Happy New Year!

Best wishes for the New Year!

Best albums of 2006....

Below I've posted the list of my favorite albums of 2006. Just like it was the case with the songs, I've probably forgotten or ignored some real gems. But it's impossible to know or listen to every album released. And I would probably change my opinion on several albums, if I've had time to give them repeated listens. But overall I'm not really that impressed with this year's crop and I probably will remember 2006 as a year where the songs were a lot better than the albums. Anyway - here's the list.

20. Badly Drawn Boy - Born in the U.K.
19. Phoenix - It's never been like that
18. Razorlight - Razorlight
17. DulceSky - Lands
16. Amber Smith - rePRINT
15. The Oxygen Ponies - The Oxygen Ponies
14. Muse - Black Holes and Revelations
13. iLiKETRAiNS - Progress Reform
12. Murder - Stockholm Syndrome
11. Memphis - A Little Place in the Wilderness

10. VETO - There's a beat in all machines
At first I was quite disappointed, but for some reason I kept getting back to it, and slowly the album started to grow on me.
+ You are a Knife

9. EPO-555 - Mafia
The excellent sophomore album from one of the most interesting new Danish bands in recent years.

8. The Ballet - Mattachine!
According to the band's webpage there are about 100 copies of the album left. So hurry up and get yours!
+ In My Head

7. Band of Horses - Everything All the Time
Everyone in the bloggerworld seemed to fall in love with this band. And no wonder, because this certainly was one great debut album!
+ The Funeral

6. Late Night Venture - Late Night Venture
Must be the "surprise" band of the year. Read a review of the album in my local newspaper, which was enough to catch my interest. Glad it did, because this is a really great alternative pop/rock album.
+ Pay the Moon

5. Camera Obscura - Let's Get Out of This Country
For some reason it took me a long, long time before I actually started listening to this album. Wonder why, because this is a wonderful twee pop album.
+ Lloyd, I'm Ready to Be Heartbroken

4. The Electric Pop Group - The Electric Pop Group
Probably would have cracked the Top 3 had it been released earlier. An album to remind you never to publish your "best-of" lists at the beginning of December.
+ Walk Away

3. The Radio Dept. - Pet Grief
I know quite a lot of people were disappointed about The Radio Dept.'s second album. In my opinion they took a step in the right direction by sounding less noisy and by (unlike on the debut) not including any weak songs on the album. But it would have been great if the album was running for more than 37 minutes!
+ The Worst Taste In Music


2. moi Caprice - The Art of Kissing Properly
For every listen the album unfolds and delivers one great pop song after the other. It rarely happens that an album actually meets my (high) expectations, but this (the band's third) album certainly did. Now if I could only catch them live some day!!



1. Windermere - No One Wins
This is one of the albums that so easily could make me start rambling about the injustice of the world. So great and so sadly overlooked. A month ago I described it as "dark, noisy, beautiful, catchy, atmospheric and at times depressive" and I still believe that this is a pretty accurate description.
+ There's a sun

Best songs of 2006.....

When you start making a list like this, you suddenly realize how long a year really is. I have no idea how many songs and artists I've been listening to the past 12 months, but it must have been a lot, because I certainly was having all kinds of problems remembering the best ones, when I compiled the list. Actually I re-did it more than once, and I'm still not sure if this is the correct one. It probably would look different tomorrow and a whole LOT different a week from now. But the year is nearly over, so this was the time to draw a line. Some of the songs included are demos and have therefore never been officially released, so there might be a risk that I'm including songs that rightly would belong on a 2005 list. I've linked or uploaded files, when I felt certain that I'm not violating any legal rights, hyper linking etc. Please let me know if I'm mistaken, and the songs will be taken down ASAP. Finally only one entry per artist was allowed! Enough rambling - here they are - my favorite songs of 2006.

25. C/O/R/D - Winter (video)
Just one of those nice ones that I keep getting back to!

24. Pete White - Hand Signals (MP3)
Every regular visitor to this blog should know by now that this guy is my favorite singer/songwriter.

23. El Video - A Day Off (MP3)
Had almost forgotten this one. Shame on me!

22. The Orders - Desperation Takes Hold (MP3)
Hopefully I'm not the only one looking forward to the album? To be released January 17.

21. Director - Reconnect (blog with MP3)
I've been told that the album is crap. Shame, because this song is fab.

20. EPO-555 - Pizza Tintin
I'm still wondering what's on that pizza?

19. Green Concorde - This Time (remix by tWAMi) (MP3)
Should be on every "car soundtrack."

18. Mighty Six Ninety - Believable
Whenever these guys decide to release an album, it's bound to be great.

17. TempEau - Mädchen aus Greifswald (MP3)
I know it's sung in German, but it's a nice pop/rock track with razor sharp lyrics.

16. Van She - Kelly (MP3)
OH Kelly! Completely irresistible.

15. Under the Influence of Giants - Mama's Room (webpage with MP3)
Probably my "guilty pleasure" of the year!

14. Kent - Nålens Öga (video)
Best band in the world. This was "just" a charity single and still among the best songs of the year.

