Tag: Mp3s
The new Madrugada album is far too emotionally charged to be subjected to standard music criticism. The death of guitarist Robert Burås looms large over the proceedings, so to find fault is to be a callous, unsympathetic jerk. Fortunately, the band has bowed out with a more than adequate swan song so such considerations are null and void. All things considered, it's amazing they even finished the album at all as Robert's signature guitarwork is keystone to Madrugada's sound. It's readily apparent from the very first track "Whatever happened to you?", a song of treachery and betrayal. Even with the multiple guitar tracks on this recording, the thing most evident about Robert's playing is his use of space and dynamics. Chords are left hanging open and ringing out, providing perfect counterpoint to Sivert Høyem's vocals. Sometimes it's just a single note, whatever the mood calls for. But no matter what, he never overplays and it's this restraint that is his greatest asset. For Madrugada to continue on without him beyond paying tribute would be treasonous. That they left us with such a fine piece of work is a gift.
Madrugada - Whatever happened to you?
I love the guitar tone on this song. It sounds like they ran an acoustic-electric through two different amps, but really, the technical considerations are unimportant. What matters is how big and nasty it sounds and I absolutely mean that in the best possible way. It's a good counterpoint to Birds On Holiday's tweeness, as it provides the necessary bite and drive the song needs to truly rock. Toss in a few handclaps and some farfisa and you're golden. It's a shame no other songs on the album manage to sound this fun, but hey- one great track is better than none.
Birds on Holiday - I had a plan
Our 2008 series on the music of Göteborg continues this week with Samuraj Cities. The band just did a batch of dates in Germany, but they managed to answer a few questions for me before they left:
How long have you lived in Gbg?
We are all born in Gothenburg.
Do you think that there's a particular Gbg sound?
No. I don't really think so... It's such a wide range of music that comes from our city, everything from pop, electro, noisemusic to metal. But there may be bands that sound a little bit similar. Maybe because people get inspired by each other or because some of the people play in many different bands.
What are your favorite Gbg hangouts? Any decent venues or record stores to recommend?
We really like Pusterviksbaren, a nice bar with alot of great concerts. Not so huge, but thats a part of why it´s so nice... Also there is a little pub called Skål, where we use to end up. Klaras is great too...
I like to run around in fleamarkets and by old vinylrecords. There are some good record stores like Blenda, Skivhugget and Bengans... the rest is pretty boring. When we come to new cities; record stores and musicstores is the first thing we are looking for...
How has the city inspired you?
Most of the things that inspires us, are not from Gothenburg. We are dreaming about going out on tour and seeing new places. It is very inspiring to see that some of our friends and many bands from our city are so successful, and most of the people we meet on tour are very friendly and positive towards you when you say you come from Gothenburg.
Is there a particular Samuraj Cities song that reflects the city?
We are working on a new song now called "Hisingen you give me the creeps".
Seeing as how that new song is unavailable to me, here's "Thxa1000000", the lead single off their 2006 debut album "Cheap deluxe". Hopefully we'll get to hear some new music soon.
Samuraj Cities - Thxa1000000
Moderat Likvidation are an old Swedish punk band from the early 80s, widely considered to be the very first d-beat/d-takt act on the scene. They recorded a couple EPs before going their separate ways around '85, leaving a small, but important legacy. That is, until this weekend when they will be playing their first show in 22 years at Mejeriet in Lund, Sweden with fellow old-school vets Mob 47 and young upstarts Fy Fan (touring the US in March) and Nuclear Death Terror. Expect all sorts of old dudes crawling out from the woodwork with receding hairline mohawks. At least, that's how I like to picture it. Anyhow, while they are most certainly not my favorite Swedish raw-punk band, their place in history is inarguable. So with that being said, here's their track from the new "Svenska punkklassiker vol. 2" compilation. Enjoy!
