IT'S A TRAP! Scandinavian Music Journal

The Belljars - s/t EP

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:00:38 -0800

I received quite a bit of great new music in my inbox over the long weekend, so much so that I'm having a bit of trouble getting through it all. Thankfully, this new EP from Umeå tweepop act The Belljars is short, sweet, easy to digest and very very easy to recommend. Great use of violin too, much like Ironville, another great Swedish pop act that doesn't get nearly enough attention.

MP3: Magnus Ekelund & Stålet - Utan er

Mon, 30 May 2011 11:14:32 -0700

It's Memorial Day here in the US and I don't have to do any "real" work so I'm not gonna spend any more time in front of the computer than I have to, but I am going to take the time to post a brand new single from ex-Elmo frontman Magnus Ekelund recorded with new backing band Stålet along with a little help from once-reclusive Swedish pop icon Jakob Hellman. Yes, the news as reported back in February was true and now the final result is ready for release via Teg Publishing, the label run by The Bells/Jonas Teglund, and will be followed by the full-length album "Svart flagg" ("Black flag") on July 6. The Swedish-literate can read more at Magnus' website, but I suggest just listening and letting the sound of his epic melancholy carry you away.

The Bell - Whatever did you say? (video)

Fri, 20 May 2011 18:10:39 -0700

A new video from Swedish indie/postpunk act The Bell. Direct link: http://youtu.be/ZjM1aMkdOC8

PopMatters reviews The Bell

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 14:01:31 -0700

I was just listening to The Bell's debut "Make some quiet" this past weekend and was wondering what had happened to them and now, lo and behold, it appears that they have a new album out: http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/138459-the-bell-great-heat/
Why was I not informed?

Kvalität: We Are the Storm

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 09:25:10 -0700

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

The Bells - We kick back

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 22:29:07 -0700

The Bells (feat. members from The Bear Quartet, Park Hotell, etc.) have a brand new single called "We kick back" and you can hear it at their website: http://www.thebells.se/

Ticktock goes the clock

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 21:53:26 -0800

The new Ticktock EP "In the belly of the whale #1" (remember?) is out now and can be previewed at Soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com/ticktockgoestheclock/sets/ticktock-in-the-belly-of-the-whale-1/

Text & Musik, the festival

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 11:38:25 -0800

"Text & Musik" is the name of a new Swedish festival celebrating just that; two nights, two cities, twelve bands, including Mattias Alkberg, Kajsa Grytt, Pascal, Ulf Stureson, Conny Nimmersjö, Magnus Ekelund, The Bells, Hospitalet and more. The first night will take place July 27 at Kägelbanan in Stockholm and from there it will move to Storsjöyran in Östersund way up north for the 29th. Full details at Mattias Alkberg's website: http://www.mabd.se/?p=700

MP3: Ticktock - Carnivala

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 16:29:14 -0800

Big Oil Recording Company is a new label out of Copenhagen, starting off a few digital EP releases this spring to be followed by vinyl later on down the road. Their first release: a stunner of a debut from electro artist Ticktock called "In the belly of the whale #1". Actually, I've only heard half of the release's 4 tracks, but I'm way way into it, so you get to grab one of them today and/or hit up Soundcloud for the other. I'm all about goth balladry as the sound of 2011, Ticktock fills that niche quite nicely. Get the rest on the official release date which is February 7.

Top tens for 2010: Absolut Noise

Tue, 28 Dec 2010 11:28:36 -0800

Thirteen newcomers -- ranked by alphabetical order -- that have not released an album yet, but are goddamn brilliant if you ask me. Don't know if they are my "favourite newcomers" since I might have forgotten some very good ones. Anyway, let's focus on these 13, it will bring us luck. Most of them are still unsigned. Most of them are ignored by the Swedish music press yet, but trust me, this is gonna change when their debut album will be out. Hopefully in 2011!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tennis Bafra
Half-wankers, half-Kurt Cobain.

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

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

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

You Say France & I Whistle
Pop hits makers.

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

Nöjesguiden top 20 Swedish albums for 2010

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 11:55:00 -0800

Nöjesguiden's top 20 Swedish albums of 2010:

01. Robyn - Body talk, part 2
02. Håkan Hellström - 2 steg från 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. Säkert! - Facit
09. Ludwig Bell - Jag har försökt förklara
10. Daniel Adams-Ray - Svart, vitt och allt däremellan
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 Söderlund - Daustralien
17. Orup - Född i November
18. Embee - The mellow turning moment
19. Various Artists - Sonja Åkesson tolkad av
20. Bandjo - Bandjo

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

Teg Publishing, open for business

Tue, 12 Oct 2010 13:59:38 -0700

The Teg Publishing label website/webshop, home of new band The Bells, is now open: http://www.tegpublishing.se/
Lots of related stuff for sale, including releases from Park Hotell, Convoj, Mattias Alkberg, Cult of Luna, etc.

Sirius playlist week #40

Mon, 04 Oct 2010 12:25:51 -0700

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

01. TALK 1
02. Robert Svensson - Runaway
03. My Poor Lover - Lovesick
04. Fun - Williams house
05. TALK 2
06. Hero Dishonest - Birth, Sports Illustrated, death
07. Hanna Hirsch - Framtid och besvär
08. Haleiwa - Observatorielunden
09. Pistol Disco - Pool
10. TALK 3
11. MF/MB/ - The grand chase
12. Ståålfågel - Stupet
13. The Nature - Northern lights
14. TALK 4
15. The Loveable Tulips - Fortune favours the brave
16. Anna von Hausswolff - Track of time
17. Hunt - Ashes of a secret heart
18. The Bells - No Waves
19. TALK 5
20. Makthaverskan - Know 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.