13. Muse - Map of the Problematique (blog with MP3)
Blew me away the first time I heard it.

12. Beirut - Postcards From Italy (MP3)
Every blogger loves this track. I'm no exception.

11. Days - Simple Thing (MP3)
Could have picked any of their 4 tracks.

10. Oppenheimer - Breakfast in NYC (MP3)
Normally I quickly get tired of songs like this. But 8 months later I still love it!

9. The fridaynight Club - Aeroplanes (MP3)
Mystery track of the year. I still don't know anything about this band(?)!

8. The Holiday Show - Snookerstar (MP3)
Waiting for an album guys!

7. Camera Obscura - Tears for Affairs (blog with MP3)
Even my one year old daughter loves this one!

6. Gentle Touch - Smedby (MP3)
J.A. introduced me to this one by calling it a "big pop song". Couldn't think of a better description myself.

5. Ruined by Martin - Dear Reo (MP3)
Still waiting for them to get that second EP finished.

4. The Electric Pop Group - Popgirly (MP3)
Charming. Guess that word says it all!

3. Anamia - Butterfly in Paris (MP3)
A great, but utterly ignored track!

2. Kind of girl - Poetry Boy (MP3)
The runaway winner of the "most-blogged-about-track-of-the-year" award.

1. moi Caprice - Drama Queen (Stream)
The first time I listened to it I knew that this would end up being my no. 1 song of the year!!

No more talk about Christmas!

The Anthem To Which We Fall by Green Concorde has been tested on MTV Fahrenheit. Do me (and the band) a favor and vote for the boys. If you need to check out the song or video before voting, you can do it here.

The Last.fm Free Downloads Chart has been updated. Cannot spot any new interesting entries, but the new no. 1 is....
+ Okkervil River - Black

Speaking of Last.fm. FALK has sent me two recommendations. One is the 5 track Anger Manifest EP by German Gothic-pop-rock/Darkwave duo All:My:Faults. This still isn't my favorite genre, but I cannot deny that I like this!
+ Forget Me...
+ Sand of Time

The second band he recommends is Finnish electronic pop duo Viola. I'm already quite familiar with Viola and their catchy tunes, so I'll pass on his recommendation to "the rest of the world"!
+ Lovelights
+ Sad Eyed Disco Dancers

Download a 10 track compilation (for free) called Electronica Unplugged over at Aerotone. I really enjoy the fact that more and more labels are giving away music for free. But I cannot help wondering how they survive financially?
+ Leander - Directions

Acoustic duo Austin Atteberry & Friends from Chicago has sent me a message, asking if I would like to receive a copy of their second album. The songs available are (I believe) from the debut, but since they do sound pretty fine, I replied with a "thank you" and asked them to send me a copy. I will write more once I've received the album.
+ Party Tonight
+ Letter of Three Words

I promised no more talk about Christmas, but I just came across this Christmas (inspired?) tune by Gothenburg duo The Lost Homeboys. The vocals could easily be a lot better, but it's very indie, rather catchy and full of seasonal atmosphere.
+ A letter from us

I plan to post my list of favorite songs of the year tonight.

New song by Celestial!

On January 1, Music Is My Girlfriend will release the 7" single Fragile Heart by Celestial. But just like every decent Swedish label these days, the label is giving away the title track for free! Unfortunately the release will be a 7" only, and it will feature another track called Brighton Girls as well as remixes of the two tracks. Check it out. It's short, it's sweet, it's catchy and very, very good!
+ Fragile Heart

Merry Christmas!

Just a belated Merry Christmas to all of you! I sincerely hope you all had a wonderful time with your families, friends, loved ones etc., and that you all found some great presents waiting for you underneath the Christmas tree!

This and That

Stream the new (and pretty good) single Oceanic by Danish alternative rock band Mavis over at Myspace. Unfortunately it's not available for download!!

The dudes over at emodreng og indiepige have started listening to Kind of girl. I told you that they have a fine taste in music!

Check out excellent blog lifeiscarbon. Here you'll find lots of interesting stuff on (as they call it) Scandinavian Æsthetics. That be art, design, music etc.

Brilliant UK quartet Indigo will release a 5 track EP in January next year called The Rain Sessions. 4 of the tracks have already been uploaded to Myspace and are generously available as free downloads. The music sounds like a nice mix of The Smiths and The Stone Roses (perhaps a bit more rocking), and especially the live version of Something New is ace!
+ I Can't Fight This Feeling
+ Something New (Live)

A track by She Wants Revenge called Black Liner Run is available for free at Myspace.
+ Black Liner Run

Both Music Of The Moment and Powerpopulist got inspired and wrote posts on the Last.fm Free Downloads chart.

Apparently all it takes is a bit of whining? I was a cry-baby the other day and immediately the average no. of hits started to grow. I wish it was because people felt sorry for me, but it's quite obvious that those Last.fm tracks did the trick!!

