Happy nice day...

For more than 6 years (since July 30, 2007 to be exact) Northern Portrait has occupied the softest spot in my music heart. Without overdramatizing things, I guess you can say that I’ve had a rather huge, permanent and probably at times very unhealthy crush on the band, ever since being blown away by the jangling pop sound of Crazy. Quite a feat one could say, as the total number of songs recorded (or come to our knowledge by being released) by the band amounts to 25. From a fan point of view a somewhat measly production over the band’s lifespan and since the release of the glorious debut album nearly 4 years ago, only 7 new songs have been put out (8 if you include the Some People cover, which to be pedantic was originally recorded way back in 2008). So in all fairness you can say that us fans have been given every opportunity to turn our backs on the band and fall in love with someone perhaps not as attractive, but far more reliable. Of course I can only speak on my own behalf, but I’ve done my very best to stay faithful and not let anyone else come anywhere near that soft spot. Of course I’ve been listening to lots and lots of great music by other fine artists, while waiting for news (any news will always do) from Northern Portrait. But at the same time, I’ve been nurturing my heart and made sure that The Fallen Aristocracy, Napoleon Sweetheart and Criminal Art Lovers were always within hand’s reach. So again and again I’ve been singing along about quiet nights in Copenhagen spent in empty hotels, while creating new favourite moments by letting the Münchausen in me drink Lambrusco with Stirling Moss; only to see life return to normal as my headaches begin and then spend my time waiting for a chance to commit hara-kiri with a teaspoon. Then earlier this year I felt even better, when the happy nice day arrived and we all got greetings from Paris Copenhagen, with the release of Pretty Decent Swimmers; which once again saw the band aim for guitar pop heaven. Fast forward to November and the release of the A Sunday Matinée, where, with no offence to all the other very talented contributing artists, the standout track by a mile was the band's effort The Young and Hopefuls; yet again proving that whenever Stefan Larsen decides to dust off his guitar no one really comes close to writing pop songs like he does. Now it’s December and whether it was Mr. Larsen himself or Mr. Tassos of Matinée Recordings, who came up with the idea that this year’s Christmas present to every indie pop fan inhabiting the planet should be a compilation of every non-album track recorded by Northern Portrait, I obviously can't tell. But what a grand idea it was and following the arrival of Ta! in my mailbox yesterday (along with The Matinée 45 Holiday Ornament, which my wife definitely wasn’t too impressed with) I am spending today listening and perhaps more than ever being overwhelmed by the magic pop universe created by the band. Now I can only second the hopes of A Layer of Chips that the compilation title Ta! by no means indicate a farewell and that a sophomore album will (as promised) in fact be released next year. So fast forward to 2014…

A Sunday Matinée...on a Wednesday...

Just a shout out for the upcoming Matinée Recordings compilation A Sunday Matinée, which will be out next month to celebrate the label's 15 years of existence. 15 (new, unreleased, rare etc.) tracks by 15 of the label's very finest artists, including brand new and much anticipated ones from long time blog favorites Northern Portrait and The Electric Pop Group. 5 of the tracks are up for streaming (and teasing) on SoundCloud and they sure promise that should you decide to buy the album (and why not?) you will be in for one massive indie pop fix.

Happy...

Begin the day with some gorgeous jangling guitar pop...stream or download new track Happy (When You Lived Here) by Brazilians Pale Sunday...lead track from the band's forthcoming EP The Fake Stories About You And Me that will be out on Matinée Recordings "real soon"...

Mails and such...

Think I’ve been quite disciplined recently and done my best deleting mails from the inbox. Still the number has now reached and rapidly surpassed 10,000! Ten-thousand (or 10,103 to be exact)! Suck on that for a moment. If I spent one minute on each, it would take me a little more than 168 hours or exactly a week checking them all. So if you’re still awaiting a reply; forget about it and move on…

As always one of the big challenges, when your mailbox is cluttered like this, is to spot the important ones from the “spam”. Experience does help though, as there are some “safe bets”. Like for instance news from Shelflife Records that (almost) always equals good news. And in this case it certainly is, as the label has just released (co-released with New Romantic) the Over the Bluffs EP by The Holiday Crowd containing 7 ace guitar pop songs.
+ Never Speak Of It Again