Moderat Likvidation - Nitad
"Common ground" is the lead single from Barra Head's new album "Go get beat up" and while it's not the best song on the album, it's important because it concerns the recent events at Ungdomshuset in Copenhagen. Venues like Ungdomshuset are crucial, not just because they provide a DIY showspace, but also because they act as center for action and the exchange of ideas. I didn't learn about strong values from reading lyric sheets, I saw it in action growing up in the 924 Gilman St. scene (first show: Green Day, The Creamers, Winona Ryders and Jüke circa 1990-91 or thereabouts). Punk and hardcore has always been about more than music - it's about integrity and community. Doing what's right for the common good, not just for yourself. Not to mention, having the gumption to make things happen through the force of your own hard work. Unfortunately, it's all too easy to become complacent which is why Ungdomshuset should serve as a wake-up call. 25 years of history can be erased if you let it. The folks from Barra Head might not be angry young punks (and neither am I), but they know what's at stake.
Barra Head - Common ground
Remember when I told you that C.Aarmé had a new EP in the works? Well, said EP is in my hands (er, on my harddrive) and I'm happy to report that it easily obliterates all competition. So naturally I am honored to provide you one track for download today and would strongly encourage you to hear the rest via myspace. As to the sound, well it picks up right where they left off so all the usual conjecture applies. Intense. Bitter. Raw. No dumb overdubs, just pure, unadulterated rock'n'roll. Wind them any tighter, they're bound to snap. Beware!
C.Aarmé - Dustin
When Pascal's debut album "Förbi fabriken" was released, the PR machine wanted them to be heralded as noiserock saviors. It was suggested that this was the band that supposed the sweep away all the weak-ass bullshit to make way for some real rock'n'roll. Trouble was, said album was flat and lifeless and didn't much of anything except maybe ennui. Now with the release of sophomore album "Galgberget", Pascal actually does start to live up to the hyperbole. It's loud and raw and full of renewed vibrancy. But don't mistake squalls of feedback for a Jesus and Mary Chain soundalike - where as JAMC are cool and detached, Pascal are energized and engaged. One listen to the chorus of lead single "Längtar efter dig" will show you that.
The song I'm most interested in however, would have to be their cover of Judas Priest's "Painkiller", named here in Swedish as "Smärtstillande". They successfully manage to take one of Priest's heaviest tracks and completely rework it in their own style. It's got the same sinister vibe, but it's definitely not metal. Here I thought that Death's excellent version was the be all end all, but nope, I was wrong. Pascal makes it their own and in that process, transforms it into something extra special. Exceptionally well done.
Pascal - Smärtstillande
The appeal of Petter's new single "Logiskt" depends almost entirely on whether or not you can get down with the Säkert! sample that anchors the song. It's a time honored cheap tactic, whether you're Puff Daddy or the KLF, but at least in this case the sampled track ("Någon gång måste du bli själv") wasn't already a hit. That makes it marginally more acceptable to my ears. However, the dealbreaker for me is that Petter simply isn't all that compelling as an MC. Obviously, I'm a big Annika Norlin fan, but that only goes so far.
Petter - Logiskt (ft. Säkert!)
When people talk about the Göteborg sound, if they aren't talking about metal, then they are probably talking about two bands. Bad Cash Quartet is one and I'm sure I'll get to them eventually, the other is Broder Daniel. It's a sound of alienation and yearning with broad, anthemic melodies and anchored by pounding, garage-rock beats. No other band embodies the sound of teen angst better than Broder Daniel. There's a certain sophisticated simplicity to them as well, a feeling that's readily apparent when you hear something like Anna Ternheim's emotionally devastating cover of "Shoreline". It's evocative of a certain place and time, but translates easily. "Cruel town" is about Gbg, but it could be about anywhere.
Broder Daniel - Cruel town
Docent Död was an early Swedish punk band formed in the late 70s that eventually evolved into Docenterna. Actually, the "punk" label may be a bit misleading as they are way more pop in character - there's a slight rough edge, but nothing that'll have you thinking mohawks and spikes. If you dig the Buzzcocks, there's a good chance you dig this as well. Perfect for Ebba Grön fans too, though that kinda goes without saying. Anyhow, "Solglasögon" is easily their best-known song and for good reason - it's a damn fine piece of music. 'Nuff said.
