11/07 - Music Hall of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY
11/08 - Union Transfer, Philadelphia, PA
11/09 - Royale Night Club, Boston, MA
11/10 - Webster Hall, New York, NY
11/13 - Metro, Chicago, IL
11/15 - The Fillmore, San Francisco, CA
11/17 - The Fonda Theatre, Hollywood, CA

Another tune from the upcoming Vyn album, due out December 7 via Fashionpolice/Border Music. If you dig pastoral rock like Björn Olsson or The Amazing, you'll dig this and hey -- Christoffer Gunrup from the latter band will be playing some acoustic songs at the release party on December 3 at Folkoperan in Stockholm.

Watch The Amazing play a couple new tunes on Swedish TV.

The YouTube e-card for the new Anna Järvinen album "Anna själv tredje" which, as you will hear, was recorded with dudes from Dungen and The Amazing. Direct link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHwfiz_lPbM

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 Våg/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 Sundfør - 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.

Säkert! - 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 Hökarängen (Cosy/Lo And Behold)
My favorite indiepop album of 2010.

Plus a few more names: Ikons, Haust, Slöa 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!

Filmed in gritty Super 8, this is the video for "Head beaches" from the excellent Swedish psych act The Amazing. Direct link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZKwJBWS9UQ

Oh, hey -- a new Dungen video! I still prefer The Amazing and probably always will, but this song is still pretty chill. Direct link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qt5PRQTh1K4

01. Baby Alice - Piña colada boy
02. TALK 1
03. CEO - Come with me
04. Faster Katt - The girl and the crow
05. EL-SD - Walking sideways
06. Masshysteri - Dom kan inte höra musiken
07. TALK 2
08. Champagne Riot - The champagne anthem
09. Khoma - In it for fighting
10. Dear Euphoria - Rescue
11. Haust - Anti-reproductive
12. TALK 3
13. This Is Head - 0011
14. Familjen - Det var jag
15. Mikkel Meyer - Tunge (feat. Non)
16. TALK 4
17. Rasmus Kellerman - The greatness & me
18. Grande Roses - The astronaut
19. We Live In Trenches - White knuckles
20. The Amazing - And it looks like today
21. TALK 5

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

01. Enforcer - High roller
02. TALK 1
03. Robyn - Dancing on my own
04. The Amazing - And it looks like today
05. Årabrot - End of first chant: II
06. TALK 2
07. The Bombettes - Cherry shot
08. Underachiever - No rain (arson)
09. Lapko - Kiss 'n' cry
10. TALK 3
11. The Howard Way - Runaway
12. Familjen - Socker
13. Deathchain - The crawling chaos
14. Lågkonjunkturen - Den här låten handlar om...
15. TALK 4
16. Anna von Hausswolff - Track of time
17. Marit Bergman - Free falling
18. Jennie Abrahamson - I lost my heart
19. TALK 5
20. Menfolk - Rubato (con song)

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.

01. TALK 1
02. Marit Bergman - Höstvisa
03. Viola - No connection
04. Brothers of End - Why
05. TALK 2
06. Oriel Joans - Knuckles whiten
07. The Bear Quartet - Carry your weight
08. Kornstad - Oslo
09. TALK 3
10. The Amazing - Is it likely
11. Erik Enocksson - Non lupi
12. [ingenting] - Dina händer är fulla av blommor
13. TALK 4
14. Sivert Høyem - Empty house
15. Rickard Jäverling - May & Lee
16. Isolation Years - Let's step aside
17. TALK 5
18. Elmo - Young love

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.

Axe kicked off the night with some ferocious hardcore-noise-punk in the vein of Brick and that old hardcore band from Sigtuna that I can't remember the name of right now. They were really cool. They've got hooks! Check out their myspace and you'll see what I mean (the song "Firmafest" is an amazing stand-out!). They also are not afraid to go mid-tempo for some noise-intensity. The live-experience was great, yet lacking some volume and conviction, but hopefully they'll iron this out. If they do, this band will be a force to be reckoned with.

EL-SD were a bit more heady, recalling early Unwound, Sonic Youth, even early Quagmire (!) as well as sporting "Yank crime"-era Drive Like Jehu song lengths. I was blissing out ofc, with the amazing gzzz-ing and no-wave picking guitars of David Fried right in front of me and bumping into Frippe going crazy wielding the bass. Good shit, this.

Karpis went metal on me, taking noise-rock down drop-tuning with growling even. They were bringing it, but I was kind of done unfortunately, trying to flirt, drink beer and stuff instead. I'll catch more of your set next time guys, promise!

So, fellow travelers, when in Stockholm, I humbly suggest you forgo established venues, constantly applying the one-size-fits-all-indie-dancefloor after every damn concert, for the basement jovial hardcore-scene-experience. Get your promille up and cheer for your new-found favourite underground band! You can even pogo a bit if u'd like.]]> Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:32:19 -0700 reviews http://www.itsatrap.com/n/32013-dragon-track-review-pitchfork http://www.itsatrap.com/n/32013-dragon-track-review-pitchfork http://www.itsatrap.com/n/32013-dragon-track-review-pitchfork#comments The Amazing's "Dragon" gets a 7 in Pitchfork's track review: http://pitchfork.com/reviews/tracks/11570-dragon/

01. Markus Krunegård
02. Kent
03. The Bear Quartet
04. El Perro del Mar
05. Kings of Convenience
06. Håkan Hellström
07. Fever Ray
08. Loney, Dear
09. The Amazing
10. Lake Heartbeat

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/

01. Joensuu 1685 - I'm on fire
02. TALK 1
03. Boy Omega - Dinosaur drugs
04. Katatonia - Forsaker
05. Moloken - Die fear will
06. TALK 2
07. Rising - Dead kings
08. The Cardigans - Erase/rewind
09. The Amazing - Dragon
10. TALK 3
11. The First Miles - Black heart
12. [ingenting] - Medan vi sov
13. Skriet - Kärlekens land
14. TALK 4
15. Abandon - It's all gone

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.

