One-liners...

Vote for the best Danish album ever (or so they say).

Apparently Club 8 is big in Japan Indonesia.

Sorry, but I'm not going to accept your invitation to connect on Linkedin.

Finished watching the first season of Orange Is the New Black last night, so now what?

Going to stream the new album Adagio by 4 Guys From The Future today and I expect it to be awesome!

Streamed the new Arcade Fire yesterday and was slightly disappointed not to be blown away.

Will give it more tries though.

Sort of bended the unwritten rules of this post, by posting that second line on Arcade Fire.

The jangling new track by The Electric Pop Group from the A Sunday Matinée compilation is now up for streaming.


And the equally jangling track from Pale Sunday is up there as well.


This new video (and song) from Danish electro-pop trio Odd Collection is pretty cool.

Music...

This is just one of those ”this and that”, ”bits and bobs”, ”yada yada”, ”shorties”, whatever, etc. kind of posts.

The Boombox Hearts' downright excellent debut EP Monte Carlo is finally out and available through the usual suspects (bandcamp und so weiter).
+ Cover Me (Bruce Springsteen cover)

Watch how Martin Aamot of The Electric Pop Group crushes his opponents in Swedish quiz program Vem Vet Mest ("Who Knows Best"). Ouagadougou anyone?
+ I Could See The Lights

Wires in the Walls shares two new tracks. Download the brilliant The Ringer below, but if you want the second track Soft Shirt as well, you have to join the band’s mailing list.
+ The Ringer

Just added the track Darwinisme by Danish band Stærosaurus to my current favorite list. The band’s debut EP Alt Er Vigtigt ("everything’s important") can be streamed via Soundcloud.
+ Darwinisme

Yesterday I posted the video for the Junica debut single Living In My House. Here's a (so-so) remix of said song.
 Living In My House' Kids Of 88 (Blue Lagoon Remix) by junica

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

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!

From the top of my head...

For the next two hours (10 a.m. CET - 12 a.m. CET) I'll be chit chatting with myself and post whatever interesting I stumble upon. If I stumble upon anything interesting that is!

Last week (May 12) Matinée Recordings promised to post previews from the forthcoming album by Northern Portrait and The Electric Pop Group within the next seven days. Not that I'm going to act like an impatient brat or anything, but guys; that was 10 days ago! Will you people please, please post something - NOW!

I have 764 unread mails in my mailbox. Even if this was a full time job, I'd never be able to read them all!

Anyone remember Max Vernon and his I Kissed a Girl cover? Whether or not you do remember, he is now giving away his new track Your Girlfriend for free.
+ Your Girlfriend

It’s been a while, since the last time I posted anything recommended by Rodolfo. But yesterday he sent a mail including the track Moving by Finnish band Delay Trees, which promptly made Peter response “very, very, VERY good”. So I simply had to give that track a listen and obviously Peter’s comment was spot on! Said track is not a free download, but luckily the equally excellent track About Brothers is. Both tracks are from the 7 track Self Construction EP, which was released last month (can be ordered directly from the band’s webpage).
+ About Brothers

Now here’s a real gem from the inbox. The infectious and energetic F.R.A.N.C.E. by London five piece them:youth. The band’s debut single Bows and Arrows will be out on Another Music = Another Kitchen Records on 25 May, so this is simply meant to be an appetizer. And such a brilliant starter it is that it has left me speculating how insanely fabulous the debut single has to be, since F.R.A.N.C.E. didn’t make the cut!
+ F.R.A.N.C.E.

Coffee break...

The official Ruined by Martin webpage has been revamped and it looks as if the band is currently firing on all cylinders and is working hard with recordings, trying to book live dates etc. 6 tracks have been uploaded and are free to grab for anyone interested. Among the tracks you'll find the band’s most recent recording Ex-believer.
+ Ex-believer

Thank you Jonas for reminding me that Among Relatives is a "must see" at Start! Festival.