Docent Död - Solglasögon
Britta Persson's "Cliffhanger" is both the first single and lead track off her new album "Kill Hollywood me" and it's a great song with an odd, unconventional melody that almost seems modal in timbre. As the title suggests, the chords shift restlessly without quite coming to a pleasant "pop" resolve until maybe the bridge. Even then, there's still an uneasiness to it. The very out/almost dissonant voicings of the piano only add to the unsettledness. It's definitely the jazziest we've ever heard from her and, as Lars suggests, is also reminiscent of adventurous 70s rock. Best of all however, is Britta's newfound level of supreme confidence. Her early demos were charming and always displayed huge potential for her talent, potential that's now being fully realized. The new record is good, but I think I'm even more excited to hear what's next.
Britta Persson - Cliffhanger
I had a feeling the new Firefox AK single would be good, but this good? Nope, no way! Sorry to underestimate you Andrea! What I like best about the track besides the obvious appeal of the husband/wife duet is how damn sparse it is. There's a bit of synth, but it's pure garnish - really, it's the rhythm and vocal tracks that carry it. It also appears that living in Berlin causes you to eschew guitars as there's barely any to be found here. It remains to be seen whether Tiger Lou will follow in a similar direction with his upcoming record, but I know they've both been listening a lot of techno and it shows. Otherwise, I can only begin to imagine how amazing the remixes for this track will be. This album version is fantastic, but I wouldn't be surprised if a b-side knocks it out of the park.
Firefox AK - Winter rose (ft. Tiger Lou)
I totally blew it with the new Christian Kjellvander album "I saw her from here/I saw here from her". I thought that his solo debut "Songs from a two-room chapel" was fantastic, but his follow-up release "Faya" didn't move me so I lost interest. I gave the single "Two souls" a cursory listen when it first came out and shrugged it off; now I'm regretting it. I don't know if I was in the wrong frame of mind or what, but jeez, something was definitely wrong with me. How could I miss the greatness of that chorus? Such vivid imagery! And with a mere 2:40 run-time, it begs repeated listens. Also, it's such a majestic piece of music with layers upon layers of instruments coming together to create a tiny symphony. Perhaps if the Beach Boys went country, this is what it would sound like. Don't be dumb like me, give this another chance if it didn't grab you the first time 'round.
Christian Kjellvander - Two souls
I've been meaning to post something from Dreamboy for awhile and I figure that today's a good a day as any, especially since it coincides with the publication of Simon's full album review. Taken as a whole, I don't have much to add to his critique beyond pointing out that Niccokick frontman Andreas Söderlund co-produced half the album, so any comparisons between the two bands are unsurprising. Otherwise, he's right-on, so with that in mind, let's check out a song. "What have I done" is emphatic indierock that reminds me of "Pinkerton"-era Weezer, an album that was a very important part of my freshman year in college. I can't hear stuff like this without thinking back to that year in the dorms. I was already more jaded than most at that point, but with my mid-20s still far ahead of me, I had yet to experience the sort of depressed self-reflection expressed in this song. I know it's ridiculous in retrospect, but I definitely went through a long slump of not knowing what to do with myself as I contemplated my legacy. Ridiculous, right? Thank god age adds perspective.
Dreamboy - What have I done
Week #2 of our Göteborg feature. This week's guest: Kristofer Åström. As with last week's post on Björn Kleinhenz, Kristofer was kind enough to answer a few questions about his adopted city.
How long have you lived in Gbg?
About 4 years. 3 years in the countryside outside of Gbg and 1 year in the city.
Where did you move from and why?
I moved from Stockholm after 9 years. That wasn't really my kind of town. I find Gbg easier to live in. And friendlier.
Favorite part of the city? Least favorite?
Haga and Linné are my favourites. Avenyn is the least favourite.
Do you think that there's a particular Gbg sound?
Yes I do. Can't really pinpoint it and I don't consider myself part of it, but there's something special about music from Gbg.
And how has the city inspired you?
It has brought me a lot of inspiring friends and a more active social life which has brought me a lot of ideas.
Today's featured track is "The dark" which comes off his most recent release "RainawayTown", the one album that topped my year-end list for 2007. It's also an album that could not have been made in any other city, as indicated by the title and yes, the sound. The distinction may be hard to pinpoint and Kristofer might even try to deny it, but I think it's true.
Kristofer Åström - The dark