01. Samuraj Cities - 2 close 2 yr hrt
02. TALK 1
03. Pirate Love - Laughing gas
04. Fare You Well - Overload
05. Kap Kap - Steel wheels
06. TALK 2
07. Elmo - Two becomes one
08. Johndoe - Hardt som faen
09. The Black - On the descent to hell
10. The Amazing - Dragon
11. TALK 3
12. The Bear Quartet - I was a weapon
13. Aerial - All refrain
14. Mögel - Håll mig hårt
15. TALK 4
16. Je Suis Animal - Painted in my face
17. Katatonia - Deadhouse
18. Pixie Carnation - Little sister
19. Björn Kleinhenz - Show me love
20. TALK 5
21. New Decade - I guess you ran from something

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.

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

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

01. Laakso - Worst case scenario
02. TALK 1
03. The Kid - Mayhem troopers
04. We Live In Trenches - Autonomy clinic
05. Detektivbyrån - Om du möter varg
06. TALK 2
07. I'm From Barcelona - Paper planes
08. Wired for Mono - The man behind the wall
09. The Amazing - Dragon
10. TALK 3
11. Pugh Rogefeldt - Surabaya Johnny
12. Opeth - The lotus eater
13. The Knife - Silent shout
14. TALK 4
15. Culkin - Allegiance
16. Haust - Desperate living
17. Lack - Behead
18. Nitad - Ge mig ge mig
19. TALK 5
20. Kamraterna - Det här är ditt land

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

Club 8, the duo of Johan Angergård and Karolina Komstedt, headlined the evening with four backing musicians and the expectations were sky high. Unfortunately, my expectations weren't really exceeded by their live show. The dreamy pop featured on the new album "The boy who couldn't stop dreaming" wasn't as dreamy and catchy as I, and many with me, hoped for. But, and there is a but, they did a charming show and it was flawless. And maybe that's what I'm having problems with. The lyrics, which are a wee bit dark and gloomy, needs some edge to come out as they're meant to come out. Don't get me wrong, their Belle & Sebastian-ish indiepop is, in comparison, one of the best out there. I mean, "Heaven" is a song made in... heaven. Live is just not the best forum for the band.
- Jonas Appelqvist]]> Mon, 22 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0700 articles reviews http://www.itsatrap.com/n/25702-festival-report-accelerator http://www.itsatrap.com/n/25702-festival-report-accelerator http://www.itsatrap.com/n/25702-festival-report-accelerator#comments Håkan Hellström has done it. The Hives as well. Moneybrother was still unknown when he did it. Loney, Dear has done it twice, counting this occasion. Done what you say? Played on Accelerator – The Big One of course. Or the Accelerator Festival as they call it these days. But what's so special about that you might ask? Great bands plays gigs all the time, right? The thing with Accelerator is that you get to see the stars of tomorrow today. Håkan Hellstöm played in 2000, The Hives in 2001 and Moneybrother in 2002. None of those bands had the stardom they have today, they where all artists on the rise. That's what makes the Accelerator festival so exciting, they have the perfect mix of really hot and great bands, both native and foreign. This year's line up includes the return of José González, Jens Lekman and The Tough Alliance. Peter Bjorn and John will play their super hit "Young folks" and Victoria Bergsman will introduce you to her new project Taken By Trees, proving that there's a life after The Concretes. To name a few things. But don't worry, IAT has its tentacles everywhere, and provides a full report from all three days in both Göteborg and Stockholm. Enjoy!
- Christian Stenbacke

Göteborg

Text and photos by Christian Stenbacke.

[ingenting]
I was wrong. In the festival preview I listed [ingenting] as one of the must-sees. I also wrote that the band has its ups and its downs; the gig at Accelerator Göteborg was surely not one of the ups, in fact, it was even worse than just a regular down. There's one thing that I can't stand, and that's when a band or an artist takes the audience for granted. Replacing Kate Nash at the last minute, [ingenting] suddenly got the chance to play one of Sweden's most credible events, but what do they do? Nothing. Singer Christopher Sander looks bored out of his mind, the rest of the band does try; but the energy just isn't there. And quite frankly, bands might need to rehearse from time to time. There are far too many technical errors to my satisfaction tonight. But then again, they do have the most marvellous songs. In my head I can hear perfect versions of "Julia" and "Suzanne (vi kan inte gå hand i hand)", even though they're not, because I want to. I really like this band, a genuine pop band singing in Swedish, and doing it well, but there's a limit to everything. And no "Punkdrömmar". The one song that could have made things somewhat right again. Oh well. Next time perhaps.

José González
When the first notes of "Crosses" echoes through the room I get goose bumps. Every single hair on my body seems to be on the rise. The song may have a couple of years on its neck by now, but it longer belongs to José González. It belongs to us. To the world. To everyone. Those where the words of Michael Stipe of R.E.M. when he introduced "Losing my religion" last time I went to one of their concerts. I believe you can use that phrase for most José González songs, the man has his way of stripping the music bare of nothing else but raw emotion. Even though it has been more than four years since the release of "Veneer", the songs still sound vital and fresh. But there's a new element in the live show this time around, the usually solitaire man from Göteborg is no longer alone. After at couple of songs, José is joined by Yukimi Nagano (known from her collaboration with Koop) on backing vocals and Erik Bodin on the bongo drums. Everything very subtle and gentle. Still, it brings a somewhat new dimension to the music. And the new songs… Perhaps nothing in the same class as "Crosses" or "Heartbeats" (a song he did not play tonight, unfortunately), but I have no doubt that "In our nature" (release date September 26) will be something to look forward to. Until then, make sure to catch José live if you have the opportunity, it's worth every penny.

