2007 in retrospect...

Finally it's time to take a look at (primarily) the good stuff that happened in 2007.

Top 10 albums:
My list was published nearly a week ago over at Frekvens.dk, so this is probably old news to some of you. But I thought I should add a few (and few they are) words to each album.

1. Michael Møller - Every Streetcar’s Got A Name - An Album about sex and desire
I've written about this excellent album a few times before and I really cannot think of anything new to add.
+ Tennessee

2. Entakt - Træerne Vokser Ind I Himlen
Ambitious, pretentious and nothing but fantastic. And I'm absolutely thrilled that I've finally received permission to post a track from the album!
+ Kunsten At Slippe Taget

3. The Raveonettes - Lust Lust Lust
A quite noisy but more than worthy follow-up to Pretty In Black.
+ Dead Sound

4. Ether Aura - Before We Could Sing
Released at the beginning of the year and should have given this shoegaze band a much deserved breakthrough. However the band remains sadly overlooked.
+ Tell Me I'm Nothing

5. The Shins - Wincing The Night Away
Of the many hyped releases this year, this was the one that was actually worth it.
+ Australia

6. Kent - Tillbaka Till Samtiden
The new album wasn't the next Hagnesta Hill as some of was hoping for. But neither did it change that Kent remains the best band in the world.

7. Blue Foundation - Life Of A Ghost
If you didn't know better, you could almost be fooled to believe that this was Frengers II. A few weak moments prevents it from making the top 5.

8. The Floor Is Made Of Lava - All Juice No Fruit
Party album of the year. And any band sending out a promo mail sharing 5 album tracks will always be a favorite of this blog!
+ Ikea Did A Job On You

9. Band of Horses - Cease to Begin
At first I couldn't help being a bit disappointed, but a few listens quickly turned this into a worthy follow-up to Everything All The Time.
+ Is There A Ghost

10. Richard Hawley - Lady’s Bridge
This lovely album just keeps on growing. Now we just need to find a way to make him come to Copenhagen.

Honorable mentions: Velour - Undress Your Alibis, Shout Out Louds - Our Ill Wills, Panda Riot - She Dares All Things, Celestial - Dream On, Interpol - Our Love To Admire.

Top 5 songs:
No lengthy list this year!

1. The National - Fake Empire
Only one word describes this song....PERFECT!

2. Northern Portrait - Crazy
Discovering a track and a band like this makes blogging worthwhile.

3. Entakt - Kunsten At Slippe Taget
Kent meets Muse (well almost).

4. The Shins - Phantom Limb
Does this song have a chorus?

5. Ether Aura - Twist
The first time I listened to this one "a bomb went off in my head".

Honorable mentions: The Mary Onettes - Explosions, Arcade Fire - Intervention, Kent - Ingenting, Spion - Tynd Is, Yoav - Club Thing, Us With Millions - Rosebud.

Hype:
Very obvious I guess. The bloggerworld went completely berserk when Radiohead released In Rainbows and I've never seem so many blog posts dedicated just one album. And no - I'm still not convinced that the album itself deserved it (though the way they released it certainly did)!

Hype (part II):
I probably haven't listened to it as much as I should have, but to me Neon Bible was a major disappointment. One/two great track(s) was all and in my opinion the album owes all its attention to the debut album.

Favorite blogs:
Call them "the desert island blogs" if you like!?!?
* Music Of The Moment
* Coast Is Clear
* It's A Trap
* Chromewaves
* Indie MP3

Video:


Top 5 artists (big brother's watching you):
Mosted listened to artists in 2007 (according to Last.fm)!
1. Entakt (417 listens)
2. Kent (394 listens)
3. Pete White (250 listens)
4. Ether Aura (241 listens)
5. Velour (198 listens)

On heavy rotation (big brother's watching you - part II) :
Mosted listened to songs in 2007 (according to Last.fm)!
1. Northern Portrait - Crazy (98 listens)
2. Dorsia - Unprovoked (76 listens)
3. The Mary Onettes - Explosions (75 listens)
4. Kent - Ingenting (73 listens)
5. Spion - Tynd Is (65 listens)

Concert:
Not all that many to choose from, but the Shout Out Louds/Days double in Helsingborg was really great!