I have a staggering 2,725 myspace "friends" and yet I have difficulties finding more than a handful of bulletin posts of even remote interest? A bit of cleaning up among those so-called friends is what I need to do!

I have yet to order the new Over and Over album by The Legends, but these two short and noisy (but still incredibly melodic) sample tracks certainly makes it very tempting.
+ Seconds Away
+ Always The Same

I just received an email promoting the Australian release of Crushing Digits (that’s the second album from VETO in case you don’t know). Don't know why, but I'm not all that sure that anyone checked my location before adding me to that mailing list? But what the heck! Hey you Australians! Buy the album. It’s good. Actually it’s better than that. It’s great!
+ You Are a Knife (from the There's A Beat In All Machines debut)

FIN!

Off to Tallinn (almost)...

Only a week and half has gone since I returned from the trip to Warsaw and it’s already time to board the next flight. So tomorrow I’ll be heading for the Estonian capital Tallinn, where I am going to spend 4 days with 7 of my very thirsty friends. Surprisingly (to some I suspect) plans do include other things beside drinking and among things I’m especially looking forward to visiting the Danish King’s Garden, where in 1219 our national flag was handed to the Danes by none other than God (at least according to the legend). This will be my first visit, so I don’t know all that much about the city, but the picture could make one believe that this both a beautiful and quite historical place?

Danish blog Frekvens seems rejuvenated as posts have started floating in a steady stream. Guess it’s about time that I start contributing as well and produce one of those “støj-på-frekvensen” posts?

In late October last year I fell completely in love with the self-titled debut EP by San Francisco 8-piece Photons, so obviously I was happy to receive the great news that time has now come for a follow-up. So next month the band will release their brand new 4-tracks EP named Glory, and the greatest news probably is that there isn’t that much new to tell at all, as the tracks on Glory are just as beautiful, catchy and easy to love, as those on the debut EP. Bring it on!
+ Where Were You Last Night

Blog favorites A Classic Education are just about to release the limited edition (300 copies) 7” single Best Regards/Rest on UK label Bailiwick Records. It will be out April 27 and the release will include download codes for the two tracks. Both tracks can be streamed at the label’s Myspace page (I’m no permitted to upload anything) and need I really state the obvious that this is excellent stuff?

Danish blog l’amour existe has posted a few photos from the Northern Portrait/The Electric Pop Group concert in Hamburg this past weekend. Those snapshots combined with a very positive review mailed to me by Peter (who was there as well – you lucky bastard), makes me really, really sad that I couldn’t go and more than ever makes me want to go to London next month!

Finally; here’s the new video for the track Snookerstar by The Holiday Show.

Ruined by Martin and more...

The Ruined by Martin concert Friday evening was a mixed experience. It sure was great finally meeting the guys and equally great to at first hand be there to witness that the band has moved to the next level and is now a live band. Unfortunately the venue didn’t offer the band the best conditions as they had to take care of the sound themselves. So on a few occasions the sound was deficient, but taking into consideration that this was their debut and they had to do it in DIY fashion, they certainly did a fine job. And no doubt the band has learned a lot from this experience and I feel pretty certain that they’ll be doing even better the next time they hit the stage.
+ Untouchable

Unfortunately the next time won’t be at this year’s Start! Festival, as they weren't included in the official program, which was published Friday evening. Just like previous years I’m somewhat skeptical about the line-up, as there aren’t that many artists included I know that well. So the next couple of months will be spent getting introduced to a string of new and hopefully interesting acts.

Before the Loney, Dear concert Sunday evening I met Ivan (ex-Oliver North Boy Choir) for a few beers and got a brief update on the various projects involving the former ONBC members. There’s not much to be revealed right now, but in a few months time expect a few songs to surface.

Rounding out the post is some absolutely cracking news. Come May the debut album Criminal Art Lovers by Northern Portrait will hopefully be out on Matinée Recordings. Around the same time look out for the second album from The Electric Pop Group. To be named Seconds and (of course) this is a Matinée Recordings release as well.
+ The Electric Pop Group – I Could See The Lights
+ Northern Portrait - Crazy

Listening...