Not all too happy to write this, but I do think that the new single by The Mary Onettes is a slight disappointment. But as it says in the promo mail: “Gone are the echoing reverbs, the 80's guitars and the big, splashing drums...”. That might explain some, though hopefully I just need to listen to it some more?
+ Love's Taking Strange Ways

Should have but haven’t mentioned that Jonathan Johansson will be playing at Koncertkirken in Copenhagen on February 10. Have (of course) bought a ticket, but have yet to find out if I’ll actually be able to go, as both kids are going to parties that evening…
Jonathan Johansson - Blommorna by HYBRIS

The annual Matinée fanclub poll is always a good reader. Even though it’s a Christmas song, Leave The Trees Alone by Northern Portrait won the category “song of the year”. Of course it did!
Leave the Trees Alone by Northern Portrait

On February 2 Fraction Discs will release the sophomore album from Liechtenstein. Promo package has been downloaded and looking forward to giving the album a listen!
+ Ambitions

Shorts...

Been working on a new blog...in Danish. Not really sure why, but I probably just need some fresh air or something. Check it out if you like.

Vote in the annual Matinée fan club poll. Not that many releases to choose from, but the few ones put out this year were good ones!
+ Champagne Riot - Moonstruck

Here’s a brand new (and darn good) demo track from The Sexual Outlaws.
+ Night Of The Living Bachelors

Death Valley Sleepers announced yesterday that the debut album will be out in April next year on Playground Music.
+ White Noise

Check this track by Under Electric Light that somehow didn’t make it onto the debut album.

Blame the weatherman...

This is the time for year-end lists and even though I’m not going to compile any myself, it doesn’t prevent me from glancing through others. Especially to see if there are artists I’ve completely ignored, but “need” to check out before the year is over…and of course there are. One of those artists is James Blake, whom I’ve obviously heard on the radio etc., but never bothered checking out. Now that I’ve given his self-titled debut a listen, I fully understand why I never bothered. Dull is the first word that comes to mind…hopefully the rest of the “cannot miss and oh so fabulous albums of 2011” are less of a disappointment?

Ever heard of back-ups? Not funny when your computer breaks down halfway through the process of recording new songs; which was exactly what Cassolette just experienced. This track was the only one that survived, though I doubt the weatherman was to blame for the computer problems!
Blame the Weatherman (demo) by Cassolette

Chorus Grant has a new track up for streaming.
Golden Head By Golden Head by Chorus Grant

Check out the Matinée Recordings advent calendar. A nice freebie track is posted every day leading up to Christmas and gives you the perfect opportunity to be introduced to the label’s many fine artists.
+ Harper Lee - Fine Bones

Speaking of Matinée Recordings; The terrific Azure Blue debut album Rule Of Thirds is now available in the Matinée shop.
+ Little Confusions

This new track by School of Seven Bells has finally brought Chris back from his hiatus (although he doesn't seem sure if it will last for long).
School of Seven Bells - The Night

It's a Trap has posted some nice words on the new Loud as Light track Lights Are Out. Name your price and download it via bandcamp.
Lights are Out by Loud as Light

Checking mails...day II...

Kind of depressing. Deleted numerous (which I believe is a nicer term than "shitload of") mails yesterday only to find 52 new ones when logging in this morning...a vicious circle if there ever was one...but here we go again...
+ Sea Weeds - Fall Boi
+ Dempsey - Late Night

not quite from the mailbox, but Matinée Recordings shares the title track from the forthcoming Strawberry Whiplash 7" Stop, Look and Listen.
+ Stop, Look and Listen

The label also shares the thrilling news that a new Northern Portrait release seems to be in the works as well as they are going to release the Azure Blue debut album in December...
+ Azure Blue - The Catcher In The Rye
+ Northern Portrait - Criminal Art Lovers

Back on track, so here's one more from the mailbox...
+ Silver Swans - He Doesn't Know Why (Fleet Fox cover)

...time to take a break...more later (perhaps)...

Fragile...

Fragile, a new track by The Blueflowers, can be streamed from the band’s Facebook page. Taken from their forthcoming album In Line With The Broken-Hearted. Still 5 days left to make up your mind, whether or not you want to help fund the album.