Here's another mixed bag of stuff (I happily admit that the quality varies) found at Last.fm..........
+ Carpenters - They Long To Be Close To You (this is one of my guilty pleasures)
+ El Perro Del Mar - It's All Good
+ Jon Secada - Just Another Day (another one of my guilty pleasures)
+ Micah P. Hinson - The Leading Guy
+ Sambassadeur - New Moon
+ Loons - Holiday Run
+ Lovejoy - In The Rain

And more Last.fm. Danish independent label Quatermain records has created a site where you can download several tracks from the label's back catalogue. Among the freebies are 3 tracks from the great debut album by Late Night Venture. But the track really catching my attention right now is this one by alternative rock band Yellowish.
+ Direction

We all learn something new! When I checked Yellowish's webpage I saw that the correct title of this track is This is my Direction and is available there for free in an even better quality.
+ This is my Direction

Last.fm - Free Downloads chart

I mentioned the Free Downloads chart over at last.fm in my post yesterday, but I thought I should put a little more focus on the chart in today's post. Why? Several reasons why? First of all! Wouldn't it be great if this chart became really popular? Then bands and labels would be even more motivated to make their music available for free at last.fm. Furthermore you don't have to be a registered member or login to be able to download the songs, which mean that bloggers can link directly to the songs (which is really, really great). The sound quality of the songs is fairly decent (128 Kbps) and the tags are working properly (thus showing up correctly at The Hype Machine). So if you happen to be a blogger I (with these obvious reasons in mind) strongly urge you to "hype" this chart! Currently there aren't that many interesting songs available, but the number of songs seems to be growing every day. And I guess it's no surprise that artists signed by fab Swedish label Labrador are well represented? I've posted links to a few tracks below, to give you an idea of what you can find there...........
+ The Joint Conspiracy - Tomorrow
+ Ciao Transizta – Take Time
+ My Chemical Romance - Vampires Will Never Hurt You
+ Basshunter - Boten Anna (Silver Nikan Radio mix)
+ The Radio Dept. - The Worst Taste In Music (Extended)
+ Elf Power - Never Believe
+ Johann Sebastian Bach - Air
+ Micah P. Hinson - Jackeyed
+ Cordero - Close Your House Down

AirSpiel +++

Scottish indie rock band AirSpiel sent me a mail last week asking if I'd be interested in making a blog post on the band. I quickly recalled that Chris featured the band in his blog a while back, but more importantly I also recalled that I liked the band's songs, when I listened to them. So obviously my reply to the band was positive and in return the boys gave me permission to upload a few tracks.
AirSpiel has existed since 2003 and originally started out as a duo, but is now a 5-piece following some changes and additions the past few years. The band is currently recording (or has recently finished?) their debut album (to be called In Another Life), but I cannot find any information on a release date. The music is really catchy indie rock that for obvious reasons has been compared to bands like U2, Coldplay and The Bluetones. I've posted two tracks by the band below and both of them are just fabulous. So I'm eagerly awaiting news on when the album will be released and I will keep you posted if/when I have any news!
+ Ghosts
+ Smiling at the Sun

Fine Danish music blog emodreng og indiepige is run by two 16-year-olds (?!?!?!?!) with a brilliant taste in music. They have just posted their best albums of 2006 list, which sure is worth checking out. They also give the excellent Kelly by Van She some much deserved exposure.

Check out this (alternative?) Christmas track by American rockers Tone Rodent.
+ Christmastime

Yesterday I finally bought Broom by Someone Still Loves You, Boris Yeltsin. Will be quite interesting to hear if it is as great as everyone else seem to believe it is.
+ Oregon Girl
+ House Fire

Hits In The Car favorite Pete White has teamed up with John Beeson to form the duo beeson and white. 4 very good tracks from an acoustic live recording session are available for download.
+ Run

Another Hits In The Car favorite - Kind of girl - is no. 12 & 13 in this week's Free Downloads chart over at Last.fm! Quite a surprise, but well-deserved!!
+ Poetry boy
+ Slave to your charms

120 Days is picked as band of the year by DoCopenhagen.
+ Come Out, Come Down, Fade Out, Be Gone

It's probably a very good thing that I don't have to make my living through blogging. The average no. of hits per day in December is down to 265 compared to 315 in November. Or down by 16%. Numbers like that could get anyone fired!!

The Radio Dept. - Live in Lima

The Radio Dept.'s concert on October 28 in Lima, Peru was recorded and you can download it in its entirety or the individual tracks here. Unfortunately the sound quality is really, really bad.

News from Ruined by Martin......

I've always thought that this time of year was the busiest one for everyone, but still the boys from Ruined by Martin have somehow been able to find enough time to finish a new track called Somewhere. The track has been uploaded to the band's Myspace profile, but since the band agrees that the sound quality of the files there is ridiculously bad, they have mailed me a better copy of the new track to share with all of you. The band has been working on new material for some time now, but still there is no news on when the band's second EP will be released. According to plans (at least the ones I know of) these 3 tracks will be on that EP, if/when it is finished some day. The new track is a bit more electronic than the two other tracks, and sounds more like the songs from the band's first EP, which was Gaffa's demo of the month exactly one year ago. Still Somewhere is a very typical RbM track in the sense that you need to listen to it a quite few times, before realizing how good it really is!!
+ Somewhere
+ Dear Reo
+ Burn The Sun

Shorties...

