BandBase.dk – Track of the Day...

I have spent quite some time today checking out various tracks which at some point have been selected “track of the day” at Danish music community BandBase.dk. The daily track is usually picked by commander editor in chief Rasmus Ardahl, who does a fine job to secure that as many genres and artists (signed vs. unsigned) as possible are being covered. This obviously means that not all tracks are equally enjoyable for persons with a limited music taste like mine, but there is still plenty of music to explore, as this feature/service began for more than a year and a half ago. Below a few of the songs I’ve found (or in most cases refound) and enjoyed today including a few comments for each tracks.

+ The Boombox Hearts – Extras, when you’re ready, please (track of the day August 12, 2009)
Featured in this blog not so long ago, but nice to see the band getting some recognition at BandBase.dk as well.

+ Windermere – There’s a Sun (track of the day May 19, 2008)
The band’s sophomore album No One Wins was my favorite album of 2006 (back in those days, where I actually bothered making those lists), but 3 years on we are still awaiting any news on a follow-up.

+ lastbandalive – The Mexico Of Europe (streaming) (track of the day June 6, 2009)
This is by far my favorite song of the moment, but sadly only available for streaming. The band consists of 3 (I believe) former members of The Alpine and apparently a 6-track EP is ready, which I’m currently working to get my hands on.

+ La La Naïve – Not Just Things (track of the day October 18, 2008)
In their own words La La Naïve is "Toy Piano, Glockenspiel, synths, beats and fantastic melodies". Add playfulness with a capital P to the mix and you have a pretty good description.

+ Under Byen - Af samme stof som stof (track of the day July 26, 2009)
Not just a community for the up and coming, and more established names like Under Byen can be found at BandBase.dk as well.

Schallgrenzen Festival...

Some of you have probably noticed that I've added a new banner in the right column. On December 15 the Schallgrenzen Festival (labeled the "smallest festival of the world) will take place in Hildesheim, Germany and I thought I should do my best to support this great initiative; therefore the banner. The main attraction of the Festival will be the 3 (very good) Danish bands Volvoe, Late Night Venture and Windermere, with local support from Juli Kapelle. Unless something unforeseen happens I plan to be there and I know that I share those plans with fellow bloggers Chris (Music Of The Moment) and Peter (Coast Is Clear). The entrance fee will be €10, which to me seems like quite a bargain with this excellent line-up! So...expect to see YOU there!
+ Windermere - There's A Sun
+ Late Night Venture - Pay The Moon
+ Volvoe - Remedy

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!

Morning update

I'm currently listening my way through the two Windermere albums I bought this weekend. Once again I have plenty of work I should (more than just) take a look at. Perhaps/hopefully I'll be back later!
+ Trailer Park
+ There's A Sun (Myspace "quality")

Shoegazing

Today's post will be dedicated entirely to this wonderful musical genre.

I know I've posted all of these songs before, but since they are among my favorites, I guess it's OK to mention them one more time? So I guess this should be considered my small contribution to the constantly growing number of Shoegaze mixtapes that are being posted in various music blogs these days.

+ Elika - Acting For You
+ Airiel - Kiss Me Slowly
+ Palo Alto - Catalan
+ Francis 7 - Splitting In Two
+ My Bloody Valentine - Sometimes
+ Malory - Take Me Down (Remix)
+ Oscillating Brushhead - My Favourite Dream
+ Starring Me - Carousel
+ Panda Riot - She Dares All Things
+ Experimental Aircraft - Symphony
+ Soundpool - On High
+ Lush - Kiss Chase + 500
+ Fathom 5 - Nothing Lasts

And a couple of very fine ones by Danes Windermere;
+ Trailer Park (just beautiful!)
+ You Have It All