The William Blakes is this month’s guest contributor at mixtoverdener.dk, using samples from Danish composer Anders Brødsgaard to create their own version (or rather own unique work) called Music Wants To Be Free (Breathe). The track will be included on the band’s fourth album due sometime later this year (I suppose)…
+ Music Wants To Be Free (Breathe)

Physical copies of The Moonstruck EP by Champagne Riot have finally arrived at the Matinée Recordings HQ and are ready to be shipped (once you have placed your order of course!)…The entire EP can be streamed from the Champagne Riot website.
+ Moonstruck

xxx---xxx

Unfamiliar stars...

Check this clip of The Lucksmiths recording their final single Get-to-Bed Birds (and check the cool t-shirt worn by the drummer!).Taken from the new Unfamiliar Stars DVD, which is out next month on Matinée Recordings. The band probably sounded as great as ever on this track, which somehow (if possible) makes it even sadder that they decided to split!


+ Get-To-Bed Birds

Friday...

Lots of mails to read and plenty of music to listen to. Sadly there’s some real life work that needs to be taken care of as well, but I won’t let that stop me and plan to update this post from time to time during the day.

Right now I’m busy streaming the Psychic Powers Live Dublab “Sprout Session” (mp3). Still awaiting (some kind/any kind of) news on when the band’s debut album will be released. In February last year they announced that the album was done and in March they added that the album was going to be called Infinity. So what exactly are you guys waiting for? This is pure torture you know!

Need to check out the new single Get In Line (via Pitchfork) by I'm From Barcelona...any good? Summerlike and nice, so I guess it's pretty much as one would expect?

White Lies’ Is Love has been overhauled by Stereolab. Arguably the best remix I’ve heard so far of any track off Ritual, as you can actually recognize the song!

German blog Mittsommernachtsspitzen has been added to the blogroll. Cannot say I understand much of the content (never paid much attention in German class), but the blog does feature some fairly interesting artists!

What the world is waiting for? Not quite sure! But definitely good news that Jonathan Johansson will release a new single in February followed by an album in March!
Aldrig ensam by Jonathan Johansson/HYBRIS

The forthcoming Champagne Riot Moonstruck EP is now available for preordering from the Matinée Recordings site. It will be a four track affair and the fact that ace song Ingrid Bergman won’t be included made me post my dissatisfaction at the Matinée Facebook page. Matinée countered and replied “Don't worry - we have even grander plans for Ingrid!”, which made me fell all stupid, because Jimmy obviously knows a great song when he hears one and won’t waste this grand opportunity to release it. Sorry for questioning your plans, instincts, judgment etc.! I promise it won’t ever happen again!

Leave the Trees Alone...

The glorious new Christmas track by Northern Portrait. Taken from the equally brilliant The Matinée Holiday Soirée EP.


Leave the Trees Alone

It’s (not yet) Christmas...

Think I will stick to tradition and wait until December 1 before posting my annual Christmas post. And as hard as it may be, I’m trying not to listen to any of previous year’s Christmas favorites either prior to that day. However I’m going to somewhat bend my own rules and post an early heads up on what arguably will be the most interesting Christmas compilation of 2010; The Matinée Holiday Soirée featuring seasonal tracks by 5 different artists (Math And Physics Club, Northern Portrait, Strawberry Whiplash, Bubblegum Lemonade plus newcomer Champagne Riot) from the Matinée roster. To be released sometime in December, but if you're impatient just like me, the (stunningly brilliant) EP can be streamed in its entirety from the Matinée page. Thank you Stefan for keeping me updated...

Various...

The Boombox Hearts are playing a semi-acoustic concert at Nørrebro Bryghus tonight at 9 pm. Wish I could go. Especially after watching those videos!

The very-soon-ready-to-be-shipped 7” Get-to-Bed Birds will be the last ever (I believe) release by The Lucksmiths. Out on Matinée Recordings and the title track was originally included on the magnificent Matinée Grand Prix compilation. Get-to-Bed Birds is sheer brilliance and so vintage The Lucksmiths that it’s impossible to add anything that hasn’t already been said.
+ Get-to-Bed Birds

When (not if) you visit the Matinée page to order the aforementioned single, don’t forget to order the equally soon-ready-to-be-shipped 7” single Life Returns To Normal by Northern Portrait. Interestingly the band’s rendition of Some People, which originally was recorded for the Buffetlibre Rewind project, is included on the single.
+ Some People (Cliff Richard cover)

The debut album Travels in Lowland by The Migrant is out now. The release will be supported by a series of gigs around the US, which I believe is quite rare for a Danish artist?
+ The Organ Grinder
+ In The Sun

Hits in the car...?