Stockholm

Text and photos by Martin Eriksson.

Loney, Dear
The greatness of Loney, Dear lies not just within the amazing songwriting of Emil Svanängen, but in the chemistry between Emil and background vocalist Malin Stålberg. Watching Emil and Malin together makes you remember why people start bands in the first place. In contrast to Interpol's Paul Banks and his crew (playing later the same day), there is warmth about the whole performance. Watching Malin smiling as she sings and the band mates constant glancing at each other, you understand that these people were born to do what they do. In the afternoon sun, Loney, Dear made a terrific show, including a finale with up-beat versions of several songs from the albums.

Taken By Trees
Victoria Bergsman totally lives up to all expectations. Her performance is fragile, yet with some kind of power that leaves the crowd stunned and completely silent during the eclectic show. Backed up with several solid names (Björn Yttling, Jens Lekman, Erland Oye), Victoria's performance gave us proof that her talent didn't go down the drain with the split-up of The Concretes. (And no, she's not dull.)

Peter Bjorn and John
Although major parts of the crowd sadly left after playing you-know-what-song, Peter Bjorn And John made a great performance. Showing the ones of us who stayed the whole concert that the people begind the blog-movement "Stop Peter Bjorn and John" really should be going after someone else. There's lot of crap out there. PB&J is not included.

José Gonzáles
Backed up by talented companions on percussion and background vocals, José did a stunning afternoon show. When playing his cover of Massive Attack's "Teardrop", a girl in front of me broke into tears. Seeking solace in her boyfriend, she buried her head into his lap. The boyfriend: "it's ok. I cried when I heard it the first time as well."

And finally, the no-no of the day: There is no way I can understand the hype of The Tough Alliance. The final concert of the festival was so crowded that I didn't even have a chance to shoot any pics. People gave up an amazing concert by Bright Eyes to stand in a 20-minute line to get a glance of two morons singing/miming to mediocre beats. No, I just don't get it.

]]> Tue, 03 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0700 articles fest http://www.itsatrap.com/n/1020 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/1020 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/1020#comments Finnish weirdo electro-rockers Pepe Deluxé will release their third album "Spare time machine" on June 26 via Catskills Records and you can listen to samples on myspace: http://www.myspace.com/pepedeluxe
Few IAT readers will probably care, but I'm excited to read that Chris Cote of the amazing Boston band The Upper Crust sings on much of the record. In other news, the group's first album "Beatitude" is now available as a free download: http://music.aol.co.uk/artists/dance/pepe-deluxe-beatitude/article/20070606152709990009]]> Mon, 18 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0700 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/1315 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/1315 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/1315#comments Tack!Tack!Tack! got a mention over at Popjustice: http://www.popjustice.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1145&Itemid=206
T!T!T! is tonight, but should you find yourself in or around Berlin, be sure to check out Sweden, Sweden! tomorrow night at Club Magnet with the amazing lineup of Moonbabies and Seven Feet Four plus DJs Tiger Lou, Firefox AK and more! Seriously, so many of my favorite people all in one place. It's gonna be amazing.]]> Thu, 24 May 2007 00:00:00 -0700 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/25937-logh-north-bad-taste-records http://www.itsatrap.com/n/25937-logh-north-bad-taste-records http://www.itsatrap.com/n/25937-logh-north-bad-taste-records#comments "Every time a bell rings an angel gets his wings", released in 2001 for the band's introverted indierock mixed with atmospheric soundscapes. Rock suitable for a motion picture soundtrack. On "North", the band reveals qualities not shown since that first full-length. Despite the fact that it took some time to reconcile with the record this time, you've got to hand it to these guys as they've done it again! This time, it's a more focused record with no dead spots. A true masterpiece. Gone are the flirtations with the post-rock scene and Mathias Oldén once again proves himself to be a great songwriter. "The raging sun" and "A sunset panorama" are great albums as well, no doubt about that, but now it has all fallen into place. Considering songs like "Saturday nightmares" (the first single from the record, do check out the amazing video as well), "The black box" and "Thieves in the palace", Logh should be acknowledged by a wider audience.]]> Tue, 27 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0700 reviews http://www.itsatrap.com/n/25632-interview-helena-sundin-cake-on-cake http://www.itsatrap.com/n/25632-interview-helena-sundin-cake-on-cake http://www.itsatrap.com/n/25632-interview-helena-sundin-cake-on-cake#comments I've been a passionate follower of Scandinavian music for over five years now, and it's probably accurate to say that in general, I've been most affected by some of the amazing female artists of the region. I think genre boundaries have been obliterated by many of the singers and female-fronted bands who've emerged from Scandinavia in the past few years. Helena Sundin of Sweden's Cake on Cake exemplifies the brand of music that I'm especially partial to. It's a sweet, ethereal, softly evocative sound that blends acoustic and electronic instrumentation into a warm, soothing confection. And yes, it's layered, just like a cake. There's not an ounce of cynicism in anything Sundin does; her music is clearly pure and heartfelt. My advance of the new Cake on Cake CD, "I guess I was daydreaming", reveals it to be similar to last year's "I see no stars", but with more instruments in the mix and a bit more of a stretched-out production. It's still as lovely and richly melodic as ever, though. Sundin answered some questions for me on the eve of her band's second big tour of the United States (I'll be catching them in St. Louis on Nov. 15). For a list of tour dates, go to www.cakeoncake.com.
- Kevin Renick

KR: When did you start performing or writing music? And how did your family influence your interest in being a musician?

