Pitchfork has the mp3 and video for the new Shout Out Louds single "Walls", the first from their upcoming album "Work" which is now confirmed for release on February 23: http://pitchfork.com/news/37222-new-shout-out-louds-song-and-video-walls/
The Swedish Music Information Centre has changed the name of their regular print newsletter from "Hit Facts" to "Sounds of Sweden" -- check out the first issue in pdf format: http://www.mic.se/avd/mic/prod/bilagor.nsf/dl/sos_2009_1.pdf/$file/sos_2009_1.pdf
Do you remember Tomas Halberstad? Or perhaps maybe you know him from the commercial above? I've been a fan of his for awhile now, both through his old band and have also been keeping in touch ever since that "Travel as I wait" song first came out. Anyhow, his solo debut "The anger" was released earlier this year, albeit very very slowly, showing up here and there, but it was also given away as a free handmade CDr to the first person from any country who sent in an email. Well, that contest ended yesterday, but Tomas wants to do one last hurrah before he lays this thing to rest for good and I'm here to help him out, so here's the deal! Tomas has created three final CDR packages (see here) and we're going to give them away to the first three people who can answer this one simple question: what was the name of Tomas' old band? To enter, simply send your answer to halberstad@itsatrap.com and be sure to include your name and address.
Further enticement is below and feel free to use the archives to seek out the answer.
UPDATE: thanks for your entries, the contest is now closed.
Tomas Halberstad - Much better off without it
Check out a Tram Session with Universal Poplab of all bands playing acoustic: http://thetramsession.blogspot.com/2009/11/universal-poplab.html
Premium Publishing will be putting out a book called "ABBA in America" recounting the iconic band's final tour in 1979-80 and it will be available in both Swedish and English editions. See more here: http://www.premiumpublishing.com/se/art/abba-in-america.php
Live music with Erik de Vahl at PSL: http://blogg.svt.se/psl/2009/11/27/musik-med-erik-de-vahl/
Nomethod has signed The Anti Fashion, the solo act of Sebastian Arnström from Aerial. Look for their debut album in 2010.
Swedish hardcore act Sista Sekunden will be recording a new album in February. More details to come.
Swedish electropop act Le Sport appears to be back with a new track: http://www.lesportmusic2.tk/
Boy Omega has a new video for the song "Follow the herd": http://vimeo.com/7552120
BD Pop has released a new winter-themed compilation entitled simply "Snö". Artists featured on said comp include Mattias Alkberg, Olle Nyman, Cartwall and more... go here for full details: http://www.bdpop.se/albums.php?ALBUMID=82&IMAGEGALLERYID=408
Check out the video for the new Swedish hip-hop collaboration "För alla dom" featuring Petter, Ison & Fille and Mogge: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAC1x38v6eA
Swedish label Diskret Förlag is releasing The Bear Quartet's latest album "89" on vinyl, 100 on transparent red, 400 on black. Go here to order: http://www.diskretforlag.com/thebearquartet-eng.html
Adrian Recordings are doing their annual "Sunday Advent Mixtapes" and the first edition of this year's batch was put together by Finnish producer Tomi Kiiosk and is up for download: http://www.adrianrecordings.com/default.asp?newsid=247