Found this update on Scottish duo Strawberry Whiplash over at the Matinée Recordings news page: “The band is currently working on songs for that all-important debut album which may or may not be called ‘Hits In The Car’ when it finally sees release.” I obviously know that the naming of the album will have absolutely no connection to a blog run by yours truly, but I still cannot help thinking that it would be awesomely cool!
+ Picture Perfect

The wonderful Under Your Skin by Danish indie popsters Forgotten Fields On Fire is BandBase track of the day (today). Check out the duo’s banner, which is a rather colorful version of one of my favorite paintings!
+ Under Your Skin

We probably all know what it’s like stumbling upon an old song and then spend the rest of the day listening to it ten times (at least) as well as speculating, how come you haven’t listened to it for ages? Exactly what happened earlier today, when I came across this Beirut “classic”.
+ Postcards From Italy

The Matinée Grand Prix...

The Northern Portrait debut wasn’t the only album included in that parcel I received from Matinée Recordings on New Year’s Eve, and though I make sure to get my daily dose of Criminal Art Lovers it’s high time to listen to the rest of the contents. First “pit stop” is the compilation The Matinée Grand Prix, which contains 11 brand new recordings by some of the label’s finest. Normally I shy away from these kind of releases, as the quality of the entries often vary at little too much for my liking (bands seem to be "saving" their best efforts for their own releases). But be it the new track by Northern Portrait (which of course is downright wonderful) or the last song (ever?) recorded by The Lucksmiths, there really doesn’t seem to be one weak moments on this one. The Strawberry Whiplash contribution is exactly as noisy as expected, The Electric Pop Group shows that the “pop” is there for a reason, Clay Hips does indeed deliver their best Pet Shop Boys impression and on it goes! So basically what I’m saying is that “Grand Prix” is an absolutely amazing collection of indie pop tunes and darn close to being the perfect gateway to the genre as well as the Matinée roster.
+ Simpático - Australian Idle
+ Cats on Fire - The Hague

Merry Christmas...

This will probably be the last post before Christmas, so time has come to wish regulars, occasional readers and anyone else, who happens to pop by, a Merry Christmas!

I don’t think I’ve watched one full episode of this year’s Christmas Calendar Pagten, but nonetheless I’m looking forward to it every day just to be able to hear the fantastic title track Uden Hinanden.

Danish music site BandBase.dk has published a list of the 25 most popular artists of the past decade and obviously it’s thrilling to see favorites Entakt finishing second overall. Then in the same breathe they published a post stating that the band is (sort of) splitting up and then (sort of) reassembling the pieces. What this means exactly I don’t know (and apparently the band doesn’t either), so your guess is as good as mine!
+ Vinterbrud

Matinée Recordings just mailed that they are shipping my order today! Hey mr. postman! Hurry up!

US indie pop act (one-man project) Fireflies offers his new Covers EP as a free download. I've mentioned times and times before that I'm no fan of cover versions, but the 7 recordings included on this EP are simply brilliant.
+ Walk On The Moon (Asobi Seksu cover)
+ Walk On The Moon (Asobi Seksu original)

Various...

Quite unusual this, but I've spent this morning listening to the radio. And DR Barometer is, hands down, by far the best radio station in Denmark. Go check the playlist if you don't believe what I'm telling you! Kent, Michael Møller, Bright Eyes, Morrissey, you name it. They've got it all covered! And while typing this beauty is on...
+ Chad VanGaalen - Willow Tree

Speaking of radio. Heard Bad Romance by Lady Gaga on DR P3 while having breakfast this morning and my ridiculously small brain simply refuse to understand how and why a song this awful is getting any airplay!

Been waiting for this and finally there is some news from Matinée Recordings! Tracks from the new releases can be streamed at Myspace. Time to start preordering!

Great music just can't be stopped! mp3hugger features Death Valley Sleepers.

I’ve tried getting into Efterklang a number of times, but so far without any luck. However new track Modern Drift, taken from the forthcoming album Magic Chairs, is pretty good, so perhaps this will be time? But apparently fans of the band think that the song is too mainstream, which probably explains why I like it? Blast! Life is complicated!
+ Modern Drift

New album Bear Life by NY indie pop band The Ballet is out now!

+ The House on Fire

Thoughts and such...