Visitors:
This blog will never be a force to reckon with, but nonetheless it was nice to see that the average number of daily visitors rose from 330 in January to 591 in November.

Happy Christmas!!!!

I guess the title says it all :)

Frankie says...Watch this video and remember the true spirit of Christmas!



One final Christmas song this season; courtesy of J.A.
+ Summer Cats - Plastic Christmas Trees

Oh well - there's time for one more from the lovely Ether Aura.
+ I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day

No news...

I probably won't post any new stuff today, as I'll be busy writing two posts for Frekvens.dk. The first one will be a Christmas edition of "Støj På Frekvensen", which I'll publish as soon as I'm done writing (I'm working on it right now - multi-tasking you know?)! The second one will include my Top 10 favorite albums of 2007, as I've finally pulled my act together and created the list. Whether or not it will be published today I don't know, but make it I will.
UPDATE: The list has been published.

You gotta be kidding...

not another Christmas post? Well sort of I guess. My lengthy Christmas post has become just that – too long, so I’ve decided that future stuff concerning Christmas will be featured in new posts. But since we are only a few days away from Christmas trees, presents in the stockings, carols and belly aches, I have a suspicion that this will be one of the last ones (if not the last) you’ll see in the blog this year!

J.A. once again joins in and recommends a short and lovely indie/twee popish kind of Christmas tune by UK multi-person band The School.
+ Kiss You In The Snow

Venice Is Sinking has mailed a copy of their Christmas tune The Grey Line. Originally released on the Kindercore Christmas Compilation, but apparently the band members have decided to play Santa Clauses and joyfully share it with everyone. To prevent the post from being completely Christmassy, I thought it would be a good idea to add the band’s live version of Jolene.
+ The Grey Line
+ Jolene

Danish newspaper Jyllands Posten lists their 20 favorite Christmas tunes. I personally am missing Do They Know It’s Christmas? on the list!

I doubt that you'll hear a more beautiful song this year than Valentine by Richard Hawley. To be released on January 28 it will be the next single from Lady's Bridge.



It does seem like J.A. isn't quite ready for the Christmas "truce", so here's another Christmas track recommended by my Spanish "connection". This time it's a lovely one called A Silent Night (no - it's not a cover of THAT classic) by Swedish trio Lowe.
+ A Silent Night

Until December 25 Glasgow band The Martial Arts will be giving away their album Your Sinclair as a free download. I believe this must be a reaction (out of frustration) to the fact that the band remains unsigned in the UK, despite being signed by Groover Recordings in Sweden and getting some really nice reviews. My first impression of the album is quite positive, so why not head over to Myspace and grab it for free?
+ Finale

Sleepwalking...

The illness I suffered from during the weekend is still refusing to leave my body, so frustratingly I continue being extremely tired. A working day of 8 hours is certainly more than I can handle right now, as staying focused/concentrated/interested is pretty difficult (virtually impossible). But soon Christmas is upon us and hopefully the days off will provide me with some much needed rest.

Despite being somewhat disappointed with their recent concert, I have nonetheless bought tickets for the next Kent concert in Copenhagen (February 23 next year). Speaking of the Swedish quartet. Here's the video for the second single from Tillbaka Till Samtiden called Columbus, which captures my current state pretty well (thanks Chris)!



No matter how strange this may sound, the Gothenburg music scene isn’t all about indie pop. Male/female Italian inspired disco pop duo Sleepwalk has just published a pretty nice new track called In Secrecy (nice? - well that's if you’re into this type of music)! I’ve added the older track Disco From Italy to the mix, as the title of that one says it all – don’t you think?
+ In Secrecy
+ Disco From Italy

Danish newspaper Ekstra Bladet is running a poll in an attempt to determine “who is the worst songwriter in Denmark?”. Who you should vote for is really a no-brainer and my prick has received 40% of all votes so far!

US quartet Benzos is giving away their first independent release Coupe d'état. It will immediately be added to my current favorites.
+ Coupe d'état

No clue...

