Convoj's debut self-titled EP made a decent impact this past year and I think they are perfectly poised for when it comes time to release their full-length. You hear Norrland post-hardcore roots in the discordant melodies, but it's those dance-heavy beats that make 'em special. You like it? You should buy it.
Another two new top tens today from the good people at Sellout! Music and also Tomas Melinder of the labels Norsordo, AA and EK-KE. Actually, it's three lists since I got two from Sellout. Thanks everyone! Check 'em out on the right.
Pascal has posted a new song for download: http://www.kyssmig.com/sounds/pascal_forbi_fabriken.mp3
Updated tourdates for José González including some shows in the US:
01/08 - Top of the pops (TV) (UK)
01/13 - EuroSonic (at Images), Groningen (NL)
01/31 - RDS (support to Bell X1), Dublin (UK)
02/01 - Sheppards Bush Empire, London (UK)
02/02 - Academy 3, Manchester (UK)
02/03 - Oran Mor, Glasgow (UK)
03/20 - The Hotel Cafe, Los Angeles
03/21 - Echo, Los Angeles
03/22 - Joes Pub, New York
03/23 - Museum of Fine Arts, Boston w/The Books, Death Vessel
03/24 - Bowery Ballroom, New York w/The Books, Death Vessel
03/25 - International House, Philadelphia w/The Books, Death Vessel
Dub Sweden has confirmed that their new album will be released on March 29 and the first single "We're so loud" will finally be out on February 1. The single will feature the song "Sleepy" as the b-side.
Swedish hip-hop artist Bucc have posted a new track with Ken Ring on his myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/BuccSthlm
The upcoming IAJE conference in NYC next month will feature a special focus on Nordic jazz including performances from artists such as Hear Hear!, EST, Anderskov Accident, and Trondheim Jazz Orkester (ft. Chick Corea as a soloist). More details: [click here]
The final top 20 Swedish album chart for the year:
01. Agnes - Agnes
02. Björn Skifs - Decennier sånger från en annan tid
03. Son of a Plumber - Son of a Plumber
04. Monica Zetterlund - Z - det bästa med monica zetterlund
05. Jill Johnson - The christmas in you
06. Lena Philipsson - Jag ångrar ingenting
07. Laleh - Laleh
08. Thåström - Skebokvarnsv 209
09. Björn Afzelius - Björn Afzelius bästa
10. Darin - Darin
11. Amy Diamond - This Is Me Now
12. The Cardigans - Super Extra Gravity
13. Eva Dahlgren - Snö
14. Nanne - Alltid på väg
15. Jussi Björling - Från operans värld till svenska sånger
16. Sophie Zelmani - A decade of dreams 1995-2005
17. Sven-Ingvars - Livet är nu - 50 år det bästa med sven-ingvars
18. Bodies Without Organs - Prototype
19. Brolle Jr - Brolle jr tolkar cornelis - en stund på jorden
20. Peter Lemarc - Sjutton sånger - lemarc sjunger lemarc
MP3: Convoj - My timekeeping heart
Convoj's debut self-titled EP made a decent impact this past year and I think they are perfectly poised for when it comes time to release their full-length. You hear Norrland post-hardcore roots in the discordant melodies, but it's those dance-heavy beats that make 'em special. You like it? You should buy it.
Convoj - My timekeeping heart
Of all the post-Refused bands, I like David Sandström's stuff the best. He made one brilliant Scandinavian folk-inspired album ("Om det inte händer nåt innan i morgon så kommer jag") and then reinvented himself as a singer/songwriter. Quite a distance from his beginnings as Final Exit's frontman, eh? His latest album "Go down" almost made it into my top 10 for the year, but I listened to it too much and burnt myself out. It's still a great record, we just need some time apart y'know? Today's track is David's take on Stina Nordenstam's lead single from her last record "The world is saved". It's interesting to note how well the song works in a rock context - even with all of Stina's pop artifice stripped away, you still have a great song.
New top 10s today from my friends Roger Olsson and Jason Christie. Be sure to check 'em both out over on the right.
Finnish game-pop group Desert Planet was awarded the "Artist of the year 2005" award from the Arts Council of Lapland, Finland. Besides the cash reward, the council also cited the group's original music, innovative use of Internet promotion and success with export despite any official support. Congrats!