally upbeat album and that offers a brooding, heartfelt exuberance that belies the rest of the music. A wonderful debut that will undoubtedly please Persson's mainstream fans while simultaneously drawing in the jazz club hangabouts.
- John Norby
Rating: 8

Br�derna Lindgren - Annan sort

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:34:45 -0400

The new Br�derna Lindgren album "Presenterar meningen med livet" is seriously good, way better than the debut even, despite the core group of guest vocalists remaining more or less the same. There's some fresh blood though and I think that's what takes it over the top: Firstly, we have Those Dancing Days singing on "Dom b�sta"... pleasant enough, but not living up to the title. Secondly, we also have Hajen (now called Jaw Lesson) singing two songs -- I think she has a great voice with an intriguing rough edge, but she's yet to fully wow me and her songs are merely good, not great. Keep an eye on her though because she's definitely going places and if you don't believe me, listen to fellow bloggers Absolut Noise and Swedesplease because they are both big fans. No way can I deny her potential. However, by far the best contributor on this record would have to be Britta Persson. Her opening cut "Annan sort" is brilliant, perhaps even one of the best songs I've heard this year, twinkly harpsichord be damned! No matter what material she's dealing with, Britta always has a strong, instantly recognizable voice and she always sounds stunning. Even better, she continually challenges herself by taking on all sorts of different genres and styles and still continually improves on everything she's done before. So yeah, I'm quite impressed. Definitely recommended.

Fluxblog on Br�derna Lindgren w/Britta Persson

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:42:45 -0400

Br�derna Lindgren + Britta Persson at Fluxblog: http://www.fluxblog.org/2009/10/with-no-strings-attached
This song is absolutely flat-out amazing, so go check it out right now.

Sirius playlist week #41

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 11:12:30 -0400

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

01. Br�derna Lindgren - Annan sort (feat. Britta Persson)
02. TALK 1
03. Rigas - Tonite
04. Sienna Root - The road to Agatha (Ahir Bhairav)
05. The Gentle Act Incident - The city doesn't know me
06. Asha Ali - Hurricane
07. TALK 2
08. Agent Side Grinder - Die to live
09. Moloken - My enemy
10. Boys of Scandinavia - Good looking
11. TALK 3
12. Sivert H�yem - Moon landing
13. Moonbabies - Take me to the ballroom
14. The Movements - Save me
15. TALK 4
16. Mikkel Meyer - Tunge (feat. Non)
17. Sahara Hotnights - Impressed by me
18. Samuraj Cities - The weekend is almost over
19. TALK 5
20. Adjagas - M�nu r�vdnji

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.

Britta Persson - Kill Hollywood me (live video)

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 14:40:12 -0400

Here's some multi-camera live footage of Britta Persson performing live in Brazil last month: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbbCLa1t4P8

Br�derna Lindgren album update

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:45:40 -0400

Details for the upcoming Br�derna Lindgren album are in: it will be called "Presenterar meningen med livet" and it will be released on October 26. Here's the full tracklist:

01. Annan sort (Britta Persson)
02. Superhj�lten (Hajen)
03. Det �r jag som best�mmer (Patrik Arve)
04. Dom b�sta (Those dancing days)
05. Aldrig hem igen (Nina Ramsby)
06. Helt ny v�rld (Ebbot Lundberg)
07. Kasta iv�g mig (Olle Ljungstr�m)
08. Nu (Britta Persson)
09. H�r kommer ambulansen (Nina Ramsby)
10. Snabba som raketer (Mattias Alkberg)
11. Om en skalbagge (Caroline Wennergren)
12. Jag vet (Kristofer �str�m)
13. Vilse (Hajen)

New Br�derna Lindgren album on the way

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:59:35 -0400

There's a new Br�derna Lindgren album on the way in October via Brus & Knaster and the guest vocalists this time 'round include Nina Ramsby, Olle Ljungstr�m, Ebbot Lundberg, Hajen, Britta Persson, Mattias Alkberg and Patrik Arve. I have no idea what the record will be called or what the official release date is, but the first single with Mr. Alkberg is called "Som raketer" and it's excellent.

Bad Hands guest vocalists revealed

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 16:37:35 -0400

Via Rogerts Blogg, here's the tracklist and guest vocalists that will be appearing on the upcoming Bad Hands (aka Per Nordmark) album:

Black and white - Linnea J�nsson (Those Dancing Days)
Bad hands - Nina Kinert
Northern lights - Britta Persson & Karl Larsson (Last Days of April)
Kick you out - Nicke Andersson (The Hellacopters) & Howlin' Pelle (The Hives)
Andra relationen - Subbah
Close enough - Choir of Kiemi
We love blood - Henric de la Cour (Strip Music)
Cartoon wolf - David Sandstr�m
I can do it - Therese Johansson (Lowood)
Sillodill - Britta Persson

Britta Persson in Brazil

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 12:52:21 -0400

Britta Persson is heading to Brazil in September:

09/18 - No Ar Coquetel Molotov, Recife
09/19 - Orbita, Fortaleza
09/24 - SESC Pomp�ia, Sao Paulo
09/26 - BECO, POA
09/27 - CCJ, Sao Paulo

This week's Last.fm chart

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 11:23:48 -0400

Here is the It's a Trap! listening group top 10 artists of the week, unique to our group:

01. Bob Hund
02. H�kan Hellstr�m
03. Mew
04. The Soundtrack of Our Lives
05. The Radio Dept.
06. Moneybrother
07. Deportees
08. Britta Persson
09. Broder Daniel
10. Hello Saferide

Do you listen to music on your computer or with an iPod? Please join us and make your playlist count! Go here to learn more: http://www.last.fm/help/

Bad Hands - Bad hands

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 13:28:09 -0400

Remember Bad Hands? Per Nordmark's new solo project? Y'know, the drummer from Fireside whose played with all sorts of Swedish elite such as Christian Kjellvander, Britta Persson and so on? Well, I've just been handed their eponymous single and I'm happy to be able to share it with you. Apparently a 10-track album with 10 different guest vocalists is on the way via NONS later this year and this particular track (which you might have already heard via myspace) features Nina Kinert on lead. Sound-wise, it's kind of what I'd expect from a Stockholm-based drummer-led project. Very krauty with a bit of artsy electro, not too dissimilar from Existensminimum (drummer/engineer Magnus Henriksson's solo project). Not very flashy either -- drummers understand it's the supporting players who make the difference, so they often remain in service of the song even when they take the helm. Of course, the beat still takes precedence, even if it's subtle. As a drummer myself, I'm really looking forward to hearing what else he'll come up with.

Britta Persson on tour in Germany, Austria

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 13:00:29 -0500

Britta Persson will be supporting Eleni Mandell on tour in Germany + Austria come May:

05/08 - Knust, Hamburg (GER)
05/10 - Quasimodo, Berlin (GER)
05/11 - Objekt 5, Halle (GER)
05/12 - B 72, Wien (AUS)
05/13 - Registratur, M�nchen (GER)
05/15 - Kino, Ebensee (AUS)
05/16 - Schlachthof, Wels (AUS)
05/17 - E-Werk, Erlangen (GER)

New label: Brus & Knaster

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 13:50:35 -0500

G�ran Petersson from Bonnier Amigo and photographer Johan M�nsson have started a new label together called Brus & Knaster. The first release from the label is the soundtrack for the SVT program "De halvt dolda" (composed by Leif Jordansson) and it will be followed by new records from artists such as Nina Ramsby collaborating with US artist Brent Hunter, Tore Berger, House of Tomidas (ft. Britta Persson) and jazz bassist Torbj�rn Zetterberg's pop project Folke. Read more: http://www.musikindustrin.se/artikel/365/Nya_brus___knaster_i_Playgrounds_katalog.html (in Swedish)

Top 10s for 2008: It's a Trap! (albums)

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0500

We liked a lot of albums in 2008, but there weren't so many that we loved. In fact, quite a few of us had trouble filling out a full top 10, myself included. Some of us didn't even bother. Personally, aside from a few notable exceptions as you'll see below, I found myself drawn to the past far more often than the present. And yet, here I am again, with yet another year-end list. Go figure.

So with a rather large grain of salt, let me present to you It's a Trap's 2008 top albums of the year.
- Avi Roig

10. Siena Root - Far from the sun (Transubstans)
Graveyard and Witchcraft get all the acclaim, but Siena Root is the better band.

09. Nitad - Ibland kan man inte hindras sig sj�lv (Kranium/Deranged)
Fucked Up, another band who put out one of 2008's best releases ("The chemistry of commmon life"), have moved far beyond the realms of hardcore. Nitad have stepped up to take their place.

08. Park Hotell - Free for friends (Ultra Radio Records/BD Pop)
I can't stand Morissey, yet somehow some Swedish acts are able to take his influence and turn it into something wonderful. If only more indiepop bands were as good as Park Hotell.

07. Katzenjammer - Le pop (Propeller Recordings)
I fully expected Detektivbyr�n to be my favorite folk-crossover act, but these ladies from Norway snuck in ahead of them.