New Found Land - The bell

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 12:57:53 -0700

Stream the title track from New Found Land's upcoming record "The bell": http://soundcloud.com/fixerecords/the-bell

Sirius playlist week #39

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 12:31:05 -0700

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. Kråkesølv - Nordavind mot varme kinn
09. Tomas Halberstad - The pendulum swings again
10. WhoMadeWho - Left hand of the boxser
11. TALK 3
12. Säkert! - Köttet är 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. Slöa 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.

MP3: The Bells - Outside

Thu, 16 Sep 2010 12:56:59 -0700

Introducing The Bells, a new Luleå-affiliated project featuring Jonas Teglund (Park Hotell, Neverna), Peter Nuottaniemi (The Bear Quartet) and Johan Forslind. They have a full-length album on the way entitled "Threads" which was produced by renown musical genius/recluse Björn Olsson and will be released via the band's own Teg Publishing in October. Unsurprisingly, it sounds a lot like a mix of Park Hotell and Bear Quartet (circa "Personality crisis"/"My war), which of course is perfectly fine by me (and should be for you too). Four tracks are up for streaming preview at the band's website, my favorite being the ominous/gloomy "Outside". Much like the Tsukimono track I posted earlier today, the song's spaciousness is a perfect companion to the sound of rain; furthermore, it hearkens back to some of BQ's most powerful work such as "Walking out". Resigned and reflective, revealed by severe simplicity, and yes, starkly beautiful; a song that says a lot with very few words/notes.

Fixe confirms new record from New Found Land, posts sample

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 19:06:23 -0700

Fixe Records has announced that New Found Land's new album "The bell" will be released on October 27. Hear the first single "Human" here: http://soundcloud.com/fixerecords/human

The Shiloh - The ship (video)

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 11:31:58 -0700

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

Festival report: Popadelica 2010

Thu, 06 May 2010 16:25:58 -0700

All things come to an end. I've been to more festivals than I care to remember, I've slept in freezing tents and stayed on a regular beer/pizza diet for far too long. It was all worth it, of course, I've seen dozens of really good shows (and some bad ones), met some really cool people and, most importantly, discovered tons of great music and amazing new bands. Nowadays when I visit a festival, it's all about comfort. Popadelica is a very comfy festival just outside of Jönköping, Sweden by the shore of Lake Vänern. It's a tradition, the first weekend in May my pals and I hook up and visit what just might be the coziest festival there is. No sleeping in tents. Hostel with breakfast included is more like it.

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

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

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

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

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

- Christian Stenbacke

We are the Storm Live @ Popadelica, Huskvarna 05/01/2010

Tue, 04 May 2010 17:53:39 -0700

"The really good songs tends to write themselves," singer and guitarist Staffan Blomén declared as we sat down for a chat a couple of hours before We are the Storm played at this year's rendition of the Popadelica Festival in Huskvarna, Sweden. We were of course talking about the smashing "I woke up to the bells", which surfaced as a live video a while back. The song is simply breathtaking, so simple and yet so direct. Can you believe this band is still unsigned? They won't be for long, take my word for it. Listening to the songs on the eponymous EP the band released last year got me thinking about Fireside still on their best, or a rougher version of Britain's Athlete. While I was under the impression that the music of We are the Storm was all about dealing with all those not-so-good-feelings we all get from time to time, Blomén explained it was quite the opposite. We are the Storm are all about letting out all that which can't be kept within, no matter the feelings. A fact very clear when the band finally hits the stage - The Seven Nation Army, seven people crowded in a very limited space, performing like their lives depended on it. Let me say this again: We are the Storm are still not signed to any label (it's crazy, I know)! They still lack some experience when it comes to playing live, yes, but the songs! This short 30 min set features only new songs, songs that hopefully will be recorded sometime this summer, and even though "I woke up to the bells" is still the strongest song by far, I sense great potential in these lads from Uppsala. Sure, they need to work on their performance, but with a few more shows in the bloodstream I'm sure they will figure out how to get a good flow going. Because here's the thing, when they're actually playing music, they are amazing! Record labels, get it touch. Now.

We are the Storm - I woke up to the bells (video)

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:30:45 -0800

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

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

This week's top 20 Swedish album chart

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:37:56 -0800

This week's top 20 Swedish album chart:

01. Torgny Melin - Dansbandsnatt
02. Zekes - En sån natt
03. Erik Grönwall - Erik Grönwall
04. Amanda Jenssen - Happyland
05. Calle Kristiansson - Calle Kristiansson
06. Nordman - Korsväg
07. Freda' - Ett mysterium
08. Kent - Röd
09. Dan Berglund - Tonbruket
10. Willy Clay Band - Blue
11. Thåström - Be-bop-a-lula hela jävla dan (1989-2009)
12. Gentlemen - Awaken me
13. Lars Winnerbäck - Tänk om jag ångrar mig och sen ångrar mig igen
14. Melissa Horn - Säg ingenting till mig
15. Malena Ernman - La voix du nord
16. Date - Här och nu!
17. Nils Landgren Funk Unit - Funk for life
18. First Aid Kit - The big black & the blue
19. Bo Kaspers Orkester - Samling
20. Joel Alme - Waiting for the bells

Joel Alme reviewed at The Line of Best Fit

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:08:46 -0800

The Line of Best Fit reviews Joel Alme's new record "Waiting for the bells": http://www.thelineofbestfit.com/2010/02/joel-alme-waiting-for-the-bells/