It’s time to work my way through some of the many new CD’s recently found in the mailbox.

This is the complete list of today’s “menu"…comments to be added during the day.

Midnight Movies – Nights EP
2 of the 6 tracks are the band's versions of Night in White Satin, which I would have no problems living without (especially the one sung in French). However the remaining 4 tracks (2 new ones + 2 remixes) are simply excellent alternative rock tunes (with some shoegazing influences) and easily makes the EP worth the investment.
+ Should Have Known

Soundpool – dichotomies + dreamland
+ Do What You Love

Elika – trying got us nowhere
The debut album by Brooklyn duo Elika might only contain 7 tracks, but it pretty much has everything one should expect from a debuting shoegaze band. Musically the band doesn't distance itself from the rest of the pack as the duo combine the typical electronic soundscape with pretty female vocals and noisy guitars. But since everything is woven together by some real well written tunes, the album certainly indicates that this isn't the last thing we'll hear from Elika.

I've done a bit of shopping at Matinée Recordings and if you're into lovely indie pop, I can only recommend that you pick up these 3 extraordinary fine EP's. They'll cost you 5 buck each, and with the current USD rate everyone outside the US should pick up a copy today!
Bubblegum Lemonade – Ten Years Younger EP
+ Ten Years Younger

Strawberry Whiplash – Who’s In Your Dreams EP
+ Who's In Your Dreams

the electric pop group – sunrise ep
+ I Could See The Lights

Northern Portrait - EP release...

I was almost tempted to use the term "breaking news" in the headline, as it's finally possible to preorder one of the most anticipated EP's of the year. According to the Matinée Recordingss webpage, the debut EP The Fallen Aristocracy by Danish indie pop sensation Northern Portrait will be out in March, so hopefully YOUR order (!) will be ready for shipment very soon. And while you're ordering - why not pick up the new Sunrise EP by The Electric Pop Group as well? Stream songs from both EP's at the Matinée Recordings Myspace profile.
+ Crazy

Back again...

After two weeks in the rain (how I wish I was writing "sun" instead) I'm back and typing this with (highly unexpected) pale fingers. Everything around here is pretty much as I expected; the mailbox is cluttered, the number of visitors has dropped and all my favorite blogs have posted zillions of new and interesting songs the past few weeks. So it might take some time before I've read my way through all the messages and listened to all the songs, as I do have plenty of work (you know - the boring and unimportant real-life stuff) to take care of as well.

A while back when I wrote the post on OMD covers, Oliver North Boy Choir mailed me their version of the classic Enola Gay. Back then I made a promise not to post it, and despite being quite a challenge I managed to keep my word. Now the band has decided to distribute the song to a few blogs, so I guess this means that I'm released from my vow? Actually this is an older piece recorded in the days when the band was named Pierre, but still intended to be used as a b-side. However something went wrong (won't try to give the technical explanation), so this ended up being the final version (and a damn good one I might add). One a side note; Ivan of the band has set up a blog called In a cyclone of stones (soon to be added to the blogroll).
+ Enola Gay

I've done my share of whole-hearted attempts trying to get into Stars, but Elevator Love Letter aside the band has failed to impress me. But I have to admit that the new track (which is already all over the blogosphere) is really, really sweet.
+ The Night Starts Here

I somehow completely missed the release last month of the Moonshine Heights EP by Stars In Coma on Music Is My Girlfriend. Freebie Spring Rain Song takes a while getting into, but is a real grower.
+ Spring Rain Song

But probably the best news of all is this new wonderful indie pop tune by Sweden's The Electric Pop Group. The band continues the formula from the album and has written yet another irresistible and charming tune (thanks to Coast is Clear).
+ My Only Inspiration

More tomorrow...I hope!

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!

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?

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