06. Hello Saferide - More modern short stories from Hello Saferide (Razzia)
Even better than I hoped. The perfect follow-up to the first album.

05. Johan Heltne - Vetenskapliga bevis f�r att Jesus lever (Raffaella)
A beautiful and beguiling album. So weird and mysterious, so absolutely entrancing.

04. Montys Loco - Farewell Mr Happy (NONS)
Of all the bands on my list, these ladies are the only ones to truly create something new and unique sounding. Sweden's most consistently underrated and underappreciated band.

03. Haust - Ride the relapse (Fysisk Format)
If there's a more pissed-off, evil sounding album in 2008, I haven't heard it.

02. Lukestar - Lake Toba (Phone Me Records)
A full year later and I still love this album just as much when it first came out.

01. The Goner - H-Trilogy: Hind hand, Hallartrallar, Haven (Svarta Markaden)
I realize it's pretty lame to put a series of limited cult releases at #1, yet no other artist this year has intrigued me as much as The Goner. "Hind hand" blew me away when I first heard it, the following two were even better.

Jonas Appelqvist

10. Wildbirds & Peacedrums - The Snake (Caprice Records)
This headstrong indie duo got me convinced at a festival gig this summer. And when I heard "The snake" for the first time I was hooked. It's that good.

09. Frida Hyv�nen - Silence is wild (Licking Fingers)
Frida goes from strength to strength and with this album she has established her status as one of the finest songwriters in Sweden right now. Don't believe me? I dare you, listen to "Dirty dancing" and you'll know what I'm talking about.

08. Paper - An object (Novoton)
A homage to Suicide, Joy Division and monotonous kraut rock. The mix between The Bear Quartet and Audionom is a win-win. Literally.

07. Satyricon - The age of Nero (Roadrunner)
With massive walls of sound this Norwegian old school combo decided to continue to piss off black metal fans that claim they're not "true" anymore. Hell, when it sounds this good, I couldn't care less.

06. David Sandstr�m Overdrive - Pigs lose (Razzia)
David Sandstr�m and Oskar Sandlund went into the studio and came out with an astounding album only surpassed by early career move Refused.

05. Lack - Saturate every atom (Play/Rec)
2008 turned out to be the year of resignation for Lack. At least they got to resign at the peak of their career; "Saturate every atom" is proof of that.

04. Britta Persson - Kill Hollywood me (Amigo)
Britta released this album with a somewhat secluded approach and it was received with open arms by almost everyone. Sounds contradictory? It's not, just pure genius.

03. Cult of Luna - Eternal kingdom (Earache)
It just goes to show, these guys don't know how to fail. Top notch!

02. Division of Laura Lee - Violence is timeless (I Made This)
G�teborg's finest spent three years in the studio. The result, Fugazi-esque punk rock, shows that it was worth the wait.

01. Lukestar - Lake Toba (Phone Me Records)
Indie rock at its best - edgy, melodic and, at the same time, raw and hard hitting as hell! The number one spot was, even in January, Lukestar's spot all along.

Matt Giordano

06. Vapnet - D�da fallet (Hybris)
Their track record has been making consistently good albums, and this is not an exception.

05. Robert Svensson - Young punk are on the never-never (Nomethod)
A fantastic pop album that has me looking even more forward to the next Mixtapes and Cellmates record.

04. The Kid - Transient blood (Hybris)
On their second album, The Kid has transformed themselves into brooding pop masters.

03. Paavoharju - Laulu laakson kukista (Fonal)
A beautiful, cold, meandering album. Not only does this album sound natural, it sounds symbiotic with nature.

02. Markus Kruneg�rd - Markusevangeliet (V2/Universal)
He's made classic albums with Laakso, and a great Hets album. Now Markus is a bonafide solo artist, and, with this maintains that he's one of the best songwriters around.

01. Juvelen - 1 (Hybris)
One of my most anticipated of the year. Ten songs, ten potential singles, yet one cohesive pop statement. Juvelen is here to stay.

Lars Garvey Laing-Peterson

10. Division of Laura Lee - Violence is timeless (I Made This)
This is a total gut decision. Part of me is not okay with this result, but enough of me is perfectly alright ousting at least five other contenders to make room for this dirty, energetic album in my top 10. Despite giving this album only an 8, it has survived in far better standing than a few 9s from this year. "LAX" has been on quite a few of the mixtapes I've made for friends over the past few months, and DoLL launched my brother and I across America this summer... I couldn't imagine 2008 without "Violence is timeless".

09. Robert Svensson - Young punks are on the never-never (Nomethod)
Mr. Svensson lost considerable ground on this list, especially compared to the first draft I worked up a few weeks ago. Still, even at number nine, "Young punks are on the never-never" made it. A wonderful debut solo album from Mixtapes & Cellmates' vocalist, marking the beginning of what is sure to be a fine career.

08. Park Hotell - Free for friends (Ultra Radio/BD Pop)
This top 10 list is populated with a lot of debut records. "Free for friends" is definitely one that I had been waiting for, and it didn't let me down. It's a perfect autumn record: tracts of introspection still fuelled by the reckless hope of summer days.

07. Kiki Pau - Let's rock (Pyramid/Johanna Kustannus)
While I was completely surprised by "Book of Norma", I at least knew who Norma were. Kiki Pau are my favorite surprise this year. Their style of indie rock is confident well beyond their years, harkening back to "Meat is murder"-era Smiths, contemporary NYC garage, The Clash ... and any album with a song titled "Bukowski" (with the lyric: "Steinbeck made me want to get drunk") gets my vote.

06. Convoj - Exceptionnel (Wonderland)
This latecomer also forced me to reconstruct my list. It was all about complete, too. Oh well. Convoj's "Exceptionnel" is a brilliant record, more than deserving of a top 10 spot.

05. H�kan Hellstr�m - F�r sent f�r edelweiss (Dolores)
If it weren't for all the summer memories I attach to "Me� su� � eyrum vi� spilum endalaust", Hellstr�m's effort would be in fourth place. The fact that this album is in fifth place is a testament to the creative forces at work in Northern Europe. When I first heard this record, I was pretty sure it would be in my top three albums of the year. How wonderful it is to be so wrong. "F�r sent f�r edelweiss" has become my favorite H�kan Hellstr�m album, just edging out "K�nn ingen sorg f�r mig G�teborg".

04. Sigur R�s - Me� su� � eyrum vi� spilum endalaust (XL Recordings/EMI)
The fact that Sigur R�s took risks on this album when they could have skirted by with "Takk pt. II" impresses me. It may not be their finest album, but it's fun, kinetic, and lush; everything we expect from the Icelanders, and yet something quite different, too.

03. Tiger Lou - A partial print (Startracks)
I struggled a little with "A partial print" at first, but it eventually won out. As I wrote in my review, the album is "a collage, a collection of images, all of them darkly beautiful extensions of the emotional landscape of "The loyal", but the connections between these impressions can take some time to present themselves, but they will, and then "A partial print" comes fully into being."

02. Markus Kruneg�rd - Markusevangeliet (V2/Universal)
While I gave "A partial print" higher marks, "Markusevangeliet" has been a valued companion of mine since April -- and there's something to be said about resilience. I said back then that I thought Laakso frontman Markus Kruneg�rd had possibly crafted the best record of the year... and, although I might have proven myself wrong, his accomplishment is by far one of the best solo records in recent memory.

01. Norma - Book of Norma (Novoton)
In a damned impressive year for Scandinavian music, my top prize goes to "Book of Norma". It's been a while since I have been as taken aback by a record as I was with Norma's latest effort, the first album I have ever given a 10 to here on It's A Trap! Just an absolutely brilliant album.

Arnulf Koehncke

10. Ane Brun - Changing of the seasons (DetErMine)
Someone wrote somewhere how well recorded this album is -- I can't help but agree. The songs are good too and it's actually the first Ane Brun record that I can really relate to.

09. Audrey - The fierce and the longing (Tenderversion)
Honestly, this record sounds a lot like their last one. That's a good thing in Audrey's case -- I think it's really rare that a band is this well defined regarding both songwriting and sound-aesthetics.

08. Fredrik - Na na ni (Jezebel)
It surprises me how much I still like this record. I didn't think it would be such a grower -- guess I was wrong.

07. Sn�leoparden - Sn�leoparden (Rump)
I just like the whole of-the-cuff playfulness and complexity that this record embodies. I dare anyone to listen to the daycare-singalong second track and not smile.

06. Hello Saferide - More modern short stories from Hello Saferide (Razzia)
If you'd asked me in the beginning of the year, I'd probably have predicted this album to top my year-end list. Well, it hasn't completely gotten me hooked yet, though I totally agree with all the praise for Annika's development. And "Lund" has already become a personal favorite of mine.

05. Bobby and Blumm - Everybody loves... (Morr Music)
This record is just so playful -- there's so much to discover in F.S. Blumm's guitar work and Ella's charming voice. It makes me wish I could see them live again.