This week's top 20 Swedish album chart

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 16:12:34 -0800

This week's top 20 Swedish album chart:

01. Erik Grönwall - Erik Grönwall
02. Amanda Jenssen - Happyland
03. Calle Kristiansson - Calle Kristiansson
04. Nordman - Korsväg
05. Kent - Röd
06. Lars Winnerbäck - Tänk om jag ångrar mig och sen ångrar mig igen
07. Thåström - Be-bop-a-lula hela jävla dan (1989-2009)
08. Joel Alme - Waiting for the bells
09. Melissa Horn - Säg ingenting till mig
10. Andreas Grega - En sak i taget
11. Dan Berglund - Tonbruket
12. Gentlemen - Awaken me
13. Malena Ernman - La voix du nord
14. Caroline Af Ugglas - Så gör jag det igen
15. Bo Kaspers Orkester - Samling
16. Hästpojken - Från där jag ropar
17. Jill Johnson - Music row II
18. Martin Stenmarck - Septemberland
19. The Refreshments - 8 cd collection
20. Thåström - Kärlek är för dom

Razzia confirms release date for Joel Alme

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 17:45:09 -0800

Joel Alme's new album "Waiting for the bells has been confirmed for release on January via Razzia Records. Cover art and tracklist: http://razziarecords.se/releases_details.asp?id=833&artist=Joel

Submarine Sessions 9-17

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:28:41 -0800

They aren't all online yet it seems, but the 2nd batch of Submarine Sessions featuring live performances in the belly of a sub from the likes of Powersolo, I Got You on Tape, RebekkaMaria and Taxi Taxi! is now online: http://thirdear.dk/#/mere/submarine_9-17/

Presenting The Submarine Sessions

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 15:58:09 -0700

Check out The Submarine Sessions, a new Danish multimedia site featuring pared-down live performances from a number of artists such as The Raveonettes, Oh Land, Cody, Baby Woodrose and more recorded in the belly of a submarine: http://www.submarinesessions.com/

Wildbirds & Peacedrums in NYC

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 12:32:50 -0700

Updated NYC dates for Wildbirds & Peacedrums:

09/15 - Le poisson Rouge, New York, NY w/Deerhoof
09/16 - Cake Shop, New York, NY
09/18 - Bruar Falls, Brooklyn, NY
09/21 - Bowery Ballroom, New York, NY w/Fanfarlo
09/22 - The Bell House, Brooklyn, NY w/Fanfarlo

Hanne Hukkelberg tourdates

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 13:05:19 -0700

Norwegian artist Hanne Hukkelberg is back in the US this month for a few select shows:

09/10 - The Empty Bottle, Chicago, IL
09/11 - The Bell House, Brooklyn, NY
09/13 - Black Cat, Washington DC
09/14 - The Mercury Lounge, New York, NY
09/15 - Spaceland, Los Angeles, CA
09/16 - Doug Fir, Portland, OR
09/18 - Hotel Café, Los Angeles, CA

Sirius playlist week #22

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 12:23:39 -0700

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

01. Zacke ft. Movits - Spela mig på radion
02. TALK 1
03. Florence Valentin - Såld är såld
04. Ikons - Guns (Pistol Disco remix)
05. Logh - Death to my hometown
06. TALK 2
07. Thåström - Långtbort
08. Le Corbeau - Night stroll
09. Skriet - Fåglarna
10. TALK 3
11. Kongh - Unholy water
12. C.Aarmé - Blodet
13. TALK 4
14. The Bell - On and on
15. Heroes & Zeroes - Cipramillion
16. Ison & Fille - Jag skratter idag
17. 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.

Øya Festival Showcase Live @ the Bell House, Brooklyn 03/16/2009

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 14:03:10 -0700

Co-presented with NYC showlist stalwart Oh My Rockness, the Øya Festival brought burgeoning Norwegian pop acts The New Wine and Casiokids to the city on their way down to Austin for SXSW. Casiokids had built up some hype in the fall after heralded CMJ performances; however this was the US debut by The New Wine, who played slick pop music with a danceable beat and easy comparisons to NYC's Tigercity. They got the crowd moving with their catchy songs and standout vocals and keyboards. Casiokids closed out the show with a set of dance-pop and delivered a very high energy set, both in terms of tempo and stage movements. I had also been unfamiliar with them prior to attending, and the only song I recognized was their encore cover of Familjen's mighty "Det snurrar i min skalle". Overall, this showcase did well to promote the music happening in Norway at the moment and give the audience an idea of the more localized acts playing at Øya in August.

Manifest nominees are go

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:39:27 -0800

The nominees for the Manifest Awards, Sweden's alternative Grammy, have been announced:

Synth:
Thermostatic - Humanizer (Wonderland Records)
Zeigeist - The Jade Motel (Spegel/Imperial Recordings/Playground)
Moonlight Cove - Orphans of the Storm (Kinetophone/Hot Stuff)
Elegant Machinery - A soft exchange (Out of Line/Hot Stuff)
Rhythm:
Movits - Äppelknyckarjazz (BD Pop/Universal)
Erici - Brasilicum (Erici Music/Dead Frog)
Saft Stockholm - Ordet (Saft Productions/Stockholm Electronica)
Kungers - Galaxen (Rätta Visan/Border)
Experimental:
Anders Dahl - Doorbells (Bombaxbombax)
Nina de Heyney, Charlotte Hug & Christian Jormin - Acoustic Electronic (LJ Records)
Pär Thörn - Schöneberg/Stammheim/Gärdet/Rågsved (Treffpunkt)
Anders Hultqvist - Traces (Chamber Sound)
Pop:
Frida Hyvönen - Silence Is Wild (Licking Fingers/Playground)
Hello Saferide - More modern short stories from... (Razzia/Bonnier Amigo)
Joel Alme - A Master Of Ceremonies (Sincerely Yours/Border)
Nordpolen - På Nordpolen (Sincerely Yours/Border)
Rock:
The Hellacopters - Head Off (Wild Kingdom/Sound Pollution)
Pascal - Galgberget (Novoton/Bonnier Amigo)
Fatboy - In My Bones (Fat State Production/Playground)
Manikins - Crocodiles (P.Trash Records)
Dance:
Pär Grindvik - Samlad årsproduktion (Stockholm LTD)
Anders Ilar - Sworn (Level Records 11)
Style of Eye - Duck cover and hold (Pieces of eight records)
Zoo Brazil - No Place Like Home (Gung Ho! Recordings)
Jazz:
Bobo Stenson Trio - Cantando (ECM/Naxos)
Nina Ramsby & Ludwig Berghe Trio - Du har blivit stor nu [En kamp!] (Moserobie/Bonnier Amigo)
e.s.t. - Leucocyte (ACT/Bonnier Amigo)
The Splendor - Sound of Splendor (HOOB/Border)
Punk/Hardcore:
Disco Volante - "We are forever" (Not enough)
Disfear - "Live the storm" (Relapse/Border)
Nitad - "Ibland kan man inte hindra sig själv" (Kranium)
Meanwhile - "Reality or nothing" (Feral Ward)
Hårdrock/Metal:
Burst - Lazarus Bird (Relapse/Border)
Dismember - Dismember (Regain/Sound Pollution)
Grand Magus - Iron Will (Rise above/Border)
Opeth - Watershed (Roadrunner/Bonnier Amigo)
Hip-hop/R'n'B/Soul:
Chords - Things We Do For Things (Juju/Playground)
Afasi & Filthy – Fläcken (P.o.p.e./Playground)
Masse - Gott & Blandat Vol. 2
Allyawan - Blu Duk Mixtape Vol. 2
Folk/Ballad:
Gunnel Mauritzson Band - Det som sker...(Sandkvie Records/CDA)
Maria Hörnelius, Bernt Andersson & Kjell Jansson - En sång för Kent (Eld Records/Border)
Jonas Knutsson & Johan Norberg - Skaren - Norrland III (Act/BAM)
Bjernulf/Björklund/Lindh – Pål Olles väg (Courage)
Singer/Songwriter:
Melpo Mene - Bring the Lions Out (Imperial Recordings/Playground)
Hyacinth House - Black Crows Country (True Music Production/Glitterhouse)
First Aid Kit - Drunken Trees (Rabid Records/Border)
Olle Nyman - Venture (A West Side Fabrication/Border)
Live:
Detektivbyrån (Danarkia)
The Hellacopters (Psychout Records)
Lykke Li (LL Recordings)
Robyn (Konichiwa Records)
Myspace prize for best unsigned act:
Montauk
Hero in action
Miranda Gjerstad
Sci-Fi Hands
John F Karlsson
Dyno
Tim Schmidt
Nottee
The Bellevues
Diskoteket

Go here for more: http://www.manifestgalan.se/

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 12:13:23 -0700

Saturday night! Hello Saferide @ The Bell House in Brooklyn, NY with Blackstrap and The Seabellies! Doors @ 8pm, $10 cover. Be there!

Speaking of HS in the US, anyone got any pics from either the House of Sweden show on Monday or last night's performance at Bowery Electric to share?

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 11:34:30 -0700

Set times for the upcoming Swedish music showcase that It's a Trap! is sponsoring:

6:20 - Firefox AK
7:00 - Juvelen
8:00 - Hello Saferide

Once again, that's October 22 at Bowery Electric in NYC and it's 100% free. Details for the Hello Saferide show on October 25 at The Bellhouse in Brooklyn will be confirmed shortly.

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 11:45:17 -0700

Hello Saferide has confirmed a couple shows in NYC!

10/22 - Bowery Electric, NYC w/Juvelen, Firefox AK (FREE!)
10/25 - The Bellhouse, Brooklyn w/Blackstrap, The Seabellies

Hear a couple tracks from the new album "More modern short stories..." at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/saferide

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 18:41:23 -0700

Bootleg Booze will be putting out a new Backyard Babies 7" featuring the new single "Fuck off and die" b/w "Saved by the bell" featuring Dizzy Reed from Guns n' Roses. 750 copies on red w/white splatter, 250 on black, out October 3.

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 16:47:17 -0700

Swedish new-wave/postpunk act The Bell is back in the studio working on material for their 2nd album. Otherwise, look out for a new remix 12" EP featuring cuts by Mixhell, Arne Blackman, Diskjokke, Whitnoise, Joe & Will and more to surface later on this summer.