The debut album of Swedish indie pop sensations The Electric Pop Group was released today. Stream the album here or simply pick up your copy of it at Fraction Discs NOW! My copy is in the mail!
+ Popgirly

You Ain't No Picasso (and several others) has a copy of the new song by The Arcade Fire called Intervention. What do you think of it?

Did you download the Purevolume Holiday sampler? Now that I've listened to it, I really have to add that it does indeed include some brilliant tracks!

Remember to make a wish over at Music of the Moment!

Let's get Physical...

I'm really busy at work, but I just had to post this one. Electro rock act Alistair Doomington covers Olivia Newton-John's Physical. Have to admit that I kinda like it!
+ Physical

One more Christmas present....

This time it's a free holiday single by US alternative rock band Aberdeen City called Just Like Christmas. The track was recorded in a hotel room last week, so this isn't the best produced song you'll ever hear, but still very sweet. The "b-side" is a previously unreleased version of the brilliant single God is Going To Get Sick of Me.
+ Just Like Christmas
+ God Is Going To Get Sick of Me (Highway Version)
+ God Is Going To Get Sick of Me (Single Version)

Volvoe - Snowscape

Anyone remember Danish indie/electro act Volvoe that I mentioned several months ago? Even if you don't I strongly recommend that you check out the new track Snowscape that has been uploaded to the band's Myspace profile today. The track, taken from the forthcoming album, is a really catchy and up-tempo electro pop tune that easily matches the quality of the band's previous outputs.
+ Snowscape (Myspace quality)

Holiday sampler

Download Purevolume's 12 track Holiday Sampler for free. I haven't listened to it yet, but looking at the bands/artists contributing, I expect it to be great!
+ Holiday Sampler (zip file)
+ Jamie Randolph - White Christmas

This and That...

5-piece Ciao Transizta was picked as Gaffa's Demo band in December. This Danish alternative rock band is influenced by the likes of Interpol, Sonic Youth, The Arcade Fire etc. It took me a few listens getting into the music, but now I'm really enjoying these songs..
+ New York Naked
+ Take Time

At least Thomas over at DoCopenhagen agrees that saving up her wishes (for another Christmas) by Celestial is the best new Christmas track of the year.

In his comment yesterday Anders suggested (tongue in cheek I hope) that Wonderland by Heidi Klum is the best new Christmas track of 2006. She sure looks beautiful though!

The current no. 1 in the Danish indie chart - Det Elektriske Barometer - is this stunning track by Decorate. Decorate.
+ Surname of Copenhagen

Perhaps this only happens to me, but doesn't Last.fm recommend the same tracks over and over again?

I'm currently busy compiling my best of 2006 lists, but I still have plenty of catching up left to do. Yesterday I bought the albums by Hot Chip and 120 Days, and the other day I received the really fine A Little Place In The Wilderness by Memphis.

FileDen IS working, but the tags just seem to have gone completely haywire. So you'll have to fix those yourself.

Ether Oceans....

Every regular reader of this blog should know by now that I'm quite a fan of Detroit quartet Ether Aura. Today the band has made another track from the brilliant Crash album available for download over at Myspace. This time it's the track called In Oceans, which is a really cool and very shoegaze inspired piece.
+ In Oceans

Super duper.......

VETO frontman Troels Abrahamsen (aka Supertroels) will release his first solo album on March 26 next year. The album will be called I Know That You Know and two tracks are already available to download for free from his webpage. A bit more electronic than VETO, but still pretty good! Found via the excellent It's A Trap.
+ You Need Paths, To Draw Map
+ You Are Always

Another Christmas present......

Brilliant and generous Swedish indie pop/shoegaze inspired band (one-man project is probably more accurate) Celestial wishes everyone a happy Christmas by making the band's seasonal track saving up her wishes (for another Christmas), available for free download! Excellent and definitely the best new Christmas track of the year!
+ saving up her wishes (for another Christmas)
The link isn't working right now. Instead I suggest that you download the Myspace version.

An early Christmas present...

To celebrate that it is their first release to ever reach the famous Swedish Trackslistan (entered at no. 17), the band's label Labrador are giving away the EP Punkdrömmar by [ingenting] for free.
+ Punkdrömmar (album version)
+ Punkdrömmar (Enochsons punkdrömmar remix).
+ Punkdrömmar (Wikströms punkdrömmar remix)

Jingle bells - party time and hangovers...

We have our Christmas party at work tonight, so I'll probably have the worst hangovers in the history of man tomorrow. Luckily I'm going to another party tomorrow afternoon, which I expect will cure the hangovers in no time. But Sunday is definitely going to be a challenge.

The worst part is that I'm dead tired right now following a couple of horrible nights, where the kids have been keeping us awake. But I’m certain that the first couple of beers tonight will quickly turn the tiredness into a distant memory.