04. V. Sj�berg New Jazz Ensemble - Do nothing 'til you hear from me (iDEAL)
Another great record, though it needs patience and concentration to really enjoy it as a whole. It's just great how it builds up all this tension with its drones and suspense curves only to then release the listener with a soothing return to tonality in the next to last track.

03. The Radio Dept. - Freddie and the Trojan Horse (Labrador)
Too bad their album was delayed until next year. This EP showed such potential with all its Prefab Sprout'ish moments and melodies. And it even delivered some nostalgia to me as a long-time fan when I listen to the hidden track's distortion and overdrive.

02. Vapnet - D�da fallet (Hybris)
It's amazing: This record is such an instant classic that I almost didn't think of it as a 2008-release. And doesn't that already say all there is to say?

01. Auton - Anywhere out of this world (Structures Sonores)
This record is just so good (which is why my review of it is just so overdue). Incredibly virtuosic yet never overbearing musicians that shift from straight-out jazz to drone to post-rock to Satie-like piano moments with such casualness and grace. My Scandinavian record of the year. Go to the label website now and order copies to give away as christmas presents ;-)

Nancy Baym

10. Don't I wish I could put something here. Like the Caesars. What a bummer that record was.

09. Mikko Singh - Uskotko ett� siell� on kukkia? (self-released)
An almost-entirely instrumental record that's somewhere between pop and new age, equally well suited to a massage or mellow downtime at home. Very pretty with some nice elements of fun.

08. Violent Years - s/t (Playground)
A fine contribution to the southern gothic alt country genre with many outstanding moments and at least one truly great song.

07. Kusowsky - N�got speciellt (self-released)
Kusowsy are so unabashedly singalong guitar pop that I feel a little guilty enjoying them, but everytime a song from this EP showed up on shuffle this year I found myself stopping to smile.

06. The Social Services - It's nothing personal, it's national security (Stereo Test Kit)
Only 1/3 Scandinavian, but she's the singer so she gets extra credit. It's a smart, eclectic, cynical, funny, and loose indie pop album.

05. Tiger Lou - A partial print (Startracks)
I really wanted to love this record, but don't. As background music its dark, hypnotic and self-contradictory sound is stunningly close to perfect, but on close listening its repetitiveness becomes abrasive in ways I don't think were intended.

04. Markus Kruneg�rd - Markusevangeliet (V2/Universal)
On his solo record, Kruneg�rd avoids most of Laakso's glam excesses to deliver a powerful and rich electronically-driven yet organic and seductive sonic environment.

03. Vapnet - D�da fallet (Hybris)
They don't stray too far from the distinctive, poppy, and borderline corny sound of their previous recordings on this one, but that's a good thing because they are one of the most calming make-you-happy bands going today. I highly recommend this as a soundtrack for either hanging out on a warm beach or cleaning house, cooking, and other mundane chores of daily life.

01. Madrugada - s/t (Virgin/EMI)
Faced with the sudden death of their guitarist and an album 80% completed, Madrugada did the right thing by finishing it up. Even without the tragic back story, it's a powerful and mature rock album that I am still listening to regularly almost a year after its release.

01. Detektivbyr�n - Wermland (Danarkia)
In a very disappointing musical year, this instrumental genre-collapsing folk album based on accordion and glockenspiel was the one extraordinary surprise. Everyone I've played it for ran out and got it immediately. You should too.

Simon Tagestam

10. Nordpolen - s/t (Sincerely Yours)

09. Joel Alme - A master of ceremonies (Sincerely Yours)

08. Envelopes - Here comes the wind (Brille)

07. H�kan Hellstr�m - F�r sent f�r edelweiss (Dolores)

06. Markus Kruneg�rd - Markusevangeliet (V2/Universal)

05. Love Is All - A hundred things keep me up at night (What's Your Rupture?)

04. Afasi & Filthy - Fl�cken (P.O.P.E.)

03. Frida Hyv�nen - Silence is wild (Licking Fingers)

02. Moto Boy - s/t (Songs I Wish I Had Written)

01. Vapnet - D�da fallet (Hybris)

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 12:11:10 -0500

Here is the It's a Trap! listening group top 10 artists of the week, unique to our group:

01. Tiger Lou
02. Frida Hyv�nen
03. Anna Ternheim
04. Juvelen
05. Hello Saferide
06. The Radio Dept.
07. Kent
08. Jens Lekman
09. Britta Persson
10. The Legends

Do you listen to music on your computer or with an iPod? Please join us and make your playlist count! Go here to learn more: http://www.last.fm/help/

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 11:31:54 -0500

Here is the It's a Trap! listening group top 10 artists of the week, unique to our group:

Do you listen to music on your computer or with an iPod? Please join us and make your playlist count! Go here to learn more: http://www.last.fm/help/

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 11:07:48 -0500

Here is the It's a Trap! listening group top 10 artists of the week, unique to our group:

01. Frida Hyv�nen
02. Tiger Lou
03. Hello Saferide
04. The Bear Quartet
05. Glasvegas
06. Britta Persson
07. Anna Ternheim
08. Kent
09. Shout Out Louds
10. Loney, Dear

Do you listen to music on your computer or with an iPod? Please join us and make your playlist count! Go here to learn more: http://www.last.fm/help/

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 14:49:11 -0500

Check out Bad Hands, the new project from drummer extraordinaire Per Nordmark (Fireside, Christian Kjellvander, etc.): http://www.myspace.com/badhandssthlm
David Sandstr�m contributes vocals to one song, Britta Persson another -- very recommended! (tack Marco for the insider info!)

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:46:31 -0400

Fluxblog on Britta Persson's "Cliffhanger": http://www.fluxblog.org/2008/10/in-love-or-in-a-war

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 12:10:30 -0400

Here is the It's a Trap! listening group top 10 artists of the week, unique to our group:

01. Hello Saferide
02. H�kan Hellstr�m
03. Glasvegas
04. Detektivbyr�n
05. The Knife
06. Britta Persson
07. Anna Ternheim
08. Fredrik
09. The Radio Dept.
10. Logh

Do you listen to music on your computer or with an iPod? Please join us and make your playlist count! Go here to learn more: http://www.last.fm/help/

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 12:19:23 -0400

Britta Persson will be joining Camera Obscura on their UK tour later this month:

10/14 - The Faversham, Leeds
10/15 - Colchester Arts Centre, Colchester
10/16 - Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury
10/17 - Trinity Centre, Bristol
10/18 - Talking Heads, Southhampton
10/19 - Drill Hall, Lincoln

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 15:22:46 -0400

Hear Britta Persson cover Alphaville's "Big in Japan" at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/brittapersson

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 10:42:04 -0400

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

01. Theresa Andersson - Na na na (empty heart)
02. TALK 1
03. Soviac - Malorca
04. Agent Side Grinder - Ricocheting memories
05. Svenson - Howlong
06. TALK 2
07. Hello Kinski - Summer is a waste of time
08. Britta Persson - Kill Hollywood me
09. Tredje Mannen - Cul-de-sac
10. TALK 3
11. The Goner - Spirit roundup
12. Liket Lever - Levande begravd
13. TALK 4
14. Paper - Out of it into it
15. Hebosagil - Big sun
16. Murmansk - Vague language
17. Randy - Who's side are you on?
18. TALK 5
19. The Deer Tracks - Slow collision

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

Sat, 14 Jun 2008 06:40:22 -0400

Check out House of Tomidas, a new band featuring various members of Britta Persson's backing band along with her own self providing backing vocals: http://www.myspace.com/tomidas
The band's debut album "Dark times" will be out this fall.

Wed, 07 May 2008 12:46:06 -0400

Britta Persson is doing a few dates in Germany later this month:

05/15 - Cafe Central, Weinheim
05/16 - Objekt 5, Halle
05/17 - Falkendom, Bielefeld
05/18 - NBI, Berlin

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 11:54:42 -0400

Jacob Fell�nder, a Swedish artist probably best known so far for his photography, will release his debut album "Letters from the Trenches" on June 4. Guest musicians on said album include Dan Lepp (Grand Tone Music), Patrik Andersson (Moneybrother, Club Killers, Barr). Per Nordmark (Fireside, Breach, Christian Kjellvander), Britta Persson and many more. Hear samples at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/jacobfellander

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 14:27:48 -0400

More Britta Persson at Fluxblog: http://www.fluxblog.org/2008/04/memories-and-fantasies.html
I still have copies available for mailorder should you be interested: [click here]

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 11:07:27 -0400

Britta Persson will do a few dates in May to support the German release of her latest album "Kill Hollywood me", due out on April 18. Here's what's booked so far:

05/15 - Cafe Central, Weinheim
05/16 - Objekt 5, Halle
05/17 - Falkendom, Bielefeld
05/18 - NBI, Berlin

Podcast: Q108

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400

LENGTH : 35:57 min
DOWNLOAD : itsatrap_podcast_04072008.mp3 (32.9mb)
RSS : [click here]