HS: I grew up with a mother who's a singing teacher and a father who's a trombonist and a music teacher, so there was a lot of music surrounding me from an early age. I have been playing different musical instruments since childhood and until the age of 18 I had planned to study classical singing at the music academy. I began recording sounds in the summer of 2004. Of course, I had always been making improvisations on the piano, but didn't start to record them until pretty late. I never really had in mind to become a pop-artist. My small sound experiments, mainly the result of me exploring the recording possibilities with my new computer, grew into pop songs and Cake on Cake was formed. That is the story.

KR: What music did you listen to growing up, and was there a particular artist who inspired you to do the kind of soft electronica you now perform?

HS: When I was a young teenager I was very much into indie pop. A couple of years later, when I turned 16, I started to discover my parents' LP collection with some music from the 70's. After that, when I began studying music in high school, I was very focused on classical music, especially baroque. Now I listen to everything--classical, jazz, pop, country, world music... I can understand that you categorize me as soft electronica, but I don't listen thatmuch to other bands in that genre, and wasn't influenced by them. I don't really know where my influences come from. Probably from everything that I like.

KR: Whenever I mention the name of your band to friends, they laugh and want to know where the name comes from. So I have to ask, what's the story behind "Cake on Cake"?

HS: I was having a studio visit by one of my professors in school (fine arts) and I was going to explain something about an art piece I had made. Since the professor was Icelandic, I had to talk in English. So I used a Swedish expression for when something is a bit too much, and I made a direct translation of it into English. "It is cake on cake," I said, and he laughed, since the term does not really exist in English, except from when it comes to baking wedding cakes. I really liked the sound of it and I started using it. I don't want to use my own name for my music, because I use it when making art. I like to hide behind a band name.

KR: You also seem reluctant to be photographed; there are very few photographs on your website or CD where your face is visible. Any particular reason for this? Is it just shyness?

HS: No, it isn't shyness. But it is true that I choose to keep a low profile. It might change in the future but at the moment that is what I feel most comfortable with.

KR: The new Cake on Cake CD is called "I guess I was daydreaming". What were you daydreaming about?

HS: I was very far away from people that I love and I imagined them having forgotten about me, maybe choosing new friends. So it is actually a song about jealousy. Also, I think that daydreams can provide some good song ideas.

KR: I remember that on your last album, you sang a lyric that went "Your dreams can come true." And there really does seem to be a kind of dreamlike atmosphere to much of your music. Do your actual dreams influence your songwriting at all?

HS: I cannot say that the dreams I have when I sleep affect me that much. Most of the time I can only remember them for a few minutes after I wake up. What does influence me a lot, though, is things that have actually happened to me and how I feel and act in my everyday life. Most of the time, my lyrics reflect a feeling, even if they lyrically seem to tell a story.

KR: Was there anything specific that changed from your debut album to the new one? Anything about your approach that was different?

HS: On "I guess I was daydreaming," I've been more open to the idea of bringing in other musicians in the process of making the record (although I still play most of the instruments myself). I now have a bassist, playing on all songs except two, and I also have a guitarist playing a solo and another musician adding steel-pan on three songs. I also felt inspired by different genres of music. I could write music with a greater awareness of style and from that, I plan how I would arrange the music. I was inspired by French pop from the 60's (Francoise Hardy, Gainsbourg, Brigitte Bardot), as well as world music sprirtuals. I feel that "I guess I was daydreaming," is more planned and arranged, in a good way.

KR: Do you feel a kinship with the Swedish music scene at all? And do you associate much with other musicians in your country? Also, is it helpful or daunting that there is such a focus on Scandinavian artists these days internationally?

HS: I do correspond with other Swedish musicians, but most of them are not in the same scene as myself. Some of them are jazz musicians and others are classical musicians. Of course, I vaguely know people in my own scene as well, and there are a couple of people who really helped me out and that I like a lot. There are some Swedish bands/musicians that I think are great and I could probably make a small list, and then later realise I forgot someone really important. To end with, no, I don't find it daunting that there is a focus on Swedish bands now. I think that it is just very good and websites like It's a Trap! and blogs on the Internet is just a good thing as well. I can say that there is a general and very common stress around hype, but that's something that cannot be avoided in this society.

KR: Most of the music getting major attention from Sweden seems to be fairly high-energy rock, stuff that reflects an '80s influence. Yet your music is very soft, ethereal and personal. Does this make you feel at all "alone in the neighborhood," so to speak? Do you feel you have enough of an audience for your unique sound?

HS: I do think that there's a supportive audience for this kind of music in Sweden, and I surely do know that there are bands in Sweden who are not high-energy rock, but who are more like me. I don't want to make a speech about the Swedish music scene, though, because I know too little about it. But I do not feel alone.

KR: Do you compose songs by writing lyrics first and then creating music to fit, or do you come up with the musical ideas first?

HS: Most of the time I start with a rhythm and then I find chords and melodies by improvising on the piano. After that, the lyrics usually come by themselves. Sometimes I also hear a song in my head, or I know that I want to make a waltz about love or something else. But I usually don't plan much; I go on the feeling and work impulsively. Many times it's like making a collage. I start with one thing and then I add and add until I feel that the song is finished.

KR: Many of your songs have this nursery rhyme quality, or they'll repeat a lyric like a chant. On the new record, you said "I love to miss you" several times in one song, or "There's a smile on my face," "There's a smile on your face," etc. Your songs are rarely the verse-chorus-verse type, and it's interesting. How do you make those decisions, about whether a song will just have one or two lines, or have more lyrics?