Oh well - after all this is not a drinker's blog, so here are a couple of tracks I stumbled upon this afternoon. Both bands are from Sweden, and even though the songs aren't exactly spectacular, they are still well worth a listen.
+ TIAC - It's Always The Same Anyway (electro/pop)
+ Swoon - Encore (shoegaze/alternative)

Marimekko - model...

18 Smiling Pirates....

New single I 18 by Danish rockers Dead Smiling Pirates has been uploaded to Myspace (in the usual poor quality) and Mymusic.dk (in a better quality, but only available if you're a registered user). The debut album produced by Flemming Rasmussen will be released early next year!
+ I 18 (UPDATE - 192 kbps copy)

Evening fun....

Download the new Panda Riot demo called Olivia on the Downbeat over at Myspace or watch the very first episode of the DoCopenhagen video podcast featuring Björn Kleinhenz. If you have plenty of time on your hands, you can also watch DoCopenhagen's Top 50 Music Videos of 2006 over there as well!
+ Olivia on the Downbeat

Christmas on the Beach

Here it is. The short and sweet Christmas single from Swedish indie pop surfers Irene.
+ Christmas on the Beach

Take it or leave it....

Myspace has (rightfully) been critized for reducing the bit rate of the songs to 96 kbps, but as long as bands/artists insist on using the service (despite all its flaws), it regularly ends up being the only place where you can download certain songs. Below are posted a few songs I've found tonight that I'd love to get in a better quality, but for now I (reluctantly) have to live with these poorer sounding versions.

The terrific indie/dreampop quarter Ether Aura from Detroit has uploaded a wonderful version of Curve's I Speak Your Every Word. Grab it now despite the low quality, because it's fabulous and will only be available for a very short time. The band's second album (will be called Before We Could Sing) is nearly finished, and the expected date of release is February 17 next year.
+ I Speak Your Every Word

Danish electro pop trio Tiger Baby has remixed CPH-Jet's cover of Just Can't Get Enough and uploaded another excellent track from this year's album Noise Around Me called Moved Me. The availability of both tracks could be short lived as well.
+ Just Can't Get Enough
+ Moved Me

Work.......

I'm really busy at work these days, so sorry about the lack of updates.
+ Morning Runner - Work

It's a tiger - not a trap :-)

Here are some great pieces of information found over at It's A Trap (arguably the best music blog in the world). So thank you Avi!!!!

Incredible Swedish indie pop band DAYS has been signed to Lavender Recordings. I heard a "rumor" some time ago, but it was really nice to learn that it was more than just that! Know quite a few people eagerly awaiting the band's first release!
+ Never Came To Last

I'm currently enjoying Tiger Baby's Christmas single. I really like this band (and the song) and find it hard to believe that I haven't bought any of the band's releases.
+ This Christmas

Swedish indie/pop/surf band Irene has unsuccessfully tried to upload the band's Christmas single called Christmas On The Beach to Myspace, but for some reason it failed. Instead the track will be available on Wednesday from here or here.

Plan! What plan? Oh! A Cuckoo Plan!...

The average number of visitors per day in November will be well above 300 (currently 310 - up from 276 in October). So thanks to all of you, who visited the blog regularly, thus helping to make it the most successful month so far.

J.A. has started to keep other bloggers busy as well. Check these two really nice ones (Almedal + doubledan).

I'm going to Stockholm tomorrow for a few days. There probably won't be much time for any music shopping!

Lots of blogs have started to collect various year end lists. Still one month left of 2006 and plenty, plenty of catching up to do. Just trying to remember what albums I've bought this year is quite a challenge. From the top of my head here are some of the artists that have released albums that could make my "best albums of 2006" list: The Ballet, Band of Horses, EPO-555, Late Night Venture, Windermere, The Radio Dept., iLiKETRAiNS, Moi Caprice and ?? See. I can't even remember!

In the mailbox this morning I found this really catchy track from Portuguese band Loto. Don't be too surprised if you think that this could have been recorded by New Order, because it does actually feature Peter Hook on bass! This is the first single of the album Beat Riot and hopefully the rest of it is equally great!
+ Cuckoo Plan

The Electric Pop Group...

If you (just like me) are impatiently waiting for the debut album by Swedish indie pop band The Electric Pop Group, you can stream the entire album over at Last.fm. The expected release date is now December 15. Of course I should add that my first impression (after just one listen) is very, very positive.
+ Popgirly
+ Walk Away
+ Why Can't You?

Rodolfo welcomes you to Florida......

With the words "I think the Florida scene is hotter than ever", regular contributor Rodolfo has sent me (and you) the list below of songs he recommends by bands from The Sunshine State. Unfortunately I do not have much time today to write any additional comments, but I still hope that you will enjoy these songs (even though most of them are in Myspace "quality")!!

+ Modernage - The Shore
+ Marqui Adora - Do Anything
+ Fashionista - My Life
+ Currents - You Are The Bridge

and a couple of older Hits In The Car favorites.