Tracklist:
01. TALK 1
02. Lukestar - The shade you hide
03. Marybell Katastrophy - Hidden agenda
04. Britta Persson - At 7
05. TALK 2
06. C.Aarm� - Blodet
07. Firefox AK - Winter rose (Tellevika remix)
08. Lack - Bombing the moon
09. TALK 3
10. Barra Head - Undermine
11. Paper - My life is going under
12. Montys Loco - Criminal
13. TALK 4

Sun, 23 Mar 2008 19:25:38 -0400

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

01. Frivolvol - Out come the knives
02. TALK 1
03. Lapko - Dead disco
04. Gentle Touch - Once you used to
05. Pellarin - Whistle like you're 56
06. TALK 2
07. Bj�rn Kleinhenz - Light of love
08. Pascal - Sm�rtsillande
09. Ljudbilden & Piloten - Weddings
10. TALK 3
11. Margaret Berger - Samantha
12. Doughnuts - Become one
13. Kusowsky - Jonny
14. NEI - The devil
15. TALK 4
16. Happiness - Loot at that rabbit go!
17. Firefox AK - Pushing
18. Fattaru - H�rde jag sk�l
19. TALK 5
20. Britta Persson - Cliffhanger
21. Grizzly Twister - Black box
22. The Social Services - Baltic Sea
23. TALK 6
24. Montys Loco - Criminal
25. Font�n - Alla kan se dig
26. Animal Alpha - Pin you all
27. TALK 7
28. Astrid Swan - Spartan picnic
29. Barra Head - Undermine
30. Fun - 2:22men
31. TALK 8
32. Ted G�rdestad - Oh, vilken h�rlig dag
33. Christian Kjellvander - Poppies and peonies
34. Echo Is Your Love - Lion tamer vs tigers
35. TALK 9
36. I Am Bones - Home is the one corner of hell that didn't catch fire
37. Miss Li - I'm sorry, he's mine
38. The Deer Tracks - YesThisIsMyBrokenShield
39. TALK 10
40. Entombed - Damn deal done

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 13:44:13 -0500

The video for Britta Persson's excellent single "Kill Hollywood me" is now on YouTube: http://youtube.com/watch?v=J9ksExhKso8
Fans of classic film title sequences will love this.

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 20:08:35 -0500

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

01. Disfear - Deadweight
02. TALK 1
03. The Social Services - Up in arms
04. Kaka - The hotspurs (the less know the faster we go)
05. The Je Ne Sais Quoi - Manic panic
06. TALK 2
07. Tiger Lou - Patterns
08. Paper - My life is going under
09. Dreamboy - Stars
10. TALK 3
11. Lack - Watchmen
12. Don't Be A Stranger - Mon chi-chi
13. Ea Philippa - Heslenes sang
14. TALK 4
15. Ef - Thrills
16. Isolation Years - Yellow cross on blue
17. Frivolvol - Satellite kids
18. TALK 5
19. Enslaved - Eld
20. The Grand Opening - Secrets revealed
21. Ultralyd - Comphonie V
22. TALK 8
23. Firefok AK - Techno tears
24. The Indecision Alarm - Alienation process
25. Looptroop Rockers - Marinate
26. TALK 7
27. Markus Kruneg�rd - Jag �r en vampyr
28. The End Will Be Kicks - Exit ramps
29. Cadillac - Locomotive
30. TALK 8
31. Lukestar - Lake Toba
32. Commando M Pigg - Baby doll
33. Printer - Minds out
34. TALK 9
35. Seven Feet Four - Auto emotion
36. Tobias Hellkvist - Abomination
37. Barra Head - Undermine
38. TALK 10
39. Britta Persson - Happy hour
40. Anna Leong - Guillotine
41. Ted G�rdestad - Can't stop this train
42. TALK 11

Sat, 02 Feb 2008 23:26:31 -0500

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

01. Annika Norlin/S�kert! - Generalens visa
02. TALK 1
03. Downstairs - Legs for arms
04. Dmitry Fyodorov - 1b-1
05. Northern Fields - Never take the beauty
06. TALK 2
07. Barra Head - Undermine
08. Fl�skkvartetten - Som glas (ft. Nina Persson)
09. Benea Reach - New waters
10. TALK 3
11. Firefox AK - Winter rose (Tellevika remix)
12. Dansdepartementet - Svarta brev
13. Randy - Little toulouse
14. TALK 4
15. Britta Persson - At 7
16. M:40 - Br�nnm�rkt
17. Mechanical Bird - Martha
18. TALK 5
19. Marvins Revolt - Multiple fractures
20. The Drawbacks - Straight lines & circles
21. Isolation Years - Say-nothing day
22. Christian Kjellvander - Poppies and peonies
23. TALK 6
24. Little Dragon - Recommendation
25. FAP - Sj�mannen
26. Cortex - Animals (...looking at me)
27. TALK 7
28. Ulf Ljusberg - Whatever was
29. Mayhem - Deathcrush
30. Alog - St.Paul sessions II
31. TALK 8
32. Tigerbombs - 1000 sparks
33. Mainliners - Bourbon and ice
34. Mando Diao - San Francisco Bay
35. Madrugada - Look away Lucifer
36. TALK 9
37. Matts Katt - Refused was fucking murdered

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 09:20:43 -0500

What better way to start your Thursday than with a new Britta Persson interview? Check it out!

Interview: Britta Persson

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0500

"Oh, Britta Persson has grown some muscles," was my first thought when I first looked at the cover of Britta Persson's debut album, "Top quality bones and a little terrorist" (2006). And boy was I right. With that album Britta went from a shy, but promising talent and started walking the path into becoming an acknowledged artist, capable of standing on her own two legs. Two years has passed and, with the release of her second album, "Kill Hollywood me", Britta Persson is ready to take on everything and just about everyone. This is what she had to say when I called her up prior to the release of the album.
- Christian Stenbacke

I have a hard time to describe the sound of Britta Persson, as found on your last album, "Top quality bones and a little terrorist", with this new album, "Kill Hollywood me", being no different. How would you describe it yourself?

Well, I've been trying to describe the record quite a few times by now. I think it sounds kind of straight forward and a little tricky, but it's hard to tell. The new record sounds both petite when it at the same time sounds very large. We've been working alot with the production on this one, and this time around I knew that I was going to work with lots of different people, including Per Nordmark (Fireside, Hets) who plays the drums. This affected my way of writing music, where I used to write songs which I knew I was going to perform by myself, guitar and voice only, I could now write songs and leave parts where the drums could take over for instance.

"Top quality bones and a little terrorist" and "Kill Hollywood me" differ quite a lot from your earlier releases, why is that and what kind of reactions have you received so far?

I think people like this new sound, I like it for sure. You gradually get better and better on what you do, of course, and I'm really proud of the production on this record and the fact that I've written these songs. So, for me it only feels natural to move on, and hopefully people will like it. From what I've heard, they do so far.

You made one of your first public appearances to a wider audience on Kristofer �str�m's "Loupita" (2004), where the two of you sang "The wild" together. A start of a very successful companionship one might say. How did you get to meet Kristofer in the first place?

It feels like a really long time ago now, but it all started when I asked him to sing together with me on one of my songs, and he agreed. As a return of favour he asked me to sing together with him on one of his songs, and I agreed.

A lot has happened since then; the Britta Persson singing and playing on "Kill Hollywood me" sounds like a person with not only great songs, but also lots of courage and self-confidence. Yet when I've gone to one of your concerts, you tend to seem a little... timid.

I've been playing live for so long now, I've been playing so many shows, one might think that I would've gotten used to it by now... Some people are made to be on a stage and some just ain't. Let me put it this way; the stage is not an idealistic place for me to be, even though I like playing live. But this time around I will be bringing a whole band with me, things tend to become a lot easier when you're not all alone up on the stage.

The title, "Kill Hollywood me", what do you mean? What is a "Hollywood Me"?

First of all, there is a song on the record called "Kill Hollywood me". That song is just really a song among many others on the record, when I wrote it I felt like the title, Kill Hollywood Me, was a way of saying that I should stop taking myself so seriously all the time. The grass is not always greener on the other side. One shouldn't be so dramatic all the time, one should be happy!

But I wouldn't say that it sums up me as a person entirely, it's a title on one song and that title went on to name the whole record. It's just one thing of many things that I want to do.

When I've spoken with other artists living in Stockholm they sometimes describe something like a "Hollywood Me"-atmosphere around the clubs and music scene, say when it comes to which bands get to play on the popular venues, which people to talk to and such. Is this something you have experienced yourself?

That might be true, this town is like... sometimes I feel that it's very nice just to stay at home for instance, to write a song maybe, but you tend to forget such things when it's very hectic, as it tends to be most of the times.

You've got lots of guests on this record, Christian Kjellvander and Markus Kruneg�rd from Laakso to name a few, but not Kristofer �str�m. How come?