I guess it’s about time to take down the banner promoting The Schallgrenzen Festival, as it took place this weekend. Judging from the reports and photos I guess it was quite a successful event. Originally I planned to participated, but I simply couldn’t make it fit in the already hectic schedule for December (Peter; I told you November would have been better!). With the weekend in hindsight I’m certainly glad I made that decision, as I’ve been feeling really awful since Friday morning and also had to leave work early yesterday to go home and get some rest. So a 5 hour drive to Germany would have been a killer!

As reported last week Oliver North Boy Choir has recorded a cover version of Bette Davis Eyes and now the band has made a video for the song as well. As a parent I especially find the short part amusing where Camilla and Mikkel’s child (that part is black and white, so I cannot spot whether it's a boy or a girl) decides to share the stage/spotlight with mommy.



David & the Citizens (this basically means David Fridlund) are giving away a new four track EP titled I Saw My Reflection And I Didn't Recognize Myself.
+ With Every New Day
+ The EP (Zip file)

Italian shoegaze duo Magpie is giving away a new and very beautiful instrumental track.
+ Nightly Rain

The excellent Beautiful Lie by Yoav is single of the week on iTunes UK (which means it's a free download).

This Vision EP...

Two days ago Swedish synthpop trio This Vision announced that their new 4 track EP had been released. Apparently technology had been playing the boys a few tricks, so obviously they seemed quite relieved that they finally had been able to finish the EP. If you're into catchy and danceable pop songs dominated by synths and drum machines (definitely some PSB inspiration here), you can order the EP by mailing the band or take the easy route and simply decide to download all four tracks for free at Myspace.
+ Wherever I Run
+ Young Hearts

Every Streetcar's Got A Name...

Some of you may recall this post, where I wrote a few words on the stunning debut solo album Every Streetcar’s Got A Name by moi Caprice frontman Michael Møller? In the same post I wrote how I had asked for permission to post a track, but in the same breathe that I wasn't too optimistic about getting a go-ahead. Well lo and behold. The other day I received a message from Mr. Møller himself telling me that I was more than welcome to post a couple of tracks and that he’d only be delighted if I did! Now this wasn’t exactly the message I expected and out of the blue a completely new problem arose; what songs to choose? The album will probably (most likely – almost guaranteed) be my album of the year, so picking just 2 tracks of this wonderful album is quite a task. Despite its many beautiful songs, the album is probably not one of those that will make you see life in new and brighter perspective, as most of these sincere and heartfelt lyrics are about love, sex, desire, betrayal, infidelity, needs, painful memories and a little more sex.
I've made my decision and chosen these two tracks (but could easily have picked any of the 14 remaining ones), and as you've probably guessed by now, I can only recommend that you give them listen!
+ Tennessee
+ All The Girls I Lost In The Fires

Today I’m at home…

...with my daughter, who’s not feeling well at all. On days like these you silently praise the inventor of the television and suddenly realize the importance of Playhouse Disney. Have to confess than whenever an episode of Little Einsteins is on, I cannot help watching a little bit myself. I find it difficult saying anything bad about a program teaching your kids about (wonderful) classical music. I think we have recorded at least 25 episodes and the kids just love them.

Chromewaves has been writing some really nice stuff on Richard Hawley recently, and the more I listen to Lady's Bridge (and the older albums as well), the more I'm hoping that he’ll soon be adding a concert date in Denmark. Perhaps it’s time to start a campaign?
+ Coles Corner

Quiet around these parts...

It’s unusual quiet today. Not even a single Christmas track has hit my mailbox making it possible to update the Christmas post! Perhaps everyone’s out Christmas shopping and remain stuck in one of those lengthy queues at the toy stores? Whatever happens to be the real explanation it is still far too quiet for my liking. So what should I do then? Hmmm. Guess I could always check out one of the mails from J.A. to see if he has something interesting up his sleeves (he normally has)? Scroll, scroll, scroll…yep there is one!

Dear X from Spain being compared to Budapest! Yes - this track sounds really great! The band mentions Radiohead, Supertramp etc. as influences, though this sounds more like Coldplay/Keane inspired stuff to me! What do you think?
+ Must I Play This Game?