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 16:58:29 -0700

Stereo Subversion interviews The Bell: http://www.stereosubversion.com/interviews-features/the-bell/

Sun, 20 Apr 2008 16:26:37 -0700

Here's this week's radio show playlist:

01. Desert Planet - Riot sector 68
02. TALK 1
03. Grande - We did it all
04. Sara Berg - Crawl back from under
05. Dialog Cet - Buckfighter
06. TALK 2
07. Doktor Kosmos - Doktor Kosmos släpper en skiva
08. Halph - Weight
09. Bright Oak - The undertow
10. TALK 3
11. Juvelen - They don't love you
12. Frivolvol - Take it from the beginning
13. Little Jimmy Reeves - Sidetracked
14. TALK 4
15. Keith Canisius - Omorose
16. The Kid - Mayhem troopers
17. Lognhalsmottagningen - Bodybuilder
18. Markus Krunegård - Rocken spelar ingen roll längre
19. TALK 5
20. Firefox AK - Techno tears
21. Biker Boy - April song (Mr Bananas remix)
22. Thomas Denver Jonsson - Saved by the bell
23. TALK 6
24. Nina Kinert - Pets & friends
25. Familjen - Hög luft
26. Brainbombs - Down in the gutter
27. TALK 7
28. Anders Persson och Carl Smith - Morgonsol i April
29. Abduktio - Uutisia rintamalta
30. Nordvargr - Rektal B
31. Karin Holmberg + hab - Who we are
32. TALK 8
33. Lapko - Killer whales
34. Madrugada - Lift me
35. Kristofer Åström & Hidden Truck - What I came here for
36. TALK 9
37. Sambassadeur - Subtle changes
38. Dreamboy - What have I done
39. The Tough Alliance - Lucky
40. TALK 10
41. Logh - Saturday nightmares

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 18:40:43 -0700

Patrol Mag interviews Mathias Stromberg from The Bell: http://www.patrolmag.com/index.php?id=364

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 12:19:14 -0700

It looks like the cover art for the new Hellacopters album "Head off" has been revealed: http://www.hellacopters.com/
Very "Never say die", doncha think? Also, it appears that from the tracklist that it will be an all-covers album of various bands the Hellacopters have championed throughout their career. Check it:

01. Electrocute - "Demons"
02. Midnight Angels - The Peepshows
03. Im Watching You - The Humpers
04. No Salvation - Turpentines
05. In The Sign Of The Octopus - The Robots
06. Veronica Lake - New Bomb Turks
07. Another Turn - The Maharajas
08. I Just Dont Know About Girls - Asteroid B-612
09. Rescue - Dead Moon (?)
10. Making Up For Lost Time - The Bellrays
11. Throttle Bottom - Gaza Strippers
12. Darling Darling - The Royal Cream
13. Straight Until Morning - Powder Monkeys

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 13:22:59 -0700

Delusions of Adequacy weighs in favorable on Swedish act The Bell: http://www.adequacy.net/review.php?reviewID=8572

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 15:40:09 -0800

PopMatters reviews Swedish act The Bell and their debut record "Make some quiet": http://www.popmatters.com/pm/music/reviews/54648/the-bell-make-some-quiet/
Also reviewed today, The Raveonettes' "Lust lust lust": http://www.popmatters.com/pm/music/reviews/52760/the-raveonettes-lust-lust-lust/

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 17:06:06 -0800

DeadJournalist interviews The Bell: http://deadjournalist.com/interviews/20080217thebell.htm

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 17:22:38 -0800

Muzzle of Bees interviews Mathias Stromberg from The Bell who kindly mentions IAT in the process: http://www.muzzleofbees.com/2008/02/10/5-questions-with-the-bell/
The band will also be featured on KEXP's "Song of the Day" on Thursday: http://kexp.org/podcasting/podcasting.asp#song

Mon, 04 Feb 2008 11:48:50 -0800

Congrats to Jordi Balague for winning a copy of The Bell's debut album "Make some quiet". Thanks to everyone who entered and Jordi, your disc will be in the mail soon. Everyone else, keep an eye out for a new contest tomorrow.

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 12:49:00 -0800

I've got an extra copy of The Bell's excellent debut album "Make some quiet" sitting here on my desk, so I'm gonna give it away. Simply email your name and address to bell.contest@itsatrap.com to enter! I'll announce the winner on Monday.
Listen to The Bell here: http://www.myspace.com/thebelltheband

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 18:19:15 -0800

The Bell was Spin's band of the day on Friday: http://www.spin.com/features/band_of_the_day/2008/01/080125_the_bell

Sun, 27 Jan 2008 12:20:55 -0800

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

01. Elias and the Wizzkids - Young and hairy
02. TALK 1
03. Barra Head - Common ground
04. Familjen - Kom säger dom
05. José González - Killing for love
06. TALK 2
07. Marybell Katastrophy - Red red lips
08. Trentemøller - Moan (Trentemøller remix ft. Ane Trolle)
09. Lykke Li - I'm good, I'm gone
10. TALK 3
11. Dreamboy - Stars
12. Laakso - Worst case scenario
13. Marit Bergman - This is the year
14. TALK 4
15. Abhinanda - Rumble
16. Docenterna - Bensin i blodet
17. The Bombhappies - And at Belle Bed Inn, I found you
18. TALK 5
19. Firefox AK - Winter rose (ft. Tiger Lou)
20. Peloton - Nozal
21. The Bell - Target group
22. TALK 6
23. Moto Boy - Young love
24. Aerial - Kallisti
25. Truckfighters - Atomic
26. TALK 7
27. I'm From Barcelona - Treehouse
28. Pascal - Smärtsillande
29. Hero Dishonest - Fist song
30. Vijaya - Your gun will never set you free
31. TALK 8
32. Matts Katt - About the French
33. C.Aarmé - Dustin
34. Leütenhaven - Abbatoir the ghost
35. TALK 9
36. Lukestar - Shade you hide
37. Christian Kjellvander - Two souls
38. Royal Downfall - A life of constant failure
39. TALK 10
40. Entombed - Lights out

Top 10s for 2007: Mathias Strömberg (The Bell)

Thu, 27 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Ten top British tracks of 2007