I wanted to make the best possible record that I could make, in order to do that I decided to get some help from all the necessary people I thought could help me with my mission. The reason for Kristofer not being on the album is purely coincidental. He lives in G�teborg these days, and he's away playing with his own band most of the time; there just wasn't an opportunity for him to swing by the studio. Which I'm sure he would have done, had he had the time. But we'll surely work together sometime in the future again; no worries.

In the video for "You are not my boyfriend" pink paint starts running from your nose, colourful paint being a theme for the video. What's your take on the visual part of your music?

I usually let the directors do their thing, even though I still get to have my say and the right to discard ideas I don't like or think will work. But I don't usually look upon myself as an artist in that way, I feel more like a songwriter and musician than an artist. I have somewhat of a phobia of motion picture and music; I think it's silly, but I still try my best.

Both "Top quality bones and a little terrorist" and "Kill Hollywood me", together with the videos for the singles, create something abstract that I directly connect with "Britta Persson". Is this image-making something you need to do in order to survive in the music business?

You need to create good music, but of course, you also need to have some kind of concept or big picture where everything fits as well. I only work with people whom I think do a really good job and whose results I really like. But in the end, it all comes down to the music, good music will always find ways to flourish.

LINK: http://www.brittapersson.com/
LINK: http://www.myspace.com/brittapersson

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 14:13:48 -0500

Fluxblog posts a track from the new Britta Persson album "Kill Hollywood me": http://www.fluxblog.org/2008/01/you-look-like-mirror-to-me.html
I must say that I love this album more and more each time I listen to it. Britta has always been a strong artist from her early demos, but she's grown by leaps and bounds here, especially in terms of production and arrangements. Hopefully she'll finally start to get more of the international attention she deserves.

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 12:28:50 -0500

This week's top 20 Swedish album chart:

01. Sofia Karlsson - Visor fr�n vinden
02. Lars Winnerb�ck - Daugava
03. Alf Robertson - Alf Robertsons b�sta
04. Kent - Tillbaka till samtiden
05. Salem Al Fakir - This is who I am
06. Sahara Hotnights - What if leaving is a loving thing
07. Jill Johnson - Music Row
08. S�kert! - S�kert!
09. Marie Picasso - The secret
10. Benny Anderssons Orkester - Bao 3
11. Lars Winnerb�ck - Efter nattens br�nder - 1996-2006
12. Magnus Uggla - P�rlor �t svinen
14. Peter J�back - M�nniskor som du och jag
15. Britta Persson - Kill Hollywood me
16. Peter Lemarc - K�rlek i tystnadens tid
17. Elin Ruth Sigvardsson - A fiction
18. Petter - God damn it
19. Nisse Hellberg - En tiger i tanken
20. Martin Stenmarck - Det �r det pojkar g�r n�r k�rleken d�r

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 14:56:49 -0500

This week's It's a Trap! Last.fm listening group top 10 tracks of the week:

01. Britta Persson - Cliffhanger
02. Firefox AK - Winter rose (ft. Tiger Lou)
03. Christian Kjellvander - Two Souls
04. Jens Lekman - The Opposite of Hallelujah
05. Vampire Weekend - Oxford Comma
06. The National - Fake Empire
07. Band of Horses - The General Specific
08. Lykke Li - Little Bit
09. The Magnetic Fields - The Nun's Litany
10. Radiohead - 15 Step

Do you listen to music on your computer or with an iPod? Join us! Go here to learn more: http://www.last.fm/help/

Sat, 19 Jan 2008 19:53:07 -0500

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

01. Timo R�is�nen - Sixteen
02. TALK 1
03. Dreamboy - What have I done
04. Echo Is Your Love - Three ropes
05. The Raveonettes - Dead sound
06. TALK 2
07. Connny Nimmersj� - Dum i huvudet
08. Holiday Fun Club - Hamburg in the night
09. Elin Ruth Sigvardsson - Antidote
10. TALK 3
11. Christian Kjellvander - Two souls
12. Heroes & Zeros - The foolproof
13. G�te - Sj� attende
14. TALK 4
15. Repoman - Chemically obsessed
16. The Soundtrack of Our Lives - Instant Repeater '99
17. Petter - Logiskt (ft. S�kert)
18. TALK 5
19. Dieter Sch��n - Warm hearts
20. Springfactory - Stingy Friday afternoon
21. Sivert H�yem - Don't pass me by
22. TALK 6
23. Sweatmaster - Song with no words
24. Enslaved - Enemy I
25. The Concretes - Kids
26. TALK 7
27. Broder Daniel - Cruel town
28. September - Cry for you
29. Britta Persson - Cliffhanger
30. TALK 8
31. TLS - A song left for you
32. The End Will Be Kicks - Ass of a friend
33. Immanu El - Kosmonaut
34. TALK 9
35. Fare You Well - Deceiving eyes
36. Weeping Willows - So it's over
37. Firefox AK - Winter rose (ft. Tiger Lou)
38. TALK 10
39. Scraps of Tape - Death as it should be

Britta Persson - Cliffhanger

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 12:09:28 -0500

Britta Persson's "Cliffhanger" is both the first single and lead track off her new album "Kill Hollywood me" and it's a great song with an odd, unconventional melody that almost seems modal in timbre. As the title suggests, the chords shift restlessly without quite coming to a pleasant "pop" resolve until maybe the bridge. Even then, there's still an uneasiness to it. The very out/almost dissonant voicings of the piano only add to the unsettledness. It's definitely the jazziest we've ever heard from her and, as Lars suggests, is also reminiscent of adventurous 70s rock. Best of all however, is Britta's newfound level of supreme confidence. Her early demos were charming and always displayed huge potential for her talent, potential that's now being fully realized. The new record is good, but I think I'm even more excited to hear what's next.

Britta Persson - Kill Hollywood me (Amigo Musik)

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Something must have happened in Sweden around the time artists like Annika Norlin (Hello Saferide, S�kert!), Frida Hyv�nen and Britta Persson were young. Even as my musical tastes led me further from the introspective narratives of singer/songwriters from the United States and Britain, I've never been able to 'outgrow' many the female artists that populate the Scandinavian music scene. Many of these songstresses effortlessly combine the poppy with the shadowy, the quirky with the straight-forward, all without straining, overburdening, or warping the overall structure of their compositions. Britta Persson's "Kill Hollywood me" is no exception. The album kicks alive with "Cliffhanger" and its progression from guitars that feel as though they should lead into a huge 70s rock ballad, through wonderfully playful piano notes, and eventually to a bittersweet chorus, its chord progression never jarring the listener, though not unfolding in the way we've become accustomed to pop songs developing. All of the tracks on here are equally interesting to watch evolve in their idiosyncratic, sometimes eccentric, schemes; "Enter and leave" and "Happy hour" being my favorites. If you know what Britta Persson is about, then "Kill Hollywood me" is an organic continuation of her earlier work. If you don't, this album isn't a bad place to start.
- Lars Garvey Laing-Peterson
Rating: 8

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 17:33:47 -0500

In-stock and ready for order: Moto Boy - s/t
The debut album from Sweden's newest indie/pop hope! Also now available to order, though not quite in stock just yet:

Britta Persson - Kill Hollywood me (CD)
Commando M Pigg - Decenniet 1980-90 (CD)
Don't Be a Stranger - Frutti di mare (CD)
v/a - Svensk Punkklassiker vol. 2 (2CD)
Freddie Wadling - Klassiker (2CD)

Restocks of Hello Saferide and Laakso on the way too!

Sun, 13 Jan 2008 13:19:16 -0500

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

01. Britta Persson - Cliffhanger
02. TALK 1
03. Death By Kite - Sweet M
04. KVLR - Traitors and thieves
05. Anna Ternheim - Today is a good day
06. TALK 2
07. Don Juan Dracula - Take me home (Johan Angebj�rn remix feat. Sally Shapiro)
08. Amorphis - Weaving the incantation
09. Thomas Denver Jonsson - Dreams at the film club (feat. Nina Kinert)
10. TALK 3
11. Don't Be A Stranger - Lonely together
12. Madrugada - Tonight I have no words for you
13. Majessic Dreams - Have to go
14. TALK 4
15. Pavan - The bird
16. Br�derna Lindgren - Om en guldfisk (feat. Kristofer �str�m)
17. The Tarantula Waltz - Where I end and you begin
18. Adam Tensta - They wanna know
19. TALK 5
20. Commando M Pigg - Mot stj�rnorna
21. Gravy - Rock scientists
22. Jonas Game - ADHD
23. TALK 6
24. Linus Larsson & John Roger Olsson - In the shadow
25. Idiot Kid - Go to sleep
26. Mats �berg - Cool water - p� Den Gyldene Freden
27. TALK 7
28. Pascal - L�ngtar efter dig
29. The Bear Quartet - I would be poor
30. Peloton - Aranburu
31. Royal Downfall - Lightning strikes twice
32. TALK 8
33. Made In Sweden - Winter's a bummer
34. Erik Enocksson - The state the sea left me in
35. Asha Ali - Coward heart
36. TALK 9
37. A-ha - Celice

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 15:15:38 -0500

The video for the new Britta Persson single "Cliffhanger" is now online: http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=25701714
Stream the full album as well: http://www.myspace.com/brittapersson
Copies should be arriving in for mailorder next week.