+ Francis 7 - Splitting in Two
+ The Monday Photo - Allies No Tomorrow

Windermere - NoOneWins

This post the other day by Peter reminded me that I haven't written anything about the new album NoOneWins by Danish quartet Windermere. I have to admit that this is pretty close to inexcusable, because this, the band's second output, is definitely among the best releases of the year. Peter describes the music as a mix of Gravenhurst, Amber Smith and Bethany Curve, though I think that (more well-known Danes) Kashmir or perhaps even iLiKETRAiNS could/should be added to that mix. And underneath it all, the band's shoegaze inspiration is still very present. This is a dark, noisy, beautiful, catchy, atmospheric and at times depressive album, which (if there was any justice in the world) should propel Windemere to stardom. Buy it!
+ There's a Sun
This is not the best track of the album, but it's the one I've received permission to post!

Pipas.

Tonight I was checking a few profiles over at Last.fm, when I noticed someone listening heavily to UK indie/twee pop duo Pipas. Somehow I've never heard of them, but since I'm a fan of the genre, and saw that the band has been mentioned by several other bloggers, I thought it was a good idea to check them out. And I wasn't disappointed, because the duo (consisting of Lupe Núñez-Fernández & Mark Powell) writes short, sweet and catchy melodies. And the remix of The Lucksmiths' How To Tie a Tie is obviously a pleasant "bonus". Pipas has released 4 albums so far, and a few more tracks can be found here.
+ Riff Raff
+ Wells Street
+ The Lucksmiths - how to tie a tie (like a churros mix - remixed by Pipas)

Oliver North Boy Choir

As promised by "Tinkerbell" in her post yesterday, I've posted two demo tracks by new and highly interesting Danish constellation Oliver North Boy Choir. I strongly suggest that you read the aforementioned post, but if you haven't done so already, I can inform you that the trio consists of Mikkel Max Hansen (EPO-555), Camilla Florentz (Ex EPO-555) and Ivan Petersen (? but he's "playing the instruments"). For obvious reasons the band follows nicely in the footsteps of EPO-555 (both musically and vocally, without being a rip-off), and the music (described as "indiepop and melancholy) should appeal to all fans of Dexter Fox (the EPO-555 debut). I've had the privilege of listening to three more tracks by the band (they won't be posted here), and they are even better than the ones below! The band has been signed to Danish label Crunchy Frog and accordingly ONBC will be a singles band only, though we can always hope that they'll alter that decision!!!
+ Albertino
+ Something New

Pete White - New Demos

My favorite singer/songwriter Pete White has uploaded two brand new demos to his Myspace profile. The two tracks reveal a quiet and mellow Pete (though things do get a bit "plugged" midways through Time), but you must prepare yourself to give both of them a few listens, as they are not as immediately catchy as some of his previous one. Instead these new songs need a little time to grow/unfold, but since it's always a thrill listening to his voice (that must be among the finest you will hear from anyone these days), time shouldn't really be a problem!
+ Made to Match
+ Time

The Steadies

I'm not sure exactly how it happened, but tonight I somehow came across the brilliant London based 6-piece The Steadies. I only had to listen to 10 seconds of the first track to realize that these songs would create the perfect soundtrack to this lazy Friday evening. Four beautiful tracks, all of them taken from the band's EP (name?), are available as free downloads (in Myspace "quality") and this is indie pop/folk music so lovely that it is.....well; just lovely. When I did a little search, I learned that the band was featured over at Indie MP3 a couple of months ago, but hopefully they don't mind me mentioning them as well?
+ The Hopefuls
+ Two Times Champion

Help!

I've just posted this bulletin over at Myspace:

"Does anyone have any information on this band called The Fridaynight Club?

Aeroplane Song is one of the best songs I've heard this year, and I'd really like to know a bit more about the band or the person(s) behind.

And no - it's not my own or some friend's band! I'm just really, really curious!"
+ Aeroplane Song (or perhaps it's called Aeroplanes!)

J.A. Recommends!

This is getting more and more "insane". The flow of recommendations from J.A. just keeps growing, and I'm continuously baffled by the great quality of the songs and artists. I have no idea how he's able to keep finding new stuff, but he's sure damn good at it! Unfortunately it's virtually impossible to give each band a decent description/introduction (after all this is not a full-time job!), so instead I've decided to post the complete list of artists (plus a few songs) from J.A.'s recent mail and add a few of my thoughts during the day.

+ Odgens - Face The Time
Already posted by Peter and labeled "the German answer to Oasis".

+ Bedroom Eyes - Blueprint for Departure + The Skywriter
"Just" another Swedish indie pop band. We all should know by now what that means! Irresistible and catchy pop songs! Both tracks are from the 2006 EP Embrace In Stereo.

+ Violet Elegy - Fashionistas
Laid-back and catchy electronic pop song, by this Swedish 5-piece.

+ MICHAEL - Heard You Say
How do you describe music like this? Euro-disco/indie/electronic/pop/dance? No clue, but it's really good!!