01. To the Sky – Maps

02. Fledermaus Can't Get It – Von Südenfed

03. Back in the Game – Jamie T

04. Valentine – Richard Hawley

05. Daddy's Gone – Glasvegas

06. Delivery – Baby Shambles

07. Smokers Outside the Hospital Doors – The Editors

08. Bookshop Casanova – The Clientele

09. Tak Attack – Black Affair

10. Candylion – Gruff Rhys

---------------------------
Mathias Strömberg is the voice behind The Bell. Their debut album "Make some quiet" will be released in the US on February 12 via Badman Recording Co.
www.thebelltheband.com
www.myspace.com/thebelltheband

Sun, 23 Dec 2007 11:11:09 -0800

The playlist for my radio show this week featured all of my favorite songs from 2007:

01. Susanne Sundfør - I resign
02. TALK 1
03. Familjen - Det snurrar i min skalle
04. The Skull Defekts - The secret
05. Ted Gärdestad - Räcker jag till
06. TALK 2
07. CS Nielsen - Black spots
08. Kornstad - Turkey, Texas
09. Moonbabies - Take me to the ballroom
10. The Bombettes - I wanna
11. TALK 3
12. Promise and the Monster - Sheets
13. Repoman - Chemically obsessed
14. The Bell - I am history
15. Säkert! - Allt som är ditt
16. TALK 4
17. Mainliners - Olivia
18. Superfamily - The radio has expressed concerns about what you did last night
19. Karin Ström - Ordlös
20. TALK 5
21. Fun - I've got a truck
22. Tobias Hellkvist - Moment at ven
23. Juvelen - Hanna
24. TALK 6
25. Laakso - Worst case scenario
26. Closer - Sensing the wake
27. Asha Ali - A promise broken
28. TALK 7
29. Paper - My life is going under
30. Boeoes Kaelstigen - Flir
31. Lukestar - White shade
32. TALK 8
33. Maia Hirasawa - Gothenburg
34. Aerial - You will all die, all things will
35. Sambassadeur - Subtle changes
36. TALK 9

Next week (12/29) I'm doing another special theme show on Swedish postpunk.

Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:32:50 -0800

Check out The Bell's new video for "On and on": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jyfok2Nxpc

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 11:38:26 -0800

The Bell's debut album "Make some quiet" (as posted about numerous times), will finally get its proper US release on February 12 via Badman Recording Co.

Sun, 11 Nov 2007 23:03:17 -0800

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

01. The Bombettes - Dating scene
02. TALK 1
03. Leütenhaven - Still life (trompe l'oeil)
04. Dieter Schöön - Warm hearts
05. Kasper Bjørke - Back & spine (Fidel Astro remix)
06. TALK 2
07. Come Sleep - Be the end
08. Promise and the Monster - Trials
09. Immanu El - Home
10. TALK 3
11. Lukestar - Lake Toba
12. Marit Bergman - No party
13. Mando Diao - Never seen the light of day
14. TALK 4
15. Jonas Game - ADHD
16. Kornstad - Turkey, Texas
17. Josse - You had a plan
18. The Hives - You dress up for Armageddon
19. TALK 5
20. Randy - Freedom song
21. Ted Gärdestad - Så mycket bättre
22. Motorhomes - Into the night
23. TALK 6
24. Laakso - Västerbron
25. The Bear Quartet - Hunchback
26. Susanne Sundfør - The dance
27. TALK 7
28. New Moscow - Turbonegro must be destroyed
29. The Bell - Target group
30. Vaiping - The great polar expedition
31. TALK 8
32. NEI - City of gold
33. Asha Ali - Fire, fire
34. My Enemy - My time coming (Johan Formeijer remix)
35. TALK 9
36. CS Nielsen - Black spots
37. David Sandström Overdrive - The Fatville Treaty
38. C.Aarmé - Golden retriever
39. TALK 10
40. Aerial - My god, it's full of stars!

Thu, 01 Nov 2007 11:43:38 -0700

Yet another remix of The Bell's "Target group" is now online for download, this one from Team Skidoo/Tek Box: http://www.zshare.net/audio/45818779f68e0b/
Also look for The Bell to be featured on eMusic's Daily Download on November 3.

Tue, 30 Oct 2007 17:43:26 -0700

Listen to the Mixhell remix of "Target group" by The Bell: http://www.myspace.com/thebelltheband

The Bell Make some quiet Badman Recording Co.

Fri, 19 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Reminiscent of Matt Skiba's Heavens side project, The Bell move through that well explored terrain of 80s throwback music with a similar approach. A collection of well crafted pop songs punctuated by a digital drummer, with plenty of hooks and clever electronic touches, "Make some quiet" is nothing groundbreaking, but is a surprisingly strong and entertaining album. "Nothing is logical" is everything a nostalgic pop song should be - a threaded assortment of pop sensibility and craftsmanship that exudes hope while simultaneously hinting at the faintest shade of melancholy and sadness that made 80s groups like The Cure and Echo and the Bunnymen so powerful. A solid, engaging record that is worth its retail price - just don't expect any new territory to be explored.

Tue, 16 Oct 2007 12:56:30 -0700

More The Bell remixes are coming in, the latest from DiskJokke: http://www.thebelltheband.com/remix
Look for lots more on the way, too.