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 18:08:07 -0500

Britta Persson just added a few more new tracks to myspace from her next album "Kill Hollywood me", due out later this month: http://www.myspace.com/brittapersson

Britta Persson - Hajar'u de d� Jack?

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 10:50:50 -0500

I don't know much about Cornelis Vreeswijk beyond what can be gleaned from his bio at wikipedia, but I am definitely aware of his reputation and eminent stature which is why I was immediately interested in the new all-star recreation of "Poem, ballader och lite blues" curated by G�ran Petersson and Nina Ramsby. Wordy music such as this doesn't always maintain its appeal for listeners who won't immediately understand the lyrics, but I find that the melodies are strong enough to carry it. The strong lineup helps too- Martin Hederos and Fredrik Sandsten from The Soundtrack of Our Lives play on almost every track along with respected jazz musicians such as Jonas Kullhammar and Johan Berthling. And that's just scratching the surface. As for the track I've decided to feature today, what's not to like about Britta Persson? I love the waltz-like lilt of the tune and Britta's delivery is fantastic, especially with the way she practically spits out some of the more aggressive lines. Great stuff.

Sat, 15 Dec 2007 19:47:25 -0500

The playlist for this week's radio show, an all-winter theme:

01. Ricochets - Cold outside
02. TALK 1
03. Shining - Winterreise
04. Britta Persson - Winter tour
05. Svenson - In the snow
06. Weeping Willows - Christmas in prison
07. TALK 2
08. The Tiny - No money (for X-mas)
09. Kompjotr Eplektrika - Blikktztunddonner
10. The Knife - Reindeer
11. TALK 3
12. Hello Saferide - iPod X-mas
13. January Jaunt - Stuck in glaziers
14. Darkthrone - Too old, too cold
15. TALK 4
16. S�llskapet - Nordlicht
17. E.S.T. - Strange place for snow
18. Sort Mel - Det gr�nne flesket
19. Notre Dame - A scrooge tale
20. TALK 5
21. Kristofer �str�m & Hidden Truck - Winter moment
22. Syster Lycklig - Bilden till sn�storm
23. The Book of Daniel - 3rd of December
24. TALK 6
25. Samuraj Cities - Cold feet
26. Amandine - Silver bells
27. Logcabin - View of frost
28. Silverbullit - Winter coat
29. TALK 7
30. In Flames - December flower
31. Viktor Sj�berg - On a winters day
32. The Bear Quartet - Blizzard
33. TALK 8
34. Brick - Gray day
35. Laakso - Merry Christmas
36. Strayfolk - Another year before the mast
37. TALK 9

Don't forget to vote for Sirius Blog Radio at the Plug Awards! Vote here: http://www.plugawards.com/general_vote.php
We are nominated under the category "Media (Obsessive) > Specialty Show Of The Year (Commercial Radio)".

Sun, 25 Nov 2007 11:40:54 -0500

Here's the playlist for this week's radio show, featuring special guest Pontus Levahn from the band Torpedo:

01. Fireside - Let Rasputin do it
02. TALK 1
03. Britta Persson - You are not my boyfriend
04. Hyacinth House - Lucky stranger
05. The Bear Quartet - Sailors
06. TALK 2
07. Jennie Abrahamson - In this life to live
08. Margaret Berger - Seek I'll hide
09. Heroes & Zeros - The foolproof
10. TALK 3
11. Folie - Strum
12. Ellen Beach - The widespread acclaim
13. The Indecision Alarm - Where every fucking dream is killed
14. TALK 4 (INTERVIEW)
15. Torpedo - From Russia with love
16. Rupesh Cartel - Comes the hour comes the man
17. TALK 5 (INTERVIEW)
18. Torpedo - Hospital
19. Tiger Lou - Until I'm there
20. TALK 6 (INTERVIEW)
21. Simon Ryman - Walk with me instead
22. Fanny Risberg - Stay with me forever
23. Lack - Deserters
24. TALK 7
25. The Je Ne Sais Quoi - Manic panic
26. Hebosagil - Slightly confusing
27. Dieter Sch��n - The harbour's cold
28. TALK 8
29. Lukestar - White shade
30. Fun - Hold it close
31. The Skull Defekts - The secret
32. TALK 9
33. Laakso - Great times underground
34. CS Nielsen - Black spots
35. Knugen Faller - Lugna favoriter
36. TALK 10
37. S�kert! - Allt som �r ditt

Fri, 23 Nov 2007 14:42:29 -0500

Britta Persson's brand new single "Cliffhanger" is streaming at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/brittapersson
Her much-anticipated new album "Kill Hollywood me" will be released on January 9.

Tue, 16 Oct 2007 11:59:21 -0400

Look for Britta Persson's new album "Kill Hollywood me" in January.

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 11:45:12 -0400

German tourdates for Britta Persson:

11/06 - tba, Frankfurt (GER)
11/07 - Stereo Wonderland, K�ln (GER)
11/08 - Falkendom, Bielefeld (GER)
11/09 - Cafe Panam, Leipzig (GER)
11/10 - Kino Central, Magdeburg (GER)
11/11 - Schokoladen, Berlin (GER)
11/13 - Fundbureau, Hamburg (GER)

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0400

Britta Persson's most recent album "Top quality bones..." will get a German release on October 26 via Make My Day Records.

Thu, 21 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0400

As mentioned yesterday, Britta Persson is coming to NYC in July and now here are the dates:

07/03 - Rockwood Music Hall
07/06 - The Living Room

More to come?

Wed, 20 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0400

Look for Britta Persson to play NYC in early July. Details soon.

Sat, 05 May 2007 00:00:00 -0400

Friday's Sirius Blog Radio playlist:

01. The Alpine - Mondays look the same
02. TALK 1
03. Gravy - Back with the nerds
04. Giant Robot - Best match
05. Jomi Massage - A detail
06. TALK 2
07. Broder Daniel - Shoreline
08. The Grand Opening - Don't drop off
09. Moonbabies - Take me to the ballroom
10. Britta Persson - Oh how wrong
11. TALK 3
12. Lemonator - Would you die for me?
13. Trapdoor Fucking Exit - Short ends
14. Billie the Vision and the Dancers - Overdosing with you
15. TALK 4
16. Folie - Rocin
17. Robyn - Handle me
18. Laakso - Norrk�ping
19. TALK 5
20. Magnet - I walk the line
21. Isolation Years - Albino child
22. KVLR - Construction work
23. TALK 6
24. Anna Leong - 61
25. Tigerbombs - One giant leap
26. Motorpsycho - Hyena
27. TALK 7
28. Oskar Sch�nning - Other birds
29. Pan Sonic - R�hin� II / Mayhem II
30. Mercyful Fate - Evil
31. TALK 8
32. Ricochets - Come around over
33. Ghost Brigade - Based on you
34. Smalltown - The music
35. Popface - In the night
36. TALK 9
37. Circle Six - 1

Thu, 03 May 2007 00:00:00 -0400

Swedish singer/songwriter Britta Persson will play Paris on May 21.

Wed, 04 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0400

New tourdates for Swedish singer/songwriter Britta Persson:

05/10 - Schokoladen, Berlin (GER)
05/11 - Kino Central, Magdeburg (GER)
05/12 - UT Connewitz, Leipzig (GER)
05/13 - Caf� Impuls, Stuttgart / Remseck (GER)
05/14 - Hafen 2, Offenbach (GER)
05/15 - Juz, Saarlouis / Wallerfangen-Ihn (GER)
05/16 - Falkendom, Bielefeld (GER)
05/17 - Nun, Karlsruhe (GER)
05/18 - Cultur Centre, Bievre (BEL)
05/19 - Lokal ohne Namen, Gelsenkirchen (GER)
05/20 - Astra Stube, Hamburg (GER)

Fri, 30 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0400

Restocks of Britta Persson most excellent "Top quality bones and a little terrorist" just arrived this afternoon: [click here]
Maia Hirasawa's new album "Though, I'm just me" just came in as well and I'll start taking preorders shortly (It comes out next week).

Mon, 12 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0400

German tourdates for Britta Persson:

05/09 - Kino Central, Magdeburg
05/10 - Schokoladen, Berlin
05/12 - UT Connewitz, Leipzig
05/15 - Juz, Wallerfangen
05/16 - Falkendom, Bielefeld
05/17 - Nun, Karlsruhe
05/19 - Lokal ohne Namen, Gelsenkirchen

Fri, 09 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Please note that I added a whole bunch of new Logh dates to the "In Concert" section in the sidebar. Test presses for the new 7" arrived yesterday and sound fantastic, so we're on-track to get the finished vinyl by the end of the month. BrooklynVegan readers may want to note that the b-side "Into the night" features Britta Persson and can be downloaded in the mp3 playlist area on the right (click the expand-bar at the bottom to find the link).