HS: Some songs are more like a story, when it has more to tell and therefore the lyric gets longer. I write the music first, and then I add the lyrics that I feel belong to the song. A couple of songs on "I guess I was daydreaming" are, as you say, chanting or like nursery rhymes. They don't have much lyrics, just one line going on and on. Those are inspired by spirituals and goodnight-songs. And in that case, the lyrics just extend the feeling of the song.

KR: There seems to be something more romantic about your new album than the last one. I love the song "Francoise," it's really beautiful. That one and "The accident" have this kind of rhythm that I don't often hear, where it's suitable for slow-dancing with someone. Have you ever slow-danced to one of your own songs?

HS: "I guess I was daydreaming" is indeed more romantic than "I see no stars". No, I've never slow-danced to my own songs but I could definitely imagine it when I was writing them.

KR: Have you noticed a difference in the way people respond to your music in the US than they do in your own country? And what kind of feedback do you get at live performances?

HS: So far, most of my fans have been in the United States. Which of course leads to the fact that I get most of my responses from fans overseas. I have also done more shows in the US than in Sweden. I haven't played in any other countries besides those two. I would like to play Europe soon, I think that would be great.

KR: What were your biggest impressions of the US the last time you toured? What images stayed with you? And what do you hope to see on your upcoming tour?

HS: When I think about the last tour, I see one car, and I see landscapes, changing from mountains to flat fields, forests to rocky mountains, tiny small cities to skyscrapers. The country was very big and the drives in the car were long. A lot of places were just passing by me like in a movie. I imagine something quite the same will happen (on this tour), but less overwhelming since it will be my second time. I hope to see people who really love my music and who are coming to see me play of course. That would be quite fantastic.

KR: What's the happiest part of being a musician for you? And what are your main goals for the future with your work?

HS: I love to sit in my own small studio and write/compose and record. That's what makes me happiest. And then of course I find it fantastic that people like my music, that they want to buy it and listen to it. I suppose my plan for the future is to go on with Cake on Cake as long as I feel like it. I can imagine that I'll start to bring in more people to add things on the recordings, because I always discover new instruments that I'd like to use on my recordings but cannot play myself. I am interested in using clarinet and some other instruments in the woodwind family. I can also very well imagine myself starting up other projects/bands in the future. I do think it would be interesting to start a duo with someone. But at the moment I am pleased with things the way they are.

]]> Mon, 06 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0800 articles interviews http://www.itsatrap.com/n/26083-patrik-skantze-and-the-free-souls-society-fiction-at-first-view-mimo-sound-records http://www.itsatrap.com/n/26083-patrik-skantze-and-the-free-souls-society-fiction-at-first-view-mimo-sound-records http://www.itsatrap.com/n/26083-patrik-skantze-and-the-free-souls-society-fiction-at-first-view-mimo-sound-records#comments Patrik Skantze's new album is so obviously a work of pure, shimmering brilliance. "Fiction at first view" is only Skantze's second release (the first was in 1998), but it comes across like the work of a mature, sophisticated genius who's been making records for years. Skantze is possibly the first Scandi artist to reflect influences as diverse as Ace Frehley of Kiss, Queen, Neil Young, Nick Drake and the prog-rock of artists such as Yes and Mike Oldfield. What makes the disc stand out is the amazingly high level of creative musicianship, coupled with Skantze's sweet, melodic voice (occasionally reminiscent of early Neil), dazzling production and a formula-smashing aesthetic that is awe-inspiring. There are three instrumentals, one of which, "The plunge" is truly among the greatest instrumentals I've ever heard. It's eleven minutes of incandescent brilliance that's like the best of Yes or the Dixie Dregs, with rapid changes that never detract from the overall flow of the composition. Skantze dazzles on both acoustic and electric guitar throughout this platter; the former is showcased on another instrumental, "Appease". The title track is presented in two very different versions that bookend the disc; the pop smarts of the tune delight on every level. Skantze's musical instincts have apparently been honed to diamond-cut sharpness over the years. From the proggy pleasure of "Life provider" and "Gleam of hope" (if you ever wondered what Neil Young might sound like with Yes as a backing band, this track gives a hint), to the Nick Drake-ish "My dreams of late"--complete with haunting cello--lordy, the beauty of this album never stops. I could go on and on, but in a nutshell, this is clearly one of the albums of the year, a stunning release with a palpable respect for music, for the listener, and for the mysterious art of creation itself.]]> Sun, 05 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0800 reviews http://www.itsatrap.com/n/25580-live-report-marit-bergman-firefox-ak-tack-tack-tack-london-uk-05-15-06 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/25580-live-report-marit-bergman-firefox-ak-tack-tack-tack-london-uk-05-15-06 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/25580-live-report-marit-bergman-firefox-ak-tack-tack-tack-london-uk-05-15-06#comments London's only truly international club night: flies acts in from abroad, plays music from abroad (or from cyberspace), truly cuts the mustard tonight, matching the amazing with the sublime. The bill was the most exciting to-date, however T!T!T! actually came undone tonight. Marit Bergman put T!T!T! to shame. And why you ask?

Okay, the pre-gig press-ups were one thing, the raw diet of love another, the wicked anecdotes and vivid descriptions in her songs just too good.

You must put into context: Marit Bergman draws on over 10+ years experience, has played everywhere [okay not ev-erywhere...but you know!), according to one on the night: "This is wild, in Sweden Marit can play to 7000 people at the Kalas tours [think: Lollapalooza]". She has a name. But she is much much more than a name, she is an artist, correctly described in the Guardian as "Scandinavia's finest Chanteuse". We agree. Drawing on new material, not relying on old, save "This is the year". It was sold out - and for many it worked, for some not, they needed smash hits/productions not constructions with performance.

In a band? Follow this line carefully: Marit thanked the sound technician, for being a very sound-technican. Magdeline was really pleased that she got a mention / compliment from Marit. Note the attention to detail at such an oft-forgotten level, then think how much is paid to the master task of music? Yes, she is on point Marit is.

