Today is the day that my top 10 for 2005 is revealed. It really shouldn't be much of a surprise to anyone who's read the site for a long time. I've also made a companion podcast mix so y'all can familiarize yourselves with the bands I enjoy. And if that's not enough for you, you can always take it to the forum and tell me how much I suck.
UPDATE: Pics are now added to the Timbuktu, et al. show review and I updated my top 10 list with an additional honorable mention and a selection of notable EPs.
The upcoming album "Radiola" from The Fine Arts Showcase has been confirmed for a February 15 release.
Norway's The Beautiful People are currently recording their debut album at Crystal Canyon Studios, but will soon be changing their name as it's already taken in the US and UK.
Sydsvenskan's top picks for 2005: http://sydsvenskan.se/nojen/article131280.ece (in Swedish)
The title track from the "Last Christmas" EP featuring Le Sport, Montt Mardié and Mr. Suitcase is now available for download: http://www.songsiwish.com/lesport/Last_Christmas-Le_Sport_Montt_Mardie_Mr_Suitcase.mp3
The whole disc will eventually be available for download from here: http://www.euroxmas.tk/
Junk Music has announced that they are stepping into the world of audio books and their first two releases will be from authors Linda Skugge and Per Hagman. Read more: http://www.junkmusik.com/?p=322
Said the Gramophone posts on José González' Kylie Minogue cover: http://www.saidthegramophone.com/archives/2005_12_15.php
Norway's In the Country will do their very first US dates in February:
02/04 - Empty, Bottle, Chicago
02/07 - The Norwegian Seamen's Church, New York
02/09 - Tonic, New York
Splendid is less impressed than most when it comes to Amandine's debut album: http://www.splendidmagazine.com/review.html?reviewid=113352508818552
The new Advance Patrol album "Aposteln" will finally be released on January 18. The first single "Blågula färger" will be released in digital format next week on December 22.
Also coming soon from Dolores will be the new single "Something's got me started" from Swing Fly. Sample here: http://www.doloresrecordings.com/audio/swingfly.mp3
You might recognize the name from his guest appearance on "Hey boy" by Teddybears STHLM. The single comes out in February.
MIC Norway profiles hardcore act JR Ewing: http://www.mic.no/mic.nsf/doc/art2005121511442952795147