Logh - Into the night

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0500

A new month means a new album of the month selection for the record club, so if you'll look to the right you'll see that March's selection is "Museum of future sound", the new skweee comp on the way from Flogsta Danshall. This disc is so fresh, it won't be ready for shipping until mid-month, but you can preview a few tracks at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/flogstadanshall
Want to learn more about the new sensation known as skweee? Start with wikipedia and venture onward!
Also note that the price of subscription has gone up another dollar to $12/mo, still a total steal considering all the extras you get for being a member. I'm gonna try to hold it at this price for awhile, but we'll see how it goes. I gotta cover costs, y'know?

The other exciting news for the day is that I've started taking preorders on the new Logh 7" I'm putting out. It's been sent to press, so I expect to have the finished product within 3-4 weeks at the most. In the meantime, I've posted the b-side for download 'cuz I know that a lot of people are excited to hear it. Logh + Britta Persson covering the theme to "Twin Peaks". How awesome is that?

Tue, 09 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0500

The nominees for the 2007 Manifest Awards, Sweden's alternative to the Grammy:

Hip-hop/R&B/Soul:
Up Hygh! - Venus - The Album (Raw Fusion/Border)
Ison & Fille - Stolthet (Hemmalaget/V2/BAM)
Supersci - Pinetrees On The Pavement (Flyphonic/Lights Out/Border)
Lazee - It Is What It Is (Skrilla Music)
Promoe - The White Mans Burden (Burning Heart/BAM)
Electronica/Post-rock/Synth:
Covenant - Skyshaper (Subspace Communications/Playground Music)
Ebb - Loona (Gaymonkey Records/Border)
FAP - Malekasino Dondolo (Stupid Dream Records/Musicspot)
System - Sample And Hold (Progress Productions/Border)
The Idealist - I Am The Fire (AA/Nosordo/dotshop.se)
Pop/Rock:
The Radio Dept. - Pet grief (Labrador/Border)
Nicolas Makelberge - Dying in Africa (*Rico/Border)
Fibes, Oh Fibes! - Emotional (Pluxemburg/Playground Music)
The Concretes - In Colour (Licking Fingers/Playground Music)
Ebba Forsberg - Ebba Forsberg (EBOTH Production/BAM)
Jazz:
My Engstr�m Renman - Abdominous (Footprint Records/CDA)
Jonas Kullhammar Quartet - Son of a Drummer (Moserobie/BAM)
Oddjob � Luma (Amigo/BAM)
Oskar Sch�nning - Happy Jazz, Please (Amigo/BAM)
Lennart �berg with Peter Erskine - Free Spirit (Amigo/BAM)
Singer/Songwriter:
Andreas Mattsson - The Lawlessness Of The Ruling Classes (Hybris/Playground Music)
Britta Persson - Top Quality Bones And A Little Terrorist (Amigo/BAM)
The Lancaster Orchestra - Never Cried Once When I Could Have (Rootsy.nu/Border)
Loney, Dear - Sologne (Dear John Recordings/Dotshop.se)
Nina Ramsby & Martin Hederos - Jazzen (Amigo/BAM)
Dance/House/Techno:
The Knife - Silent Shout (Rabid Records/Border)
Unai - A Love Moderne (Force Tracks/Intergroove)
Dibaba - samlad produktion 2006 (Plong!/Kompakt mfl)
Pluxus - Solid State (Pluxemburg/Playground Music)
The Studio - West Coast (Information/Border)
Hard-rock/Punk:
In Flames - Come Clarity (Nuclear Blast/Sound Pollution)
Fingerspitzengef�hl - Happy Doomsday (Kooljunk Communications/CDA)
Asta Kask - En F�r Alla Ingen F�r N�n (Burning Heart/BAM)
Wolverine - Still (Candlelight Records/Sound Pollution)
Memfis - The Wind-Up (Dental Records/TMC Nordic)
Folk/World/Reggae
Bosse Skoglund � Groovesopor (Rub-a-dub Records/Border)
G�ran M�nsson - Mon (Nordic Tunes/CDA)
Bebo Vald�s � Bebo (Calle 54/BMG Dist)
Lena Willemark - �lvdalens elektriska (Amigo/BAM)
Ranarim - Morgonstj�rna (Drone/CDA)
Best live act:
The Radio Dept.
Mapei
The Knife
The Je Ne Sais Quoi
Slagsm�lsklubben
Best newcomer:
Vapnet - Jag Vet Hur Man V�ntar (Hybris/Playground)
Britta Persson - Top Quality Bones And A Little Terrorist (Amigo/BAM)
The Kid - La Soci�t� Nouvelle (Hybris/Playground)
Loney, Dear - Sologne (Dear John Recordings/Dotshop.se)
Lo-Fi-Fnk - Boylife (La Vida Locash/dotshop.se)
Best unsigned act (Digfi Prize):
The Wonderful Guinea Pigs (Link�ping)
Denver Mod (J�nk�ping)
The Open Up And Bleeds (Stockholm)
Trucker Cleavage (Stockholm)
Ikons (G�teborg)

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

Fri, 15 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0500

Official top 10 releases for 2006, in alphabetical order:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Top 10s for 2006: Staff picks

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0500

Not everyone was able to get their lists in on time, but I think you'll find more than enough titles here well-worth investigating, whatever your tastes may be. Enjoy!

Jonas Appelqvist:

01. The Fine Arts Showcase � Radiola (Adrian Recordings)
When Christian released a kinda mediocre record, Gustav stepped up, delivered and restored the honour of the Kjellvander brothers.

02. C.Aarm� � Vita (Burning Heart)
Music for the gut, not the brain. G�teborg's finest punks just recently split up, it's a pity.

03. Hets � s/t (V2/Etikett: Hets)
I was a bit hesitative when I heard that members from Laakso, Fireside and Moneybrother formed a band. They proved me wrong.

04. Raised Fist � The sound of the republic (Burning Heart Records)
This long awaited full-length proved to be exactly what I hoped for. Uncompromising hardcore, this time with hooks!

05. Insurgent Kid � Paranoia (Wasted Sounds)
Just recently released and it went straight into this list. The punkrock on this disc is, in fact, all I ever need.

06. Khoma � The second wave (Roadrunner)
I always knew something good would come out of Plastic Pride.

07. Aerial � Black rain from the nombing (Nomethod)
Epic and almost instrumental post-rock from Sandviken that moved me big time.

08. Tar... Feathers � Make way for the ocean floor to fall to the surface (Release the Bats!)
Self-willed indiepop that sounds like Modest Mouse mixed with Xiu Xiu at times.

09. Darkthrone � The cult is alive (Peaceville)
Pioneers that released their most interesting record since "Total Death". Black-metal with one hell of a punkrockattitude!

10. Cult of Luna � Somewhere along the highway (Earache)
One of the records I've listened to the most in 2006 and it's still intriguing.

Top 3 non-scandinavian records of 2006:
Converge � No heroes (Epitaph)
Electric President � s/t (Morr Music)
Cursive � Happy hollow (Saddle Creek)

Nancy Baym:

01. Hell On Wheels - The odd church (Hybris/PlayRec)
It's catchy, it's quirky, it's consistently strong. And it's interesting too.

02. Skywriter - Where both worlds never meet (Iceberg Records)
The slow ones drag a bit, but the fast songs are a sublime mix of sexy, cool, driving and restrained.

03. Consequences - s/t (BOW/Groover Recordings)
Puts the "infection" in infectious pop. I can't stop listening to it and really don't want to either.

04. Peter Bjorn and John - Writer's block (V2/Wichita)
Not as good as last year's "Falling out", but an okay Peter Bjorn and John record is still better than most.

05. Pelle Carlberg - Everything. Now! (Labrador)
He's thoughtful, he's sensitive, he's twee, but most of all he's the perfect mix of soothing and beautiful. Frazzled nerves be gone!

06. The Phonies - Gran tourettes (Money Laundry Records)
Inconsistent record from Finland's Phonies, but it's best songs are exhuberant enough to carry the rest.

07. Billie the Vision & the Dancers - The world according to Pablo (self-released)
While I'm From Barcelona gets all the buzz, I prefer this. It's kind of mellow, a little dark, sort of conceptual if you bother to figure it out, but most of all, it just sounds good.

08. David & the Citizens - Stop the tape! Stop the tape! (Bad Taste)
David Fridlund's a melodic genius and the music may be better than ever, but Fridlund's angst runs too close to whining too much of the time.

09. Starflower - Moment in the sun (Music Is My Girlfriend)
Tranquil and poppy, youthful and tuneful, it's a gentle little debut from a band I hope will diversify its sound in releases to come.

10. The Charade - Real Life Drama (Skipping Stones)
Half of this is too sweet for me, but the rest is charming as all get out, and "September" easily wins the award for catchiest sugar pop song of the year.