+ Prego - I Know
UK band sounding a bit like Interpol flirting with shoegaze.

+ Surrounded - Safe Tomorrow Sun + On Top Of The World (remix)
Two really nice (and unreleased) tracks by this Swedish band that has been compared to Mercury Rev and Grandaddy. 3 other unreleased tracks can be found here, and once you've listen to them, it's really difficult to understand that no label is prepared to sign them (read more)!

+ Ikons - Do It Right
Swedish band sounding like a noisy version of The Raveonettes.

+ Bellaparker - The Things We Say
Really great track by this Texas indie rock band that lists the usual suspects (Blur, The Smiths, New Order, Pixies etc.) among its influences.

+ Tinker - Revealed
Finnish band inspired by Mew, Kashmir etc., and well worth a listen!!!

+ This Vision - Young Hearts
Synths and a drum machines are the basic ingredients, when this fine Swedish trio creates music.

On a Whim...

NYC indie/alternative/rock/powerpop/etc. trio The Attorneys has been so kind to send me one more track from the band's forthcoming album, which currently is being (or perhaps already has been) mastered. The album (to be called Stereocracy) will be released next month or early next year, and if the rest is as instantly charming and catchy as On a Whim and Open Up (I originally posted that one three weeks ago), it definitely will be something to look forward to!
+ On a Whim
+ Open Up

The Electric Pop Group...

A little more than a month ago J.A. introduced me to the incredible Swedish indie pop band DAYS and yesterday he did it again, when he recommended another equally fantastic Swedish indie pop band. This time it is the very interesting and talented Gothenburg trio The Electric Pop Group that sounds like the perfect mix of The Field Mice and The Jesus and Mary Chain. The band was formed in 2005 by brothers Martin and Erik Aamot, both writing songs, singing and playing guitar, and Linnéa Nilsson, playing keyboards. The band has just finished recording their debut album and plans are that it will be (self-?) released on December 14 (distributed by Fraction Discs). More info will follow as soon as there is something new to tell.
+ Popgirly
+ Walk Away
+ She's Playing With Your Heart

Kind of Holiday!

Two of my favorite songs of the year have been remixed (again). Unfortunately both versions are in Myspace "quality", but still recommended listening! Especially the remix of Poetry Boy is damn sweet!!
+ Kind of girl - Poetry Boy (remix by René Cambony) (UPDATE: bit rate is now 196 Kbps)
+ The Holiday Show - Snookerstar (remix by Mike Tomas)

Go Jukebox! 2 out of 4...........

The stated purpose of Swedish net label Go Jukebox! is: "we're gonna amuse you and, at the same time, push the big record labels a little bit closer to the abyss by giving away our music for free". Show me a music fan who doesn't support this idea, and through our posts today, Peter and I will do our best to put a little more focus on the world of free and independent music. So far 4 bands have joined (cannot really use the term "signed" in this case - can you?) the label and the number of downloads surpassed 12,000 a while back. The two bands featured below (Peter will feature the other two, thus making it 4 out of 4) are pretty good indie/alternative rock band You Are My Everything and laid-back alternative/folk band Baby Blonde and the Downs. I can only recommend that you download, listen and share these songs, so that the number of downloads will keep growing and more bands will feel tempted to join the label!

You Are My Everything (no webpage!!)
+ Can You Feel What It Takes
+ I Was a Punk

Baby Blonde and the Downs
+ Slowly
+ Amish

The Lovekevins - New single

Next week (November 29) Swedish label Songs I wish I had written will release the 7" single Private life of a cat by The Lovekevins. This is a really nice, catchy and feel good pop track that the label wants all of us to share and listen to, so in typical Swedish fashion the label is giving it away for free as well!!
+ Private life of a cat

Rodolfo Recommends!

Rodolfo is back in action after "being on leave" for a period of time, and has mailed the below list of bands, he thinks we should all check out.

The Daysleepers. Really great alternative/shoegaze rock band from Buffalo, US. I've mentioned this band before in this blog (March, this year), but The Daysleepers sure deserves another moment in the sun.
+ Mesmerize
+ Big Sleep (Soviet Remix)

Plug-in city. Australian indie/electro/alternative/pop/rock band. Rodolfo is very high on this aussie band and the music sure grows for every listen.
+ Broke on a Wheel
+ Pretty Fiction

Vendettas. The current love for Australia continues, with this aussie indie/electro band and its lead singer, who brings back memories of Kim Wilde. Strangers is the one track you really should download today!
+ Strangers
+ Running

The Strollers. Indie rock band from The UK sounding like the usual mix of Interpol, Bloc Party, The Libertines and so on.......Not groundbreaking, but pretty OK.
+ Red Skies (zip file)
+ Into The Dark (zip file)

Luxxury. US band making a dance/electro cover version of Frida's Something Going On. Not sure what to think, but I suddenly feel very old!
+ Something Going On

Suddyn

Much to the delight of Peter (over at Schallgrenzen) Irish indie pop/rock band Suddyn has sent out a message, that the band has uploaded a new track to their Myspace profile. The song is called Echoes of Angels and is a really catchy and guitar driven track, which follows nicely in the footsteps of the band's previous songs. The band has been well received by the critics, but I cannot find any information on if/when an album will be released. Probably due to the fact that the band is still unsigned, which I personally think is quite a joke. But unfortunately this is not the first time, so probably no point in going on whining about that?
+ Echoes of Angels (UPDATE: Final mastered version)
+ Drowning Souls
+ Throwing Shapes

The Anthem To Which We Fall - The Video

+ Green Concorde - The Anthem To Which We Fall

Show me the Holiday!