Sun, 14 Oct 2007 10:47:08 -0700

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

01. Lars Winnerbäck - Innan mörkret faller
02. TALK 1
03. TIAC - Boredom
04. Brainbombs - Who can you trust
05. Ted Gärdestad - Helena
06. TALK 2
07. Björn Kleinhenz - China Blue
08. Viktor Sjöberg - The sensation of your head on my chest
09. Marvins Revolt - Deliberate deeds
10. TALK 3
11. Abalone Dots - Under the rain
12. The Bear Quartet - The lost kid office
13. Lo-Fi-Fnk - Wake up
14. Watain - Underneath the cenotaph
15. TALK 4
16. The Tiny - Closer
17. Supersilent - 8.4
18. Anna Ternheim - Today is a good day
19. TALK 5
20. The Skull Defekts - The secret
21. Lukestar - White shade
22. Pay TV - Fashion report
23. Wolfpack - Enter the gates
24. TALK 6
25. Tigerbombs - Shaking the tree
26. Familjen - Ivanhoe & Rebecca
27. Giant Robot - Public = shopping
28. Eskju Divine - Hold on
29. TALK 7
30. The Bell - On and on
31. DHG - The snuff dreams are made of
32. Trio Mediaeval - Det lisle bånet
33. TALK 8
34. Peter Bjorn and John - It beats me every time
35. Margaret Berger - Seek I'll hide
36. Kaizers Orchestra - Kontroll på kontinentet
37. TALK 9
38. Darkthrone - F.O.A.D.

Tue, 09 Oct 2007 16:08:18 -0700

The Bell's video for their excellent single "I am history" is now posted on myspace: http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=19524799

Mon, 08 Oct 2007 18:25:38 -0700

UK-based electro act The C90s have posted their remix of "Target group" by The Bell: http://www.myspace.com/thec90s

Sun, 23 Sep 2007 23:11:54 -0700

The playlist for this week's radio show:

01. Isolation Years - Frosted minds
02. TALK 1
03. Hyacinth House - Lucky stranger
04. Immanu El - Kosmonaut
05. Kamera - Fragile
06. TALK 2
07. Pay TV - Fashion report (clubmix)
08. Fun - I've got a truck
09. Timo Räisänen - Sixteen
10. TALK 3
11. Superfamily - Warszawa
12. Majessic Dreams - Still inside
13. The Indecision Alarm - Time for the big guns, baby
14. Boeoes Kaelstigen - Flir
15. TALK 4
16. The Fine Arts Showcase - Modern love
17. Karin Ström - Ordlös
18. Meleeh - Malign
19. TALK 5
20. Kongh - Pushed beyond
21. Baby Woodrose - Let yourself go
22. TALK 6
23. Mixtapes & Cellmates - Quiet (Cat Burgler remix)
24. The Je Ne Sais Quoi - Rhythm
25. The Bell - I need nothing
26. September - Satellites
27. TALK 7
28. Piroth - Waltz for prima ballerina
29. Sällskapet - Järnstaden
30. Montt Mardié - Birthday boy (drama)
31. TALK 8
32. CS Nielsen - Bottle for the road
33. Susanna and the Magical Orchestra - Love will tear us apart
34. Voices Break the Silence - Mopo3
35. TALK 9
36. Plain Fade - Blue skies ahead

MP3: The Bell - Leave me

Wed, 19 Sep 2007 11:20:53 -0700

Back to the new music today with a track from The Bell. I posted a demo track from these guys almost a year and a half ago back when they were called You Is Stupid and even then, I knew they were onto something special. As said before (and reiterated by the recent NPR feature), The Bell's postpunk sound is far more Echo and the Bunnymen-influenced pop than Joy Division-style bleakness. Dark enough to be considered goth, but still very hook-oriented. Naturally, this fits in quite well with many of the similar bands from the early 80s that I've been listening to recently. "Leave me" is an angry song, but also a bit weary. The delivery is a bit flippant, but oh-so-close to breaking. This is the last straw - if things get pushed any further, it'll be bad news. A simple two-line chorus turns into a mantra. I like this a lot.

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0700

The Bell (nee You Is Stupid) are featured as today's NPR song of the day: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=14319643&ft=1&f=4703895

Sat, 01 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0700

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

01. Sahara Hotnights - Visit to Vienna
02. TALK 1
03. José González - Down the line
04. Anna Ternheim - Girl laying down
05. The Bear Quartet - The supremes
06. TALK 2
07. New Decade - I guess you ran from something
08. Commando M Pigg - Allt genast
09. Mikkel Metal - Bano
10. TALK 3
11. Johan Hedberg - Nygubbe4
12. Mikko Singh - Toisella puolella
13. Mimas - Thought discuss
14. Fattaru - 100:-
15. TALK 4
16. Sista Sekunden - Jag är aldrig nöjd
17. E.S.T. - Tuesday wonderland
18. Syster Lycklig - Drömgränd
19. TALK 5
20. The End Will Be Kicks - Ass of a friend
21. The Grizzly Twister - Tigers made of paper
22. Samuel Jackson Five - Easily misunderstood
23. Grande Roses - Dead town
24. TALK 6
25. Thomas Dybdahl - B A part
26. Njurmännen - Cold meat industry
27. Tobias Hellkvist - Moment at ven
28. TALK 7
29. David Sandström Overdrive - Here's for summer
30. Randy - Freedom song
31. Kalle J - Vart stack du?
32. The Flaming Sideburns - Bad trip
33. TALK 8
34. The Bell - I am history
35. Lack - Pessimist poetry
36. The State of Floral Beings - Andy
37. Fireside - Problem (to you)
38. TALK 9
39. Firefox AK - Love to run
40. Manes - Cinder alley
41. Lukestar - Untitled
42. TALK 10
43. Oskar Schönning - S

Thu, 16 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Badman Recording is offering up The Bell's (nee You Is Stupid) new single "I am history" as a free download: http://www.zshare.net/audio/3161871dea83b0/
I like this band a lot, so be sure to check it out.