Honorable Mentions:

Sivert H�yem and the Volunteers - Exiles (Hektor Grammofon)
It's not out yet and I've only heard 2 songs, but given his track record with Madrugada and his last solo record, it's guaranteed a spot in my top 10 when I do get to hear the rest.

Tiger Lou - The loyal (Startracks)
It came out in 2005 but now I've finally heard this record. It's got such a cool consistent vibe, such a unique sound, and I'm under it's spell completely.

Matt Giordano:

01. Peter Bjorn and John - Writers block (V2/Wichita)
After last years excellent "Falling out" I expected a great album, but this release just floored me.

02. Loney, Dear - Sologne (Dear John)
Yes, this is technically a re-release, and yes, it's that good.

03. The Fine Arts Showcase - Radiola (Adrian)
This is the new album I listened to most this year, and a it was quite a leap artistically for Mr. Kjellvander.

04. Hell On Wheels - The odd church (Hybris)
This one sat in my room for about a month until one day I brought it in the car with me, and to say the least, I was impressed.

05. Vapnet - Jag vet hur man v�ntar (Hybris)
"Thom�egr�nd" instantly hit me with pure pop genuis, and this album is so textured and deep, it has yet to be fully realised.

06. Firefox AK - Madame, madame! (Razzia)
It took me a while, but I have finally realised how genius this album is.

07. Nicolai Dunger - Sjunger Edith S�dergran (EMI)
I believe this is Mr. Dunger's most cohesive album to date, and perhaps his most intimate.

08. Sibiria - Inom familjen (Hybris)
Martin A and Martin H put out two stellar albums in one year. Gorgeous.

09. The Knife - Silent shout (Rabid)
This album is both bleak and enchanting.

10. David & The Citizens - Stop the tape! Stop the tape! (Bad Taste)
This album is so solid, and it should silence all of the naysayers.

Other:

Best 2005 release of 2006:
El Perro Del Mar - El Perro Del Mar (Memphis Industries/The Control Group)
Gorgeous, that is the only way to describe the songwriting of Sarah Assbring, and it's good to see the rest of the world catching on.

Top three non-Scandinavian releases:

Tom Waits - Orphans (Anti)
This is absolutely essential.

Nobody & Mystic Chords Of Memory - Tree colored see (Mush)
Another post-Beachwood Sparks work of excellence, now I'm only wishing for Beachwood Sparks to reunite.

My Morning Jacket - Okonokos (RCA)
America's best current live band, and this is their document.

Top ten songs of 2006*
01. Montt Mardi� - "My girlfriend is in the Grand Prix finals" from "Science" (Hybris)
02. Peter Bjorn and John - "Paris 2004" from "Writers block" (V2)
03. Kristofer �str�m - "So much for staying alive" from "Black Valley" (Startracks)
04. Loney, Dear - "The city, the airport" from "Sologne" (Dear John)
05. Tom Waits - "Bottom of the world" from "Orphans" (Anti)
06. Vapnet - "Thom�egr�nd" from "Jag vet hur man v�ntar" (Hybris)
07. The Velvet Teen - "Gyzmkid" from "Cum laude" (Slowdance)
08. Nicolai Dunger - "Lyckokatt" from "Sjunger Edith S�dergran" (Dolores)
09. Loose Fur - "The ruling class" from "Born again in the USA" (Drag City)
10. Islands - "Don't call me Whitney, Bobby" from "Return to the sea" (Equator)

*These songs, as well as 31 others appear on my "Best of 2006" mix, which I have made 20 copies of as a double-disc set to give away to the readers of It's A Trap! Here's the deal, the first twenty people to email me at matthew dot giordano at macys dot com with their name and postal address will receive a copy (as well as tracklisting) in the mail. Enjoy.

Kevin Renick, in alphabetical order:

01. Ampop - My delusions (Dennis Records)
Balancing the epic and the emotive is an increasingly dicey proposition as more and more groups on both sides of the Atlantic sacrifice one or the other in the process. Iceland's Ampop gets the blend just right with these 11 surgingly powerful, yet fragile tunes. .

02. El Perro Del Mar - s/t (Memphis Industries)
Possibly the most bubbly, infectious, melodically rich, beautifully sung sad album ever made.

03. Sofia Hardig - The need to destroy (Filthy Records)
An adventurous electronica foray in which Sofia makes an art out of distorted vocals that are nonetheless emotionally wrenching. Dark, machine-laden grooves that grip the soul.

04. The Knife - Silent shout (Brille Records)
By any standard, one of the year's boldest and most significant records, especially for a spooked, tech-savvy, mask-wearin', brother-sister dance-tronica act.

05. Lampshade - Let's away (Glitterhouse)
The sophomore release by this fabulous Swedish/Danish group is just as good as the debut; RebekkaMaria and company fuse primal rock and Scandi sensuality together in a thoroughly compelling manner.

06. Mew - And the glass-handed kites (Sony BMG Music)
A continuously flowing, continuously melodic and dazzling production that got many satisfying spins on my car stereo in 2006.

07. Monty's Loco - Man overboard (NONS)
Take a female vocalist who's like a tougher Emiliana Torrini, add equal parts acoustic/electronic instrumentation, throw in a few dollops of inspired weirdness and mix/produce well. Result: a grabber of an album that tickles the sonic taste buds..

08. Britta Persson - Top quality bones and a little terrorist (Amigo)
I like my Scandinavian music to be a little tart. Britta's debut CD is positively lemony from start to finish, a real standout in a year filled with great records by Scandi girls.

09. Patrik Skantze and the Free Souls Society - Fiction at first view (Mimo Sound)
A master class in inspired prog songcraft, superb guitar playing and the art of channeling diverse influences into your own lovingly prepared recipe.

10. Sonores - Elefanten (Structures Sonores)
As a long-time fan of both atmospheric ambient and mournful female vocals, this texturally absorbing disc had me at "eftermiddag".

Best EP: Detektivbyr�n - Hemv�gen (Danarkia)
Best CD to reevaluate your life to: Es - Sateenkkarisuudelma (K-RAA-K)
Best reasons to have faith that the spirit of weirdness lives on in Scandiland: The Bear Quartet, Sir Eric Beyond, and Tar...Feathers

Simon Tagestam:

01. Vapnet � Jag vet hur man v�ntar (album / Hybris)
Vapnet lived up to all my expectations and delivered a fantastic album

02. Moneybrother � De vet ingenting om oss (single / Hacka Skivindustri)
This song came totally unexpected and instantly floored me.

03. Lo-Fi-Fnk � Boylife (album / La Vida Loca)
Very exciting album from Sweden�s new dance kings, now TTA gone all new age.

04. Mattias Alkberg BD - Ditt hj�rta �r en stj�rna (album / A West Side Fabrication)
Third and best album from this Bear Quartet member.

05. Taxi Taxi � Old big trees (song on myspace)
Killer song. Got high hopes for these young twins.

06. I'm From Barcelona - Let me introduce my friends (album / Dolores)
Hate them live, but still love their music.

07. Juni J�rvi - Wherever thou art (album / Everlasting)
The surprise hit of the year, a collection of some magnificent songs.

08. [ingenting] - Mycket v�sen f�r ingenting (album / Labrador)
An album that deserved much more attention and praise than it got.

09. Juvelen � Watch your step (song on myspace)
Sounds exactly like Prince when he was at his best. Pretty damn good that is!

10. Sir Eric Beyond and the Avant-Garde - s/t (album / Flora & Fauna)
Weirdest and most wonderful gig at Emmaboda this year where 'Sir Eric', even though he's Swedish, only talked in English in-between songs. He also released a fine record.

Three amazing songs from albums that I wasn't too keen on:
Fattaru � 100 sp�nn
Hello Saferide � The quiz
Peter Bjorn and John � Young folks

---------------------------

Jonas Appelqvist is in the works of completing the first fullengthrecord with Blinders On, indierock based in Malm�. The band is, as I write this, finished with the mixing and the mastering of the album entitled "Obsolete music", so we should expect a release in January. The 17th, to be precise. More on that after New Year's Eve.

Nancy Baym can be found happily blogging away at Online Fandom and digging music at Last.fm.

Matt Giordano wishes everyone safe, yet wine-filled holidays and New Year's celebrations, and hopes those who'll be getting his "Best of 2006 mix" enjoy them. He also hopes Arsenal can pick up the pace in the premier league and that Scandinavian bands continue to release the world's best music. Here are the new releases he's looking forward to in 2007: two Laakso records, Kristofer �str�m, Shout Out Louds, Via Audio, Christian Kjellvander, Spoon, Tiger Lou (I can hope), My Morning Jacket (I can hope), Nick Cave (I think it's about time for another), Moonbabies, Nicolai Dunger, and all Hyrbis releases.

Kevin Renick is exhausted from trying to pare down the list of favorites from a really great year in music.

Simon Tagestam is a regular contributor to IAT and he doesn't really have any plans for 2007, except some vague ideas concerning a Nintendo Wii, his mother's 60th birthday, more tattoos, and badminton.