The Holiday Show has uploaded a new track to the band's Myspace profile called We Are Popular. Unfortunately it's not possible to download the track, but it's still worth a listen (or two). Of course I won't miss out on the opportunity to recommend that you really, really should download the fabulous Snookerstar posted below (which you already did a long time ago - didn't you?). According to the picture the band describes the music as a lot of electro, very little R 'n' B, some indie and a whole lot of rock, but I think you should judge that yourself! I believe that the debut album has now been recorded, but I have no news on any record deal.
+ Snookerstar (New mix)

Lonely Planets Guide to Hell........

The title of today's post is taken from the lyrics of the track Drama Queen by moi Caprice. Both lyrically and musically, these guys are in a league of their own! I won't try to review the new album (The Art of Kissing Properly), but instead keep it simple by stating that it's very, very good! Buy it or at least cross your fingers and hope that it will be waiting for you under the Christmas tree! Read reviews here, here, here, here and here (all of them in Danish!).

IndiePages has been so kind to link to this blog. So it would be really great, if you'd pay them a visit!

New blog (and friend) Powerpopulist just keeps getting better.

J.A. has sent another truckload of songs I should check out. Perhaps today. Perhaps tomorrow. But most likely next week!

Great Danish music site Mymusic.dk is planning to launch an English version towards the end of 2007. Having the constant growth of the worldwide interest in Danish music in mind, I honestly believe that this is a brilliant idea!

I'm still impatiently waiting for Pastries, Pepper and Canals to start posting again. There is a very interesting band I'd really love to mention, but Pastries should/will/must have the first word!

Trade of the day - rePRINT by Amber Smith and Lands by DulceSky for the new Moi Caprice album (and a Triumph for Man by Mew). Read the comment and you'll know who the trade partner was!
+ DulceSky - Half Moon
+ Amber Smith - Hello Sun

Tower of Foil - just a quick note....

Brilliant Swedish indie pop band Tower of Foil has made two new tracks from the really fine EP Highland Lullabies available as free downloads over at the band's webpage.
+ Strange Diversion
+ the Golden shrine

Test.......!

In a moment I'm going to waste 50 minutes of my life doing an internet based personality test. I honestly couldn't think of a more boring thing to do, but since my employer believes it's absolutely necessary (apparently they have been fooled into believing that I am of some importance to the company) I better do it, I guess?
On rotation is the excellent 2005 debut album Crash by Detroit band (Go Wings!) Ether Aura. Below 3 tracks of the album all found at Myspace.
+ 6 Days Yesterday
+ Waiting
+ All Doves Grey

BREUM...

Danish duo BREUM sent me a Myspace "friend" request the other day, but I didn't check them out until tonight. Normally I shy away from bands singing in Danish, but luckily I did an exception tonight and gave the new project of the Breum brothers a listen (both are ex-members of Coolsville). This is catchy (and in their own words "dark and romantic") 80's inspired pop music and fans of the more well-known Danish bands TV-2 and Nephew should welcome these newcomers (or at least - new band), as vocals and music sounds like the perfect blend of those two bands (with the mandatory twist of Depeche Mode/Pet Shop Boys). The track Ikke Bange has been added to the play list on Danish national radio P3, which hopefully will secure the band some well deserved exposure. The debut album is set for release in 2007, but for obvious reasons no exact date has been given, as so far only the two featured tracks have been completed.
+ Ikke Bange
+ SOS i sommer

"Top friends"

A few bands/artists have been so kind to list me among their "top friends" at Myspace and needless to say I'm more than grateful. So this post is just my lame way to say "thank you all" and I really hope that some of you will pay them a visit, listen to their music (they are all very good), become their friends (they are all very friendly), leave a comment etc............

+ Anamia - Waiting For Moonlight
+ Anubia - Goodbye Now
+ Bordeaux - No free song available :-(
+ Citrus - Into My Head
+ The Cupids - Tonight
+ DAYS - Downhill
+ Girl Alliance - What Can I Do
+ The Holiday Show - I love the light coming out from a closed door
+ Kind of girl - Slave To Your Charms
+ The Knight In Plaster - A Nasty Piece Of Work
+ Neon Zoo - Monster
+ Oscillating Brushhead - Room Service
+ Purplespace - Rosemary Gold
+ Ruined By Martin - Perfect Sense
+ Starring Me - Umbrella
+ tWAMi - Peak Roller
+ The Whetherkings? - No free song available :-(
+ Pete White - When You Go From My Door