In a whining mood, as I’m once again contemplating whether or not I should continue blogging. Well I’ve been through this a number of times before and the outcome is pretty much given, as I will of course carry on. But today is just one of those days, where things seem to make no sense. Spend far too much time on this. Both writing posts and constantly searching for new (and interesting) stuff. Still it happens way too often that I never get around to write about or even listen to things I ought to check out (generously sent to me by artists I like and respect – some of it I even asked them to mail me), and therefore end up having a bad conscience. And isn’t blogging supposed to be fun? And not about feeling guilty? I mean! I know I’ll never make a living out of this, so this will forever remain a hobby. A hobby is definitely a good thing. At least so I’ve been told! But what’s the point if it’s puts you under constant pressure or makes you feel that you’re letting someone down? Oh well fuck the whining. I’ll post whenever I have the time and I’ll post whatever I feel like posting and if the music you sent me is never featured, I swear it’s not ill will.

U2 inspired Danes Grand Avenue will be playing at Templet (located in Lyngby just outside Copenhagen) tomorrow night and I’m seriously thinking of going. I’ve seen the band twice before and they are surprisingly much better live than on recordings. However the true reason for my considerations is the supporting act Sorgenfrei/Villumsen; a fairly new constellation consisting of Andreas Sorgenfrei (of Didium & The Black Bonnie Picture) and Jonas Villumsen (of Entakt). Now all I need is the guts to call the chief and ask for a “going out permit”. Read more about the track below here or here.
+ Bygdebarn (En Sang For J)

Experience has taught me not to be too blue-eyed optimistic, when it comes to Matinée Recordings and release days, but November looks as if it could turn out to be rather noteworthy, as the label will (finally) release the Northern Portrait debut as well as the sophomore album by The Electric Pop Group. As everyone should be aware of by now, I’ve eagerly been awaiting both releases for, if not ages then at least, a long, long time! Another intriguing release by the label could be The Matinée Grand Prix compilation, which will include (new?) tracks by 11 absolutely amazing artists!!

Danish shoegazers Dorias Baracca writes that they are on the verge of being signed by glorious label Club AC30. Accordingly this should be followed by the release of the band’s debut EP Handsome Meltingpoint!
+ The Only Touch

Shorties...

Despite my initial disappointment with the new Kent single, I’m still planning to buy tickets for the band’s concert on March 13 next year at Copenhagen’s new venue Tap1. Tickets go on sale on Monday.

Four new tracks by The Electric Pop Group are now streaming at Myspace. Seems like the band’s second album Seconds will be out come November, but as usual the Matinée Recordings webpage hasn’t been updated for a while.

The soon to be released Whatsinsidewhatsoutside album by Danish indie-popsters Bodebrixen can be streamed in its entirety at Bandbase.dk.
+ Keychain

Now that the Turboweekend album Ghost of a Chance is being released abroad, the promo mails suddenly start arriving. I hate the way music is promoted in Denmark, because why didn’t I hear anything in March, when the album was released here?
+ After Hours
+ Something or Nothing

7" single How To Look Imploring by Horowitz will be out some time late November on Cloudberry Records.
+ How To Look Imploring

From the Labrador Records twitter account: "Sambassadeur just finished their upcoming single "Days". It definitely different from their previous work, but I'm sure you'll love it.". This is awesome news!

New layout...?

I spent a little time today working on a new layout for the blog and if you're interested in seeing how things are progressing, you can check it right here. All inputs are welcome; positive or negative (especially).

Probably old news, but learned today that Magic Arm will be supporting Camera Obscura at Loppen (Copenhagen) on September 30 (and the rest of the band's European tour as well). Obviously I was hoping that Northern Portrait would get that job, but since everything I’ve heard by Magic Arm so far is really interesting, I’m seriously looking forward to become a lot more familiar with the experimental electronic pop universe of this one-man project.
+ Daft Punk is Playing at My House (LCD Soundsystem cover)
+ Bootsy Bootsy (Real Doll remix)

Speaking of Northern Portrait. I checked the Matinée Recordings news page today, but still no news to be found on the band's debut album Criminal Art Lovers. Instead there’s plenty of info on the new Strawberry Whiplash EP Picture Perfect including the mighty fine title track as a free download. Ordering the EP will cost you a measly fiver (USD), so what exactly is stopping you?
+ Picture Perfect