Then It's a trap! DJ Per Apelqvist pitches in with: "At some point during her performance Marit made a reference to the bathrooms behind her, the very same bathroom indoctrinated as the back stage, by The Embassy."

Up steps Firefox AK for a super solid, completely confident show. Then someone asked: "have you got a light", of course I said: "over there mate, she is on fire." It went down as well as the subject. Firefox AK worked the crowd, the first stadium-esque handclap sequence, and she bowed to the the backstage toilet area!

It need be said that "The Draft" duet with Rasmus Kellerman (Tiger Lou) is top-ten material. The dynamic, the posture, the delivery, the electric static coming from their cold interaction on stage as they compete for perfection on this song makes for pivitol inclusion. Just brilliant. More than one fashion student in the back moving their hips.

Guest DJ Sweden Made Me Rob was on good lash and form. An hour for T!T!T! and SMM to unite for the night.

There is no other place in London you can go and see great live performances coming out of Sweden that you did last night with DJ's mixing everything from Familjen, Refused, Speaker, Robyn and on and on and on.

What a Monday night shrups and shizzle.

T!T!T! shouts to: La Tour, The Rushes, Consequences, Ruth Moog, Daniel Hansson (Art), Nicolia (Print), Sigmacon (Print), The Social, and SwedenMadeMe Rob, Piers SSS Productions and the mighty dope film crew they are, plus extended Hello's! to: Sounds Of Sweden (good luck!), Razzia Recs, Adrian Recs, and MySpazzers new and old: it snurrar babe it snurrar.
- Jason Christie

]]> Tue, 16 May 2006 00:00:00 -0700 articles reviews http://www.itsatrap.com/n/28032-mp3-varttina-eerama http://www.itsatrap.com/n/28032-mp3-varttina-eerama http://www.itsatrap.com/n/28032-mp3-varttina-eerama#comments We're going to have ourselves a theme with this week's mp3 posts and that theme is folk music. I know some of you are probably rolling your eyes at the thought, but I think that learning to appreciate Nordic folk traditions is an important part of understanding what makes Scandinavian music unique. It's amazing how much of it is carried through to other genres too, both in the lyrics and the melodies.
Today's song comes to us from Värttinä, Finland's most well-known folk group. The band has existed in some form or another since 1983 and changed members and labels many times since, but has always retained the same musical vision. Finnish folk is often based on the poems and songs of the Kalevala, Finland's national epic. The music can be similar to a lot of other Eastern European folk, but it's the amazing vocal harmonies that make them special and that's what I'm going to spotlight today with the a capella piece "Eerama". The song is from the group's latest album "Miero", their first for Peter Gabriel's renown Real World label. Some of you might recognize that the sound isn't too far off from Bulgarian vocal music and you'd be right, but it's the incredibly dark and twisted lyrics that separate the Finns from the rest. Just check out the words for "Synti/The sin" in which the narrator wishes her enemies to be cursed with lizard-foetuses. See what I mean? Folk music can be cool.]]> Mon, 27 Mar 2006 00:00:00 -0800 mp3s http://www.itsatrap.com/n/6432 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/6432 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/6432#comments We're going to have ourselves a theme with this week's mp3 posts and that theme is folk music. I know some of you are probably rolling your eyes at the thought, but I think that learning to appreciate Nordic folk traditions is an important part of understanding what makes Scandinavian music unique. It's amazing how much of it is carried through to other genres too, both in the lyrics and the melodies.
Today's song comes to us from Värttinä, Finland's most well-known folk group. The band has existed in some form or another since 1983 and changed members and labels many times since, but has always retained the same musical vision. Finnish folk is often based on the poems and songs of the Kalevala, Finland's national epic. The music can be similar to a lot of other Eastern European folk, but it's the amazing vocal harmonies that make them special and that's what I'm going to spotlight today with the a capella piece "Eerama". The song is from the group's latest album "Miero", their first for Peter Gabriel's renown Real World label. Some of you might recognize that the sound isn't too far off from Bulgarian vocal music and you'd be right, but it's the incredibly dark and twisted lyrics that separate the Finns from the rest. Just check out the words for "Synti/The sin" in which the narrator wishes her enemies to be cursed with lizard-foetuses. See what I mean? Folk music can be cool.]]> Mon, 27 Mar 2006 00:00:00 -0800 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/6561 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/6561 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/6561#comments No new mp3 today, but y'know what? We got the amazingly brilliant Marit Bergman to play Tack! Tack! Tack! in May with Firefox AK. How awesome is that? She'll be performing brand new material from her forthcoming album and you know it's gonna be an astounding show. I might even have to fly out - def not be missed. Presale tickets will be made available next month.]]> Fri, 17 Mar 2006 00:00:00 -0800 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/7493 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/7493 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/7493#comments Download the song "Sunday light" from recent Punos Sounds signees Fume: http://www.punossound.net/mp3/Fume_Sunday_Light.mp3
The band's debut album "Haunts" comes out February 1 and it must be noted that Punos Sound is the label run by the folks behind the amazing Finnish post-rock act Plain Fade. I've been raving about them for awhile, so I fully expect that this record is something not to be missed.]]> Mon, 16 Jan 2006 00:00:00 -0800 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/7795 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/7795 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/7795#comments The amazing C.Aarmé will finally be going into the studio on December 27 to begin work on their second album. Thank goodness. In the meantime, here's a rehearsal recording as a teaser: http://www.caarme.com/music/goldenretriever.mp3]]> Thu, 22 Dec 2005 00:00:00 -0800 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/7804 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/7804 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/7804#comments Today's ton ten is from my good friend Magnus, head of soon-to-be-gone label Chalksounds and also the newly founded (It's the method of) Nomethod. He just released the amazing self-titled debut album from The End Will Be Kicks and has a ton of great stuff planned for 2006, so stay tuned!]]> Wed, 21 Dec 2005 00:00:00 -0800 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/8073 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/8073 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/8073#comments Another day in December also means another top 10! Today's list comes from the amazing Desert Planet! Be sure to catch them on tour in Germany later this month too - they are most certainly not to be missed. Dates:

12/09 - Rocker33, Stuttgart (GER)
12/10 - ENZIAN Bar (Kreuzberg), Berlin (GER)
12/11 - Berlin's Premier Modernist Sunday Event, Berlin, Germany (GER)
12/14 - Weinerei, Nürnberg (GER)
12/15 - Raum 4, Fürth (GER)
12/16 - Kunterbunt e.V., Schwerte (GER)]]> Fri, 02 Dec 2005 00:00:00 -0800 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/8268 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/8268 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/8268#comments The video for "Drowning margareta" from The End Will Be Kicks is now online: http://www.theendwillbekicks.com/drowningmargareta.wmv
Prepare yourself to be confused. Oh, and don't forget that the amazing new album is available for purchase as an mp3 download right here.]]> Tue, 15 Nov 2005 00:00:00 -0800 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/8649 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/8649 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/8649#comments Stuart from the excellent world music blog/radio show Fat Planet is launching a new netlabel to help promote some of the amazing music he's been championing for so long. If you are a musician or producer who is interested in contributing, you are encouraged to get in touch. Bear in mind that Fat Planet is only interested in music outside of the typical 'western rock tradition'. So if you're aping the latest indierock styles, he's not gonna be interested. Read more: http://www.fatplanet.com.au/]]> Mon, 17 Oct 2005 00:00:00 -0700 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/9901 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/9901 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/9901#comments The amazing electronic humppa act (and Desert Planet sideproject) Screaming Timbermen have relaunched their homesite and posted a new mp3 of the song "A night at the oasis": http://personal.inet.fi/taide/junttila/desert/timbermen/index.htm
Amazing stuff, as always.]]> Sun, 10 Jul 2005 00:00:00 -0700 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/11218 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/11218 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/11218#comments The latest news from Finland's Fonal Records:

The awesome new Islaja "Palaa aurinkoon" cd is now out. There are two Kemialliset Ystävät cds coming in May. A re-release of the widely acclaimed "Kellari Juniversumi" cd and a re-release of the amazing "Lumottu Karkkipurkki" album first time on cd. First it was released as a cassette and then as a double 8" lathe cut, both were limited editions and sold out immediately. Now it's fully remastered and the sound quality is what it's supposed to be. And to add to that the debut album of Paavoharju from Savonlinna, eastern Finland. This will also come out in May and more info will emerge as the time approaches.]]> Mon, 21 Mar 2005 00:00:00 -0800 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/15189 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/15189 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/15189#comments Single Unit is touring Northern Europe as the opening act for the amazing US doom band Khanate (on all but the last two dates listed):

05/15 - Schaufenster, Oslo (NOR)
05/16 - Landmark, Bergen (NOR)
05/17 - Gaffel & Karaffel, Stavanger (NOR)
05/20 - Worm & Las Palmas, Rotterdam (NL)
05/21 - Lintfabriek, Kontich (BEL)
05/22 - Planet Art, Enschede (NL)
05/23 - Occii, Amsterdam (NL) w/Enduser, Crack, Fuckin´Odal

In other news, the group recently filmed two videos with Unn Fahlstrøm and Rune Andreassen for the songs "J.O.Y." and "5th Cumming". They've already been screened in Oslo, Stockholm and Rome and should hopefully be available online soon. They also recently finished working on the soundtrack for the upcoming file "Sigil" by Roger Eugen Pollokov Egseth. It will be showing at Stenersen Museum in Oslo from May 15 into the summer.]]> Wed, 12 May 2004 00:00:00 -0700 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/15303 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/15303 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/15303#comments Speaking of filming, KVLR will be doing a video for the song "Birthcam" tomorrow. It will be released as the second European single from the new self-titled album and like the first single "Slow Clapping", it also features the amazing vocal talents of Lena Karlsson from Komeda.]]> Tue, 04 May 2004 00:00:00 -0700 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/25396-streaming-playlist-singer-songwriters-pt-2 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/25396-streaming-playlist-singer-songwriters-pt-2 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/25396-streaming-playlist-singer-songwriters-pt-2#comments DATE ADDED : 02.08.04
LAUNCH : [stream no longer available]

01. José González - Hints
from the album "Veneer"
He's already taken Sweden by storm and it's only a matter of time before you see José's name everywhere. I thought I heard Nick Drake's ghost when I first heard this track on the "Crosses" EP. A prime example of there being truth to the hype: José's elegant fingerpicking and soft vocals are something special. The UK is next in line to fall under his spell and the US can't be too far to follow. Of all the artists covered, this is most definitely one of the top ones worth looking into.

02. Evil Tordivel - Where the sun never sets
from the album "A fine young man"
Norway excels at cultivating interesting artists like this. Evil Tordivel aka Petter Alexander Olsen resists all attempts to classify. Just when you think you've got him pegged, the next song comes on and throws you for a loop. He calls it "kaos and pop" himself and I think that might as well work. Sadly, his eclecticism also means his music can be a bit hit and miss, but never, ever boring. He's obviously very talented. Recommended for people who sometimes like their music to be quirky and maybe even a bit challenging.
This song shows Evil's more serious side and I think it's the kind of stuff that suits him best.