Mon, 25 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Badman Recordings has enlisted Curtis Vodka, Zzz and DiskJokke to do remixes for The Bell's (nee You is Stupid) debut single, due out in July. As for the band's debut full-length, that will be out in September.

Wed, 20 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0700

You Is Stupid, a great band I posted about a long time ago (and also played on last week's radio show), has finally changed their name. Now they are The Bell: http://www.myspace.com/thebelltheband
"I am history" will be released as a single next week with the debut full-length "Make some quiet" being released in September.

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

Danish singer/songwriter Tina Dickow (aka Tina Dico), best known so far for her work with Zero 7, is coming to the US to do some touring. She'll be playing on the radio show "Morning Becomes Eclectic" today and you can listen live at kcrw.com and will be performing again at the King King in LA this evening. Otherwise, she'll be supporting Teitur for the first half of October and then doing some opening slots with Nancy Sinatra immediately afterwards. Dates:

10/01 - The Mod Club, Toronto ONT
10/02 - Call The Office, London ONT
10/03 - Petit Campus, Montreal, QUE
10/04 - Barrymore Music Hall, Ottawa, ONT
10/06 - Milestones, Rochester, NY
10/07 - Plattsburgh State Uni, NY
10/08 - University of Vermont, Burlington, VT
10/09 - Paradise Lounge, Boston, MA
10/10 - Acoustic Café, Bridgeport, CT
10/11 - Bitter End, New York, NY
10/12 - Joe's Pub, New York, NY
10/13 - The Fez, New York (solo)
10/14 - The Grove, Anaheim, CA w/Nancy Sinatra
10/15 – tba w/Nancy Sinatra
10/16 - The Belly Up, San Diego, CA w/Nancy Sinatra

Look her major label debut album on Sony sometime around May.

Mon, 12 Jul 2004 00:00:00 -0700

Check out the video for "Love Lies Lost" from Homeland: http://www.cumbersome.net/grace01cdmov.htm
Homeland has also put up a page for the new side-project Dustin Diamond, who if you don't already know, is the name of the actor who played Screech on "Saved by the bell". Check it: http://www.homelandhome.com/dustin_diamond.html

Fri, 19 Dec 2003 00:00:00 -0800

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

01. (03) Bergman Rock "Help The Band"
02. (01) The Radio Dept. "Pulling Our Weight EP"
03. (NY) The Strokes "Reptilia"
04. (06) The White Stripes "The Hardest Button To Button"
05. (05) The Chemical Brothers "Get Yourself High"
06. (NY) Basement Jaxx "Good Luck"
07. (08) Black Rebel Motorcycle Club "We're All In Love"
08. (09) Niccokick "Turn 27 EP"
09. (10) Dizzee Rascal "Jus'a Rascal"
10. (12) Bubba Sparxxx "Deliverence"
11. (04) Monastir "The Shape Up EP"
12. (NY) The Darkness "Christmas Time. (Don't Let The Bells End)"
13. (13) Chicks On Speed "Wordy Rappinghood"
14. (02) Essex Green "By The Sea"
15. (15) Chords Ft. Timbuktu And Miki "Wrap Your Chops"
16. (NY) José Gonzalez "Remain EP"
17. (14) The Knife "Handy-Man"
18. (17) Mew "She Came Home For Christmas"
19. (18) The Raveonettes "Heartbreak Stroll"
20. (NY) The Carnation "New Sensation"

Leaving the chart: 07. The Coral "Bill Mc Cai"
11. Holly Golightly "Walk A Mile"
16. The Mountain Goats "Palmcorder Yajna"
19. Timbuktu med Peps "Dynamit"
20. Alice In Videoland "Got To Go"

Dates have been confirmed for Opeth's 'Lamentations Over America Tour 2004'. Support will come from Moonspell and another as-yet-unnamed band, possibly Devildriver (ex-Coal Chamber). Details:

01/20 - Reds, Edmonton (CAN)
01/21 - MacEwan Hall, Calgary (CAN)
01/23 - Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver (CAN)
01/24 - Graceland, Seattle, WA
01/25 - Roseland, Portland, OR
01/27 - House of Blues, Los Angeles, CA
01/28 - Marquee Theatre, Phoenix, AZ
01/29 - Canes Bar & Grill, San Diego, CA
01/30 - House of Blues, Anaheim, CA
01/31 - Avalon, San Francisco, CA
02/02 - Ogden Theatre, Denver, CO
02/03 - Bottleneck, Lawrence, KS
02/05 - Trees, Dallas, TX
02/06 - Backroom, Austin, TX
02/07 - Engine Room, Houston, TX
02/09 - Masquerade, Tampa, FL
02/10 - Culture Room, Fort Lauderdale, FL
02/11 - House of Blues, Orlando, FL
02/13 - Masquerade, Atlanta, GA
02/14 - Tremont Music Hall, Charlotte, NC
02/15 - 9:30 Club, Washington, D.C.
02/16 - Bogarts, Cincinnati, OH
02/18 - Quest, Minneapolis, MN
02/19 - House of Blues, Chicago, IL
02/20 - Harpos, Detroit, MI
02/21 - Saratoga Winners, Latham, NY
02/22 - Club Soda, Montreal, CAN
02/24 - Opera House, Toronto, CAN
02/25 - Steel Music Hall, Rochester, NY
02/26 - Trocadero, Philadelphia, PA
02/27 - Irving Plaza, New York, NY
02/28 - Palladium, Worcester, MA