Oh - a couple of new tracks by Anything Box are available and he recommends the remixes of Living in Oblivion. OK I'll try those as I quite like this band! Hmm...not too bad either!
+ Living in Oblivion - Chicago haus edit
+ Living in Oblivion - Elektrode Mix

I know he (still talking about J.A.) is impatiently awaiting the Gentle Touch debut album. Hopefully this solo track by lead singer Michael makes the waiting just a little more bearable?
+ 1

A whole lot of This and That's...

I don't do reviews, so I won't try to write one of the Kent concert Saturday evening. But consensus among reviewers seems to be 4 out of 6 stars and in general I fully agree. Unfortunately some glaring omissions from the setlist makes it impossible to rate it much higher that. My personal highlight of the evening was that I finally got to meet Peter (Coast is Clear), who had driven to Copenhagen with a few friends to see the concert! (thanks to Peter for letting me use the photo!).

Jonas has posted his favorite 10 albums of 2007. No. 3 on his list is Release The Stars by Rufus Wainwright, which I bought a long time ago, but have never listened to. Tonight's the night!

Parades by Efterklang is the best Danish album of 2007 according to Gaffa. This weekend I finally bought the album and after one listen I'm not afraid to admit that I just don't get it. Perhaps a few more spins will make me see the light, but at this state I'm bewildered more than anything.
+ Cutting Ice To Snow

Something weird is happening; In Rainbows suddenly is beginning to make sense. Not that it will make my top 10 of the year, but I'm no longer one big question mark when listening to it!

Brazilians The Name have recorded a cover version of Eleanor Rigby. Now, what do we think of that one?
+ Eleanor Rigby

Speaking of cover versions. Oliver North Boy Choir covers 80's classic Bette Davis Eyes (stream only).

Indurain - The Moment...

Earlier this year Swedish indie pop duo Indurain released a 3 track CD-r on Cloudberry Records, but now the boys try a different strategy and have approached a string of bloggers offering their new track The Moment for free. So far the strategy seems to be a success, as such prominent blogs as Indie MP3, Nothing But Green Lights and Eardrums Music have already mentioned the track. With the above information in mind (Cloudberry vs. Sweden), you really need no further description of the song - do you?
+ The Moment

Bark Bark...

Danish electronica label VUFrecords is giving away another free compilation of electronica tracks featuring a wide range of interesting Scandinavian artists. I'm really no expert on this genre (or any other genre for that matter), but after a few listens it does sound like this could be a really cool compilation of tracks. The label's first compilation of freebies was downloaded more than 700 times and obviously they'd love to do even better this time. So give them a helping hand a go here to download it and the first one as well, which is still available.
+ DAMPFBAHN! - All Is Swell (Zvook Mescalin Remix)

Finnish electro pop trio Regina is giving away their Christmas single called Näinä mustina iltoina (wonder what that means?). The limited edition CDR (only 200 copies made) also includes a remix of the track done by Finnish DJ Sami Suova/Schmami.
+ Näinä mustina iltoina
+ Näinä mustina iltoina (Schmamix)

Mixed Monday...

The trip to Prague was short, nice but very hard, so this is one tired blogger. Therefore words will be rationed today!!

The job interview went very well and they called me Friday (just before going to the airport) and offered me the job, so I expect to sign the contract tomorrow. I'll soon post more about this and the expected consequences for the blog.

Manic Street Preachers are giving away their Christmas single Ghost of Christmas (though it's named Christmas Ghost when you download it). Download it for free right here.
+ Ghost of Christmas

The lovely people in Oliver North Boy Choir are giving away four previously unreleased tracks. This backwards version of Baby Cool is a bit odd, but also surprisingly catchy.
+ Baby Cool

Us With Millions (another favorite band) has recorded yet another brilliant track and is once again giving it away for free. Consider this a small Christmas gift from the three lads!
+ Now, That's Common

Speaking of Christmas. Below links for two very nice seasonal songs from the inbox. Look forward to a lengthy compilation post of Christmas tunes very soon.
+ Robbers On High Street - Seasons Greetings
+ The Swimmers - The Christmas Sound