03. Tiger Lou - Sam, as in Samantha
from the "Trouble and desire" EP
Every new release from the Tiger aka Rasmus Kellerman shows tremendous growth as he gets stronger and stronger with his talent. Besides simply being an extremely charming individual, he's got a great ear for vocal arrangements. This track from his latest EP barely even scratches the surface of what he's capable of. That's why you need to hear his new album "Is my head still on?" Another one to keep your eye on.

04. Kristofer Åström - Leaving song
from the album "Leaving songs"
Kristofer was previously best known for fronting the indierock band Fireside before he branched out on his own. When he's doing his own thing, he gets to expose a whole different side of himself and his emotional vulnerability. Everything he does is very much in the fine Scandinavian melancholic musical tradition, especially the stunning "Northern Blues" album. He puts most so-called alt-country artists to shame. Most seem overly concerned with adhering to the stylistic trappings of the genre, but Kristofer has no use for such pretension. When listening to his music, you don't get the sense of someone trying to be something they're not or putting on airs. He simply is.

05. David & the Citizens - Glued to the light
live from P3
While they aren't strictly a singer/songwriter group, they are very much powered by frontman David Fridlund and his energetic, enigmatic vocals. This performance proves their inherent worth by stripping out everything except that which matters most: the lyrics and the song. My understanding is that the band truly shines in the live setting and while they're records are decent, the studio sessions have yet to truly capture them at their best.

06. Carpet People - A road leading into the sun
from the album "More bad weather coming out of the rain"
I won't rest until I feel like these guys get the respect they deserve. Another group that's not exactly under the singer/songwriter banner, but very much powered by the writing and vocals of frontman Anders Hellmans. While some bands build up walls of production between them and their audience, the Carpet People tear those barriers down so all you get is the raw, fragile emotional core. Their last album easily stayed in my top 10 all last year and I still think it's going to be a long time before I hear anything that can match it. At least until their next album.

07. Stina Nordenstam - So Lee
from the album "This is Stina Nordenstam"
I don't know how to go about summarizing the amazing talent of Stina Nordenstam. She's already pretty well known worldwide, but at the same time she really isn't. She doesn't perform live and she doesn't do interviews. All that we have is her fantastic music. I hear rumors of a new album on the way and I hope it's true.

08. Sergeant Petter - Urban dreams
from the album "It's a record"
Another dude from Norway who I confess I don't know much about, but I know this song is great. His latest album "It's a record" tends to be a bit too alt-country for my tastes, but fans of Wilco and such should definitely investigate further. And just like with Wilco, there's a couple exceptional songs that stand out and make Sgt. Petter an artist worth checking out. When he gets uptempo and lets himself rock out, it's unstoppable.

09. Uncle's Institution - 2003 (so far)
from the "Everything a man can dream of" EP
Another young singer/songwriter from Norway with loads of charm and a quirky sense of humor. Uncle's Institution is Egil Olsen of Norway and he calls his music 'sweet n sour' which is pretty apt. Oft compared to Eels, he manages to emote feelings of both silliness and melancholy. Not everyone can write a song like "Santa Claus is gay", after all. This track shows his sweeter and more reflective side. Whether goofing off or doing a Beatles-esque ballad, it's all good.

10. Isolation Years - Preacher/songwriter
from the album "It's golden"
Okay, these guys aren't exactly singer/songwriters either, but it's lyrically on-topic at least.
It took me about a year to really get into this record, so I've taken it upon myself to champion it. It deserves a second chance. IY take the best elements of Northern Sweden melodic rock and combine it with a dose Nordic and Russian folk for something that's truly special in the end. Undeniably one of the best bands in Sweden today, if not the world.

]]> Sun, 08 Feb 2004 00:00:00 -0800 articles podcast http://www.itsatrap.com/n/17228 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/17228 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/17228#comments Drum roll please! Here it is at last, the It's a trap! top 10 records of 2003...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

01. Logh - The Raging Sun (Bad Taste Records)
I can barely think of where to begin here, this album is just too good. Logh never ceases to amaze me with everything they do. Every release of theirs in another gem in their crown and I'm thoroughly convinced at this point that they can do no wrong. Another band who epitomizes what I love about Scandinavian music and whose sound conjures up images of cold Swedish landscapes.]]> Sat, 20 Dec 2003 00:00:00 -0800 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/25406-top-ten-2003 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/25406-top-ten-2003 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/25406-top-ten-2003#comments Drum roll please! Here it is at last, the It's a trap! top 10 records of 2003...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other notables/honorable mentions:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

US/non-scand records:

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

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

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

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

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

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

]]> Sat, 20 Dec 2003 00:00:00 -0800 articles top10s http://www.itsatrap.com/n/17331 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/17331 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/17331#comments No doubt looking to replicate the amazing success of fellow Roxette member Per Gessle, Marie Fredriksson has her own plans for a new solo record. Read the interview from Aftonbladet. (in Swedish)]]> Mon, 15 Dec 2003 00:00:00 -0800 news http://www.itsatrap.com/n/19304 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/19304 http://www.itsatrap.com/n/19304#comments The Project Hate just signed a new record deal with Holland's Mascot Records. They will entering Sunlight Studios on Dec. 10 to record their next record, which actually be a revamp of an older album. "It's the album we recorded in 1998 that I decided not to release as I wasn't satisfied with the other people's performances on it," said guitarist Lord K.

Dream Evil, featuring the amazing Snowy Shaw (Notre Dame, King Diamond, and more) and acclaimed producer/engineer Fredrik Nordström (way too many credits to mention - if you like Swedish metal, you have probably heard his work) have set Jan. 27, 2003 as the release date for their new album "Evilized". They will also be supporting Hammerfall and Masterplan on tour through Germany and Scandinavia during the month of February.]]> Sat, 09 Nov 2002 00:00:00 -0800 news